13 Pitchers? Lou Piniella Really HAS Lost It: Cubs vs. Twins, Saturday 6/13, 12:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Jun 13, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
in Game Threads
73 comments
Bobby Scales was optioned to Iowa to make room on the roster for Rich Harden, who is returning to start today. This is just above complete madness. 12 pitchers is too many -- 13 is over-the-top. This leaves the Cubs with the following bench players:
- Koyie Hill; if you use him as a PH you lose your backup catcher.
- Micah Hoffpauir.
- Andres Blanco.
- And, whoever isn't starting in CF, Reed Johnson or Kosuke Fukudome.
Seriously, who decided this was a good thing? If a game goes into extra innings -- and Lou, in case you weren't watching, five games on the road trip just ended did exactly that -- you're probably diving into that pitcher pool for pinch-hitters. Or maybe spare outfielders, in case someone gets hurt.
This will give the Cubs essentially a 23-man roster, because Lou will do his best to ignore both David Patton and Jason Waddell, especially since both of them pitched yesterday.
And for a change, it's raining in Chicago this morning. Fortunately, it's supposed to clear out by game time, though the 62-degree high would be a nice day... for November.
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As you can see above, little is known about Anthony Swarzak. He is 23 years old, was recalled from the minor leagues on May 22, and has made four major league starts, one good, one decent, and two bad. I hope the Cubs have a better scouting report than this one. (Yes, I know the number on the image is backwards. I made it by flipping this one. My Photoshop skills suck.)
Rich Harden is 1-0, 2.13 in four career starts vs. the Twins while he was in the AL, but has not faced them since 2006. He has handled most of the players on their current roster pretty well. Joe Mauer is only 1-for-8 vs. Harden, but that was a home run.
Today's game is on cable only in Minnesota and Chicago. Thanks to Bud and Fox's Idiotic Blackout Rules, it is NOT on MLB Extra Innings. If you have MLB.TV, you should be able to get it in the usual locations. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 1 pm, 2 pm and 2:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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first
cause I just got out the shower and checked BCB
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 13, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you can have the 100 degree + temps we have
here in Austin today. How bout we give Chicago 20 degrees then we’ll both be at eighty.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
13 pictures on a team whose strength is
starting pitching is mind boggling. It’s not like we are regularly dipping into the bullpen in the 4th or 5th.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
my fault "pitchers"
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
it might as well just be pictures of patton and waddell cuz u know they are sitting for another week…at least.
by desmoCubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Pictures of Patton" sounds like a cool band
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about The Who?
They predicted Ted years ago with “Pictures of Lilly”
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anthony Swarzak looks intimidating on the mound
if he wears that big wide grin the whole time Milton is liable to go after him and bludgeon him with his bat.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey hey, I can't see the game today!
With the way things are going, that might be a good thing.
by rlpete on Jun 13, 2009 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
really....
I’m feeling less and less bad about essentially missing this season. Yesterday’s game would have left me bald.
by Emelie on Jun 13, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Score was reporting this morning...
…that Kevin Hart was called up. Anyone else hear/read anything to this effect?
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 13, 2009 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That has to be a mistake
unless Lou has a new plan to use 14 pitchers.
by rlpete on Jun 13, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I get for listening to the Score...
…and trying to scoop a story.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 13, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, they are touting the return of Danny Mac. That should tell you all you
need to know about that station. That’s just what they need – another horses ass to join the team. They have a whole stable now. i guess it won’t matter that much. He spends more time on suspension than he does on the air.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 13, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, to make matters worse...
…Hart pitched seven innings for Iowa on Thursday, so it’s not like he could’ve done the team much good anyway.
I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.
by dat cubfan daver on Jun 13, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep, that's the Score for you. Just get it out there. Who cares whether or not it's right?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 13, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is becoming a circus.
Does Lou plan on using our pitchers for every aspect of the game? I mean, they are doing so well, maybe he just wants them to pitch, hit, field, roll the tarp on the field, etc.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Jun 13, 2009 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pitchers as grounds crew?
I can see it…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or Grounds Crew as pitchers......
Nothing would surprise me any more…..I just can’t figure Lou out .
by cubs north on Jun 13, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It defies reason
I honestly can’t begin to understand why you leave yourself with a 4-man bench, especially when it’s the offense that has been so godawful.
by CaliCub on Jun 13, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not that bad, really
I mean, it’s not like we have guys out there with a history of injury problems or anything…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You didn't just see him on the pre-game show, did you?
Indeed becoming a circus.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 13, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe they can manage a lineup
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
seriously....seriously??
I’m a minor and I still know you never have 13 pitchers on your roster. We don’t have a bench..
