The theme of the season for the Cubs this year is 'lack of run performance.' This offensive struggle was still apparent on Monday night in the 5-2 loss against the Reds. Greg Maddux pitched a good game for a 38-year-old veteran who's seen better days. Going 7 strong innings and giving up 2 runs didn't help the cause as the Cubs offense failed to produce. Maddux(12-12) has put together a fine second half of the season even though his record shows otherwise. The run support has just not be there for him or other starters for that matter. Where would this team actual be in the standings now if they'd averaged 4 or 5 runs a game? If Nomar didn't get injured? The Cub's road record is better than their home record. This doesn't make sense for a home ballpark where homeruns fly out left and right on windy days. They also have the Cub fans full support.
Yesterday's loss was crucial for the Cubs in their reemergence back in the NL wildcard. At 71-73 they're trailing 6.5 games behind the Marlins, Phillies, Nationals, Astros, and Brewers. Their focus should be finishing the season with a respectable record. Obviously the team is in dire need of third basemen, Aramis Ramirez and Kerry Wood is out for the year due to arm surgery. The young guys like Ronnie Cedeno and Matt Murton ought to be playing most of the remaining games. Dusty Baker needs to let them get the exposure. This opportunity will allow them to show their value and creditability to the team. Corey Patterson and Jose Macias are in a slump anyway and not contributing much. Carlos Zambrano(13-5) will try to improve his record tonight in game 2 of the series. Do your thing Carlos.
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