Don Zimmer said it two weeks ago: ”We`re a better team than our record indicates . . . but how long can I keep saying that?”
Zimmer was still saying it Friday after rain washed away a Cubs-Astros game in Wrigley Field and forced a double-header starting at 12:05 p.m. Saturday.
At least Zimmer had one occasion to brighten up while he peered at skies that never cleared.
”Les Lancaster came up to me,” Zimmer said, ”and he told me, `I`m ready today if you need a few innings.` ”
Lancaster is the standout relief picher who recently became a starter to ease a manpower shortage. He pitched well in three starts before the Dodgers chased him Thursday in 2 1/3 innings.
Lancaster`s offer to return to the bullpen reinforced Zimmer`s belief that Lancaster is more valuable as a reliever than a starter.
”He has the kind of arm that he can pitch four or five times a week,”
Zimmer said. ”Last year, I was almost embarrassed at how many times I called for him to help us.”
If Zimmer switches Lancaster from the rotation back to the bullpen, it obviously will open room for a starter. Kevin Blankenship, who has a 6-1 record with the Cubs` Triple-A team in Iowa, has been mentioned as the likely man.
”There`s no question that we`ll look for a starter if Lancaster goes back to the bullpen,” said Zimmer. ”Blankenship`s name has been mentioned. We`ll solve it soon. Not today, but soon.”
According to General Manager Jim Frey: ”Blankenship will not be called up tomorrow (Saturday). I think he pitches tonight for Iowa.”
However, Blankenship could be in the rotation before Lancaster`s next turn comes up next week.
”I don`t know any more now than I did earlier today,” Zimmer said.
”Except that Greg Maddux will move up and pitch the second game after Shawn Boskie pitches the first.”
Rookie Boskie was the scheduled starter Friday. Maddux was to have pitched Saturday`s scheduled single game.
Zimmer achieved one goal Friday without the tarp ever being pulled off the infield.
”Ryno got his day off,” Zimmer said. He planned to play Curtis Wilkerson at second base Friday in place of Ryne Sandberg, who played in the team`s first 41 games.
Catcher Damon Berryhill was scheduled to see team physician Dr. Michael Schafer on Saturday.
Frey said he was ”very encouraged” one week ago when Berryhill first tested his surgically repaired shoulder in games in Arizona. However, Berryhill`s workout in Wrigley Field on Thursday was considered a setback.
”He felt something there,” Frey said, ”although that might be normal at this stage.”
