Read an interesting quote from Rich Harden today on ESPN.com:
"You kind of feed off each other. You see every starter going out there and doing really well, and you want to match them," Harden said. "I think it is contagious. ... It's a pretty amazing staff here."
So with the other four starters dominating the Brewers earlier this week, will Jason Marquis answer the bell and "match them"?
HIs post-AS game starts would indicate that he is going into his traditional second half slump. If he continues to slide, Piniella will have to consider removing him from the rotation.
Today's start against the Pirates - now without Jason Bay - should allow Marquis to improve his numbers, but for the longer term, will he be able to put together a string of quality outings over the next two months? Will he, as Harden said, "feed off" the success of the other starters?
It's all up to him, but history tells us he's not going to be up to the challenge.
Full ESPN story at http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280731108&action=playvideo&hcmp=motion