After the Cubs rode Alfonso Soriano’s bat to another win over the San Diego Padres, a couple of players decided to speak up for Mike Quade. Ryan Dempster and Marlon Byrd were both quoted as saying they want Quade to come back and be the full time manager in 2011.
From The USA Today
“He’s been very upfront, very honest with all of us,” pitcherRyan Dempster said after notching his 15th win. “He’s been tremendously supportive, he’s given us a lot of confidence to go out there. What he’s done for the bullpen- those guys have really stepped up and he’s believed in them.
“He’s done a great job and I hope that he’s here longer than just this year. I hope he’s managing for us next year because he deserves it. He’s done everything they’ve asked, and everyone in here really likes him.”
Outfielder Marlon Byrd said Quade is doing an “unbelievable” job.
“The record speaks for itself,” he said. “The way we’re playing, the way we’re executing, just all-around.”
I’ll admit to not watching on daily basis since Lou left, but from what I have seen, there is no denying the team is playing better. The starting pitching has been excellent for the most part, and the offense has been doing just enough. With Quade in charge, the Cubs are 21-11, though there has been no pressure in these games, and the team went 17-12 to close out 2009.Still, Quade seems to have proven he can handle being a major league manager, and I wouldn’t be upset if he were put in charge next season.
Dempster’s point about the bullpen is something that caught my attention, because Lou was infamous for openly despising his pitchers. Confidence is half the battle with a lot of relief pitchers, and if Quade is helping them, that is something to really think about.
It still looks like Ryne Sandberg is the favorite, as Bob Brenly pointed out today, but if the players want Quade, why not.
Marmol’s Great Season
As the season comes to an end, Carlos Marmol is starting to get more and more love for his season. He got his 36th save last night, and as Fangraphs points out, he leads all closers in WAR. His 15.94 K/9 is going to be a major league record, his 2.62 ERA is remarkable, and he has only blown 5 saves all season.
Marmol has shown that despite still walking a ton of batters, he has the ability to get out of any jam. Closer is one position the Cubs will not have to worry about next year.
Coleman over Samardzija
Score another point for Mike Quade, he picked Casey Coleman as his starting pitcher Friday, over Jeff Samardzija. Coleman was strong in his last start, while Samardzija was brutal.
Samardzija will still be on next year’s team though, he is out of options.
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