Cubs continue to slide, lose sixth straight

The offense disappoints again, failing to deliver when needed. After a stellar outing from Carlos Zambrano and Sean Marshall on back-to-back days the Cubs' bats remain ice cold. Their 6-3 loss Sunday against the Padres didn't stop the bleeding as the slump resumes. I've said it time and again, the Cubs front office needs to start making some moves. The team's performance as of late should be an embarrassment, not only for the fans, but also the entire organization and city of Chicago.

What really is infuriating for me as well as many Cubs fans is the lack of management; the delay or absence of sound decision making is killing this franchise. What the hell was the club thinking signing Kerry Wood to new, outrageous contract when he's been injured for much of the previous 3 seasons? I can't urge the GM and owner enough to negotiate with potential sellers in the market to acquire a star outfielder and decent first basemen.

Rumors are floating around that the Cubs have shown interest in the Tigers' Carlos Pena and Jeff Conine to fill the void at first base until Derek Lee returns from injury. They can look at these low market players all they want, but these guys aren't going to provide the offensive production the club desperately needs right now. The outfield situation still is left unsettled. The youth available aren't experienced enough, the Cubs have to find a quality veteran with a proven track to fill a rotating assignment in left or right field.

I realize Dusty Baker can't work wonders with the lineup he has available now, but at least he can do is pencil Ramirez in at the no. 3 hole instead of Todd Walker. Michael Barrett is leading the team in RBIs so why not place him in the 4th or 5th spot in the order? I don't understand the reasons behind wasting the best talent and resources. The scoring drought will be prolonged if an immediate change is not made. Chicago is on the verge of being swept by the Padres and falling 3 games under .500. After departing San Diego the Cubs will travel to San Francisco for a 3-game series with the Giants. Of all the bad luck they have to face Barry Bonds as he draws closer to passing Babe Ruth. Damn it! This can't be happening.