You probably could have guessed that it was historic, but let me confirm it for you – with yesterday’s win, the Chicago Cubs became the first team in Major League history to go 1-1, 2-2, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, 7-7, 8-8, 9-9, and 10-10. Most records are either positive or negative, but this one is perfectly mediocre. Sounds about right…
Not only did no mainstream media writer ask Mike Quade about his indefensible decision to let Ryan Dempster bat in the bottom of the fifth with the bases loaded in a one-run game (when he was clearly already cooked), no mainstream media writer (that I could find) even included the decision in their write-up of the game! The closest to “mainstream” you get is a mention of the moment by BleedCubbieBlue, who concedes that the Cubs’ victory mooted any kind of serious discussion of the Dempster decision. Obviously, I’m none too happy about the decision, itself, as well as the failure to openly discuss it. I want to hear how Mike Quade can possibly explain it, and, now, I probably never will. I rarely gripe about being a mere blogger (I generally am willing to trade access for the freedom to speak my mind and doodle pictures), but this is one time I’m pissed that I’m not there asking questions.
More anger: James Russell is inching closer to getting his third consecutive ill-advised start on Tuesday. Quade says the Cubs looked at “all options” and decided Russell was the best. Even if we accept that Russell is the best of a bunch of bad options (something I am incredibly unwilling to accept), that is as much an indictment of the organization as it is an excuse.
Quade complained (again) about a Dodger steal attempt with the team up by seven runs. Bringing up the Milwaukee steal from earlier this season (in which game the Brewers were up just five), Quade said he’d like to see the “unwritten rule books” used by the Dodgers and Brewers. Sarcastic Protip: manage your pitchers a little better and you won’t be in the position to be down a huge number of runs with the opposition stealing bases. Serious Protip: while there may be an unwritten rule about standing pat when you’re up a certain number of runs, it isn’t the place of the oposing manager to gripe about it in the media afterward. It makes you look like a sore loser, however noble your intentions.
Why has Kerry Wood not pitched since April 15, *nine* days ago?