Coleman Starting for Cubs Against Astros; Should He Be in Iowa?

The Houston Astros struggled at the beginning of the year, and the Chicago Cubs have struggled all year. The difference, according to new Cubs interim manager Mike Quade, is learning to win throughout an organization.

Dan Mennella has posted an article at the Cubs' website titled "Astros, Cubs try to win, develop at same time." Mennella reports that, according to Quade, it is important for minor league farm teams to win championships because it teaches players to win by the time they are in the big leagues, and that is part of the problem with the Cubs.

What brings this question to the fore? Casey Coleman, who is starting for the Cubs today as they take on Houston, was a starter 20 times for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs and did well. However, he has been struggling with the Cubs. So does it make sense to give him another crack at a big-league start which at this point means very little to him or the Cubs, or have him pitch for Iowa? Iowa is in a battle for their championship with Memphis. While they have a one-game lead, Memphis has a tiebreaker in their favor.

It seems, from Quade's standpoint, it makes more sense for Coleman to be helping Iowa.

The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. The Houston Astros, who are well-known for developing players, got rid of a couple of players and then were able to bring up some well-taught players from the minors. They have been able to help the Astros do well the last part of the season.

I see Quade's point. However, it all depends how you slice the pie and look at the pieces. Some coaches will tell you that it doesn't matter how much experience a guy gets at the minor-league level; until they have faced pressure in the Majors, they haven't played pro ball.

I guess from my standpoint I see two teams with losing records, so I don't know that anyone has a corner on the answer.

I might say this: The Cubs have had a terrible season. One of the things that happened is that they have turned things around since Piniella left. We should know that a person with a major personal problem like Piniella has does you no favor by "toughing it through." Obviously there was someone who could take the job over.

The Cubs, as with many organizations in many fields, have poor management. They need to make changes much more quickly.

Will they ever learn?

References:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Dan Mennella, "Astros, Cubs try to win, develop at same time"