Unsung Heroes
Everybody in Chicago knows who Carlos Marmol is. Everybody knows Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot. And yet, there are a few players on the Cubs who play essential roles for the team and receive little attention from the Chicago media. Let's take a quick look at these guys today.
First and foremost, I have always been a fan of this guy. He's been an anonymous and reliable reliever in the Cubs bullpen for several years now, and despite the fact that he has 230 career strikeouts in 210.2 career innings, nobody has ever paid much notice to Mike Wuertz. So far this year, Wuertz has been used mostly in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings, and he has compiled a 3.58 ERA in 65.1 innings of work. He was roughed up a little in August, but his numbers are still solid, and I have a feeling that the Cubs would be missing this guy if he wasn't there.
Another reliever who has garnered a lot of negative attention but only gotten a little positive from fans and the media is Scott Eyre. He's been stuck with a fork, but he's still pitching and he's compiled an ERA of 1.02 since the All Star Break. Not bad.
Of all the guys in the everyday lineup, this player seems fairly overlooked to me. He came to Chicago more recently than his contemporaries, and after a slow start and mediocre defense, we kind of forgot about Jason Kendall. But consider this: in 49 games and 153 at bats, Kendall has already had as many doubles, almost as many homers, RBIs, and more walks than what he got as an Athletic, while doing it all in 140 fewer at bats. After his slow start with the Cubs, Kendall really turned things around in August by hitting close to .350. So far, September has been a bust for him, but hey, he's better than Barrett.
Anyway. The Cubs battle the Cardinals again tonight, after a heart-attacking victory yesterday. Today's game isn't a "must-win," but it sure would be nice if they did. Can you imagine the Cubs playing a big part in the Cardinals dropping 10 straight? Good times.
Kendall May Be Unsung
But he's also playing his final days as a big-leaguer. He's a car wreck behind the plate, and he cost them the game last night with his lackadaisical effort on the dropped third strike which opened up the floodgates. I think Daryle Ward could steal on him, too. I like the guy, I like his approach at the plate, but he is a terrible catcher now.
There's no way a team will sign him this offseason to catch. And, because he's pretty much just a singles hitter, he's got little value elsewhere.
Kendall
He may be unsung, but he sure mailed us a nice turd sandwich last night. Two errors and two passed balls. Not to mention the number of pitches that would have been passed balls had anyone been on base. He should have sat out both games or at least been swapped out for Hank.
Vote for Hank
If Hank is healthy, why isn't he playing (more)? I understand Soto has some pop in his bat and had a great year, so give him some at bats. But doesn't Hank have some experience down the stretch during pennant runs in Atlanta? Right now we need his defense. Let the other 7 guys provide the offense.
I'm not that down on Kendell, but is he what we need down the stretch?
What's up with Hank ?
Has there been any official statement as to why he is not playing ? Kendall is horrible behind the plate. I can't even say that he's better than Barrett. Let's not forget that he was largely responsible for the lost the first game he played as a Cub. Hitting singles in the 8 spot really isn't worth terrible defense behind the plate.
Don't forget Dempster...
Dempster takes a tremendous beating all over the place, but he's now 28 for 31 in save opportunities. I can't stand the fact that some 'fans' cry because he makes them "nervous" when he's earning his 90% plus save percentage. I don't give a flying fig about his ERA, he's a closer. Dempster is a big reason we're still in the play-off hunt.