You're probably right about marshall needing the hook a bit sooner. But I'm not inclinded to get to worked up about that. Or find ways to avoid starting my sentences with conjunctions. As long as he's clearly not being overworked, I feel obliged to step back and chalk that one up to manager's judgement.

WRT Marshall, Baker is quoted as saying he felt he needed the bullpen rested for today, which is less than a vote of confidence in Guzman.

Dusty also says he plans to rest Walker today. It might be wiser to have a full-strength (hah!) line-up if you doubt your starter's capabilities. The crowd's reactions today should be interesting.

Baker said something about the fact that with Guzman pitching today (weather permitting) and with the other question marks on the pitching staff, he was worried about over-extending his bullpen this weekend.

Rats, Neil beat me to the punch.

He obviously lacks the two traits Dusty requires for sustenance: speed or veterany goodness.

He only lacks one; the only reason they called him up was cause of his speed, or so they said.

Of course, new call-up Ryan Theriot has had a grand total of one at bat. He obviously lacks the two traits Dusty requires for sustenance: speed or veterany goodness.

Actually, I think The Riot is pretty fast. He had 5 SBs against 1 CS in AAA and Dusty emphasized his speed when the Cubs called him up:

“He’ll give us some energy, and he can play all positions. He’s basically an infielder that can give us some speed. We’ve got to try something there.”

For people bemoaning the Cubs lack of OBP, Theriot's career minor league OBP is higher than his minor league SLG: .269/.353/.336. If he were capable of putting that up in the big leagues (which he's probably not), combined with his good baserunning and defense, he'd be an adequate fill-in while Lee is gone. But his .036 IsoP and lack of plate discipline at AAA this year suggest that he's only better than Blanco, Bynum and Neifi.

Rats, Moses beat me to the punch.

yeah, me too....unbelievable!

I do like the decision to drop Murton to the eighth slot in the order.

Well, I sure don't. Murton is one of the key guys in the lineup. I fail to see how putting him in a situation where he'll be pitched around is going to do him much good.