I Do Not Think Lou's Stupid, or Something

Further proof that I adore Lou Piniella.

Look, yesterday sucked pretty hard. The Cubs staked Carlos a 2-run lead against a pretty good pitcher in Gallardo. Carlos Marmol came in and dominated, as usual. Kerry Wood blew a two-run lead and lost the game. I hate it just as much as you do.

I know, I know...Ryan Dempster only blew three saves all year last year and Wood has three through 31 games. He actually blew this lead against the bottom of the Brewers lineup, which features the Ned Yost Pitcher-Hitting-Eigth Specialty (even thought that spot was probably already subbed by a PH--semantics). I still have faith in Kerry, and I'm pretty sick of the alarmists that are clamoring for him to be assassinated (like I saw in the HJE SBox yesterday afternoon).

What I do sorta hate is that Lou left Alfonso Soriano in the game instead of having a Reed Johnson/Felix Pie outfield. Soriano supposedly (I didn't watch the game because I don't have that fancy TeeVee moving image box thingy at my office like some people) didn't react well to the ball hit over his head by Gabe Kapler, but who's to say that Reed wouldn't have reacted the same way? Regardless, it was a puzzling move to leave Alf in the game with a lead, especially with Soriano coming off a leg injury in his first game back. What would I have done? Well, my only MLB experience comes via the XBOX 360, however, I would have probably subbed Felix for Soriano and moved Reed to LF.

The Cubs are 17-11. That's not terrible, folks. We're only through 31 games and the Cubs have a big series upcoming against the Cardinals who are inexplainably (I bet that's not a word) in first place. Relax, have a beer and get ready for some good weekend baseball. Hopefully.

P.S., Fukudome was 4 for 4 with two outfield assistsesses at home. His OBP has to be close to infinity (actually .455). He should be hitting second. Alfonso should be hitting fifth. At the very least, Lou should swap Reed and Theriot. Also, Geo Soto is a stud.