Slump extends with back-to-back losses to Braves

Much talk and rumors are circulating that the Cubs are going to fire Dusty Baker. Most fans dislike the way he's managed the club thus far. GM Jim Hendry announced, to clear any confusion, that Baker will remain the manager until his contract runs out at the end of the year. Then an extension may be granted. This past week the Cubs performance hasn't changed; getting sweep by the last place Marlins and losing two straight to the Braves at home.

The Cubs scraped out a mere run in today's game against Horacio Ramirez (1-0) in his return from the DL. Despite the lone run the lineup did bang out 10 hits yet too many runners were left stranded on base. This team sure does miss Derek Lee, same goes for all us Cubs fans. The 18-30 record speaks volumes. At least one injured Cub is making progress as Mark Prior makes a rehab start in Class A Peoria on Monday. If all goes well he will return to rare form.

The restored strength in pitching when Prior comes back still won't have much of an impact if the offense remains stangant, unable to average around 4-5 runs a game. For example, Sean Marshall had another good outing today, pitching 6 innings and only giving up 2 earned runs. The problem is coming from the top of the lineup. Pierre is hitting around .230 and not getting on base enough. On the other hand, the rest of batting order fails to drive runners in when they do reach base most of the time.

People are wondering what GM Jim Hendry is going to do to turn the club around. He's says that he reserves decision making at his own pace or when he's ready. Well, Hendry doesn't want to be rushed...that's understandable EXCEPT WHEN A TEAM THAT HE'S RESPONSIBLE FOR IS PLAYING PISS POOR AND TRADES OR SIGNINGS NEED TO BE MADE SOON BEFORE THE TEAM FALLS SO FAR BEHIND THAT THEY HAVE NO CHANCE IN HELL OF MAKING THE PLAYOFFS AGAIN FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR. ALSO, THE FANS ARE ENRAGED!! (Can't you tell, I'm fed up with this crap).

Being slow as FREAKING molasses isn't an option when a team is trying to make a run in contention for the postseason. Why the hell hasn't this bozo took appropriate action? Forget about Baker, this upper management jackass needs to get canned! He has made no attempt nor took any real steps to find a solution for the Cubs' woes. So he made a mistake by acquiring Juan Pierre so get rid of him. Plenty of teams need a healthy, speedy player on their team. Stop looking for weak alternatives and lost causes for the Cubs, go straight after the best available talent to fill voids at first base and the outfield. Hendry don't think too hard, just start making some deals NOW damn it!