Lost To Brewers Doesn't Dampen Players' Spirits

Unable to end the series in Milwakee with a sweep, the Cubs still have to feel pretty good. Kerry Wood is available, going off a surprising pitching performance on Wednesday. His 1-1 record is not a reflection on the real Kerry Wood. This is because he has missed the majority of starts for May and June. Derek Lee has bought a prominent appeal to first base. He also is one of the leading vote getters for the All-Star break, trailing only Albert Puljos. The man is on a tear for the season, posting a league leading .382 batting average and has already smacked 23 homeruns. This amazing outburst hopefully can be kept up for the second half of the season. The Cubs at the moment stand at 40-37, a decent record considering the injuries they've dealt in the early going. Sooner or later they will have to pick up the pace to outlast St. Louis.

The team owner and GM are contemplating trading before the deadline for an outfielder. This is the main position where they are weak. I still disagree with the idea of acquiring a player like Preston Wilson. His presence wouldn't be much of a factor in the long run. The organization should consider all possible options and look for the ball players with a proven track record or the most potential. A great deal can go down for the Cubs if the right decisions are made from the front office. They know a common, everyday low market player is not going to cut it or make the difference. The team has the key essentials for winning: strong pitching, power, speed, veteran leadership, balance of talent, and determination. If they can make a big run moving towards mid-July and August they'll been fine. It's up to the players to perform and execute. With the All-Star Game fast approaching teams will be looking to add an extra advantage at all costs. Jumping on limited opportunities available will be in the Cub's best interest.

Wood Set to Return This Week

News keeps getting better and better for the Chicago Cubs. The flaming throwing Texan that's been on the DL for most of the 2005 season has finished his stint rehabing in Iowa (AAA). With Mark Prior making a remarkable recovery and filling a permanent slot back in the rotation and having Kerry Wood's arm healthy and ready to go brightens the horizon for a team who's season skeptics concluded was over before July. Now these loud mouthed, "jump to conclusions" clowns have their foot in their mouth. Hey, morons feel pretty stupid counting the Cubbies out too soon, huh? The Cubs are used to this kind of scrutiny or shadow of a black cloud hanging over them. After all the franchise has yet to win a World Series in over 80 years! The players are constantly reminded this by the media. They get sick and tired of hearding this crap. This year, like many others their hope has not diminished. 2005 is a different year with more promise and higher expectations than ever for the Cubs.

The organization is on a mission to overcome the obstacles this season due to injuries and setbacks. The city of Chicago is optimistic, let's face it they should be after rooting for a ball club owning the longest streak without winning a World Series in baseball history. (It's the truth, but this will change soon). That nagging statistic will not stop the players like Derek Lee, Mark Prior, Corey Patterson, Carlos Zambrano, and Kerry Wood from playing the game with passion and full intensity. The work horse pitching staff is the difference maker on the team. Their contributions are unmeasurable. Harry Carey, if alive today would be proud of this ball club, expressing his convictions about their transformation into a top contender. There is no doubt, his old saying, "I'm a Bud Man and a Cub's fan" would carry through the broadcast waves on television and radio. In honor of Harry Carey, let the Cubs rise to glory this year adding a toast with his beverage of choice. Take it to the next level Cubbies with shining moments of victory that deserve a, "Cubs Win and Holy Cow!" chant.

Prior, fired up after a play on the field. 

Prior Sparkles In Big Game Return

Coming off an injury in late May, Mark Prior stole the spotlight against the White Sox. The Cubs won 2-0, getting their source of offense from Corey Patterson who hit a solo homer. Prior's early unexpected return to the mound showed that his arm looked plenty healthy. He allowed only 1 hit while striking out 3 batters. (Strike Outs totals are normally higher, but it's his first game back since the injury). His reemergence in the rotation gives the team a lift, providing another sharp pitching arm in the rotation. With Derek Lee swinging a hot bat and Aramis Ramirez's clutch, power hitting the Cubs look to be in good shape for mid-season. Beating the team with the best record in baseball 2 of 3 games is a daunting task the Cubs achieved. It also builds a load of confidence. That's exactly what the Cubs need to boost their level of play.
The fractured elbow Mark Prior's suffered at the hands of the Colorado Rockies almost a month ago looked to put the Cubs season on the brink. His quick recovery was practically a miracle for the Cubs. They needed him as soon as possible. If Carlos Zambrano can get hot again, this team will be a tougher force to reckon with in the National League. Getting 7 or 8 games over .500 by the All-Star break will put the Cubs right where they should be in the season. The relief staff is further developing and improving, becoming more of a strength late in the game. Finding an answer to those high flying Cardinals is still a major challenge. They've just got too much talent and experience. However, they are not the best team in baseball and can be beat. Their rival clash with Chicago later in the season will prove who is the better competitor this year.

