Obsessive Harden Shoulderwatch: Er, Flu-Like Symptomwatch

Rich Harden was scratched from his scheduled start on Friday because of those dreaded “flu-like symptoms” – seriously, what is the deal with calling the illness “flu-like symptoms” instead of just saying, yeah, dude probably has the flu? Is there some stigma associated with the flu of which I am unaware?

Next thing you know, the Cubs are going to start scratching guys with “broken-leg-like symptoms” and “having-Tommy-John-surgery-like symptoms.” I might have to steal that one for the Cubs Brickyard. But I digress…

Piniella said it was possible that Harden could be switched with Sean Marshall in the rotation, meaning he’d be skipped over for his first start. That would only happen if Harden does not get enough innings in this spring to be ready for the start of the season. But noting that Milwaukee is a predominantly right-handed hitting team, Piniella added he was reluctant to throw a left-hander against the Brewers on April 10, which is when Harden is scheduled to start.

“We’ll do what we have to do,” Piniella said. “That’s all.” Hardball.

Good to hear that Lou is finally starting to see the light that the guy that should be skipped early in the season when there’s an extra day is Harden, not Marshall.

As for the predominantly-right-handed-lineup thing… Lou, Ted Lilly and Marshall (ha, Lilly and Marshall – any HIMYM fans out there?) are going to have to face the Brewers and other right-handed lineups someday anyway. Why play switcharoo in April because of it?