Cubs pitching thoughts

by philadelphiacub on Sep 10, 2007 9:51 PM CDT

I'm currently celebrating Lilly's victory a little more today because I think it makes us the only team in the majors with TWO (count em) 15 game winners. In looking ahead, I noticed Pinella has decided to pitch Trax on 3 days in houston ( he threw only 47 pitches sun), rest Z an extra day to start him in St. Loui, and then throw Marshall and Lilly in the DH. My only thought was, is it bad to throw 2 lefties in a DH, allowing opposing batters to get used to that approach (left handed hurler) Why not start Marshall Thurs in Hou and throw Trax in the DH with Lilly? Then again Marshall may do poorly against Houston, haven't seen the numbers.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

Tweet Comment 13 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

You don't want a lefty in Houston

with that short porch in left. With that said, I do agree I am not crazy about two lefties in a double header. It may be, the Cards struggle with lefties, but I don't really know for sure.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 10, 2007 9:49 PM CDT reply actions

Lilly vs hill

while they are both LHP they seem to have different styles. Lilly seems to be a harder thrower than hill while hill seems to rely on his big curve to "speed up" his fastball (same as marshall) while lilly seems like he is able to pound the fastball on the corners more. I think that there is enough of a contrast between the two to negate having 2 LHP in one day. Also I like having lilly in the Double header as he seems to be able to go deep into games pretty consistantly so hopefully we don't burn our pen

If I wrecked a $350K Lamburgini I would just walk away as well

by jds2 on Sep 11, 2007 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions

From MLB.com...

...it shows that the Cardinals are 44-48 against righties and 25-24 against lefties.

What we don't know is how the Cards have faired against our lefties.

by initram on Sep 10, 2007 9:57 PM CDT reply actions

(Update) I Don't Think It's a Question...

...whether Lilly pitches or not on Saturday. I think the question is whether Trachsel would be better matched on Thursday vs. Houston on three days rest and Marshall vs. St. Louis as opposed to Trachsel vs. St. Louis on 5 days rest and Marshall vs. Houston.

On 3 days rest in his career, Trachsel is 0-1 in 5 GS. On 5 days rest, he is 48-37 in 126 GS. Against Houston, Trachsel is 7-7 in 18 GS (4.80 ERA). Against St. Louis, he is 10-9 in 28 GS (4.56 ERA).

As for Marshall, he has posted a 1-4 record in 5 GS (4.00 ERA) vs. Houston. Marshall is 1-0 in 3 GS (4.60 ERA) vs. St. Louis.

The 1-4 record I am sure stands out, although it his ERA is lower. More specifically, though, is that this year Sean is 0-2 in his two starts, with a 6.00 ERA.

Reference: http://www.baseball-reference.com

by initram on Sep 10, 2007 10:14 PM CDT reply actions

Possibly some of the input

There are other factors, Trachsel only pitched two innings, in that is Piniella [hoping] to lineup Gallagher/Hart/Pingatiello for Houston and StL if/when needed.

As far as the double lefties this comes that Lilly and Marshall are two different pitchers with different arm slots, angles, approaches et cetera so simply pitching from the left side is not the matter.

More importantly Cards are pitting Brad Thompson a recalled pitcher who was up most of the year and started in the rotation in May-June-early July before going to the bullpen. They are starting the wing and prayer Mulder in game two.

Milw-09-23-98--Brown in for defense--bases loaded--flyball--HE DROPPED THE BALL!!!NO NO NO, cubs lose 8-7

by Ivy Walls on Sep 11, 2007 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions

It won't be Pignatiello.

He's strictly a reliever now -- hasn't started a game all year, and started only one last year.

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 11, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm up for anything

at this point. What the heck, at least Lou is attempting to win this thing and if he convinces the pitchers this is best and they buy into it, this might work.

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Sep 11, 2007 8:24 AM CDT reply actions

on the two 15 game winners

carmona and sabathia in the al?

Matt Murton career in September: .321/.401/.576, 10 jacks (165 ab). Make sure Matt the Bat gets in the lineup this month Lou!

by kylejo on Sep 11, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions

15+ winners

the red sox have beckett with 18 and wakefield with 16.

"If you'da been thinkin you wouldn't 'a thought that." ~~ "Squints" Palledorous

by rm463 on Sep 11, 2007 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions

my mistake

how bout the NL at least? how many wins do peavy/young have?

by philadelphiacub on Sep 11, 2007 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Throw

as many lefties against STL. Puljos is the only righty that can do any damage. No Rolen or Encanacion to help him. Lefties have a better chance vs. Ankiel and Edmonds. I would say Duncan, but it looks like he is done for the year too. At this point though, it really doesn't matter because the Cards are done.

PC load letter, what the f*** does that mean?

by cubfaninSTL on Sep 11, 2007 10:51 AM CDT reply actions

Z on 3 days'

Trib says Z is going on 3-days' rest. Good idea. I've always felt he'd be sharper if he threw more often. Now we'll get to see.

"Have Keith Moreland drop a routine fly. Give everybody two bags of peanuts and a frosty malt, And I'll be ready to die." -Steve Goodman

by danimal15 on Sep 11, 2007 1:05 PM CDT reply actions

Zam vs SF on 8/23

He went on 3 days rest after having his previous start rained out after 40+ pitches. He had control problems and lost.

However, everything I've read says the 3 day rest isn't a problem for quality pitchers. It's done all the time in the WS.

To me, the real concern is the start after that one. I plan to trust Lou in this case although I know there are tons of people waiting on the sideleines ready to castrate him if Z and Lilly do poorly.

Right now every pitch and every play must be the most important of your career. Act like it or sit down.

by tharr on Sep 11, 2007 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions