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 I'm kind of trying to stay on an even keel around these parts, but our loyal commenter Hoosiernation makes a great point about the game tonight against the Marlins:
I think tonight is an interesting game in that Marquis definitely needs a strong
performance for his confidence and Lou's confidence in him. What happens if
Marquis has a similar performance as last outing and then is needed in either
the 1 game playoff or to start game 1 of the real playoffs?
Now, some of you may think this was just an easy way for me to make another post on the site...and maybe you aren't completely wrong; but this brings about a very good point. Yesterday I read that Lou Piniella was thinking about moving around the pitching rotation so that Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly could start Games 1 and 2 of the Divisional Series.
"If we knew we're in the playoffs, we could do a lot of adjustments, and we'll probably tinker with our pitching between now and Sunday," Piniella said. "The way we're scheduled, I wouldn't go to the bank exactly with it."
Piniella confirmed Jason Marquis still would start Wednesday's game, but when asked if Steve Trachsel was still on track for Thursday, he hedged.
"I said [Wednesday's] starter is the same," Piniella said. "I haven't said anything else. And I haven't said the rotation for Cincinnati either."
The original rotation for the weekend series at Cincinnati was supposed to be Rich Hill on Friday, followed by Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly. But that was before the Cubs took a three-game lead in the National League Central.
If the Cubs pitch Zambrano on his normal four days' rest Friday and the team can clinch the division by Saturday, Lilly's final start can be skipped. That way the top two starters, Zambrano and Lilly, would be on schedule for Games 1 and 2 of the NL Division Series next Wednesday and Thursday.
So, you see that the start tonight by Jason Marquis is very important. If Marquis throws a strong outing, not only does it give the Cubs some confidence in him, but it also will allow Piniella to set up his rotation a little better for the playoffs.
Personally, I think Marquis might be out of the rotation for the playoffs, but it really depends on what kind of schedule they are looking at. If they are able to go with only three starters, the Cubs have to go with Zambrano, Lilly and Hill with Marquis locking up the 'long relief' spot in the bullpen. This would move Kevin Hart off the roster for the first round of the playoffs and probably put Will Ohman back on the roster (don't forget, playoff rosters can be changed in each round). So, as you can see and as Hoosiernation pointed out, there is a lot riding on the game tonight.
I'm sure the Cardinals fans will jump on this and bash Marquis once again, but he's been exactly what the Cubs thought he was going to be. Cubs fans didn't think Marquis was going to come in and win the Cy Young Award and we knew he was probably a #3 starter at best. I'd say by making all 32 of his scheduled starts, thus far, and winning 12 of them, that he's done his job. He has been inconsistent at times, but you are going to get that from your 4th starter. He's been a good guy in the clubhouse and he's constantly seen talking to the younger pitchers as well. He's been a valuable contribution to the Cubs this season and I'm happy that we were able to sign him.
Oh, on top of this whole mess....the Brewers are only two back now and are trouncing the Cardinals. They could move to one game back with another Cubs loss....you know, if you're worried about that?
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2008 Cubs Preview
Bad News guys.
its raining down in Florida. I don't think they are gonna get the game in.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/sports/hourbyhour/26553:20