Pitchers not getting support they need

PITTSBURGH - Until Randy Wells was shellacked by the Pirates for 7 runs (6 earned) in just 2 innings Thursday, Cubs starting pitchers had performed well overall, even in many losses.

And to a man, the starters haven't complained about a lack of offensive support.

"They shouldn't, but at the same time, when a pitcher goes out and pitches 7 innings and gives you 3-run ball, that's a nice performance," said manager Lou Piniella. "You want some dominating starts, but you want quality starts. You get quality starts, there's nothing to complain about."

The Cubs have 18 quality starts. Largely because of a lack of offense, they are 9-9 in those games, and the starters have an ERA of 1.94 in the quality-start games.

Toyota sign update: The Cubs have moved a step closer to collecting $2 million a year from Toyota for a sign at Wrigley Field, but the deal isn't sealed. With Hall of Famer Ernie Banks in tow, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts made a personal plea Thursday to Chicago's Landmarks Commission, according to a report in Crain's Chicago Business, for permission to construct a Toyota sign that would rise 60 feet above Waveland Avenue at the back of the left-field bleachers.

Opponents contend the sign is out of character for the neighborhood, and some business owners complain it will obscure the view of the field from their rooftops. Ricketts and Banks said the team needs the revenue from the sign to upgrade the stadium and invest in players.

A commission staff report concluded that the Toyota sign either would not be visible or would blend into the stadium background from any vantage point, Crain's said. However, the sign still must overcome at least one more hurdle. Alderman Tom Tunney, whose 44th Ward is home to Wrigley, said the city's building committee has to approve it, and he plans to oppose it there.

Remembering Robin: Lou Piniella had a special memory of Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts, who died Thursday at 83.

"I'd see him during the winter quite a bit," Piniella said. "Actually, my first at-bat in the big leagues (with Baltimore), I pinch hit for him back in 1964. I grounded out to short (actually second base). When I got back to the dugout, he said, 'I could have done that.' "