Taking Care Of the Brew Crew

Pushing for the sweep in Milwakee, the Cubs look to make it 3 wins a row. Carlos Zambrano will get the start after yesterday's shift in the rotation. New acquistion Jerome Williams, traded from the Giants had a good outing, enabling the Cubs to maintain a lead and go on to pull out a victory. If Zambrano brings his A game, it's going to be a rough night for the Brewers. He deserves to get more run support as in recent starts it has been dismal for the young, animated right hander. Good news enters the clubhouse and is spreading through the team's organization. Mark Prior is determined to make his return much sooner than expected. This is great news for Cubs fans. Now if we can get a healthy Nomar back and decide what to do with Kerry Wood. I've said it before, if Wood is unable to reinvent himself or be able to even pitch Chicago needs to trade him. He is one of my favorites still on the club, but the ultimate goal for the team this year is to clinch the playoffs then work from there.

Too many times before the Cubs management has waited back and not made the right decisions until late in the season. There remains a void in the outfield. Part of this is the lack of Corey Patterson's offense in the lineup. That's not the only problem. Todd Hollandsworth is not the typical everyday starter nor is Jason Dubois who came up from Triple A(Iowa) earlier in the season. Sure, Aramis Ramirez and Derek Lee have been providing the pop though the Cubbies need another guy to deliver in crucial situations. Tonight they can gain some more ground on St. Louis by sweeping the Brewers. The Cards don't appear to falling into a losing spell any time soon so it's going to take a all-out team effort to keep a short distance. These teams will meet later on for a couple of series which will be huge for both clubs. (The schedule always pans out for the Cubs to play the Cards in mid July and late August, just their luck). Zambrano should be strong enough Wednesday night to crank out a at least half a dozen strikeouts or more. Go Cubbies!

Carlos Zambrano reacts with emotion after a strikeout.  

Cubs Drop Second Straight Against Yankees

Being in Yankee Stadium again only brings back bad memories. A good luck charm hasn't fell upon the Cubs at this stadium ever. The Cubs played well in the first game scoring runs, but middle relief couldn't hold a lead. Saturday afternoon, Glendon Rusch pitched a decent game, but left the game in the 6th with the bases loaded. Then Joe Borowski entered the game, made a big mistake over the middle of the plate, and Derek Jeter hit a grand slam. (1st in over 130 at bats with bases loaded). This was the crushing blow as it put the game out of reach since the Cubs offense was unable to get charged up. The 8-1 loss will probably set Chicago back another game in the central division. The Cubs can't afford to let the Cardinals gain too much control moving into July.

Rumors about the Cubs trading for outfielder Preston Wilson pose as a distraction and may place the club in the wrong direction. If these are speculations, it will be best to leave them as that. This will not be the answer for the Cubs. With a rejuvenated, healthy Mark Prior expected to return in a month or sooner the Cubs management needs to examine star top quality outfielders. Lee and Ramirez would benefit, seeing better pitches to hit with another source of thunder in the lineup. Burnitz will get his share of homeruns, but his batting average usually sinks mid-way through the season. Corey Patterson is scuffling right now and really needs work closely with the hitter coach to regain his stroke and learn to correct his mistakes. He's still young and has yet to have a break out season. This is only a matter of time. There is no denying his talent. Winning at least 1 out 3 against the Yankees will be in the Cubs best interest. Tommorrow the young rookie, Koronaka most likely will get the start. Prior: For Cubs fans everywhere, keep that arm in good condition and don't overwork it. We'll need it in second half of the season. Will the old Kerry Wood reemerge healthy too?

Todd Walker makes a terrific play while sliding on the grass in the field. 

