Sammy Sofa

If Marquis was able to even stay in another inning after a meltdown to spare the bullpen just that much without giving up any more runs, yes, I would look at it like it's a positive thing, especially when it's the first game of a very important series. Plus, with Marquis, you could argue that with Lilly and Z coming up in the next starts, you've got more of a chance of the next starters being able to go long and not tax the 'pen. As good as Marshall has been, there's a decent chance a team like the Brewers could knock him out earlier than usual...then you have Marquis on the 3rd day, and that definitely doesn't bode well. Hill being able to lock down even just those two innings are two less innings of work for a bullpen that we might REALLY need the next two games. I really don't know why you're essentially lecturing me like I'm trying to make excuses for Hill or dress up his start as somehow not being terrible. I'm simply saying that it's a plus he was able to successfully hold down those two innings to spare the pen and not make the damage worse. In the context of what hald already happened in the 1st inning, I'm looking at it as relatively positive. What am I saying that's bugging you so much?

Nah, I agree. The 2nd and 3rd weren't pretty, but he didn't allow any more runs and still ended up striking out 5. He kept the team in the game for the next two innings. I like Hill, but when a starter only goes three innings, there's nothing positive about that. I'm not going to go off on a Rich Hill sucks tangent, because that's ridiculous, nor will I question his desire or any overreaction like that. But, to try to put any positive spin on his start today is pretty silly. He was bad. Did he confine the damage to one inning? Yes. But he still pitched so poorly that he left trailing by a huge amount and forced the bullpen to be perfect. Had he given up five and then held the Brewers scoreless into the fifth or sixth, then more props could be given. But he got lit up, had another bad inning, and had to be lifted after only three innings. In no metric, no book, no where is that a good outing. Will he rebound? I surely hope so. But just because many of us like Hill, I think it's a bit ludicrous to try to say anything positive about this start. If Marquis lasted three innings while allowing five runs, I doubt anyone here would try to give him credit for throwing two scoreless innings after giving up five in the first. The simple truth: Hill sucked today. It happens to a lot of pitchers. Hopefully, Hill gets his act together over the next four days. I know he can do it, but he definitely wasn't a good pitcher today. Well put. Right, and I agree with Vance...this was a bad outing. But I don't see the harm in looking for any kind of upside considering the expectations we have for Hill. It's not like I'm trying to explain away how bad he was.

QFT.

Nah, I agree. The 2nd and 3rd weren't pretty, but he didn't allow any more runs and still ended up striking out 5. He kept the team in the game for the next two innings.

Our bullpen has been "good" for a relatively short while. Let's hold on before we start casting off important parts like Dempster. I'm baffled as to why people are acting like he's been horrible this year.

I feel the hourly sacrifice once a week will ultimately be worth it. I'm still kinda spooked that He apparently listened to me.

My filthy lucky jersey is remaining unwashed and I'm gonna go to church like I promised the Lord in return for today's awesome victory. CUBS WIN!!!

True. I'm more worried about Cub prospects getting the patience thing down first. The looking strikeouts are annoying, but I have more confidence in him fixing that than if he still showed that he needed to take more pitches in general.

Damn Soriano has some hops! Derosa is a nut. THey showed video of him umm behind Aram in the dugout goin crazy. If anyone finds a bigger version of the last pic, please post it. That's THE desktop wallpaper now!

It was really impressive how they stayed in it after that disaster of a 1st inning. Even Hill held on for those next two innings and kept the Brewers away from socring more. What a fight!

I was completely speechless...after what I already talked about in the game thread: I know my plans this Sunday. I'll be sure to go before the game so Marquis gets all the help he can get.

well...we know where you are going to be on sunday morning Seriously. If you don't hold up your end, and the Cubs don't win the World Series, we'll know why. I'm going, I'm going! The Man came through!

Keep it comin'! YOU OWE US! by "church" i assume you meant "pub that serves perfectly chilled guinness" Actually, there's one right down the street, so it'll be a perfect ying and yang type of deal.

Keep it comin'! YOU OWE US! I'm getting my church on every week from here on out, so they better keep this up!

well...we know where you are going to be on sunday morning Seriously...I feel like I'd be tempting something really bad if I didn't.

When Lee was up to bat, I said, out loud, "OK God, if the Cubs win this, I promise I will go to the church down the street every week so long as I live here." Well played, God. Well played...

Froemming's famous poop chute salute.

Not too slick, Mench.

Froemming is an ape.

Crud.

Double for Soriano!

Not sure it was intentional but I remember it happening in either Game 1 or 2 of the 1984 World Series. I think Todd Hundley did it when he was a cub if memory serves me correctly. The only good thing he ever did.

Nice innings for the kid!

Who do you guys think gets called up for bullpen help?

Jeez, Pie watches borderline strike 3 pitches waaaaay too much. Gotta work on that.