Gregg Is Still Better Than Hawkins

Kevin Gregg led the NL in blown saves last year. Meaning, more outings like this one are bound to happen with the right-hander.

Does not mean Marmol should close. Does not mean Gregg cannot cut it in the ninth. And, Lou says he is ready to throw Gregg back out there Sunday, if need be. It is one of the beauties of baseball–there is always tomorrow!

This was vintage LaTroy Hawkins pitching at Wrigley–blowing the save opportunity. Never liked the guy as the Cubs’ closer. And, I would take Gregg over Hawkins any day.

 

Another situational hit by Soriano to right field. That is three this week. This one a game winner. Might be his season high since joining the Cubs!

Even better, Fonsi connected on an zero and two pitch. Did not try to pull the ball. If he keeps going to right, pitchers will approach him differently. In turn, Soriano will see more pull pitches inside: advantage Alfonso.

You hate to see Hoffpauir ride the bench with Lee batting .198. If I am Lou, I would write Micah into the starting lineup at first–at least for the time being.

Obviously, you lose big time defense from Lee. However, Hoffpauir has reached base safely in seven of his last eight games. With more playing time I think Micah puts up even better numbers.

Marshall gets the win out of the bullpen. Love it!

Randy Wells is a start-by-start pitcher, each outing an audition to stay with the big club. Wells earned another start Saturday. Keep Marshall in the pen.

• Cubs (21-14) are in second place.

• W: Marshall (2-2) L: Hawkins (1-1)
  

• Chicago is a season-high seven games over .500.

• Lee notched his first RBI since May third.
  

• Hoffpauir is six-for-13 this season against Houston.

• Cubs have scored four or more runs in all 21 wins.
  

• Chicago is (19-3) when holding a lead entering the seventh inning.

• Gregg is six-for-eight in save opportunities.
  

• Former Cub Rich Hill picked up his first win with Baltimore.