What Should Not Be

The Cub had business winning this game after the ninth inning. Marmol was atrocious in the ninth, walking 1, hitting a batter, and recording 5 earned runs. Theriot's defense in the inning was equally bad, botching a potential double play and making a ridiculous throw from his back, allowing the tying run to score. If he had held the ball, the Cubs win the game two batters later. Lou refused to be specifically critical of Theriot in his postgame PC, instead chalking it up to a mistake by a young player, and saying he "hoped he'll learn from this." I'm not as optimistic. As for Marmol, Lou should have gone out and got him. Instead, he left him out there and the Cubs paid the price. Lou says the Cubs will stick with him, and I believe him, but I don't expect to see Marmol pitch again before the ASB. A lot of us were wondering about Wood and why he wasn't out in the ninth. Lou says he has a blister and won't pitch until after the ASB, which coupled with Marmol's struggles, makes Howry the closer by proxy. I think, personally, that this is smart move by Lou to garner Marmol and Wood a week's rest. We shall see. Bottom line: this team is 20 games over .500, Rich Harden is a dominant SP, and this team is poised to make a great second half run. Today was rough, but good teams win these games, and the Cubs won this one. Let's wipe our brows and get 'em tomorrow.