At a Loss for Words

So many things about this game made me furiously angry that I'm basically out of things to say at this point. With the rain delay, completely incompetent relief pitching, and awful FOX announcers, there is too much to fit in here. So I'll be brief.

The color commentator in this game, Tim McCarver, was completely terrible. Apparently he has won a couple of Emmys for being a sports analyst, but apparently whoever voted for the Emmys was on crack. In the 6th inning, Alfonso Soriano steals 2nd base. This is notable because Soriano has been much more conservative on the basepaths ever since he strained his hamstring. Shortly thereafter Derrek Lee hits a single to center field, and Soriano is waved around third base. As he is rounding third, you can see him grimace in pain and he is running very awkwardly, almost with a limp. He is thrown out easily. For the next five minutes, Mr. McCarver tries to contemplate why in the world Soriano would run slowly on that play. Did he not feel like scoring a run? Was he just being lazy? Never once does he mention Soriano's recent injury and the fact that he was obviously in pain rounding third. No, McCarver instead believes that for some reason he just didn't feel like running on that play. I wanted to throw the TV out the window and listen to less moronic announcers on WGN Radio. Tim McCarver, whether you didn't know about Soriano's injury or you're just too dimwitted to make the connection, you sir are an idiot. Please go hang your head in shame.

Game Summary for May 12th, 2007

• Score: Cubs lose to the Phillies, 11-7.
  
• Player of the Game: Derrek Lee. Went 4-for-5 with two runs scored, though for some reason he is still completely incapable of hitting home runs.
• Subject of Lou's Wrath: Bob Howry. Worst. Outing. Ever.
  
• Comments: Lou, what the heck are you doing? When we're tied or have a tiny lead, you insist on bringing in pitcher like Eyre, Ohman, and Howry. Where's Michael Wuertz in these situations? What about Neal Cotts, or Rocky Cherry? Any of those would be better choices than what you're using. This is the one biggest thing I cannot understand about Lou's managing style at the moment. Wuertz and Cotts have ERAs of 1.62 and 1.98, respectively. Why don't they see any time in this game? Anyways, the three relievers we did use combined to give up 7 runs in 3 whole innings. Phenomenal.
  
• Magic Number: 136. The team is skidding out of control, and I don't know if Lou has what it takes to get us back on track at the moment. I'm starting to lose faith.

Ted Lilly tries to prevent the sweep while pitching against former Cub Jon Lieber tomorrow. Failure is not an option here. Just get it done.