Cashner and Wells Throwing, But Can They Hit? and Other Bullets – May 11, 2011

In the Cubs/Cardinals series preview, I noted that the Cubs’ pen hadn’t given up a run in 22.1 innings, and quipped that, because I’d mentioned it, they would blow a game during the series. It took one game. Sorry.

  • Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner continue their rehab, each throwing two innings of live batting practice on Monday. Wells is expected to pitch in an extended Spring Training game tomorrow, and Cashner will throw another BP session the same day. There still isn’t a definitive timetable for their return, but there are going to be some minor league rehab starts to be had before we can start putting a date on a return.
  • In advance of their return, the Cubs are going to need a fifth starter again on Saturday, but no one has yet been named. Some tea leaves? Doug Davis, who’s schedule did not appear to allow for him to start on Saturday was pulled after just 59 pitches in his AAA start yesterday, so he could go on three days’ rest (in theory – but, is it wise to do that with a guy for his first big league start in, like, a year?). James Russell threw a third of an inning in relief last night, for what it’s worth.
  • Paul Sullivan agrees that 2011 is a “do-or-die” season for Jim Hendry as GM of the Cubs. Ken Rosenthal says it would be a mistake to fire Hendry because he’s put the Cubs in a position to win in the future (to which I say, if you get 10 years to do it, I’d hope you’ve set the team up for the future), and because scouting director Tim Wilken and Minor League director Oneri Fleita might leave with Hendry.
  • Speaking of Hendry, of his pre-game discussion (and hug) with soon-to-be free agent Albert Pujols, Hendry said, “Same thing (as always): ‘How’s your son?’ ‘How are your kids?’ I’m a little different. I’ve always gotten along with players. [Former Cardinals pitcher] Alan Benes and I are real close. I was Alan’s coach [in college]. Alan introduced me to him probably 10 years ago.” Just grease those wheels, Jimmy. Grease those wheels.
  • Ryan Theriot tries to back away from his asinine post-joining-Cardinals comments.
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    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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