From the category archives:

Carlos Marmol

Lilly Shows Why He’s An All-Star as the Cubs Win!

by MiserableCubsFan on July 12, 2009

Although Carlos Marmol almost blew it for him, Ted Lilly shined as the Cubs cruised for 8 innings over the Cards. In a freaky ninth inning that should have ended on a spectacular double-play by Theriot to Baker to Hoffpauir (a play where both Piniella and LaRussa where arguing with different umpires!), it took Kevin Gregg two pitches to end what should have been a relatively easy victory for the Cubs. Why the extra drama Marmol?!?!

CUBS WIN! Wells Dominates Again, Sam Fuld Passes The Audition, and Len Kasper’s DeRosa Man Crush

by MiserableCubsFan on July 2, 2009

I hope Milton Bradley is starting to feel the pressure of yet another Cubs minor leaguer making a quality debut. This time it's Sam Fuld with a couple of hits (including his first major league hit) and an outfield assist as he (when did this last happen) threw a runner out at home!

Randy Wells dazzled once again with seven super strong innings allowing only one run. AND it was great to see Carlos Marmol settle down after hitting his seventh batter of the season. Thanks to the Pirates for chasing all those sliders way out of the zone.
Other Quick Notes: I think Lou Piniella went semi-nutso on the umpire in order to give Wells a little extra time to recoup after running hard down the line. Also, I think Len Kasper has a man-crush as he continues his nightly updates on the detailed happenings of Mark DeRosa. All in all, it was nice to watch strong pitching, some home runs, and good defense. Now, if only we could do something about all those double plays ...

Randy Wells and the Curse of the Bullpen

by MiserableCubsFan on June 3, 2009

Randy Wells

Well now Randy Wells knows that he better damn well pitch a no-hitter in order to get a major league win. For someone who claims that he doesn't have "Ace stuff," he is sure surprising me. All night long he got ahead in the count and consistently threw strikes. Great performance Randy! Now as for Marmol & Gregg ...

Rothchild & Piniella continue to be (unfortunately) correct with their pre-season diagnosis of Carlos Marmol's pitching mentality. Five hit batters? I've lost count as to how many times he has walked the first batter he has seen with four straight pitches. And Kevin "still can't find the strike zone" Gregg -- what the hell? He was up 1 ball and 2 strikes to Jeff Franceour and then decides to throw one right down the middle. It's June already! Please start pitching like you are a professional!

Other rants on a truly miserable loss. Hey Milton "Let's Not Play Today" Bradley, how many times are you going to get hurt running to first base? What's it going to take to get over this problem? Extra stretching? Riding a stationary bike in the dugout? Yoga classes?
Hey Bobby Scales, you spent 11 years in the minor leagues and still haven't mastered the art of laying down a bunt?
Hey Alfonso Soriano, how about even attempting a throw at the end of the game to try and get the winning run from scoring? I absolutely hate the Desginated Hitter rule in the American League, but as long as Soriano remains a Cub I am going to petition the commissioner to institute the DH in the NL. Soriano belongs on the All Star team of crappy outfielders along with Adam Dunn and Chris Duncan.