Atlanta 129, Carlos Zambrano 124

In yesterday's game aka meltdown, the total number of pitches thrown by Atlanta's guys was 129 while Carlos Zambrano threw 124 all by himself. Add in the 60 pitches made by other Cub hurlers, the Cubs total is 184. This is not good since too many pitches could lead to bullpen burnout. Zambrano himself could wind up injured if he continues to throw that many pitches.

It is also an indictment of the idiotic position on walks taken by the Cubs organization in that Atlanta pitchers only gave up 1 walk (an intentional walk no less) as compared to 9 given up by the Cubs. Of these, 2 were given up by Dempster in the 9th Inning alone.

The Cubs outhit the Braves 12-5, but the Braves walk superiority enabled them to score more runs than they had hits. This flies in the face of long-established Cubs orthodoxy on walks being a bad thing. Dusty Baker is only the most outspoken manager on the subject. Unless the Cubs adopt patience over aggressiveness aka swinging at the first pitch and the like, this season could wind up with the Cubs in last place.


Additionally, Dempster's recent performances makes you wonder if he is not injured and is not telling anyone, much like what Borowski did.


Finally, since Wood cannot seem to throw much more than 70 pitches, why not make him the closer with the stipulation that he go for 2-3 inning saves instead of these 1-inning things?