Cubs Bomb Red Sox 14-6

It was a day to remember as two notable teams squared off for the second time since the 1918 World Series. This game did mark the first time ever that the Red Sox have played the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Exploding for 20 hits the Cubs took the upper hand in the opener. Greg Maddux had a splendid pitching performance. He held Boston to 3 runs plus added a homerun for extra measure. This looked like the Greg Maddux of old. The starting roster is holding up their end of the bargain, providing fundementally sound pitching and keeping games close. The interleague meeting Friday afternoon was a classic. Despite the final outcome, the Cubs and Red Sox are almost evenly matched. Their records are similar as well as their starting rotation situation, both of which have their top aces injured. This series could of been even more thrilling if Prior, Nomar, and Schilling were playing. The rest of the series will kept fans on the edge of their seats. Boston will play with avengence on Saturday to counter the whooping they received in the first game. If it's another windy day in Chicago, do expect the Red Sox to get their share of runs. They've learned more about playing in the field now and how the ball carries in certain alleys in the outfield. The Cubs struck first, now it's on. An all out frenzy or war may break out, you never know so be ready!

Greg Maddux delivers a pitch towards the plate. 

Zambrano Shuts Down San Diego

Coming off a one hitter to the Dodgers, Carlos Zambrano pitched a 3 hit shut out while adding 7 strikeouts against the Padres to close out the series Sunday afternoon. The Cubs take the series 2-3 ending their west coast road trip. What would the Cubbies do without Carlos Zambrano? This guy is of the best young pitchers in baseball. Despite the 4-3 record, he has a 2.93 ERA and is one of the main reasons why the Cubs lead the National league in strikeouts. His presence and amazing efforts are keeping the team alive. The 4-0 win in San Diego should give the Cubs more momentum heading home to face the Blue Jays. The schedule is going to tough for the month of June as the Cubs will face the Red Sox, *(first time in regular season) Yankees, and WhiteSox. This is not a favorable interleague schedule for the Cubs. It will serve as a test to see how well they compete with the top teams in baseball.

It's still early in the season, but the wild card is wide open for several teams in the National League. The Cards continue to out perform most of their opponents. They remain atop the central division, five and a half games ahead of the pack. If the Cubs can get back a healthy Kerry Wood I think they can cut down on the lead even more or climb in front for the # 1 spot. This all depends on how effective Wood will be when he returns. With continued timely hitting and smart decisions on the base paths, the Cubs can stay within range until late August or early September. That is looking ahead too far probably. So much expectation was put on them to achieve new loftier goals from the beginning of the season. Right now they're playing like a top competitor. Whatever you guys have been doing in your routines and pre-game rituals keep it up, it's working. The series at Wrigley Field against Boston is going to be a memorable, exciting event. I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Cubs Win 10 Inning Thriller

With lack of run support, Carlos Zambrano pitches a marvelous 1 hitter while going 8 innings Tuesday night. Neifi Perez got the big hit in extra innings with a single to pull the Cubs ahead 2-1. This helped the Cubs go on to win their five consecutive game. Everyone seems to have counted the Cubs out already without the arm of Mark Prior for an undetermined amount of time. They were lucky to beat the Dodgers last night due to the low run production. That definitely needs to turn around soon. Due to this Zambrano didn't even pick up the decision as he struck out 9 in his sterling pitching performance. Dusty, give Jeromy Burnitz a day off and give the other young outfielders a chance to gain some exposure. The Cubs will see Derek Lowe Wednesday night and better score on him early. This guy is a proven talent at the mound and has plenty of veteran experience. Hit the Dodgers where it hurts Cubbies and make it six in a row!

Carlos Zambrano fires a strike to home plate. 

Game 2 in L.A.

Opportunity is knocking in the series against the Dodgers. With Carlos Zambrano (3-3) on the hill for the Cubs tonight, their chances are looking good if he has control of his pitches. Chicago won the first game in L.A. 5-3. Aramis Ramirez provided most of the offense with a mammoth blast to left field and also added a double and single. Brad Penny (2-2) is slated to start for the Dodgers. Gaining some ground on St. Louis in the central divison is important now so they won't run off with 1st place like last season. The Cubs attention though is on the Dodgers for the moment, trying to take the series and move on to San Diego with a bode of extra confidence. If the offense kepts producing they should be fine. With changes in the role of the closer, placing Ryan Dempster at the assignment the late innings have gotten less hectic and tighter. Having a guy that can be counted on to to close out the game is a big relief. Zambrano can go for 6-8 innings if his pitch count doesn't get too high or his arm is feeling okay. Look for a possible pitchers duel tonight if the two young starting pitchers get into a groove. It should be an exciting contest.