Cubs/D-Backs Game 1

Three random thought's on Arizona's 3-1 victory in game one....

1---The biggest topic of discussion the next twenty-four hours will be why did Sweet Lou take out Carlos Zambrano after six innings, especially since he had a relatively low pitch count of 85? The answer will most likely be that due to the 91-degree heat, Piniella didn't want to subject his star pitcher to another grueling inning, especially since he has to pitch game four in three days. (Hopefully he has to pitch that game) At the time, I must say, I wasn't too shocked by the move. The Cubs bullpen, especially Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry, had been lights out in the second half of the season. Of course looking back, the move backfired horribly. Marmol allowed a home run to the first batter he faced, which everyone with a brain saw coming after his first two sliders missed waaaaay outside. He then allowed another run later in the seventh inning, ruining Z's magnificent outing. If he could do it over again, I bet Lou would have stuck with his ace. Unfortunately that's not an option.

2---The Zambrano debate wouldn't have been as big if the offense had been able to hit with runners in scoring position. The Cubs put D-Backs starter Brandon Webb on the ropes all game long, getting at least one runner on base in each of the first six innings. In the third and fifth, the Cubs leadoff hitter was on second with nobody out, yet never crossed the plate. Just horrible execution. I didn't expect the home run hitting power that was shown all of September, but I did expect the clutch hitting that I'd seen the three months before. That didn't show up tonight, and that's the reason were down 1-0.

3---Could the TBS coverage have been any worse? (The answer is yes, if Tim McCarver or Joe Morgan had been involved) I think Dick Stockton miss-pronounced at least a third of the players involved for both teams, plus Cubs third base coach Mike Quade. (It doesn't rhyme with Wade) Color man Ron Darling didn't say anything interesting at all and kept on telling viewers that Alfonso Soriano looked hurt, even when Sori was standing still. But those two had nothing compared to the bore known as Frank Thomas in the studio. During the time between the end of the Angels/Red Sox game one and the first pitch of this game, the Big Hurt pretty much refused to look at the camera or answer questions with a complete sentence. Cal Ripken was solid, and Ernie Johnson was trying his best. But Thomas made that hour almost un-watchable. Here's a suggestion to the Turner crew: Bring in Kenny Smith, Reggie Miller and Charles Barkley. They may be former basketball players, but trust me, they'll be much more entertaining then Thomas and Ripken.


Hopefully I'm posting tomorrow after a great game by Ted Lilly and a series tied at one. Peace and Go Cubs