Wells denies rumors about partying late
BY GORDON WITTENMYER, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
CHICAGO -- Still looking for his first win since April, Cubs pitcher Randy Wells faced down rumors involving his nightlife even as he took the mound to face the White Sox on Friday afternoon.
It was hard to tell afterward how well he weathered either battle.
The Cubs and Wells denied a rumor started by a WSCR caller Friday morning who said Wells was out until 3 a.m. at The Underground partying with the Blackhawks.
"It's never how you want to wake up and come to the ballpark," said Wells, who has struggled through particularly rough first innings in three of his past four starts, including Friday's 10-5 loss. "I told myself all last night and at dinner, come in confident, and today's a new day, and it's a big series for us, and everybody's going to be pumped up, and I'm going to be pumped up. And then to come in and have to answer questions (from the team) about somebody saying you were out all night, it's kind of funny.
"I don't know what they're talking about," Wells added. "I went to dinner last night, got some good dinner with friends, got home, got some rest. And I was excited to come to the ballpark. I showed up at 8 in the morning. It's pretty tough to pull an all-nighter and be here at 8."
Wells lost for the fifth time during an eight-start stretch without a win.
As much as he's struggling on the mound with mechanics and even confidence, he bristled at any suggestion his effort or commitment is lacking.
"That stuff happens in a city like this," he said. "People can say whatever they want to say. I know I was prepared. I know what I did. And I don't' know if I feel like I need to answer the questions or even answer to those people."
* Colvin eye of storm: Rookie Tyler Colvin shrugged off the media firestorm over his limited role with the Cubs' as the prized outfielder many feel isn't getting enough playing time.
"I heard a little about that," he said. "But I can't really worry about it. I know exactly what my role is on this team. Any time I get in there to help, I will. I can't worry about what other people are saying. Lou's our manager and he's got a tough job here with five great outfielders."
Then he came off the bench with two outs in the seventh and doubled to left-center, raising his average to .298.
