Cubs fans likely don't all run jewelry shops, but they all, so far, buy Silva. I was skeptical of him being named to the rotation no matter what kind of spring he had, but he hasn't pitched this well since pitching in Minnesota around five years ago. The sinker is moving, the fastball is topping out, and the changeup is making hitters look like fools. I don't get how he does it with his size. The only run he gave up was to another big man, ironically. Rod Barajas smoked a home run to left, but Silva was solid throughout besides that. The offense returned with Alfonso Soriano collecting three hits and three RBI, so Silva got the win. Silva has now, in the mind of Cub fans, been moved up to the #4 spot ahead of Tom Gorzelanny and we all hope to see such a feel good story keep going. He isn't a strikeout pitcher necessarily, but reminds me of Randy Wells with the sinker and the changeup to go with the low 90s fastball that won't smoke anybody but can run up on you. Both guys have very good control, so neither have gotten in trouble walking guys. Tonight, Tom Gorzelanny faces Johan Santana in a big southpaw matchup. Santana is one of my favorite pitchers in baseball, but I do hope the Cubs offense obliterates his circle change and fastball tonight because we do need to get the offense going consistently. I could see Gorzelanny going six innings, giving up three runs or something. Righty hitters have an advantage at funky Citi Field because although it is easier to pull one down the line for a home run to right, the gap in right-center in enormous! The bullpen is a mile from home plate and the setback right field part of the wall knocks down fly balls. Go Cubs!
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