Does Lou have ANY clue how to run a pitching staff? Maybe he's scared to use a weak Hendry-provided bullpen, but C'MON LOU (that's gonna be my new phrase)! For the second day in a row, he left his starter in there too long. What's Harden's history? Why would you let him go beyond 7 innings so early in the season when he hasn't pitched over 6 innings all season? VERY predictably, Harden loses it a bit giving up a first pitch single to Bourn and after falling behind 2-0 on Berkman, he hits a 2-run shot to change the game from "coast" mode with a 5-run lead, to a 3-run lead. Lou continues to leave him in there long enough to give up a single on an 0-2 pitch to Carlos Lee meaning the potential tying run is now in the on-deck circle and you have to go to the bullpen anyway but now you've given up a good part of your cushion.
Luckily for the Cubs, Marmol and Gregg were able to keep it together to earn a Hold and a Save respectively and keep the Cubs in the win column - W flag time baby!
By the way, does anyone else think Larry Rothschild is one of the most over-rated pitching coaches in the history of the game? What has this guy ever done? Look at Big Z...when is he EVER going to turn into the CONSISTENTLY dominant pitcher we all believe he can be? Does he take any responsibility for all the arm problems we have seen over the years? If not, what exactly does a pitching coach do? I'm not sure he can really claim he has taken a single pitcher beyond what their talent forecasted. Have you ever heard Dempster giving him credit for making him an All-Star pitcher last year after initially converting from starter to closer? Is he going to be able to help Harden stay healthy for an entire season? Doubtful. Develop Angel Guzman into the pitcher he was projected to be? What about Samardzija? Apparently Larry was doing much for him since he just got sent down to AAA to make room for Chad Fox. Isn't he the guy that blew his arm out "permanently" under the watchful eyes of Dusty and Rothschild a few years ago. I believe he was coming back from arm surgery in 2005 and Dusty was being so careful with him that he made 11 appearances from April 5th to April 25th before blowing out his elbow. I remember thinking he should sue the Cubs, Dusty and Larry for negligence by prematurely ending his career. I guess I would have spoke to soon (not a surprise) since he's now back after making 3 relief appearances last season. He's 38 to boot! I'm sure he'll do a great job anchoring that bullpen - ya, anchoring it to the bottom of Lake Michigan.
No comments:
Post a Comment