[pete_b]

As everyone in the whole world knows, the Detroit Tigers are in first place by a game and a half. Today on the mound is the always inconsistent, and should be in the minors, how the heck is this guy in the pros Rusch. In seven starts his record is 2-7 and has a 7.29 era.

Robertson is on the mound for the Tigers who is pitching phenomenally this year. In thirteen starts he is 6-3 with a 3.50 era. He is just coming off of a tough five inning win against Toronto.

My prayers are with the Cubs.

[pete_b]

Cubs lost the first game of the series to the Tigers by a score of 5-3. Rusch pitched a totally awful barely two innings and gave up four earned runs. Guzman came in as the "second starter" and pitched five one run innings. Aardsma, Ohman and Novoa combined for three innngs and only one hit. What is Rusch still doing in the rotation?

Up for the Cubs is the rookie sensation- haha- just wanted to see if anyone was listening- Marmol. Marmol has one start is 1-0 and a .90 era. He had six one run innings against the Reds about a week ago. He is going up against Verlander who is realistically up for a Cy Young.

[pete_b]

The Cubs have lost five games in a row to bring their record to a dismal 26-41, just fourteen games out of first place. What did the Cubs expect against Verlander. Although Verlander only went six innings it wasn't because they needed to take him out. The Tigers pounded Marmol for four runs, Ohman for three more and AArdsma for two. Although the Cubs scored two in the ninth, there was no chance for a comeback.

The Tigers have a great one-two punch with Verlander and Rogers. Rogers is on the mound today against PRIOR!!! wooo. Prior is making his first start of the season. This will be very interesting.

[Lefty Noob]

Man, did Mark Prior look lousy on Sunday. He managed just 3 2-3 innings, gave up four homers and allowed eight runs to score. Of course, its not like the Chicago pen did much better, as Detroit set a club record with eight home runs. By the way, it also marked Kenny Rogers 200th career victory. So pete, where do the Cubbies go from here with Prior?

[MJHMarc]

Prior and Wood are the most controversial pitchers I have ever seen on the mound. They had some decent years in the start of their career, and then went downhill with injuries. Now back from the injuries (and returning to the DL), they cannot adapt to the Big Leagues and complete horrible starts. Sometimes it makes you wonder whether they are more productive on the DL or on the mound.