The Cubs got an outstanding performance from starter Sean Marshall, in fact it was probably one of the best starts of his young career. Marshall's line: 7IP, 6H, ER, 6Ks. He left the field to a standing ovation. He even left with a lead, thanks to solo-HRs by Milton Bradley and Mike Fontenot. That lead however was not meant to last, Carlos Marmol blew it in the 8th inning. Marmol blew the save without giving up a hit, he walked the first two men he faced, and the run scored on a throwing error. Marmol if he is in fact not actually hurt, needs to get back on track quickly. Aaron Heilman took the loss in extra innings, he did not record an out in the 10th inning and gave up 3H, 6R, 5ER, 2BB. This was just pathetic, coming from Heilman, who to this point this season, had been our most consistent relief pitcher. This bullpen is in complete disarray.
Once again our offense was terrible and the Cubs managed only 5 hits in 10 innings. This is unacceptable. The usual suspects for the Cubs were at it again: Derrek Lee was 0-4, 2Ks and Aaron Miles was 0-4 again. For the season Lee is now hitting .189 and Miles is hitting .178. Niether one of them is showing any signs of coming out of their respective slumps and needs to be on the bench. Especially Lee, who has a younger, power hitting backup, who is off to a much better start this season. Lee had two at-bats with men in scoring position last night and couldn't do anything both times. He even blamed the loss on himself! Lee was quoted after the game, "A lot of [the problem] is I'm batting fourth, and I'm not hitting [or] driving in runs. It makes it hard. So, me being in the middle of the order, I have to find a way to pick it up." Finally Lee is admitting fault, he needs to get things going quickly and he should never be batting clean-up. He then said, "I'm bad right now. Really bad. I have to make some adjustments. I have to figure out what adjustments there are to make, and make 'em." Lee is right, he does have to make some adjustments, quickly. If he doesn't I would expect Micah Hoffpauir, who can hit for power and drive in runs, to take his job, sooner rather than later.
The only good news yesterday for the Cubs was that Aramis Ramirez is not going to the DL. The Cubs expect him back in the line-up this weekend. Thank God! Now we can finally move Fontenot back second base. Which means Miles can no longer torture us with his lack of hitting and return to the bench or retire. The Cubs play again this afternoon, Rich Harden hopefully will give us another strong outing and get us a much needed W.
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