More Cuts, New Line Up

Uncle Lou forgot his jersey back in Mesa and had to wear #86 on his back during Friday's loss against the Rockies.  He must have also forgot that the game was being played on ESPN 2 today.  The Cubs and the Rockies were both in the playoffs last season, and Colorado actually made it to the World Series.  Colorado had what will be their opening day roster on the field today except for their catcher.  That meant, rookie of the year runner up Troy Tulowitzki, MVP runner up Matt Holliday, Todd Helton, Garrett Atkins, etc.  Who made the trip for the Cubs?  Not Lee, not Soriano, not Ramirez, not Fukudome.  The only starters that were in the game were Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto, and Felix Pie. 

Even with most of the Cubs starters not playing and most of the Rockie starters getting 4 at bats, this game was actually close.  Sean Marshall struck out three in four innings, but gave up five hits and two runs, and walked two. With that scary lineup out there and only his second start, I didn't think it was that bad.  When Marshall was done with the fourth, the Cubs were down 2-1. 

Offensively, the Cubs weren't horrible, they just couldn't get the big hit. Theriot was 1-3, Cedeno, who has been heating up, was 2-3.  Matt Murton also had a decent day, going 2-4.  Thank god Cedeno and Murton still have some trade value. Mark DeRosa was 0-4 and Geovany Soto's average continues to drop, going 0 for 3.  Daryl Ward had a really bad day, going 0-2 and being charged with an error, letting a single roll under his glove. 

Now besides not seeing how our starters match up with theirs, I was still enjoying this close 2-1 game , until Lou/Larry start going to the bullpen in the fifth inning.  First out of the bullpen was Rocky Roquet, a young pitcher, who gave up 1 run on no hits, two walks, and a wild pitch.  Cubs are now down 3-1.  Next out came Crawly's Cub Kingdom favorite Carmen "Piggy" Pignatiello.  Like he has the whole spring, he gave up no runs, no hits, no walks, and struck out two.  He still has an ERA of 0 and has pitched almost the same amount of innings as everyone else in the bullpen, yet Lou still says he is going with Scott Eyre.  Good luck with that.  Then, in the seventh inning, Les Walrond, who I am now starting to hate, comes in and gives up one run on two hits.  Cubs are now down 4-1.  Which stud comes out of the bullpen in the eighth?  Edward Campusano, a nonroster invitee with a 16.20 ERA.  What is the point of bringing this guy into the game.  You've been in camp for three weeks, you see these guys everyday, they've appeared in other games, what's the point?  Not like any of the scouts from the other team are interested in this piece of garbage.  Well, Campusano comes in and gives up three runs on three hits and one walk, and retires only one batter.  Who comes in to bail him out?  Another no name pitcher. 

Roster Cuts

Left-handed pitcher Neal Cotts has mercifully been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. It's been sad to watch this guy who pitched in the World Series go steadily down In a few short year.  Catcher Koyie Hill has been re-assigned to minor league camp. Hill is a nice catcher, but he really cannot hit.

Rumor Central

The Detroit Free Press is reporting that the Cubs and Tigers might be taking trade.  The supposed deal would send Michael Wuertz to Detroit for Brandon Inge or Marcus Thames.  Thames can play first and the outfield, Inge, who lost his third base job when the Tiger acquired Miguel Cabrera from Florida, plays third and can play other positions too.  Both these guys hit under .250 last year.  I doubt this deal would ever go through.  Wuertz has been one of the most steady relievers over the last few years.  Last year, he was second to his teammate Carlos Marmol in fewest inherited runners scoring.

Lineup Change

Lou announced before the game and during a fifth inning interview with the talking heads on ESPN what we all suspected for some time.  Soriano will not be batting second.  In fact, the lineup that  alot of people wanted may see its debut against the White Sox tomorrow at Ho Ho Kam Park.  It looks like this

1. Theriot SS

2. Fukudome RF

3. Soriano LF

4. Lee 1B

5. Ramirez 3B

6. DeRosa 2B

7. Soto C

8. Pie CF

9. Pitcher

Boy, if Felix Pie could ever get it through his thick skull that he needs to cut down on his swing and work the count, he would be the perfect lead off hitter.  He had a double in today's game where he turned on the burners and took off.  Unfortunately, he struck out another 2 times today.  The roster doesn't look bad, and let's hope the Cubs come out with their game faces on tomorrow. 

Go Cubs!