L as in Lilly (Losing)

Close to three weeks into the new season and newcomer Ted Lilly has become our hard luck starting pitcher. He has pitched more innings than any other Cub and has a 2.42 ERA. Still his record dropped to one win and two losses today.

It was not entirely the fault of his teammates that the Cubs fell again today. Lilly did make one bad pitch to Preston Wilson after walking Jim Edmonds providing the two to one score. Forget the fact that it was one of only four hits and one of only two walks he allowed. Lilly did give up the runs and is responsible for the loss.

Just ignore the fact the respected back-up catcher Henry Blanco forgot how to drop a bunt and what to do if it pops up. Forget that Ronnie Cedeno forgot how to steal second base (Rule Number One: Get there first; Rule Number Two: If you get there first, do not overrun the bag).

Manager Lou Piniella may have discovered why everyone was telling him that Cedeno needed to spend the year in Iowa. The young man has a couple home runs, but he has cost the team by not hitting his weight (.050 batting average) and making mental mistakes fielding and now a big base running mistake.

Sure, Ryan Theriot made a base running mistake recently, but Theriot is hitting .326, is sure afield, and scored the only Cub run today. Theriot is helping the Cubs attempt to win. Cedeno is only continuing to fertilize the fan’s animosity toward him that was planted last year with a mediocre rookie year.

The club has high hopes for Ronnie Cedeno. I do, too. The fellow needs a chance to develop. It is time to send him down to Iowa before he is scarred for life.

Rich Hill had a bad time when he first reached the big time. He was sent down and learned from the experience. Today he has three wins including an eight inning shutout performance.

Corey Patterson had a bad time when he first reached the big time. He never truly recovered. Now he is hitting .225 for Baltimore.

We want Cedeno to go away and return ready for the big time. He has the tools, but does not have the confidence. Piniella needs someone who he can use as he is using Cedeno, but someone with more confidence and an understanding of his role.

Two possibilities for the role reside in Iowa currently. Mike Fontenot has had a cup of coffee in the big leagues. No one expects him to develop into a star infielder. At age 26, he could use a shot at being a utility man. Koyie Hill has some major league experience. He can be a third string catcher as well as play some infield. Right now, in a limited role in Iowa, he is hitting .355 with a home run and eight RBIs. Either one could be a better role player than Cedeno has been to date.

In the meantime, we cannot blame Ted Lilly and waste what are good outings from most of our starting pitchers. We want the offense to put in more than an occasional appearance. Piniella has said that this team would not be a good small ball team, but we must not abandon small ball altogether. We want the Cubs to own a Cardinal team that is on its way down.

With former Card Jason Marquis on the mound, and a rested bullpen, we want tomorrow to be the Cubs day.