Jason’s Last Stand?
A week ago, we sized up the final six weeks of the Cubs’ season and developed a scenario where the Cubs could have the division wrapped up with a week to go, where they could spend that final week setting up their playoff rotation while also playing spoiler to the Brewers and Mets.
The first phase of this stretch run concludes later today. Of this stretch, I wrote:
I will combine those first three series and call the Cubs going 6-2. They’re welcome to win more, but I’ll settle for two 2-1 series and one sweep
After winning two of three from Cincinnati and Washington, respectively, the Cubs are on track for this pace, as they look to sweep Pittsburgh today.
And look who’s on the mound for us?
We don’t have access to players and coaches. I couldn’t tell you what Piniella’s thinking any more than I can tell you this week’s winning Lotto numbers. But speaking simply as a sideline observer, it’s would seem obvious that Jason Marquis’ time in the starting rotation is winding down. The winner in last night’s ragged victory over Pittsburgh–Sean Marshall–has continued to make a case to replace Marquis in September. The last time they skipped Marquis’ spot in the rotation, Marshall was handed the ball and pitched very well in a tough-luck loss to Florida.
Of course, much of this conversation is moot. The Cubs’ appearance in the 2008 postseason is practicaly a fait accompli and, when they get there, the 5th starter will no longer cease to exist. If Marquis’ pitching the rest of the regular season has any ramifications for beyond, it will more realistically be to see if Piniella is comfortable having him in the bullpen for the playoffs. Considering that the Cubs will likely be carrying one fewer pitcher on their postseason roster than they have now, Marquis may find himself in a battle with Neal Cotts and Bob Howry just to be allowed to suit up and hang out in the dugout.
So maybe today’s start by Marquis means nothing more than spoiling our predicted track record for the Cubs’ stretch run. And hell, that’s good enough for us. While we already hate Marquis, his inability to close the deal today will only prove to kick up the intensity on this hatred another notch.
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Comments
Slak I’d actually like to see Marquis get a shot in relief before the season ends. Maybe he can come in and throw an inning and be effective.
Thinking back to his comments in Spring Training about wanting out if he wasn’t in the rotation, that might not work out for our guy Jason. But if it’s his only shot to make the postseason roster with a great team then he’d better do whatever Lou tells him.
I still hope Lou tells him to go pound sand.
Andy Oh, and I agree with Slaky, I too would like to see Marquis get shot in relief. Hopefully in the neck.
I've Got Nothing Wouldn’t Grand Marquis be a better option out of the bullpen than Brown Spot Bob or Neal Cotts?
Angry Mike @Feesh - Yeah, I was thinking it should read more like “the 5th starter will not no longer cease to exist.” I heart multiple negatives!
CactusMcHarris It’s too bad my Padres aren’t playing the Cubs a few more times, Lou. You could have it wrapped up by Labour Day (which, yes, is how they spell it up here in British Columbia).
Does anyone know if the Cubs are on Sunday Night Baseball or Fox’s Saturday day game soon? That’s the only broadcasted game we get here, other than some Mariner and Blue Jays games.
Thanks, and I have my broom out for today’s sweep.
Mike D. Originally Posted By AndyAnd look who�s on the mound for us?
Which position are you playing today, Huey?
Marquis’ sniper.
And nobody caught my “6-2″ mistake which I used last week and repeated today?
Ahem.
They hope to go 7-2 against the patsies. I’m a dumbass.
Mike D. Originally Posted By Feesh“…the 5th starter will no longer cease to exist.”
Thought-provoking.
Wow. I really am retarded.
JayBandit I was at all 3 Pirates games this week, and I have to say it was a ton of fun. You have to love a ballpark that you can just waltz up to, the day of the game, and buy tickets right behind home plate. I am Shocked that Marquis pitched in the 5-hitter shutout that only took a little over 2 hours, while Z pitched in the crappy game that took nearly 4 hours…
BigFlax @CactusMcHarris - The schedule I’m looking at puts this Saturday’s game in the 2:55 slot on Fox and the 9/20 game with the Cards and 9/27 game at Milwaukee at 12:05 on Fox. That looks to be it.
djwoody Just when you’d love to shovel the final pile o’ dirt on Marquis he pitches a gem. Take that Brewers. 83-50!
CT
bocaj
BigFlax
StPatrick
TDubbs
Marquis would probably succeed in the bullpen. He usually fails when he runs into a big inning, usually from the 4th through 6th inning.