Tom Gorzelanny Impresses in Cubs Debut

It was about as good a debut as you can have, especially for a local product, born and raised in the Chicago area.

Tom Gorzelanny made his debut tonight for the Chicago Cubs and was victorious against the Cincinnati Reds.

Gorzelanny changed speeds well and was consistently ahead in the count against the helpless Reds, who have now lost eight straight games.

Gorzelanny even helped himself with an RBI single in the sixth inning, giving him all the insurance he would need.

Gorzelanny struck out six while only walking one during 7 1/3 innings Tuesday night.  Only three Reds were able to get hits off Gorzelanny, who only allowed one earned run.

Make no mistake about it—the Reds' offense is terrible.  However, Gorzelanny was able to strike out Reds' sluggers Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips twice each, suggesting that Gorzelanny was on his game indeed.

Gorzelanny took over Kevin Hart's spot in the rotation after Hart was dealt to Pittsburgh for Gorzelanny and John Grabow, but his spot in the rotation appears a bit murky.

In about two weeks, Ted Lilly, currently on the disabled list, will be back in action, meaning Gorzelanny could be the odd man out for the Cubs.

With Sean Marshall and John Grabow providing left-handed relief for the Cubs' bullpen—and B.J. Ryan rehabbing at triple-A Iowa—Gorzelanny may not last too long in the Cubs' rotation.

But that's a story for another day.  Tonight was a terrific performance by an otherwise under-the-radar acquisition. 

Gorzelanny actually grew up rooting for the crosstown-rival Chicago White Sox, but I think he—and the Cubs—are happy they found each other for the time being.