Pitch like a champion today

Add comment July 25th, 2008

 

Kerry Wood is on the DL for the 12th time in his career. But, as far as Wood injuries go, I’ll take a blister every time.

I’ll also take Jeff “Shark” Samardzija being called up to fill Wood’s void. The former two-sport Notre Dame athlete has been nothing but solid in his six Triple-A starts for Iowa.

It could be argued that it’s too early for him, but now is not the time to stop tweaking the Cubs pitching staff.

It’s a pitching situation

Add comment June 18th, 2008

 

The Chicago Tribune’s Paul Sullivan is reporting that the Cubs are preparing a multi-player package, including Matt Murton and Rich Hill, to trade for Red Sox free-swinging center fielder Coco Crisp.

I don’t mind dealing out either player (Murton: I really like the guy, but the Cubs clearly see no future in him and his Triple-A numbers make him great trade bait. Hill: Many will say it’s too soon to give up on him. But his horrid start to the season and his shoddy Iowa appearances make it seem that he peaked last season), but do the Cubs really need another center fielder, let alone an outfielder?  

Jim Edmonds has grown on Cubbie Nation and shown he’s more than worth the $250,000. Reed Johnson is the perfect player to rotate between left and center. And when all else fails, the ultimate jack of all trades Mark DeRosa can easily hold down left and give Fukudome a day off in right.

First and foremost, what needs to be addressed is the Cubs pitching staff. God knows they have done wonders so far this season and there is little to complain about. But, how much longer will a first place rotation/bullpen be able to maintain the wear-and-tear into the playoffs without making any upgrades?

One concern is the endurance of Ryan Dempster. Can the one-time closer continue to pitch like a No. 2 into September? After all, before this season, he’s only had six starts since 2004. Also, there will come a point where the void in the bullpen will need to be filled by someone other than Chad Fox, Kevin Hart, Sean Marshall, Jose Ascanio, Carmen Pignatiello or Neal Cotts.

As far as rotation pitchers go, the options are out there in C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Erik Bedard, Randy Wolf and even Greg Maddux.

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.