New 5th Starter

by luv4cubs2 on Apr 23, 2007 12:13 AM CDT

Hopefully I didn't get everyones hopes up that there actually was a new 5th starter, but I was wondering who it could be if not Miller. Me and my friend both agree that Miller will not last long. The obvious, well maybe some might disagree is Guzman at this point. My question is who else could get the job. I think we all have forgotten about Sean Marshall. Is he still hurt? Who else can do it?

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Here are my answers

Ryan O'Malley 15.2 ip with a 1.15 era.

Marmol, 16.1 ip with a 1.65 era.

Les Walrond, 17ip with a 1.06 era.

I know these are fairly small sample sizes with only 3 games pitched, but isn't it time to give these kids a chance? I know it's probably too early. I'd say give Miller one more start seeing as how any pitcher would've been roughed up today and see where he stands then.

by luv4cubs2 on Apr 23, 2007 12:16 AM CDT reply actions

Guzman

Guzman is fine

Faith Plus One - Contributing Editor -http://www.inaleagueofherown.com

by Faith plus 1 on Apr 23, 2007 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions

About the 3 mentioned...

... O'Malley strikes me as a LOOGY, if he ever makes the major leagues. He has talent, but not as a starter.

Walrond proved last September that he can't pitch at the major league level.

Marmol has a great arm, but has control issues. I think he's better suited to relief pitching.

If there is to be a replacement for Miller, I think the obvious choice is Guzman.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 23, 2007 3:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Guzman...

...can't come up to the majors for another 10 days or so, I think. So either Miller makes one more start, or someone other than Guzman replaces him.

by cwyers on Apr 23, 2007 7:56 AM CDT up reply actions

5th starter spot could be skipped

The Cubs have an off day Thursday, so if they don't want to throw Miller out there to the wolves (or the red-birds) again, they don't have to. The rotation would go Z-Hill-Lilly for the Brew Crew, then Marquis-Z-Hill for the Cards. That would probably give the Cubs the best chance to gain some ground in the Central, assuming Carlos can put it together as we near May.

by SuperContext on Apr 23, 2007 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions

40-man roster

Neither O'Malley nor Walrond are on the Cubs 40-man roster. Unless a few players are moved, I don't see either O'Malley or Walrond being added, especially when there are guys currently on the 40-man who are good candidates.

DmL

by dmlichte on Apr 23, 2007 7:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Hill

had control problems last year before he came up for the last time. I remember how good Marmol was before he fell apart. This year 24K/4BB is very very good. I say bring him up now and let's see what happens. Guzman still seems too inconsistent. Give him some more starts and if Marmol can't deliver, he'll be available.

Players win awards but teams win championships.

by tharr on Apr 23, 2007 4:47 AM CDT reply actions

yeah

i dont see how you can go wrong with that approach. while marmol did have his control issues he still fared better in the rotation than guzman last year, and if he does falter then you have guzman as the next option. marmols numbers look like he has earned another shot at the rotation. 24/4 k/bb ratio? that just makes you drool.

DON'T TRADE PIE!

by kylejo on Apr 23, 2007 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions

My only problem with Marshall...

We'll have not only a mostly right handed line up, we'll have three starting leftys and three lefty relievers. But that's not too bad a problem to have, right??

by fuzzycubfan on Apr 23, 2007 5:58 AM CDT reply actions

Not A Lefty

Everyone likes O'Malley because of his one start. I liked it a lot too, and maybe he'll be good.

Marshall, isn't he still rehabing from an innjury?

Walrond maybe as an emergency.

It has to be Guzman right now. A 3rd lefty in the rotation is one too many, it'll hurt all 3 of them, because in every single series we play, two of them will start. Their stuff isn't different enough to warrant three of the lefties at our disposal.

I like Marmol, and he's exciting, so I wouldn't write him off entirely. But Guzman's time has come this year for him to show he can hack it. He'll get another start down in AAA while Miller gets one more 'chance' up here. Assuming Miller isn't so hot, I wouldn't be at surprised to see Guzman back and Miller looking for a team.

by WittyUserName on Apr 23, 2007 10:07 AM CDT reply actions

Cotts might be given a chance

He's started the regular season okay, and there was talk of him starting before the season.

by andysilv on Apr 23, 2007 12:00 PM CDT reply actions

He'd have to be stretched out first...

... would you want to throw him out there, say, instead of Miller's next turn and hope he can go six innings? I doubt he could.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Apr 23, 2007 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Uh duh...

Prior of course. Sorry could resist. I meant Wood. oops my bad. I am done now.

by lancevanian on Apr 23, 2007 12:26 PM CDT reply actions

Has anyone considered

Michael Wuertz?

I realize he's a major asset to the pen right now, so this is a move they might not want to make. But he's been so effective it seems a waste to keep him in middle relief. Either put him in Howry's role (since Howry has been so awful) or give him a chance to start.

"Hello again, everybody. Harry Caray from Wrigley Field on a beautiful day for baseball."

by danimal15 on Apr 23, 2007 9:24 PM CDT reply actions