Cubs pitching takes the night off, Pirates win 10-8

Last night the Cubs lost their 8th straight game, falling to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates 10-8. This game was painful to watch, the Cubs pitching staff gave up 18 hits, and blew multiple leads. The wind was blowing in too, which makes it even more unbelievable that they allowed 10 runs. I have to tip my cap to the Pirates though, former Batting Champion, Freddy Sanchez, had a career night going 6 for 6 with 3RBIs.

The main reason the Cubs lost last night was Ryan Dempster: 4IP, 6ER, 7H, 3BB, 3K, WP, HBP, Errror. What a jackass, Dumpster is seriously the worst! His ERA is now at 4.99 and I only expect it to get higher. Dempster is not the same pitcher we saw last year, probably becuase he got paid, and the fact that last year was a career-year for him. The Cubs drastically overpaid this bozo, I would rather see the Cubs sending Les Walrond out there to start games. The fact that I have to watch this Canadian ponce pitch for the next few years is depressing.

Jose Ascanio pitched the 5th inning, allowing 3 hits, but thankfully no runs. Then Lou Piniella inexplicably allowed Ascanio to bat for himself in the bottom half of the inning only to yank him for Neal Cotts. This blew my mind! I did not realize however that Derrek Lee was sent home with the flu. Still, somebody else should have hit for Ascanio, like: Koyie Hill or Fukudome? Now back to Cotts, who should be released, here is what he treated us with last night: IP, 3ER, 4H, K. Cotts also took the loss in this game, but why was he brought into the game to protect a lead in the first place? Cotts might actually be worse than Dempster, except he is not paid like a Cy Young Winner. Cotts' ERA is up to 7.36, it is time for him to go, Lou showed nowhere near this much patience last season with Scott Eyre. After Cotts came Aaron Heilman who allowed his usual one run in one inning of work. By the way, when did Heilman turn into Bob Howry? The lone bright-spot from our pitching staff last night was David Patton, who was released from the Witness Protection Program, he pitched the final two innings, and allowed no runs. Seriously though, Patton should be sent back to the Rockies, the Cubs have no use for him, and he is taking up a valuable roster spot. The Cubs really could have used an extra position player last night, I just do not understand how Jake Fox is not on the team. Why were both Angel Guzman and Kevin Gregg not used last night? Guzman is our best reliever when the Cubs are Sans-Carlos Marmol and Gregg has not pitched in a week.

Now for some good news: the Cubs scored 8 runs! Seven of the runs came off of Pirates starter Paul Maholm, who actually pitched worse than Dempster. Ryan Theriot had 3 doubles off of Maholm, driving in two runs, and scoring twice. Alfonso Soriano, although he did not have a hit, actually showed some patience at the plate, taking two walks, and scoring twice. Milton Bradley had a big game going 2 for 5 2B, HR, 4 RBIs. Bradley's HR was an absolute rocket hit out to deep left field, the wind had no chance of knocking that ball down, it also would have been a game winner if not for Cotts. Hopefully this means Bradley is starting to come out of his slump. Geovany Soto had a nice game as well, with two hits.

Two more things I had a problem with/ Jackass Calls of the Day:
1) Why was Carlos Zambrano used to Pinch Hit for Heilman in the bottom of the 7th with two men on, with a chance to at least tie the game, or possibly take the lead? I know Z is a decent hitter, but c'mon Lou! What are you thinking here? I know Lee was not available and that Bobby Scales was used in the 4th, but Fukudome should have been used to pinch hit in that spot, period. This is unacceptable and some very poor managing.

2) Carlos Marmol, our best relief pitcher was given two days off to go to New York, to be with his wife while she gives birth to their second child. Do not get me wrong, he should be with his wife in this situation, but why the hell do they live in New York?!! Seriously, had Marmol and his family lived here in Chicago, he could have been available to pitch after the kid was born.

Last night, I was lucky enough to be at the game. My friend Justin hooked us up with discounted rooftop tickets at Wrigley Done Right, it was tight. The view was great and I got my money's worth in beer (10+) and Italian Beef Sandwiches (3). If you have the means, I highly recommend the rooftop experience, it is quite choice. My personal winning streak came to an end last night, but at least the Cubs bats came back to life. Maybe I am their version of Joboo from Major League.

My personal record at Cubs games in 2009: 3 and 1. The next game I am attending as of right now: Sunday, June 14th vs Minnesota, where I will have my family's bomb-ass seats.

One more thing, last night we were discussing how terrible of a hitter Aaron Miles is and how he is worthless as a player. I leave you with this question:

Who would you rather have on your roster?
A) Aaron Miles
B) Cesar Izturis
C) Neifi Perez
D) Jose Macias
E) Tony Womack