Well, they have won more games lately, something like 12-3 over the last stretch and three in a row since the Zambrano blowup (about which more in a coming post).
I'm not sure why they are winning, although a lot of it has to do with their improved pitching, especially in the bullpen. They are also playing weak or fading teams with the exception of the Braves. They should certainly continue their streak vs. the Astros before returning to reality against the Cards this weekend.
If I am right, look for this mini-resurgence to implode pretty soon. Sunday's game is a good reason for continued pessimism. 18 strikeouts, 4 charged errors (several more in the Ramirez inning that were not charged), no walks, and they still managed to pull it out by some miracle. Like the Braves pitching to Pena with Byrd on deck, I suppose.
During the stretch, though the starters, with the exception of the Zambrano start Friday, have given the team acceptable performances, they have not been eating innings. This has pretty much forced Quade to use the bullpen for a minimum of four innings every day. This is bound to catch up with them. Losing Zambrano only makes things worse.
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