I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!
by Chanman25 on Jun 13, 2009 10:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Most of you know me that I try and remain positive around here as best as I can
But on-field play and managerial moves of late are REALLY starting to wear on me
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2011
by heine41 on Jun 13, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm thinking of doing some pitching in the backyard in a little bit
figure I can be at Wrigley by July.
Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."
by DC Cubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
July!?
u must be a really bad pitcher
by desmoCubbie on Jun 13, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll wait for an explanantion....
….. before I decide I’m smarter baseball-wise than both Piniella and Hendry.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Jun 13, 2009 10:42 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
You may be waiting a while.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 13, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rec'd
Since I don’t know their entire thought process, I’ll withhold judgement for now…For all I know, this is a precurser to a trade somehow. Though I do admit that so far I’m at a loss…
by CubsWin!Oregon on Jun 13, 2009 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DirecTV has it in Iowa
If you get Comcast Sports Net on your DTV, you can watch it as well. Don’t know if I want to, though. I’m getting more than a little disillusioned. For Piniella and Hendry to add another pitcher when what they really need is some better bats is perplexing to say the least. I can only take so much.
by NWIowaCubFan on Jun 13, 2009 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
OT: Where in NW Iowa are you?
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 13, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The grounds crew is nothing but a big tarp tease...
They just took it off and then put it right back on. Probably just to dump the standing water off into the outfield so it could drain out, but still…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 13, 2009 11:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Your mind scares me at times
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mean like this?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 13, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, Rich
Why the long face?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that sore throat left him a bit horse
by CaliCub on Jun 13, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This guy is a real thouroughbred.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jun 13, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Given today's playing conditions, I sure hope...
…his fahder was a mudder. And his muhder was a mudder too.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jun 13, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hello muddah, hello faddah
Here I am at Camp Granada
Camp is very entertaining
And they say we’ll have some fun if it stops raining.
by JFCubFan on Jun 13, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The origin of me calling J.J. Hardy "Jeffrey Hardy"
Now I don’t want
This should scare ya
But my bunkmate
Has malaria.
You remember
Jeffrey Hardy
They’re about to organize a searching party.
by CaliCub on Jun 13, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does it say about me
that my heartache of this year’s Cubs team was assuaged just a bit by the Mets’ loss last night. I can’t imagine what Mets’ fans might want to do to Luis Castillo after he booted a routine pop-out to second base that would have been the game-ending out.
Castillo dropped it and allowed two Yankee runners to score on the play making A-Rod’s routine pop-out a game-winning error. (The lowlights)
haha… I take refuge in their misery.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 13, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I understand what you mean
and I take solace in the fact the Cubs aren’t playing the Sux—yet.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 13, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you know how...
they mob the player that gets the game winning hit in those situations?
The yankees should have started running towards Castillo and mobbing him.
by desmoCubbie on Jun 13, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I look forward to enjoying the play of Milton Bradley today.
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
by zevkalman on Jun 13, 2009 11:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think I have said it before around here, but...
This Cubs team reminds me so much of the 2006 Cardinals. High expectations at the beginning of the year turned into huge backlash by the fans during the season (I was living in STL at the time). They never quite had their roster the way they wanted it until the postseason because of injuries to key players. Keep the faith, folks. It is ugly right now, but it will get better
by murphymj on Jun 13, 2009 11:46 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I can see the future
And in it, I see a 4th Overflow Thread…
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, storm looks like it's about to pass tho...
so game is def getting played today.
by desmoCubbie on Jun 13, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All kindsa tarp action on the Wrigley Cam
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 13, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it hot?
NSFW?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is somewhat
interactive.
"This is an environment of welcoming, and you should just get the hell outta here." --Michael Scott
by Reddevil on Jun 13, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The first pitch thread is up
I don’t know if we should abuse it yet.
One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.
by chilango2 on Jun 13, 2009 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No matter what happened yesterday, Milton Bradley is still a heck of a player,
and his offensive output yesterday showed signs of him coming out of his miserable slump. I think that instead of criminalizing Bradley, it would be wise to watch as he goes on a tear from here on out. The guy is a hell of a hitter.
by ARob1 on Jun 13, 2009 12:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Decriminalize Bradley!
But only if used for medicinal purposes.
by CaliCub on Jun 13, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oooh - bad news for the Twins
FS Twins is reporting Cuddyer is hurt – perhaps heading to the DL
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
by Clutch16 on Jun 13, 2009 12:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
OR NOT AT ALL......
Lou’s lineup is almost hard to beleive…..It didn"t have to be this way either
by cubs north on Jun 13, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lou's senility
This is a perfect example on how the game has passed him by. Hopefully, if the Cubs don’t make the playoffs or don’t win a series he’ll be gone next year.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Yeah, Moe, that team sure did suck last night. They just plain sucked! I’ve seen teams suck before, but they were the suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!" - Homer
by propheteer on Jun 13, 2009 1:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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