Sunday, April 10, 2011
Posted: 3:51 p.m.
By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com
MILWAUKEEMike Quade and Matt Garza looked at the same game and came to completely different conclusions.
Quade sat in the managers office Saturday night after a 6-0 loss and riffed on how Garza will only be as good as his soft game. A few minutes later, Garza stood up in front of his locker and wished he had used more hard stuff against the Brewers.
There may not be a total disconnect, and its too early for real friction to develop. As Garza quickly reminded everyone, this was only Game No. 8, no time to panic.
But Garza can be stubborn and has a clear idea of what he wants on the mound and what he needs to do between starts. The Cubs cant change who he is, nor do they want to.
Hes going to be an aggressive pitcher, pitching coach Mark Riggins said. Hes going to come after the hitter. His location has to be on pretty good every pitch that he throws.
MLB
Garza blamed only himself and kept score in his head. He pushed Prince Fielder to an 0-2 count three times and lost each confrontation, the Brewers slugger putting three doubles and four RBI on the board.
Garza recalled six of Milwaukees eight hits coming off breaking or offspeed pitches. Thatalong with an intentional walkburned Garza and offended his idea of what pitching should be all about.
They didnt beat me with my power game, Garza said. They beat me with the soft stuff.
Garza was supposed to benefit by moving out of the American League East and missing those loaded lineups at Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park.
Through two starts, Garza is 0-1 with a 5.68 ERA. Hes made hitters swing and miss (20 strikeouts). But when they make contact, there have been line drives all over the field (20 hits).
Riggins thinks its mostly location, but at times pitch selection has also become an issue. The conditions are in place for Garza to succeed. It will just take some time.
Cubs pitchers trust Geovany Soto and love throwing to their catcher. Carlos PenaGarzas teammate in Tampa Bayis there to run over from first base to try to calm him down. Garza can go over all the scouting reports, but he needs to see the National League up close and for himself.
He has his style of pitching. That style has been successful for him in the past and we have to make adjustments along the way, Riggins said. (Does) he need to make major adjustments? No, its just very minor stuff.
Its knowing the hitters and knowing what their approach is against him. He needs to recognize that and well find a happy medium (with) whats working for him and the club.
Riggins doesnt have any gimmicks. He doesnt try to sell himself as a guru. He listens and asks questions. The coach wants to know the keys or tells to a pitchers delivery, what it looks like when he feels just right.
With his eyes shielded by sunglasses, Riggins stands with his arms folded and watches a pitchers side session. He makes observations and suggestions and plays psychologist when necessary. He has a good relationship with Garza that will continue evolving.
Quades amazed by Garzas energy and intensity and thinks the 27-year-old pitcher probably didnt need to be so critical of his performance. The Cubs, after all, scored zero runs. And the manager doesnt see fastballs and the soft game as an eitheror deal.
Garza wont be judged by the radar gun. Hell have to pitch his way out of it.
His mix of pitches is going to be important for him to be successful, Quade said. The sooner he gets into a good mix, the better.
PatrickMooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. FollowPatrick on Twitter @CSNMooneyfor up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.