Prior Tries To Shut Down Dodgers

Playing to avoid a sweep against the Dodgers, a team who's performance has been less than mediocre Chicago looks to out duel them. By that I mean Mark Prior and Brad Penny go head to head in a game that doesn't matter concerning a playoff spot for either team. (Note: Earlier this month a fan at Yankee Stadium tried to catch a foul ball, fell from the upper deck and landed on the protective netting on the corner of the field. It's beyond me why a Dodgers or Cubs fan hasn't already pulled this stunt. Not to catch a foul ball, but to committ suicide). Nomar Garicipara has hit a homerun tonight. Wow! This guy may not be completely useless after all. It's good to see him improving even though it's too late to actually help the team! Losing Game 1 Monday night the Cubs will work to split the series. To recap Monday's game, Cubs starter Jerome Williams pitched less than 2 innings before being replaced by a reliever from the pen. Giving up 7 runs without breaking a sweat doesn't insure victory for the home club. The Cubs lineup hit 4 homers, all solo.

It was announced yesterday that Kerry Wood will undergo arm surgery. This is a smart move by the club organization. This way he'll be fully recovered and healthy before the beginning of next season. That is unless he pulls a "Nomar" on us: plays 4 or 5 games then gets injury for 4 months or the entire season (That unreliable, injury prone former New England, Chowder eating bum). As a Cubs fan having a successful surgery is the best you can wish for Kerry. There is one silver lining for the Cubs though, Derek Lee is setting career highs in homeruns(39) and RBIs(89) while working towards achieving the Triple Crown. With his average well above .300 this feat is possible. Give us something to be happy about Derek and help us to momentarily forget about the countless, agonizing years of a losing history.

Derek Lee congratulated from Jose Macias after blasting a homer. Photo- J. Roberson 

With dignity intact, Cubs wallop the Marlins

The season has not turned out the way the Cubs organization or fans expected. Their trials and tribulations continue for another season. There had to feel a little bit better after beating the Marlins 14-3 Sunday afternoon at Wrigley. Carlos Zambrano pitched 8 significant innings, allowing 3 runs on a homerun, moving his record to 11-5. After Josh Beckett departed the game in the 5th it opened the flood gates for the Cubs to go a hitting spree. Derek Lee gulfed 2 homeruns(*reached 200th career homerun),had 3 hits with 3 RBIs on a day where Ryne Sandberg no. 23 was retired. His presence or day of honor, which ever it may be insighted the rampant offensive outburst that was nonexistent for most of this year. (Why couldn't they have play this way all season long?) Ronnie Cedeno, called up from Iowa(AAA) got the start at shortstop and produced 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Nomar has made the switch from short to third since the injury of regular starter Aramis Ramirez. He even played more up to par Sunday. Being 62-68 is no where close to being satisfactory for this team. They've got serious work to do in the off season. All fans and management can ask at this point is for the Cubs to play with a full, committed effort and try to finish on a positive note with a decent record.

Season falling straight into the crapper

What a way to continue a mounting streak without making the playoffs in back to back seasons! Unable to score sufficient runs, having players swing at the first pitch(whether bases are empty or loaded),poor execution, assinine managerial decisions, conflicts in the clubhouse between coaches and players, and usual shaky relief pitching is what has done the Cubs in this season. Basically this is almost the same as every season. By dropping two games in Colorado against the Rockies, a team who's significant talent is only Todd Helton and then failing as on cue to outscore the Braves Monday night at home has sealed their fate of clinching a playoff spot. This is unacceptable and should be embarrassing for each player, coach, and the Chicago organization. The reemergence of Nomar and Corey Patterson back in the lineup has hurt the team more than it's helped them. With back problems, Nomar is a non-factor while Neifi Perez and Todd Walker can't ever get on base consistently. The guys that do get on base are stranded because those behind them (Corey Patterson, Jose Macias, Jeromy Burnitz, etc.) in the order think it's always a good idea to swing at every damn pitch they see.

