Six innings from the 'pen on 8/13?

[twothousandfive]

With Marquis and Harden set to go, the Cubs likely need six innings, maybe more, out of the bullpen. Both starters have averaged six innings/start this year, and each guy has gone 7+ only five times (Harden went 8 in one of those, Marquis has never gone more than 7). They'll need at least four. Lilly on Thursday is another 6 inning guy but seems to be trending higher. After two off days everyone in the pen is rested, but some guys are approaching "mucy use" to keep them sharp.

 

Those are perhaps the worst two guys for a double header, because they must be cautious with Harden and they can't trust Marquis. Unless there is a blow-out, it'll be tricky.

 

I'm sure Piniella and Rothschild have a plan, but I've got to think Marmol and Wood are already slotted for one game or the other. I'd think Samardzija is a definite to appear in Game 1 if it is close, with Gaudin, Howry and Marmol pitch in either game, on an as needed basis. Those three are more likely in game one, since they are also more likely to get a call tomorrow, and it'll provide an extra few hours of recovery time.

 

If they are leading or tied, I'm thinking Marquis is followed by Samardzija then Gaudin/Howry as a bridge, if needed, to Marmol to close. If that gets a W, then a lot of pressure is off for the night cap. Both Gaudin and Howry could go tonight and tomorrow, with Marmol also available.

 

Game two shapes up as Harden followed by Marshall, then anyone who wasn't used as a bridge, if needed, to Wood.

 

If they use a lot of guys, could they make a roster move to get a fresh arm in Atlanta by tomorrow night? Say, option Marshall/Samardzija, and bring up . . . Ascanio? Hart?

[jersey cubs fan]

If they use a lot of guys, could they make a roster move to get a fresh arm in Atlanta by tomorrow night? Say, option Marshall/Samardzija, and bring up . . . Ascanio? Hart?

 

No reason why not, but who knows if they would.

 

Hopefully this is a game Marquis comes up big. He can occasionally go 8 strong and surprise people.

[CubColtPacer]

With an off day on Monday, I really doubt that they're going to option anybody. You don't want to lose the services of Marshall or Samardzija (who are two of the 3 candidates to start on Sunday) for 10 days just to get bullpen relief for 4 days. I think they'll just go with what they've got and extend Lilly/Z/Dempster deeper into the ballgame. They will all be on 5 days of rest before this start, and will have 5 and possibly 6 days of rest after as well. The bullpen will be tired, but I don't think it will be a huge deal.

[twothousandfive]

You don't want to lose the services of Marshall or Samardzija (who are two of the 3 candidates to start on Sunday) for 10 days just to get bullpen relief for 4 days.

 

Typically that would be the right approach.

 

I forgot about the Sunday complication, and that start probably does go to Marshall. So, how 'bout this -- send Samardzija down after pitching two innings on 8/13. Have him start in Iowa on 8/18 to keep him "stretched out" whatever that means exactly. Bring him to Chicago to start on 8/24 (or 8/25, which ever it has to be) in place of . . . Jason Marquis?