Starting Rotation order

[RyCubsFan]

I'm not thrilled with the pitching matchups against the Marlins. As it stands:

 

Game 1 - Zambrano vs. Vargas (Big advantage Cubs)

Game 2 - Marshall vs. Willis (Big advantage Marlins)

Game 3 - Guzman vs. Olsen (Toss up)

 

This would made game 3 the rubber matchup. However, I think we should be able to sweep the Marlins. I'd like to see Guzman start tomorrow against Vargas (the worst of Florida's rotation), pushing back Zambrano to face Willis and subsequently Marshall to face Olsen. I think that would give us a better shot to win all 3 games. Thus, it would be:

 

Game 1 - Guzman vs. Vargas

Game 2 - Zambrano vs. Willis

Game 3 - Marshall vs. Olsen

 

Thoughts?

[radarluv1]

that would keep guzman on his regular rest. give zambo a day off.

[Cubskmill30]

zambrano already had a day off with the offday last thursday, thus if he doesn't pitch tomorrow he will have another day off giving him 6 days between starts. I understand wanting to try to get the best matchups, but I think big Z needs to play tomorrow just so we can have are two major league starters pitching on a normal cycle.

[Laura]

Matchups don't always go as planned. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Z have a cakewalk tomorrow -- he's due for one. He still needs to pick up his first win, and he's probably not happy about that.

 

If there's tweaking with the rotation, I'd rather see it done to line it up for divisional rivals.

[soccer10k]

Pitching Z tomorrow definately gives him a better chance to win than if he pitches Tuesday against Willis. I'm fine with how the matchups are going to work out.

 

Also, is Guzman actually getting the start on Wednesday? Has there been an official announcement?

[RyCubsFan]

Z will get his fair share of wins. I'm not worried about him "getting his first."

 

Another reason to start Guzman on Monday is to prevent back to back starts by two rookies. I'd rather break up Marshall and Guzman/Hill in the rotation. This way if they have to come out early, the bullpen should be able to rest the following day when Maddux or Zambrano goes.

 

So you have:

 

Maddux

Guzman

Zambrano

Marshall

(Rusch)

 

...rather than Marshall and Guzman pitching in succession.

[jyoung55]

I don't think pitching matchups is something you need to worry about in April nor against the Marlins in particular. Maybe within the division but even then we just need to get everyone on a regular schedule and clicking on all cyclinders before we start treating series as though they are playoff ones.

[goonys evil twin]

Z will get his fair share of wins. I'm not worried about him "getting his first."

 

Another reason to start Guzman on Monday is to prevent back to back starts by two rookies. I'd rather break up Marshall and Guzman/Hill in the rotation. This way if they have to come out early, the bullpen should be able to rest the following day when Maddux or Zambrano goes.

 

So you have:

 

Maddux

Guzman

Zambrano

Marshall

(Rusch)

 

...rather than Marshall and Guzman pitching in succession.

 

That just puts Marshall and Rusch back to back, which gives you the same problem of guys who might need to come out early.

[UMFan83]

David Weathers vs. Mark Prior in 2004 and Sergio Mitre vs. Roy Halliday in 2005 are 2 reasons I don't necessarily think that matchups are as important as they seem.

 

Anyways, I thought we should have skipped Rusch or Williams against St. Louis, had Zambrano pitch Sunday and Maddux Saturday and then save the back end for the Marlins (who actually have been playing decently, all things considered)

[da bears]

I'm not too worried about Big Z going against Vargas instead of Willis. Beating Willis is no sure thing, and I'd much rather the Cubs get all the easy wins they can get at this point.

[Balsa]

I really think Willis is a bit over-rated and the cubs have always hit him rather well. Over the last three years he has a 4.64 ERA against us. So I think we have a better chance to win that game than you think.

[Blueheart05]

I really think Willis is a bit over-rated and the cubs have always hit him rather well. Over the last three years he has a 4.64 ERA against us. So I think we have a better chance to win that game than you think.

 

I think he has a 1.01 ERA against the Cubs at Wrigley. His overall ERA is affected, in part, by that really bad start he had in FL, last year, when he gave up 6 or 8 runs. I believe that was Muton's ML debut.

[Danny82]

I don't think Z is a guy you want to have too many extra days off to rest.

 

You don't want him throwing too hard.

[LoneStarCubFan]

I've been out of pocket for the last few days. What's the deal with Hill possibly starting on Wednesday? I haven't seen anything about him having been called up.

[Blueheart05]

I've been out of pocket for the last few days. What's the deal with Hill possibly starting on Wednesday? I haven't seen anything about him having been called up.

 

He hasn't been but the Cubs reserve the right to do so for Wednesday (while keeping Guzman in the bullpen). A decision is expected today for Wednesday's starter.

[Danny82]

In all honesty, I think it depends on whether or not Z is able to go deep into the game today and give the bullpen a break.

[Blueheart05]

In all honesty, I think it depends on whether or not Z is able to go deep into the game today and give the bullpen a break.

 

I agree.

[Balsa]

I really think Willis is a bit over-rated and the cubs have always hit him rather well. Over the last three years he has a 4.64 ERA against us. So I think we have a better chance to win that game than you think.

 

I think he has a 1.01 ERA against the Cubs at Wrigley. His overall ERA is affected, in part, by that really bad start he had in FL, last year, when he gave up 6 or 8 runs. I believe that was Muton's ML debut.

 

You are correct. In the six times he's played the Cubs, four have been at Wrigley and he has a 1.01 ERA at Wrigley.

 

Crap. :?

[gflore34]

I really think Willis is a bit over-rated and the cubs have always hit him rather well. Over the last three years he has a 4.64 ERA against us. So I think we have a better chance to win that game than you think.

 

I always thought it was his motion and ability to hide the ball until the last moment that got people out. Not so much his stuff, if he had a more traditional pitching motion, I don't believe he would be nearly as effective.

[Jehrico]

Anyone hear if they announced who was going to start Wednesday? I thought they were going to announce that today, but I haven't seen anything yet.

[Blueheart05]

Anyone hear if they announced who was going to start Wednesday? I thought they were going to announce that today, but I haven't seen anything yet.

 

Guzman threw a side session right after tonight's game. I'd be willing to bet he's starting (In fact, Len and Bob speculated as much).