Giving An Order
The Cubs made a switch at the top of the order today and Lou was a bit tired of answering questions about it before the game. I'm not sure what the fascination is with running the same 8 guys out there every day and having their tongues hang out in September. It's a long season and face it, the game has changed. To me it's one of the most overblown topics we have. I know because of Soriano why it comes up here, but it really is insignificant. If a manager isn't getting his bench players in against starters where the numbers favor his team or giving his regulars enough rest, he's not doing his team justice.
We talked about it. Lou used 125 lineups last year - the National League average was 115. The specialization of the game has changed the old notion of 8 regulars.
Bob
Comments
I agree with you BB -- a good manager gets his bench guys in on a regular basis so they're ready in clutch situations. This is only an issue because all the talking heads need something to talk about -- let's hear it for the 24-hour sports junket, rah rah.
Nice game today! How cool was it to see Demp get his first win in 3 years and Woody get his first save ever in the same game?? (Demp is never gonna hear the end of it after dropping his bat at home plate!) It's good to see Fonzie and ARam off the schneid too (I'm stealing your word Lenny C)....let's keep this square dance going against the A$$-strokes! :)
Posted by: Carrie C. | April 3, 2008 6:27 PM
I don't know what Brenly is driving at here, as Lou's playing the "same 8 guys". The question is why he flipped Theriot and Soriano.
Posted by: Ricky | April 3, 2008 9:53 PM
Bob - During yesterday's broadcast (4/03) you mentioned that Lou was taking a risk in the 8th by using Ronny Cedeno as a pinch runner for Daryle Ward because Cedeno was the last infielder remaining on the Cubs bench. This is actually incorrect. Alfonso Soriano could have been used in an infield role and Reed Johnson could have then taken his spot in the outfield. Regardless, keep up the good work.
Posted by: Phil "The Thrill" | April 4, 2008 12:59 AM
You have a valid point, Bob, but I think Lou was downright testy with the press and he seems to be getting more so every time he is asked a question. Answering the presses questions is part of the job description and Lou needs to learn to be a little more cooperative. He seems to have a very thinly disguised distaste for answering ANY questions.
Posted by: Bonnie O. | April 4, 2008 8:14 AM