Same old story. The Cubs dropped three straight over the weekend to the Diamondbacks. We already commented on the first game. Sveum managed to put up the same idiotic lineup twice in the series even though only one left-hander started for Arizona.
These days it doesn't much matter anyway. Get a runner to third base with no outs and the opposition has the Cubs hitters pretty much where they want them. Also, getting a left-hander up just stretching in the bullpen seems to strike such terror in old Dale's heart that he will allow mopes like Baker and Johnson and Mather in to take their licks while more capable players continue to sit.
I can't figure it out and it is rather past the point of trying. The fear of left-handedness seems to extend to the point of our own pitchers as well. James Russell has been one of the most consistently effective relievers on the team this season and most of last. He is, however, rarely used in tight games.
Witness yesterday when the Cubs trailed 3-1 in the eighth inning. A serious team uses their closer or next best pitcher to keep it close. Sveum instead brings on Manny Corpas to put the game out of reach before calling on Russell to put out the fire. Then in the ninth with two men on, Sveum chooses to let LaHair sit and end the game with the slumping Clevenger.
Not the first time we have seen such tactics. I cannot decide whether Sveum and the Cubs are afraid of left-handers, even their own, or he has no confidence in any of his players, so he chooses to protect the ones who may have a future from failure by not giving them a chance to try. Either way, it is hard to watch.
The Cubs announced the long-awaited promotion of Anthony Rizzo to the major leagues. Starting Tuesday, of course, because the Mets will start a left-hander on Monday night. What a bunch of wimps these guys are! I wish Rizzo well and I think he is a genuinely good prospect, but don't expect any miracles here or even that he will play every day. I mean, what with the sinister tactics these opponents employ.
Looking over the probables for the games coming up before the All-Star break and you cannot help but be afraid, very afraid. Looks like seven of the thirteen probable starters are left-handers. Hide now. Don't watch.
Just as an aside, I notice that Marlon Byrd received a fifty day
suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. In this case,
it is a drug used to mitigate and disguise steroid effects. Can't say
I'm surprised.
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