Yesterday, Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella finally sat several of his unproductive starters, including three and four hitters Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. The Ramirez benching was particularly notable, as was what Lou had to say about it:
“I still cling to the fact that our guys are going to hit, but at the same time, it’s already June,” Piniella said. “We’re not here in April. We’re not in May. We’re about, what, a third into the season.
“We’re just resting a few people. The weather is hot. We’ve played a lot of games. But I would love to stay constant. I think every manager would like to do that. I’ve got confidence in my guys. But at the same time, you know, it’s time. It’s time.” Daily Herald.
Yesterday’s Enhanced Box Score? Ramirez’s performance was highlighted, with the comment “It’s time, Lou. It’s time.”
Clearly, and irrefutably, Piniella is taking his direction from Bleacher Nation.
In that case, Lou: start Fontenot and Colvin against all righties, and start Nady in right against all lefties. And for the love of God, when John Grabow is available to come of the DL, don’t you dare use him in anything other than the moppiest of mop up duty.