Cubs Lose Home Opener in 12 innings.

The final score was 6-3, but that's not what I'm upset about here. Handling the pitchers and batting order is what bothers me most.

Kerry Wood pitched a pretty good game: 5.2 innings, 2 ER, 7 K's, but walked 5. The Cubs pitchers allowed 12 walks today. Outside of walking five batters, Kerry was on top of the game. Kerry left with the Cubs winning 3-2. A close game for sure.

Wuertz finished the 5th for Wood. Then we had Fox and Remlinger pitch. Remlinger pitched 1.1 innings and held the game for the Cubs. He was pitching well and didn't look to be tiring, but as modern managers do it. The "Closer" was brought into the 9th to get the save. Question: If Remlinger is feeling fine and getting the Brewers to make outs, Why replace him in the top of the ninth? Why not let him pitch?

Baker brings in Hawkins who procedes to some how help the Brewers tie the game. Sure Hollandsworth bobbled the ball in left field, which allowed Spivey to score the tying run. But the "Closer" is supposed to close the door on the opponant.

It's only the fourth game of the season, but please Baker leave in the pitcher that is doing well. MLB managers have to stop given these "Closers" easy saves by putting them in to face the final three batters. Bruce Sutter wasn't like that! Bruce would often come into the game at the top of the eight and proceed to confuse and embarress batters with his split figure pitches. Now he was a real closer!

Nomar looks to have found his bat again. Singling twice and scoring once. Nomar will more than likely continue to improve over the next few days. I probably shouldn't say improve, but should start to look more like Nomar.

I really hope it doesn't take management to long to realize a strike out batter shouldn't be the leadoff batter. Corey struck out three times today while leaving 3 runners on base. Isn't the front part of the order supposed to set the table for the middle of the lineup? At least Corey didn't have as bad a days as Milwaukee Brewers Geoff Jenkins. Jenkins struck out four times and left eight on the bases.

Well the Cubs are now 1-3.