NL Central Bullpens...

by Jumsy on Apr 1, 2008 12:38 AM EDT

If anyone caught the Cubs-Brewers game today where both closers gave up 3 runs in the 9th, did anyone else get the impression that the bullpen is a major problem for those 2 teams? I got the sudden feeling that the door for the top of the NL Central just opened up a bit more for teams like the Cards and Reds. Today was the first time in a LONG time that I was actually glad to have a closer like Izzy. I feel more confident in him than I would if Wood or Gagne were my closer.

Anyone else get this impression?

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The Cubs can easily right the ship putting Marmol there, but I would wait a little bit before declaring the debacle..

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on Apr 1, 2008 4:40 AM EDT reply actions

it's a little early, of course

but I think both of those teams are taking huge risks with the guys they're putting out there in the 9th. (I could also say the same about the Phillies and Mr. Lidge.) it seems like one a closer loses "it", "it" is just gone for good. and Wood just seems like a ticking time bomb...

by madding on Apr 1, 2008 5:37 AM EDT reply actions

Surprised

I was surprised that Piniella went with Wood as the closer. I thought he would go with either Marmol or Howry. The Cubs just can't seem to kick their reliance on Wood and his "stuff".

Gagne was just an awful signing by MIL. He will blow many many saves for them before they install Riske as their closer. Then he will blow games as a setup reliever before they finally release him in August.

by indakind on Apr 1, 2008 10:18 AM EDT reply actions

Howry

Howry didn't fare so well in this game either. So, I could see Marmol being the next in line.

by bsutherland on Apr 1, 2008 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Gagné

is toast... he was topping out about 92 yesterday; making his changeup less effective. He doesn't seem to have much movement on his pitches, either... looks like a case of K-Y Jelly may be in order... :)

"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra

by The Ol Goaler on Apr 1, 2008 10:58 AM EDT reply actions

Gagne

I did not see the game until Riske was pitching but Santo made it sound like Gagne was throwing really slow.

Yeah Gagne has not learned how to pitch without having that 97-100 MPH heater. That was his set up pitch for the change.

by ICbirdfan on Apr 1, 2008 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions

But his $10 million

Just makes the $4.5 million that Lohse got stand out that much more. Nothing like knowing your team made one of the best deals of the offseason. {even if it did kinda just fall into our lap}

by Evilfrog on Apr 1, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Brewers

The brewers do still have Turnbow who is either un hittable or a complete meltdown. He does not seem to ever fall in between. Although he does get a little credit for looking like the 4th Hanson brother . "old time hockey eh coach?"

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose and sometime it rains.

by garden nome on Apr 1, 2008 3:33 PM EDT reply actions

Gagne

I see Gagne decided to go with the homeless look. I like it... he should definitely keep it (sarcasm).

by swingandalongone on Apr 1, 2008 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I really think it's way to early to say anything about

Gagne and Wood being a problem. It was one game. Of course they both have an injury history, so they could land on the DL too.

Turnbow must make the Brewers fans blue knuckle fliers. He is oh, so good, and unhittable, or so bad and unable to find the plate. Since I'm not one of ther fans, I just think he's fun.....

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Apr 1, 2008 5:32 PM EDT reply actions