Carlos Marmol, pitching for the Dominican in the WBC, brought the old cubbie magic out to the mound in the bottom of the 11th vs the team from the land of dikes. By the time the last blooper landed, the final errant throw, and the inevitable liner glancing off the mitt, the Dutch had defeated the All Stars of the Dominican Republic. Setting aside the peals of laughter, the practical effect of the loss is the Astros get Miguel Tejada (sentencing pending) back at short.
That will cut down the playing time available for the crowd competing for the backup.
“They’re all competing,” Cooper said. “I’m waiting for somebody to say, ‘Hey, it’s my job. I want it. I’m taking it.’ At this point, nobody’s really distinguished themselves.”
Notes on some of the competitors,
“He can hit,” manager Cecil Cooper said of Jason Smith. “He’s a guy I’ve seen in the minor leagues. I know he’s got some offensive potential.” Link
Drew Sutton has been dealing with a hamstring issue for about a week. His first start at short was 3/8, but Cooper is reportedly anxious to seem him play short.
“He’s a full-go guy,” Cooper said. “I tried to protect him the last couple of days. He’s ready to go. He’s still got time. We just need to see a few reps, to see how he does.” Link
Maysonet has had a sprained ankle. Link
If the Tank Commander can say nice things about the Astros…
Tony LaRussa commenting on the competition in the NL Central,
“Houston always finds a way.”