Come To Think Of It: Lou Trots Out AAA Lineup and Bobby Scales Is Ecstatic

One look at this afternoon's lineup that Cubs manager Lou Piniella posted and you want to cringe. With the exception of Derrek Lee, there is not an everyday major league regular in sight.

Aside from Kosuke Fukudome (despite his hot start, I am not yet convinced), and Little Mikey Fontenot (a career utility guy prior to this season and someone who doesn't play vs. lefties), that is.

It doesn't help that we're facing Tim Lincecum, either. Anyway, here's the lineup:

Joey Gathright, .167

Aaron Miles, .183

Kosuke Fukudome, .300

Derrek Lee, .211

Micah Hoffpauir, .300

Mike Fontenot, .256

Bobby Scales, called up from Iowa

Koyie Hill, .313

Sean Marshall—he's a pitcher; who cares what his average is.

And that leads us to Scales, the career minor-leaguer who turns 32 in October. Called up from Iowa, his is a terrific story of perseverance. He plays the game because he loves it.

Oh sure, he had a major league itch that was finally scratched. But there is no way a guy spends that many years in the minors riding buses unless he loves baseball.

Scales even got his first major league hit today, against Lincecum, of all people.

Here's what Lou had to say about Scales (prior to the game):

"I'm happy he's here because this young man has endured a long time in the minors. It's a real nice story. He deserves it. He was a lot better this spring than last spring. Let's hope he does well."

Bobby, for his part, is staying well grounded, it appears from this quote:

"It's everything you hope for when you play professional baseball. Some of us late bloomers have to wait longer than others, but I made it. I just felt comfortable with everything throughout the organization here. Everyone was welcoming and wanted you to do well. I know nothing is promised. If I go back, I go back. If I stay, I stay."

According to BleedCubbieBlue.com, "the last Cub who made his major league debut (not just Cub debut) at an age older than 31 was a right-handed relief pitcher named Freddy Rodriguez, who spent 13 years in the minor leagues before his first major league game at age 34 on April 18, 1958. Despite a decent debut, his eight-appearance Cub career resulted in a 8.68 ERA."

Here's hoping for better results from Mr. Scales.

Randy Wells will be recalled to take Carlos Zambrano's next turn in the rotation, set for Friday. The 26-year old Wells has a 2.77 ERA in five starts (26 innings), so far this year at Iowa.

He has allowed only one home run and walked just seven, so control will be the key to his success.

Hey, they're all professionals, come to think of it.