Five games in….what do we know?
After last night’s come from behind win 6-5 win over the Brewers last night at Wrigley North, the Cubs sit at 3-2 for the young season, with a chance tonight on ESPN to win both road series before going home opener. Now Lou will be just fine with a 4-2 record heading home, as his chant all along is just to keep winning every series. But what do we know about this young team so far this year?
First and foremost, I think we see the difference between spring and regular season for some. Closer for now Kevin Gregg is struggling big time, and for now Pinella is backing him, but that’s almost the kiss of death. The bullpen is walking far too many hitters so far this season and it’s causing Pinella to have to re-think his back end rotation. Carlos Marmol came in the 9th inning last night instead of Gregg and shut down the Brewers striking out Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder to end the game. THAT’S the kind of closer we want in there, not one trying to pitch around hitters. Gregg will have to find his way soon, or he’ll soon find his way as the 7th or 8th inning set up man.
The cajun connection is off and rolling. Aaron Miles might have some trouble getting some playing time if former LSU teammates Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot keep htting the way they are. Theriot is hitting a very impressive .563, and Fontenot at .389. That kind of production is huge both at the top of the lineup where Theriot is as well as down toward the bottom where Fontenot is.
On the other end of the spectrum, Derrick Lee and Milton Bradley are struggling right now, not even hitting over .10o at this point. It’s nice to see the cubs still winning with the putrid production in the middle of the lineup, but that can’t last much longer.
Touched on the pitching end already, but all in all the four starters for the Cubs have done quite well. Zambrano is the only one with two starts under his belt, and other then having to pitch to Princess Fielder, he’s done quite well so far with an ERA at 3.00. Would really like to see David Patton get some more innings in. I understand he’s a rookie and Pinella wants to ease him in…but give the kid a chance. He came in the other day in Houston, gave up a leadoff home run to Hunter Pence, and then settled down and retired six batters in a row. If he was good enough to make the club over Gaudin, then give him the ball. There is only so much of Neal Cotts I’m willing to take.
Yeah, I’m a little concerned that our 3 and 4 hitters are both struggling. Lee needs to be moved down in the order. The 3 hitter on this team should be Soriano, however if the has to hit lead off then it should be Ramirez.
What a great series between the Cubs and Brewers. That Reed Johnson catch was Amazing!
Great win today too. Lilly almost tossed a no hitter!
Go Cubs Go!