Ride the Horse

Just dont whip him to death for no reason. 5-1 game after 6 innings tonight in Milwaukee. Mark Prior had already thrown 100+ pitches. You would think any sane manager would lift the poor guy and give him a much need rest right? Wrong. Instead Prior heads out for the 7th inning gets in a little trouble gives up a 2 run HR and throws 129 pitches. It doesnt really matter in the larger picture, Cubs won 8-4 anyways. But.....

Since Prior has come off the DL his pitch counts are as followed...

8/5 - 79
8/10 - 116
8/15 - 118
8/20 - 100
8/26 - 116
9/1 - 131
9/6 - 129

Thats a pretty serious work load. And no doubt Prior was rejuvenated by his 1 month stint on the DL. But geez take it easy when you get a chance. I can understand against the Cardinals where we need to shut them down every single inning but Milwaukee also? With a 5-1 lead? Thats un-called for. He is pitching more innings than he ever has in his life no matter how great or how young he is. Even Mark Prior gets tired.