Solution to 5th Starter Problem

[NCCubFan]

Dear Dusty:

 

You earn a spot in the starting rotation by pitching effectively, not by striking out a lot of batters but also giving up a ton of runs. Please learn that and reconsider your indefensible decision.

[cubfan1955]

As for the other three, if it is the Cubs fault Corey Patterson played so terribly because they rushed him to the big leagues, then why would we want them to rush Hill, Guzman and Ryu? I think it's very clear those three have a lot to work on before they are ready for the big leagues.

I fault Corey's failure on bad coaching and jacking him around in the lineup and not because he was brought up too early. He was progressing nicely even in Dusty's first year until the injury. Then when he came back in 2004, the multitude of coaches (and manager) giving him conflicting advice screwed him beyond repair until he could get away from them. Funny that he now seems to be back on track with Baltimore. With our manager and coaches there will never be a good time to bring up young players because they don't know how to coach them.

[CubsBullsBears]

Part of Corey's problem was that he had this mentality he's a 30-40 HR hitter, so he went up swinging for the fences every time. Plus Dusty's qoute in my sig is why he was a wild swinger. Actually he still is, but he's toned it down some.

[neely crenshaw]

you guys are so far off base it's crazy! we have no problem at all with our #5 starter! the problem is we have 4-5 of them! what we need is a 2 and 3 starter. maddux and marshall can handle the 4-5 spots...it's the fact that they are 2-3 and no one is 4-5!

[RynoRules]

Dascenzo is a good call, but Bully is a great call. That guy could flat out rake!

[biittner77]

Vance Law, Jim Sundberg and the legendary Larry Biittner are awaiting the call.

[soccer10k]

As for the other three, if it is the Cubs fault Corey Patterson played so terribly because they rushed him to the big leagues, then why would we want them to rush Hill, Guzman and Ryu? I think it's very clear those three have a lot to work on before they are ready for the big leagues.

I fault Corey's failure on bad coaching and jacking him around in the lineup and not because he was brought up too early. He was progressing nicely even in Dusty's first year until the injury. Then when he came back in 2004, the multitude of coaches (and manager) giving him conflicting advice screwed him beyond repair until he could get away from them. Funny that he now seems to be back on track with Baltimore. With our manager and coaches there will never be a good time to bring up young players because they don't know how to coach them.

 

Agreed. Corey was making strides up until he got hurt in 2003. He was only 23 that year and had drastically improved his numbers year to year. Look at Corey's production between 2002 and 2004. He has his best year in 2003 but once Dusty had him for a full year, his numbers dropped dramatically in 2004. Coincidence? I think not especially considering he's on the upswing now in Baltimore.