Offense Comes Alive

Hitting wasn't a problem for the Cubs Sunday afternoon in Wrigley. Homeruns from Aramis Ramirez, Jeromy Burnitz, and Todd Walker helped fuel the team to a 11-6 victory over the Rockies. Derek Lee, who has been hot of late had 3 hits with a RBI, increasing his batting average to .366(second active in majors). This is the type of high scoring affair the Cubs needed as a confidence booster. The loss of Mark Prior was so devastating, he surely will be missed. Until his return the team must be able to hit and score enough runs on a consistent basis. There is still life in the pitching staff as Zambrano, Maddux, and Rusch remain in the rotation. These guys are capable of keeping the Cubs afloat in the Central division. With a loss by the Cardinals today, the Cubs advance 1 game. The starting lineup performed well against Colorado, though I think Corey Patterson should still be batting in no. 2 spot. Dusty Baker could experiment more with the lineup. Neifi Perez will be able to hit in the top or bottom half of the order. Getting the most of their power and speed can be the difference in close games. Hopefully Chicago can continue scoring more runs everyday and carry their winning streak over into the next series.

Derek Lee hits a line drive 

Upsetting Loss At Wrigley

The Cubs fell short against Colorado, losing 5-2. Todd Walker returned to the lineup for his second gane since being on the DL. He drove in one run. Carlos Zambrano lasted 7 innings, giving up 3 earned runs. The starting lineup yet again struggled to provide ample run support. Lack of production has been a lingering problem. Corey Patterson should be moved into the no. 2 spot in the batting order. He's starting to get on base. He can provide the spark in the Cubs lineup. Other players like Aramis Ramirez and Jeromy Burnitz must get hits for the team to score more runs. The new acquisition, Enrique Wilson is a good utility player to have on the field for defensive purposes, but he's not a true hitter. The Cubs GM needs to start looking for possible potential trades now. I think Chicago could afford to pick up another proven outfielder. With Prior on the hill tommorrow, pitching well of late the Cubs have a good chance of attaining redemption. In the mean time, wake up the bats Cubs and get some runs!

side view of historic Wrigley Field 

Late Inning Comeback

The Cubs bounced back from a 2-0 deficit, rallying in the 8th to score 4 runs against the Astros. Jeromy Burnitz's two-run single drove in the go ahead run. Roger Clemens' departure from the game in the 5th due to tightness in his groin allowed the Cubs to take advantage. Starter, Sergio Mitre pitched a decent game, giving up 2 runs while striking out 5 batters. The Cub relievers finally came through in the late innings. The team has won 3 games in a row and looks to close the series with another victory. Chicago has a favorable schedule for the rest of May. They'll see the Rockies, Padres, and Dodgers. Hopefully their streak will continue for a while. Keeping Carlos Zambaro healthy is the team's main issue. He's been advised to lower his time on the computer in regards to causing problems with elbow. Todd Walker is expected back soon and will add another solid bat in the lineup. Cubs, make this a season to remember!

Corey Patterson takes a full cut at the plate 

Cubs Win in Windy City Interleague Matchup

The cross town rivals, the Whitesox didn't get the sweep for the series on Sunday. Thanks to Mark Prior, the Cubs picked up the victory as he went the distance for nine innings for a complete game. Allowing only 3 earned runs, Prior showed that he was determined to pick up the win despite the collabrative efforts of the Sox. If not for the homerun off the bat of Jason Dubois, the Cubs could have dropped the series and continued their losing streak. That was not the case though much to the delight of fans at Wrigley Field and all across the country. The Astros come to town for the next home series. The productivity in the starting lineup is lacking. Corey Patterson, Aramis Ramirez, and Derek Lee must take charge and drive in runs if the starters are going to get run support. Otherwise the outcome of games will rest in the hands of the bullpen, who have been unreliable without question. Cory can energize this team by getting on base frequently. It is up to him to improve his approach at the plate and start hitting better. This in effect I think will lead to stolen bases and more runs since he is the fastest guy on the club. Now let's go take care of those Astros!

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