POTG: C Michael Barrett (HR, R, 2RBI, I guess it’s now policy to reward the guy with a PH 2 Run HR over an equally good starter)
runner ups: Dusty (for actually using Barrett!; bring x-large lineups cards because apparently he’s going to be playing everyone every game, which is neat and insane), D-Lee (3H, HR, 1R, 1RBI, 1.786OPS to start the season), Z (QS, no earned runs, still a little wild), the whole bullpen
down on: Comcast TV (how can they still be having tech difficulties? Are we going to get audio for the Bulls playoff games this year?), RF Jacque Jones (0-12 on season, inaccurate arm)
Aggressive Dusty may (MAY) kill us at some point, but I’m willing to find out. I’m reading thru Game of Shadows, and besides realizing for the first time that people weren’t just neglecting but *knew* and didn’t care, I’ve figured out that this is Dusty’s dream team. Biggest stars have no big star egos, and the team is completely behind him. It’s a team you can do a lot of things with – subs, squeezes, adjusting the lineup based on matchups – and I wonder if Dusty’s more vocal wish to stick around might be because he figures he’s not doing better than this.
So, I was talking to Mike as the game ended – complaining about how much Comcast sucks and Comcast always sucks and Comcast always will suck and vowing never to watch a Comcast show EVER! except for Cubs/Bulls and all the Comcast shows suck anyway – and he’s feeling far less good about the team than I am. He’s not quite sure if we’ll keep it going, but I’m starting to feel a little bit more positive about this team.
Z didn’t look peak Carlos yet, with still too many walks (and it’s a problem all over the staff) and he got tired quick after those errors, but 0 earned runs over 6IP is pretty fine for a off day. We’d be a really good team if he could pitch every third game, but I don’t think that’s going to last.
Tomorrow: ESPN! Primetime! Annoying announcing! Every time they try the “how will they ever manage to live another day without Prior and Wood” story, throw something at your TV.
Sean Marhsall’s debut. this time for sure. Is it the most important day of the season? Nah. It’d be a great sign, though, to get a good start and a sweep of the Cards early.