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There was some criticism here yesterday of the usage of Sean Marshall, who threw two innings of hitless relief (with one walk).
I swear, no one is ever satisfied. Last year people were bitching and complaining because Lou used Marshall, who has been a starting pitcher in the past, as a LOOGY. Now you're complaining because he threw two effective innings? Marshall threw 38 pitches yesterday -- a little high for two innings, but not outrageously so. He obviously won't throw today except in an emergency, but since the Cubs have the day off tomorrow and don't play again after today until Tuesday evening, he should be ready to go then.
We should be more concerned about Carlos Marmol, who threw an alarmingly high 35 pitches in his one inning yesterday, at least twice as many as a typical closer would throw in a good appearance. If there's anyone in the pen who might not be available today, it's Marmol. However, Justin Berg, James Russell, John Grabow and Carlos Zambrano did not appear in yesterday's game and should be ready to go today.
So let's hope for a blowout win where the bullpen doesn't get overextended... or maybe you'll see Z get a save opportunity this afternoon.
Oh, and one more thing. No waves today. Or ever again.
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Edwin Jackson's only career start (and appearance) vs. the Cubs was June 23, 2009, when he was with the Tigers. He threw seven innings and allowed two runs; the Cubs lost when Kevin Gregg blew a save. Nuff said about that. Xavier Nady is 4-for-7 lifetime (two doubles) vs. Jackson, so maybe he'll get a start today. Jackson's first four starts this year were decent-to-good, but then he got absolutely pounded (10 earned runs in 2.1 innings) by the Rockies in his last start.
Tom Gorzelanny has thrown pretty well this year (2.45 ERA, 1.045 WHIP, 189 ERA+) but is 0-3 to show for it. He got hit hard by the Diamondbacks last October 2 at Wrigley Field, giving up a HR to Chris Young. Other than that, Justin Upton (4-for-8) and Stephen Drew (5-for-12) have hit him pretty well.
Today's game is again on WGN and the D'backs cable channel, FSN Arizona. Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Diamondbacks site AZ Snakepit.
This afternoon's first pitch thread will be up at 1:15 CDT, and the overflows will post at 2:15, 3:15 and 4 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.