Sean Marshall: Cubs Starting Pitcher Belongs In Pen

Bullpen BrianMay 10, 2009

The Cubs should move Sean Marshall to the bullpen, not because he is pitching poorly, but because it is a role he is better suited for.

The guy throws too many pitches to last past five or six innings. I want more frames from a starter.

Sunday, he tossed 97 pitches in five innings. The results were good, but you want as few innings as possible from Chicago’s unsettled pen.

Besides, in 55 career starts Marshall has lasted through seven innings just nine times and eight frames once.

Keeping Marshall in the rotation only for his left-handedness is silly.

If it is that important to have a southpaw starter, why not trade for one and put Marshall where he belongs—long relief and lefty vs. lefty situations.

One option for replacing Marshall’s rotation spot is Jose Ascaino, freshly recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

The flame throwing right-hander has been starting in the minors with success. He is also working on developing a change up.

Learning a new pitch can make all the difference in being a career minor leaguer vs. being a solid major league hurler.

We are about to find out if this works in Ascaino’s case.

Fontenot makes two terrific plays at third keeping runs from scoring. Conversely, Soriano plays kickball in left field allowing runners to advance to second and third.

Pitching is only as good as the defense. Thankfully, Soriano’s potent bat makes him an exception to the rule—his two-run tater in the third being the example. But, there is no excuse for lazily playing a routine hit ball.

DEFENSE MATTERS!

Milton Bradley admits to feeling some pressure at the plate this year. I like his honesty and I appreciate his willing to open up to the media. For his own sake, he should talk to the media more often.

When players talk, the media has nothing to speculate about. Now we know Bradley felt pressure and we can better understand why he struggled at the dish. End of conversation.

Braun was a little cocky Friday running the bases after his go ahead two run jack. I loved watching him strikeout to end the game Sunday!

Big blow Monday after wrapping up 20 games played in 20 days. Cubs finish with a (10-10) mark.

How can you not be a fan of Milwaukee’s Sausage Race? I always pull for the brat.

And, I always crush a couple when visiting Miller Park too!