T313

Felix got hosed by Froemming various pitches today. He gets hosed by many umps because he is a rookie. Even Brenly commented numerous times today about Froemming. Felix has not been quick enough when he does get the pitch to hit for the past two weeks. He always has a great 2nd half of the season. If Lou keeps putting him out there the star in Felix will come out. His approach has been good.

Maybe that's where Cedeno should have been used.

Did anyone here really have confidence in Blanco to get the sac bunt accomplished?

When Hill is pitching a gem they act like a ball club. When the Cards are giving them numerous opportunities to beat them they choke like dogs. I mean cripes, Izzy let that weak roller go through the middle. Then Jones on a 3-1 pitch can't check his swing on a pitch so far out of the zone that it was hard for Molina to grab. Then when he walks, Cedeno screws up. Then Murton swings at a pitch in his eyes and pops out on the first pitch. They are better off just waiting for the other team to give it to them, rather than putting pressure on themselves to perform. If I have to watch numerous bums choke away ball games while Pie sits on the bench I'll scream. Pie has done nothing but win his entire career. He may not have won that game for the Cubs but he does have a future.

Today's assist was not pretty. Bases loaded one out bottom 8th. Short fly ball to center that Felix lost in the sun, picked up and forced runner at 2nd. He was patient his first at bat , lashed ball opposite way that left fielder made diving catch toward line. His next at bats he jumped on pitches early, flying out and then singling the next 3 at bats.

Carlos has the most potential greatness of any player in MLB. Harnessing it to the point of easily winning 20 games a year is something the Cubs may never see. Hard to explain about the intangibles, but would'nt hesitate to say he would win Cy Young awards with proper coaching and solid team play. Cripes at times he was the offensive star in the games he pitched. Many games he threw an extra 30 pitches due to shoddy defense behind. Prior is a different story. In 03 he looked like he could cruise through many starts with pinpoint control, could spot the ball where he needed to. Have not seen that in past two years very often. He has had injuries, just not as sure that we will see that Mark Prior again, for whatever reason it's not as simple for him anymore. I believe I would take my chances with the future of Z depending on how good of conditioning (weight) he will maintain for the next ten years.