Why do I even bother?
Harold Reynolds said that the Cubs were the third best team in the NL Central. That's fine, everyone is entitled to think the Reds are actually good. His reasoning was: "the bullpen is worn out already, what will it be like in August" (paraphrased, I wish I had Tivo for times like this). The funny thing is, I was always under the impression that Dusty Baker overworked his pitchers and if I remember Jimy Williams from his days in Boston, and after watching him last year, thats one guy who definitely overworks his bullpen.

Despite the fact that the Cubs are in first place with an All-Star team on the disabled list, Harold thinks they are the third place team. I wouldnt mind this so much if he had a legitimate reason, of which there are plenty. (injuries, nobody to lead off, infield defense, injuries) Maybe I was wrong about the pen, but I wasn't about to give Harold Reynolds the benefit of the doubt, so I checked.

       PEN IP  TEAM IP   PEN %

CHC     116      393     29.5%

CIN     128      379     33.8%

HOU     132      387     34.1%

MIL     149      386     38.6%

STL     117      397     29.5%

PIT     128      363     36.6%

Well if Dusty is overworking his pen and the Cubs are third place team because of it, then I'm not really sure who's bullpen is going to lead them to the playoffs. Despite pitching the 6th most innings in MLB, the Cubs bullpen has only pitched the 27th most innings. There are only three teams with less innnings by their bullpen, where can Harold possibly get his information.

In fact, even if Harold was right (which we all know better than to assume) it wouldn't matter in the least. If theres a team set up to suceed wihout a fully rested pen its probablly the Cubs who have the best rotation and a manager not afraid to use it.

I said I was going to stop watching, I know. Fox Sports Net, can you hear me? There is a market opportunity here, take advantage of it. Hire some ex-major leaguers who can speak reasonably well, forget that, we've seen Kruk. Okay, hire some ex-major leaguers and a FACT-CHECKER! Instantly you have a better show than Baseball Tonight.
Curt  ¶ 12:21 AM