Bleed Cubbie Blue

Dave van Dyck writes in the Tribune that Aaron Miles is "confident" he can bounce back next year:

The only trouble is that Miles has been buried on the bench by manager Lou Piniella and booed by Wrigley Field fans when he has appeared.

"The fans can be won back pretty quickly," he said. "I've had a tough year. I definitely feel (management) gave me a good chance, but the injuries have gotten in the way. I've had a tough year personally off the field too (with a divorce)."

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. Injuries? Then stay on the DL until they're fixed. Off the field problems? Leave 'em there. I don't want to hear excuses. It's not Miles' fault that Jim Hendry gave him a ridiculous contract when no one else was bidding for his services. It's on Hendry to fix this problem, and I think the most likely solution is to fold him into whatever deal he makes for Milton Bradley (as I suggested yesterday, perhaps Miles and Bradley could be sent to the Giants for Aaron Rowand).

One player who also wants to come back is Bobby Scales, writes Gordon Wittenmyer:

Scales made an impact more as a pinch hitter, going 7-for-13 with two home runs and five RBI in that role. In 50 games, he is hitting .244 with three homers and 15 RBI, playing mostly in the outfield since his last call-up. "There's some satisfaction in what I've done, but I'm always harder on myself than anyone," he said. "The goal is to stay here and help this team. I want to get better because if you're not getting better, you're getting worse, and in this game, if you're getting worse, you're gone."

Scales will turn 32 tomorrow. He's been a nice feel-good story, but I think the Cubs need to do better if they are going to be a serious contender in 2010.

Meanwhile, according to Bruce Miles, "most" of the coaching staff should return next year, including Larry Rothschild. Larry's a punching bag at times when the pitching staff doesn't do well. This year, the pitching was in general pretty good, particularly the starters. My opinion: I don't think Larry has much impact. When the staff does poorly, I don't believe it's his fault; but when they do well, it's not because of him, either. One thing I do believe: Ryne Sandberg should be added to the major league coaching staff next year.

Today's Starting Pitchers

Randy Wells Cubs vs. Daniel Cabrera Diamondbacks 11-10 W-L 0-5 3.18 ERA 6.07 94 SO 22 45 BB 39 14 HR 4 vs. Ari -- vs. Cubs

Daniel Cabrera was released by the Nationals earlier this year, signed by Arizona to a minor league deal, and recalled after September 1. He was once a top prospect of the Orioles and you'll notice when you see him today that he's a big dude (listed at 6-7, 230). He has never faced the Cubs; the only Cub who could play today who has seen him for more than a couple of AB is Reed Johnson (3-for-16). No one seems to have taken a photo of Cabrera as a Diamondback, so you get the above scowling image of him in a Nationals cap.

Randy Wells needs to throw 3.2 innings today to get on the "qualified" list for the ERA leaders; of course, we'd like to see him throw more than that and do well, since his last start wasn't so good. This will be his first career appearance against the Diamondbacks.

Today's game is on WGN and FSN Arizona. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

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