Cubs Get Stomped 13-6

The outcome of Sunday afternoon's contest was disappointing. The Cubs again failed to score runs as the Arizona Diamondbacks went on an offensive rampage. Greg Maddux had a bad outing, departing during the 4th inning after surrendering 5 runs. Brandon Webb's sinkerball keep him rolling through 6 or 7 innings as Cubs batters resisted being patient at the plate. Cub middle reliever Mike Remlinger entered the game and served up a fastball right down the middle of the plate to the Diamondback's catcher. He spanked it to deep left centerfield for a grand slam. (What the hell was Remlinger thinking?) The Cubs drop to 53-52, a mere game above .500. This is pathetic, but it should be expected since they drop back like this every year at this time. Being positive about the team's playoff chances is difficult when they play so poor consistently. Aramis Ramirez did leave the game early due his nagging quadracep injury, but the Cubs could only muster runs from sacrifice flys and groundouts until the 9th inning. Then they collected a couple of hits, but fell short of a long rally.

While the Cubs are scuffling with their offense to win games the Houston Astros are red hot at the moment. All of a sudden this team is flowing with a great resurgence. Andy Pettite has won his last 8 games and allowed no more than 1 run in those starts. Then there is Roger Clemens, need I say more. Anyway the Cubs once again look to be up a shit creek without a paddle. The good news is the Cubs made a trade. OF Jody Gerut had a short stay in Chicago as he was sealed and delivered to the Pirates in exchange for OF Matt Lawton. All the sports analysts and gurus are talking about how this is a good deal for the Cubs. Yes, the Cubs did need a good leadoff man or position player to get on base and add another source of dependable hitting. That's just dandy and all, but Lawton is not going to help this team score 3 or more runs per game. He's a likeable character and holds veteran experience, consequently this won't give the Cubs the edge they need. Why can't the club's management retrieve higher market players that can give the team a big boost in 2 months or less? Pressure can be relieved if Nomar comes back fully healthy and is able to go on a hitting tear. This team has got elevate their level of offense. It's going to be main reason whether they lose or win enough games.