Game 133: Pirates 10 – Cubs 9

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POTG: 2B Ryan Theriot (5 H, 2B, 2 R, RBI, SB)
Runners Up: 3B A Ram (2 H, 2B, R), RF Jacque Jones (4 H, 2 R, RBI), LF Matt Murton (H, 2 RBI), SS Ronny Cedeno (2B, RBI, R), 1B Derek Lee (2 H, BB, R, SB), RP Roberto Novoa (1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 K, 2 IHR stranded)

Sorry for the delay. I needed a bit of distance after this game. This was so depressing and so bad.

I actually thought it was over when the Pirates got up 4-3 and Mateo got hurt. Somehow, the way it ended was somehow worse.

I can’t delve back into the game unless I want to back into the depression from this game, so maybe just bullet points

BAD
– Dusty’s in game management. The 9th was a disaster, three double switches in one game just ended up backfiring (whole bench used, Dempster up in a situation where they could’ve really used a hitter. Just a vintage performance here.
– Ronny Cedeno. He’s so bad. He’s SO BAD.
– Les Walrond. Should’ve been optioned down after his start (and not started to start with.) His ERA actually went down .15 points!
– Pitchers as targets. Not a big fan of it!
– Ryan Dempster
– lack of extra base power; how do you get 20 hits and 17 of them are singles?

GOOD
– Theriot’s five hits could’ve possibly open some eyes. Even when Cesar comes back, he needs to be getting a lot of evaluating plate appearances
– This Daily Herald article suggests the team position may finally be changing on Ronny Cedeno. He shouldn’t be the starter and I don’t think he should be on the bench unless there’s no better backup SS available.
– Novoa, Wuertz and Ohman doing good jobs in the bullpen
– Cubs got something for Nevin, who was perfectly acceptable while he was here.
– The last line of Paul Sullivan’s column

But if he believes the Cubs will return to life magically with most of the same players in the same roles, he’s deluding himself.

(though I’m not sure I agree with all the moves he’s suggesting)
– we’re one game closer to ending this