The most frustrating part of this vicious cycle is having the starter pitcher, Carlos Zambrano get upset with himself after giving up a few runs because he knows his unreliable teammates won't score enough runs for him. In his mind he's already lost the game. Sure this is a negative way to think, but 90% of the time it's true! There were a ton of scoring opportunities for the Cubs that they let slip by and buckled under. Even with the injuries to Prior, Wood, and Nomar this team should have worked harder against their competition. They've allowed teams like the Mets, Nationals, Brewers, Reds, and Diamondbacks to walk all over them while combating struggles of their own. The only teams noted above in contention for the wildcard are the Mets and Nationals. With Mike Cameron out most likely for the season and Carlos Beltran slumping the Mets will fold with 2 weeks or less left in the season. At this point though they'll probably finish with a better record than the Cubs.

I'm still waiting just as other Cubs fans for the GM Jim Hendri to stop signing and trading for low market, run of the mill talent nobody else wants. This is not a knock on players like Jeromy Burnitz or Matt Lawton, but everyone with a grain of salt for a brain knows these guys aren't going to put a team over the top, becoming championship caliber. Hendri: If you would stop being such a stupid, blind cheapskate and grab some actual real proven talent the Cubs might become a winning contender in the National League. Haven't Cubs fans suffered enough over the past century? If the Red Sox can reverse the curse of a wretched losing history so can the Cubs. The challenge is the Cubs organization must develop a team that can handle pressure instead of one collapsing year after year.

Prior rears back and fires a fastball to the plate. photo- Jack Dempsey 

Prior paves the way for victory

Thanks to the sure handed pitching of Mark Prior Friday afternoon at Coors Field the Cubs win their 3rd straight game. Trying to ignite a winning streak is one goal of the Cubs and the other is staying close in the wild card race. With 40 games left it may come down to the final week with 5 or 6 teams fighting for the playoff spot. Mark Prior (9-4) had one of his better pitching performances in the seoond half of the season, striking out 10 while rendering 2 runs as he obtained the win. Kerry Wood came on in relief again and pitched a scoreless 8th inning. His control is looking good so far. With him throwing 90-97 miles an hour with his fastball and getting batters out he may be a key factor in the Cubs final outcome for the season.

The quest for the wild card isn't getting any easier. With the Marlins, Phillies,Astros, and Mets playing better in August the tension is tightening in the National League. After finishing out the 3 game series in Colorado, the Cubs will return home to play the Braves, Marlins, and Dodgers. They should be weary of a guy named Jeff Francoeur who's on a tear of late, fueling the Braves offense with Andruw Jones and be able to contend with the hot pitching of the Marlins' Dontrelle Willis if they face him. (Hopefully they can avoid seeing him in the rotation this time). It's weird how the Cubs were able to win 2 of 3 from the Astros and the Cardinals, but get sweeped a few weeks ago by the Reds and the Mets. Faltering by losing too many games in a long streak will do them in for sure. Avoiding the most humiliating record the Royals hold of losing 18 games in a row is in their best interest. For once though when the Cubs make obvious horrendous mistakes and players display poor performances I'd like to see the broadcasters on the major television networks get fired up, expressing their anger, call them on their flaws, and use constructive criticism. This will get out of their usual routine of pretending it's no big deal with a team is getting clobbered or is on the verge of collasping. It'll make the baseball experience for fans watching at home or may be even motivate the players to play with more intensity.

Overhead view of Wrigley Field 

No answer against Carpenter at Wrigley

Just as momentum was building, the Cards' Chris Carpenter contains the Cubs' offense and garners more than enough run support to get the win, 5-2. As a result Carpenter becomes Major league's baseball first 17 game winner in 2005. The Cubs are handed their 61st loss of the season, moving five games below .500. On the bright side, Aramis Ramirez homered to score the team's only two runs. Albert Pujlos hit a 3-run homer to give the Cardinals the lead. Jerome Williams pitched 6 quality innings, giving up a 3 earned runs as he record dropped to 3-4. It was a decent pitching performance, but the Cubs once again failed to provide the necessary run support. So they weren't able to go for the sweep in Chicago, the chance to win 3 of 4 at home is theirs for the taking. The Cubs have 7-10 games left with the Cardinals.

Up next on the agenda is the Houston Astros, who are storming in full force with a purpose. They're in second place due to the persistent, worthy performances of Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite. It also helps them having a second basemen in Morgan Ensberg putting up career bests in homeruns and RBIs. Whatever quarreling going on in the dugout or behind the scenes in the Cubs organization will have to be ignored or "put on hold" until the end of the season if this team is going to make a serious run. Dusty Baker, the players, and the GM can sort issues out later. It's time to play like there is no tommorrow and don't hold back anything. Give Cub fans a real reason to be proud and faithful to this team.

