good choices, bad choices

Jim Edmonds is turning out to be just what the Cubs needed, even if they didn't know it at the time. He hit two home runs in one game again yesterday (one was a grand slam) and helped the North-siders finish off a four-game sweep of the Bloated Brewers. And here I thought Milwaukee was going to prove more of a challenge. I guess that's just when they're visiting Busch. thhhhhbbbppppt...

Glaus got the day off yesterday, and I can't help but wonder if it isn't because of the slump he's been in (and I'd call a .139 average over nine games a slump). Maybe a little rest will help him get back on track. He's very streaky, and we're ready for the next hot streak.

When asked why he continues to give back runs and blow leads, Piñeiro replied, "I wish I knew, so I could stop doing it." 

What a stupid question. I feel bad for pitchers after they have games like Joel had last night, and I feel even worse when they have to answer questions like, "So how bad does losing feel?" and, "Why can't you pitch better?" Jeez, come on.

Albert is back to being Albert. He's up to 21 home runs, and as Al pointed out last night, it's no longer a question of if he'll make it to 100 RBIs, it's when.

Wainwright will throw a "game-like" bullpen session tomorrow and work on the most challenging of his pitches: his curveball. Hopefully this means it won't be too much longer before he's back. Then the question is, whom will he replace in the rotation? 

I'd take Carp off the list of choices, and Lohse as well. That leaves three possibilities. 

Wellemeyer's last outing was painful to watch (especially with all the sweating) but he only gave up two runs and the team won the game. 

Looper won his last decision, putting him at ten wins on the season. When he's sharp, he goes deeper into games than any of the others. 

I intentionally saved Piñeiro for last. He has not looked good lately, and last night was no exception. He only has three wins this season, and the last one was on July 8. His ERA is above five, and what's probably working against him as much as anything is the fact that Tony does not agree with Joel's attitude toward winning and losing. Joel takes more of a "qué será será" approach to pitching, while Tony prefers his pitchers to reach deep down inside and release the true competitor within. In other words, go out there and bring it. I'd hate to make any assumptions, though, so we'll just wait and see.

Coming up...

The Redbirds play 3 games against the Phillies at Busch, have a day off, then play 3 more home games against the Dodgers (and their new outfielder).

The Cubs have two 3-game home series, first against Pittsburgh, then Houston, before a day off.

The Brewers travel to Atlanta for 3 games, then Cincinnati for 3 games, then have a day off.