Big (managerial) wheels keep on turnin’

2 comments April 13th, 2008

I don’t like how Piniella is using Felix Pie so far this season, but can’t argue with Sunday’s events in the eighth.

Cubs had runners on first and second, one out, and Lou sent the left-handed Pie in to pinch-hit for catcher Henry Blanco against Phils reliever Tom Gordon. The Phillies countered by bringing in lefty reliever J.C. Romero, so Piniella came back with Geovany Soto, the better hitter, as a pinch-hitter for Pie.

The moves paid off for the Cubs when Soto hit an excuse-me single to right to tie the game 5-5.

Be careful of what you ask for

Add comment April 13th, 2008

With Bob Howry (0-1, 9.95 ERA) stinking up the joint at the start of the season, Cubs fans have been clamoring for Michael Wuertz (0.00 in 7 IP in his first five appearances) to get the better set-up role.

Piniella gave it to him Sunday in the sixth inning, with the Cubs up 4-2. Wuertz gave up four straight hits. And the Cubs no longer lead.