Come To Think Of It: Calls For Ted Lilly's Head Are Misguided

Alright, so Ted Lilly didn't pitch a very good game Wednesday night. And yes, his starts this spring haven't exactly provided cause for optimism.

But the several blogs and websites I have visited recently contain opinions that are extremely over reactive in nature.

Some are saying that Lilly should be moved down in the rotation. Others are saying he should skip a start. Still other non-reality based fans are suggesting he be taken out of the rotation altogether.

Well, I have one word for you: Stupid.

Yes, I used a kinder, gentler word in my headline, but truth be told, I think it would be crazy to suggest that we do anything but continue to send Lilly out there every fifth day.

Why? For several reasons, actually. Among them:

• Lilly has 32 wins over the past two seasons for the Cubs.
  
• He is a slow starter. Despite this, his final numbers have been remarkably consistent during the past two seasons. In 2007, Lilly gave up 181 hits in 207 innings, with a K-BB result of 174-55 and an ERA of 3.83. In 2008, he allowed 187 hits in 204 innings, with a K-BB result of 184-64, and an ERA of 4.09.
• We'll need a starter for when Rich Harden can't go.
• We have no one to take his place. 

Yes, I know that Lilly gave up four home runs despite getting the win in five innings Wednesday night in Houston. But let's face it, we already have a fifth starter in Sean Marshall that's unproven. And, we have a fourth starter in Harden that's injury prone.

Besides, just who would take Ted's place? Jeff Samardzija is pitching in relief at Iowa and he is off to a rough start, after a very shaky spring. Plus, he only has two pitches which he doesn't command well. He's no more ready for the major league rotation than I am.

Mitch Atkins just got lit up at Iowa in his first start and didn't impress during the spring. Chad Gaudin? Gone. Aaron Heilman? Please.

Look, Ted Lilly is a huge part of a rotation that we need to pitch well this season for us to reach our goals. If he's not there, we're in trouble. Let him work out his issues like he did last season after a rough start.

The results may pay dividends. Except for a trade, we have no choice anyway, come to think of it.