Back To Earth

After all the excitement surrounding the Cubs first sweep of the Cards in Wrigley in five years, Glendon Rusch brought us all back to earth.  Never, in all my years of baseball have I seen a pitcher give up solo homers in each of the four innings.    Rusch again was bombed by the Reds.  He gave up solo homers to Griffey, twice to Adam Dunn, and again off Bronson Arroyo.  This is insane.  Bronson Arroyo doesn't hit one home run in six years, six years, and he hits two in one week of Rusch.  I hate to say it folks, but it is time to show Rusch the door.  Don't tell me that Guzman or Hill couldn't have done just as well, if not better.  Guzman looked great this spring, while Rusch was horrible.  Guzman has potential and now is the time to see what he can do.  Couldn't be any worse than today's performance.  Hill also had a bad spring, and is a similar pitcher to Rusch.  Both throw a lot of curves and sliders, but at least Hill can put something on his fastball.  I would rather keep Jerome Williams as a long reliever, keep Hill and Guzman as starters, and flush Rusch down the commode.  He had one decent season with the Cubs, we can't keep trotting this guy out here.  Take a risk now on Guzman and Hill, before the Broke Arm Mountain boys get back. 

I said it before, the Cubs owned the Cards and Astros last year, but couldn't beat Milwaukee, Cincy, or Pittsburg.  So far they are 3-0 against the Cardinals, and 1-2 against the Reds.  Maddux pitches tomorrow, but I doubt he will have a 25 mph wind helping him again. If he is off, we may see another Reds firework show.  The Cubs need to strike early tomorrow and play well.  Ramirez, Murton, and Pierre need to put in a little time in the cage as well. The Cubs need to think about winning each series, especially against divisional foes.  With Maddux and Zambrano the next two games, it gives the Cubs a chance.  Let's get back on track Cubbies!

Other notes;

-Wood pitched a simulated game and Prior threw off a mound.  I am not going to believe any of the projections on their returns until I see them on the **** mound starting a major league game.

-Jones left the game with a right hamstring injury.  Ramirez pulled a muscle in his butt! (only the Cubs).  I wonder if either will start.  I really want to see Angel Pagan play right field.  Doubt Dusty would want two rookies in the outfield.

-Ohman gave up a grand slam and a solo shot, having to exit without getting anyone out, but Wuertz and Williams didn't look bad.

-There are many conspiracy theorists who feel that the balls are "juiced", to try and make sure there isn't more of a home run drop off since the 'roid testing got tougher.