I didn't see it, but John Rooney and Ricky Horton kept talking about it -- Jason Marquis was hit hard and hit often last night.

According to the ESPN.com box score, in 60 pitches he threw 41 strikes, and if it weren't for double plays in the first and second innings, it could have been a lot worse. Of course, after Jorge Sosa left the mound, it did get a lot worse.

Since Marquis last pitched well (the 8 innings of shutout ball in LA on July 23rd), the three subsequent outings have resulted in the following composite:

12 2/3 IP
26 H
14 R, 11 ER (that's a 7.82 ERA over those 3 games, if you're counting)
2 HR allowed (to make his NL-leading total 26 HR allowed)
7 BB
5 SO
3 L

The AP article that appeared in yesterday's Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette praised Marquis for eating innings during last week's 8-1 loss to Philadelphia, since the bullpen was used up during the 16-8 loss on the previous night. He threw 118 pitches to the Phillies in 6 innings, giving up 4 ER on 9 hits. I guess that's what passes for praiseworthy these days from Cardinals' starting pitching: don't make us use the bullpen extensively two nights in a row.

For those who don't recall, I am a TLR supporter. Doesn't mean I agree with every move, just means I'd rather have him than a whole bunch of managers out there right now. Having said that, here is a plea -- Tony, please skip Jason's next start. Flip him and Wainwright for the next 9 games, give Wainwright Marquis' turn in the rotation next time, let Jason do his side work in relief. I'm not suggesting he be removed from the rotation for good. Just give the guy (and us) a break, and let him come back strong(er) for the next start and build momentum for the playoffs. Surely he is ahead of Weaver in the playoff rotation, yes? (Oops, did I type that out loud?)

And yes, I think the 'Birds are in the playoffs. I don't see Cincinnati catching them - I expect a Cardinals win tonight against Harang and a loss against Arroyo tomorrow. At this point, I think .500 ball from here on out wins the division -- the Cardinals would finish with a stellar 86-76 record if they split the rest of their games, and the Reds have to go 29-20 to top that.

Dan (aka TSF)