Borowski Watch IV: Nearing the End

[Darkie Satchels]

He looked solid in Iowa as part of his 3-4 game rehab assignment. If he's still on your leagues DL list, pick him up. With the Cubs struggling bullpen, you can assure him many save opportunities after a few setup games proving he is 100%. But knowing Dusty, he might just jump in after a game or two.

FYI: He struck out 3 of 2 in an 11 pitch outing at Iowa this week.

[Darkie Satchels]

...from KFFL

The Chicago Tribune's Dave Van Dyck reports Chicago Cubs P Ryan Dempster may serve as a closer for a brief period following his Monday, May 9 start against the New York Mets. Dempster may appear out of the bullpen until at least May 20, when RP Joe Borowski (wrist) is expected back.

Like I said, closing job is his after just a game or two.

[Madison]

The 20th? Ugh! I thought it was sooner.

Guess I can wait a few more days though......

Thanks for the updates!

[klvrdude]

...from KFFL

The Chicago Tribune's Dave Van Dyck reports Chicago Cubs P Ryan Dempster may serve as a closer for a brief period following his Monday, May 9 start against the New York Mets. Dempster may appear out of the bullpen until at least May 20, when RP Joe Borowski (wrist) is expected back.

Like I said, closing job is his after just a game or two.

Thanks for the update...

[Darkie Satchels]

I think the key word is "may". He's been accelerating back to the mound faster than a 17 year old prom date. I'd see him given a closing shot 'by' the 20th. He'll appear as a mid before then.

[slomo007]

A lot depends on how Dempster responds in the role. If Dempster has a couple of impressive outings, Joe Blow will be able to take his time to see if he's really up to strength well enough to pitch in the Majors for the first time in a while. If Dempster blows up, then Joe will be forced to take the job too early and that could be the recipe for disaster.

[Darkie Satchels]

...recipe for disaster.

Aren't all recipes including the ingredient 1 Part Cubs and 2 Parts Pitching equal disaster at all times?

[slomo007]

...recipe for disaster.

Aren't all recipes including the ingredient 1 Part Cubs and 2 Parts Pitching equal disaster at all times?

Sounds about right.

Especially when you're dealing with someone who is coming back from injury.

[Darkie Satchels]

From KFFL...again...

May 11 The Chicago Daily Southtown's Jeff Vorva reports Chicago Cubs RP Joe Borowski (wrist), who is recovering from a fractured right wrist, is scheduled to throw for Triple-A Iowa Wednesday, May 11. If he gets through that game with no problem, he could join the parent club shortly thereafter.

Can ya' tell I'm lookin' forward to his return. I need the damn DL spot

[ActionHero]

Just posted this in the Player Updates forum, but wasn't sure if everybody would see it:


http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050511/SPORTS0301/505110327/1003/sports

Iowa Cubs

Rocky Mountain low for Quade's I-Cubs

By FROM REGISTER NEWS SERVICES

May 11, 2005
The Chicago Cubs' bullpen may be in tatters, but there doesn't appear to be any immediate quick fixes at triple-A Iowa.

Joe Borowski, a dependable closer for Chicago in 2003, was just one of several Iowa pitchers who struggled in Tuesday night's 17-5 Pacific Coast League defeat to Colorado Springs at Sky Sox Park.

Borowski, who is continuing a rehab assignment for Chicago with Iowa from a broken wrist in spring training, gave up three runs off a walk and two hits while recording just two outs in the fifth inning.

Overall, six Iowa pitchers dished out a season-high 10 walks and one hit batsmen - with eight of those baserunners coming around to score.

"It was a bullpen day, and the walks always kill you, especially here," Iowa Cubs manager Mike Quade said, referring to the high altitude and thin air in Colorado Springs.