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In these days of specialization on Major League rosters, Sean Marshall is an oddity of sorts. He’s like baseball’s version of the ShamWow. “It’s like a chamois, a towel, a sponge! ShamWow!“ Marshall, a VCU product and Richmond, Va. native, has been a ubiquitous presence on Chicago Cubs’ roster this season, as Manager Lou Pinella has cast the 6-7 left-hander in a variety of roles. Need a starter? Sean’s on it. Looking for a situational lefty? Marshall will do. Searching for a long man to save the ‘pen? Not a problem. “If the phone rings and it’s my name, I’m going to go up there and try to get them out,” Marshall said. “I’m fortunate to wear a big league uniform.” A starter most of his life, Marshall has made 76 appearances for the Cubs the last two seasons, including 16 starts. This year, Marshall is 3-7 with a 4.35 ERA in 42 appearances. Marshall made eight starts in the first two months of the season, but after injuries ravaged Chicago’s pitching staff, he moved to the bullpen. Since the beginning of June, Marshall has worked mostly in short relief, including spots where he was asked to retire a tough left-handed hitter. Marshall didn’t need much time to adjust to his new role. Instead, he hit the ground running. From June 12 through Aug. 4, Marshall made 26 appearances, covering 19.2 innings, and allowed just one run. Despite Marshall’s unfamiliarity with the role, it’s quickly growing on him. “I used to say that I prefer starting. I like knowing I’m going to get the ball every fifth dayand have an opportunity to get wins,” Marshall said. “But now I like the idea of throwing every day. I like coming into situations where things are on the line.” On Aug. 7, Pinella was forced to scratch starter Carlos Zambrano about 15 minutes prior to Chicago’s game with Colorado because of a lower back injury. In a pinch, Marshall got the call. A few days later, with Cubs’ starter Jeff Samardzija failing to get out of the fourth inning, Marshall stepped in to eat innings and save the bullpen. It’s not glorious work. Kids don’t pretend they’re Arthur Rhodes or Jesse Orosco out on the sandlot. In reality, it’s workman-like, lunch pail type of stuff. None of that seems to bother Marshall, who is enjoying the thrill of a pennant race. As of Aug. 17, Chicago was 60-55, five games behind Central Division leader St. Louis. In addition, the Cubs trailed Colorado by 3.5 games in the National League Wild Card race. As much as he’s enjoying his current role, Marshall acknowledges that starting is probably in his long-term plans. “Down the road I’d like to market my ability to start,” Marshall said. “There aren’t a whole lot of us left-handed starters in the big leagues. I’m partial to both [starting and relieving]. I know as a starter guys can make a little more money, so it’s probably my ideal preference.” In the meantime, Marshall is happy to be Chicago’s utility pitcher. The word on the street is that he’s super absorbent too. Questions or comments? Contact Chris Kowalczyk at aroundthehorns@yahoo.com |
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SEAN MARSHALL THRIVES AS CUBS’ UTILITY ARMAll rights reserved.
