Soto Back After Rest, Cubs Going for Sweep, Cashner Gets MRI

The Chicago Cubs have a lot of "news" swirling around them today. The Cubs first and foremost are looking for a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

One of my references is "Galarraga to make exciting debut vs. Cubs, Soto" by Alden Gonzalez at the Chicago Cubs' website.

One key for the Cubs in this article is that Ryan Dempster has come back around in the rotation and we'll see how he does. Another is the fact that Geovany Soto will be back in the lineup after a day's rest. It is incredible that manager Mike Quade is already resting players. You may recall that last year Soto had shoulder surgery, so he is being watched closely. So far, he has done well.

In other news, Andrew Cashner, one of the Cubs' newest pitchers, underwent an MRI of his right shoulder. Cashner was pulled from the game yesterday in the sixth inning after complaining of "shoulder tightness." It took a lot of courage for Cashner to be honest with the trainer since it was his first start. The Cubs expect word on Cashner's condition Wednesday.

So far the Cubs aren't panicking about Cashner.

Yesterday Koyle Hill was doing the catching while Cashner was pitching. He didn't notice anything wrong.

This "news package" tells us a lot about Quade and the type of team the Chicago Cubs are. First they are an "open team." Quade doesn't beat around the bush. He gives the players straight answers. Next, Quade rests the players. Historically, the players have been over-used-especially pitchers and catchers.

The Cubs handle things "now." In some situations, Cashner would have been left in. Finally, Quade is straight with the press. If he is disappointed, he tells them, but it is always controlled. Managers with a lot of emotion often breed players who become too emotional.

At the end of last season, the Cubs, rather than folding, made a strong statement about who they could be under Mike Quade. So far this year, they have lived up to that expectation and surprisingly they are doing it despite having to keep some key players out.

References:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Carrie Muskat, "Cashner undergoes MRI on tight right shoulder"

Chicago Cubs' Website, Alden Gonzalez, "Galarraga to make exciting debut vs. Cubs, Soto"