Lance, I think your stats point to something I've thought about a lot the second half of this season. The Cubs' problem is not really hitting, but more situational hitting. The last game of the last Cinci series and the Houston series are prime examples. We get the bases loaded with one or no outs (a perfect chance to KO the starting pitcher) and what happens, a weak strikeout or a sharp ground ball to third base quickly turned for a double play. In both of those instances the starter recovered to pitch a solid rest of the game.
I think Garza's the only one we can rely on from the starters. And he's a team player. I like Dempster, but he's just getting to the point where he gets himself into to many jams and he's losing enough of his edge to where he can't get out of them as easily. Wells, I'm willing to give a chance. Unfortunately, the last two seasons he's only pitched well when it hasn't counted. Other options mentioned are Casher and Shark. Cashner could be another Woody, IMO and might actually be a solid 6 IP starter. I just don't trust his durability. Shark and Russell will only be successfull long relief guys.
Heck, in my opinion the only rock in the back end of the bullpen was Marshall. The team needs to be blown up. I think Hendry got too caught up on signing that big contract player without looking down the road and looking to see how the pieces fit together strategically. IMO, Quade and his staff goes when the new GM comes (probably an inevitability) and the team is blown up. I even wonder if Soriano is cut. I say you keep Garza and the young pieces and begin disposing the rest. It looks to me like all the vets are just content living in Chicago and don't care much about quality ball. I don't think that will change if they stay around next year.
It's hard to say cause I like guys like ARam and Dempster, but it's time to go in a new direction and I'm sure a new GM will agree (depending on how much the Ricketts will allow).
