Sit Derrek Lee tonight, 5/21?

[twothousandfive]

On the TV broadcast, Kasper said Piniella had already stated that he would give Lee the night off, tonight. The logic seemed to be that with an off-day tomorrow, it would be a good rest. The conversation suggested Lee would object - he's seems willing to argue that a night off is a night at home watching TV, not coming to the ballpark, getting dressed and sitting in the dugout.

 

I like the idea. Ramirez and Soriano have gotten "rest" due to injury, and it is really Lee and Fukudome who might be the first to show signs of fatigue. And Soto should be a concern, as well. If it were me, I'd arrange to give Soto Friday off and then rest him again on Sunday. That would mean the only player to worry about, on a general basis, would be Fukudome, and if anyone can benefit from day-in day-out for the first few months, it is him.

 

For DeRosa, Theriot, Johnson -- there's enough depth that rest will work itself out.

 

There also may be a small benefit to giving Hoffpauir a start, but that should get very little weight, if any. Kasper wondered if the outcome of last night's would have any impact in the decision. I can't imagine it would -- if Piniella determined Lee needs a day off, why would be it be different, win or lose the prior day?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Haufpauir is from Texas, so maybe if Lee is given tonight off, Micah performs well in front of his family and friends.

[MADD_DOG_31]

I would be very surprised NOT to see Lee at 1B and batting 3rd tonight.....after a 3 for 4 and getting his swing back he will talk Lou out of this

[erik316wttn]

If he was still slumping I'd be in favor of it, but now I'm on the fence.

[Little Slide Rooter]

I wouldnt sit him, but then again, he'l be available to pinch if needed. Also, it might give Lou a chance to tweak the lineup a bit. I dont think that Hoff will be put in the 3 spot, so

 

Soriano

Fukudome

Soto

Ramirez

DeRosa

Theriot

Hoff

Johnson

Gallagher

 

Id be interested to see what Soto can do sandwiched between Fuku and Ramirez.

 

Still It might make more sense to start Lee today and then sit him Friday if neccessary vs. the slightly weaker Pirates, especially if we have Z on the mound.

[biittner77]

I wouldnt sit him, but then again, he'l be available to pinch if needed. Also, it might give Lou a chance to tweak the lineup a bit. I dont think that Hoff will be put in the 3 spot, so

 

Soriano

Fukudome

Soto

Ramirez

DeRosa

Theriot

Hoff

Johnson

Gallagher

 

Id be interested to see what Soto can do sandwiched between Fuku and Ramirez.

 

Still It might make more sense to start Lee today and then sit him Friday if neccessary vs. the slightly weaker Pirates, especially if we have Z on the mound.

 

It depends on matchups. The Pirates seem like they have at least 3 LHP in the rotation. Regardless of how well Hoffpaur hits LH I doubt he'll get astart against them.

[chuckywang]

I'd absolutely sit him. Give him a couple days off. Also would be nice to try to tweak the lineup.

[C.C.]

He'll be playing tonight.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'd sit him.

[jersey cubs fan]

I would have sat him during his cold streak. I don't care much for waiting for off days to double up the time off. He's not running all over the place and is not physically exhausted. And considering the recent at bats, I doubt he's mentally tired either.

 

Soto on the other hand needs a breather. I was surprised he played the day after the inside the parker.

[Abe Frohman]

I think maybe the whole "sitting Derrek Lee for a night" thing may have been a technique used by Piniella to get Lee upset and refocused on hitting? I think Piniella has done this type of thing before, and I think it is fairly entertaining.

 

How does Lee respond? He disagrees with the notion that he needs a day off and rattles off 3 hits. Nice management.