Losing Streak Ends

Finally the Cubs were able to stop some of their bleeding as they beat the Cardinals 11-4 Thursday. This snapped their 8 game losing streak. Greg Maddux picked up the win, improving to 9-9. Derek Lee launched 2 homeruns and knocked in 4 runs while Corey Patterson, back from a extended visit to the minors collected 3 hits and a RBI. At this point, it's no big deal for the Cardinals. What do they have to lose? As of late, controversy is surrounding the issue of whether to keep Kerry Wood in the bullpen and positioning him back in the starting rotation. All I know is the rookie, Rich Hill will not suffice in the rotation. He doesn't have enough experience or talent yet to help the Cubs coming down the stretch. Glendon Rusch may be the guy to take his place. His role on the club is flexible and he's had proven success earlier in the season as a starter. As a collective group Chicago needs to work out it's problems and strive to compete with their best efforts. The offense can't settle for any pitches and give up so easily in scoring opportunities. Patience in hitting goes a long way for a team. With Patterson returning to the lineup, his speed and ability to get on base can possibly open up the door to scoring more runs. Nomar and Neifi can switch duties at shortstop instead of only one of them playing the majority of the time.

Tumbling in losing skid

With the extra bat in the lineup and sure handed shortstop Nomar Garicipara back the Cubs' problems are yet to be solved. With 2 losses to the Mets at Shea Stadium this weekend, Chicago is losing sight of their ultimate goal in the regular season: reaching the playoffs. Greg Maddux (8-5) pitched a well-rounded game Saturday, but it wasn't enough. The middle of the Cubs' order went 0-4. The starting pitchers are simply not receiving the necessary run support to win games. It also helps when the defense doesn't make errors due to mental mistakes. Second basemen Todd Walker and Nomar know how to make smart plays on the field, though against the Mets they made bad judgment calls. Throwing home on a ground ball instead of to second for a double play and trying to make a difficult throw to third rather than first lacks clear thinking. Mistakes do happen, but the team can't afford to make but a few. With Saturday loss the Cubs drop to 54-56. The Brewers have a better record as they moved into third place in the Central division. The Cubs concentration is wavering, not focusing on the little intangibles which wins games.

Now is a good time, more than ever for Dusty Baker to do some hollering, slamming, and verbal lashing with occassional cursing to get points across and ignite a fire in this team as a form of motivation. Either that or start docking each players' pay(There really ought to be a rule for this in baseball). Singling out one or two players never works nor is it right. Throwing a chair against the wall, causing it break then telling all the players that's going to be their ass if they don't start playing to their total capacity will have a strong influence. (Still seething a bit over the recent offensive scuffling). Players need time to redevelop their skills and abilities and they will have their opportunities to redeem themselves. The problem is time is running out. 50-60 game are left in the season and it's absolutely essential that this team rebound and make a run. Luck may change tommorrow as Carlos Zambrano(9-3) gets the start at Shea against Victor Zambrano (No relation). His passion and performance might motivate his teammates to play harder. We'll see what happens.

Zambrano's pitching helps nip the Phils

After the off day the Cubs snatched a victory over the Phillies Tuesday night, 2-1. Even with dismal run support garnered Carlos Zambrano (8-4) stills pitched 8 shutout innings to pick up the win. He's the work horse on the team. Who knows where the Cubs would be in the division without him. I've said this from the start of players injuries. The mountain to climb ahead seems to be getting steeper for the Cubs. Serious consideration and recognition needs to be given to the Astros. They're playing like a team possessed right now. They are being a thorn in the Cubs' side. The race for the wild card also is becoming tighter and tighter. Obviously only one team will clinch this playoff spot, but it may go down to the wire on the final day of the season to determine the wild card winner. At least the Cubs have another good bat in the lineup in Matt Lawton. He's not going to put up big numbers, but he will get on base which sets the tone for Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. Lawton went 2 for 5 in the game against the Phillies. This enabled them to score one run. Today Jerome Williams (3-4) takes the hill looking for his 4th win of the season. The decline in run production must be turned around for the team to flourish, winning a long string of games. They must avoid trailing late in games or letting their opponents strike a tie to move into extra innings. When this happens their chances of winning are below 50%. So let's get some runs tonight and keep them coming Cubbies!