Cubs vs. Cards 7/29/01: What Was Up Tavarez' Butt?

[HeyHomie]

What the hell was Julián Tavarez' butt? Twice he hit a lazy ground ball to the second baseman, and twice he just leisurely meandered toward first base like he was on a Sunday stroll. I mean, yeah he knew he was going to be out by 50 feet, but he should still try to make it look like he's trying.

Also, on one of the first plays of the game, the Cardinals' batter hit a gournd ball right back to Tavarez. Tavarez then tossed it so lightly to McGriff that it rolled most of the way there.

Anybody know what was bugging this guy last night?

[Gundy]

I have no idea, but MAN was I pissed about it. He did that rolling-throw thing to McGriff twice that I saw - that could have cost a base or two. Jerk. Maybe he has a problem with McGriff? I haven't seen anything in the press about it though. Hope Baylor fines his behind.

[Jonathan Chance]

I thought for sure he hurt one leg a little picking up that bunt early in the game. He kept pitching but his delivery got wilder and he started falling off the mound to the left. Nonetheless, it would have been nice if we'd gotten an explanation from Miller or Morgan.

Screw it. We won. He could pitch in a tutu for all I care as long as he pitches well.

[tiny ham]

As much as I hate to admit it, I have noticed that Kerry, Julian and I believe...Bere have all been guilty of just about walking to first base after hitting routine pop ups or lazy grounders.

I think that we as a city and fanbase have spent so much time giving virtual hummers to our pitching staff about how great they are, that they've stopped caring about whether they hit or not.

Tavarez got booed for sauntering to first, and mr. jarbaby warned me officially yesterday that the next time he sees Kerry do it, he's booing him. BOO KERRY? I think not.

jarbaby

[SouprChckn]

I was listening to Mike North on the Score today and he made a good point about this. These guys are paid to pitch, not to hit. They don't play every day so it's not like their lack of running is a liability every day. If they get the job done, it doesn't really matter if they don't waste their energy running to first when they're going to be out.