Offensive Offense

Baseball is my favorite sport. Unfortunately, there are very few times I get to watch an entire game from start to finish. Last night I came close, showing up to watch the Cubs and Padres in about the second inning.

Sean Marshall started for the first time this year. I was convinced the Cubs would pull out a victory, even when things looked bleak. Two out in the ninth and second baseman Mark DeRosa slams a triple. There is the tying run on third base. It was certain. The Cubs would tie the game and win in extra innings.

Of course, if you are reading this, you know it did not work out that way. It seems like the fiftieth time this year that the Cubs waste and outstanding pitching performance. Usually Ted Lilly is left with the no-decision or the loss. This time, it was young Sean Marshall.

Marshall’s excellent start last night allows us to stop worrying over the starting rotation. Carlos Zambrano, Lilly, Jason Marquis, Rich Hill and Marshall make up a find rotation. Unless someone gets hurt, leave them alone and think about the bullpen.

Better yet, think about the offense. The offense continues to squander prime scoring opportunities.

Some things I can excuse. Matt Murton got caught off second base on a hit and run. No problem. Aggressive play sometimes works against you.

The double play that Cesar Izturis hit into with two on and nobody out was a huge disappointment. I know we cannot send this guy to Iowa, nor can we simply release him from his contract, but couldn’t we package him up with Jones and send him away? Theriot could take over at short. We could bring Mike Fontenot back as a utility man (no, not Cedeno).

When General Manager Jim Hendry signed Mark DeRosa to play second base, I was confused. With guys like Izturis, Cedeno and Theriot, I did not understand why we needed this guy. Now, I get it. DeRosa provides some nice thump in the order. He makes a nice utility guy on this team.

Right now, the Cubs are tied at one in the sixth. I will head down and catch the rest of this one. Hopefully, we will see the reverse of last night and a little spark from the offense.