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Cubs move up to 13-8
Brewers moved up to 11-10
POTG: SP Greg Maddux (6 IP, 8 H, BB, 2 R, 6 K, QS, W #323)
Runner Ups: CF Juan Pierre (2 H, 2B, 2 R), SS Ronny Cedeno (3 H, 2 RBI, R, HR), 3B A-RAM (2B, BB, R), LF Matt Murton (2B, R, BB), RF Jacque Jones (3 H, 2 RBI, R, HR – probably getting ripped off not winning POTG but what can you do), RP Scott Eyre (H, IP, BB, HBP, 3 K), RP Scott Eyre (IP, 3 K)
THIRTY FIVE AND OH! THIRTY FIVE AND OH! THIRTY FIVE AND OH!
This was a BAD day for Maddux and he gave up 2 runs. He gave 6 hits, some of which were bad pitches, but some which were just balls that happen to get thru. Last year, a performance like this would’ve been one of his best of the season. This year, it’s his worse, inflating his ERA all the way to 1.35. I hope he can live with himself.
If this goes on much longer, we’re all going to start wondering why Maddux didn’t start the more intense off season program about two years ago. I’ll sure take it now; this team is about .500 with last year’s Maddux.
The scouting report on David Bush said he threw a lot of strikes, and I think that’s the kind of pitcher the Cubs have to hope to face during the Lee absence. They’re going to swing regardless, so people who just give them stuff to hit are going to be punished. Guys that make them chase will likely make them pay.
Murton’s hitting 9 of 18 vs left handed pitchers. Doug Davis and Chris Capuano are both lefties. If Walker is going to get a day off versus one or both, I say they let Matt bat third for a game and see how it goes.
Doug Davis held the Cubs to a .215 average against last year; part of their trouble with left handers in general. He’s had a bad start to this season, and I hope they can keep it going.
I really hope we don’t pick up Jeff Connie. Enough trading with the O’s for marginally useful players!