Wrigleyville is a sad place to be this year

When all is dim and hopeless the Cubs organization turns their focus to next season. The planning ahead and promise of a better future is meaningless to fans. Too many times the Cubs faithful have had their hearts crushed and fell into despair much like the club. Already in June, the Cubs have really hit rock bottom. Even with Derek Lee back the losing streak and unethusased, trifling play resumes.

Last night the Cubs moved further down in the Central, 18 games below .500, getting shutout 6-0 to the Brewers at home. I still for the life of me can't comprehend how horrible the Cubs are at Wrigley. It's like they care, this is inexcusable. The bats can all of sudden hit on the road here and then, but at home they go ice freaking cold! What is the deal?

To make matters worse (as if they're not already) Greg Maddux has lost his command and best stuff. Monday night he did pitch 7 innings, but surrendered 5 runs on 7 hits. He is 2-8 in last 10 starts. If they Cubs can't get consistent pitching nor hitting they've got nothing. In only his second game back, Derek Lee went 2-for-4. Perez got 3 hits as well. The rest of the team, almost jack squat! Obviously from what Lee commented about the team not showing up is true. They haven't seem prepared or ready to play competitive baseball the whole season. This is a reflection on Dusty Baker. He hasn't motivated this team enough.

The blame also has to put on Hendry and McPhail, who should move out of Chicago or maybe just retire from baseball. They've showed their inability to manage this franchise and handle conflicts/challenges. Again, today all eyes will be on Carlos Zambrano to end the Cubs 8-game home losing streak. If there is anyone management needs to invest more money in it's him. At 6-3 Carlos is the positive factor on the Cubs thus far. Alright, it's time to end this drought, go Cu....on second thought go Zambrano!

With Zambrano at the mound, everything is A-okay

The Cubs 9-2 win last night against the Indians in the third game of the interleague series demonstrated why Carlos Zambrano is so valuable to his team. He doesn't necessarily have to rack up lofty strikeout totals to be effective. Going the distance without giving up many runs is his strong point. That's exactly what Carlos did Wednesday night in a shortened game due to rain in Cleveland, pitching 6 innings while yielding 2 on 6 hits and 3 walks.

It's good to see Henry Blanco making the most of his usual rare playing time. He got 2 hits (double, single) and a RBI. This kind of production is welcomed and definitely needed. The lineup did their job. Everyone got at least one hit except Phil Nevin, compiling 13 total hits. Aramis Ramirez showed signs of breaking out of his hitting funk, going 2-for-3 with 2 RBIs. Neifi was the player of the game though, going 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, a single, and 2 RBIs.

Unfortunately, the Cubs organization has to bare more bad news as Kerry Wood may be out for the rest of the season. This can't be a more crushing blow if this is the case. Wood was checked out by doctors, but didn't appear to have any further problems with his throwing arm. Yet in a simulated game he only able to reach around 70 pitches and then has nothing left in the tank, having something to do with strength in the arm.

Cubs fans can't really cry over this despairing announcement because we all knew it was bound to happen again sooner or later. I think it's best if the Cubs just let Kerry Wood go, trade him for the best possible talent available. This may be difficult since Wood is an injury prone pitcher. Few teams may want to take a risk signing him. With that said, there is good news, believe it or not. Derek Lee is expected to return soon, projected to make a short minor league rehab stint. Dusty and the organizations feels Lee needs time to see and hit various pitching before coming back to the lineup. The Cubs can do this, but shouldn't put him in a position to get hurt again. That's the last thing this team needs. Until then, I wish a full speedy recovery Derek, looking forward to his return.

Finally, by the grace of God a Cubs victory!

Rolling into Cleveland didn't shake the Cubs after completing a terrible home stand. For reasons unexplained, Chicago is playing much better on the road than at Wrigley. To me, this makes absolutely no sense. With the great attendance and outpour of support you'd think this team could win more games at home.

Monday, the offense returned as they faced mediocre pitching. Serving as a backup to Michael Barrett, catcher Henry Blanco went 3-for-4 with a homerun and 3 RBIs. Jacque Jones also homered to help lead the Cubs to a 12-8 win. Sean Marshall obtained his 6th win of the year. He didn't pitch his best game by far, but it was enough.

Scheduled for today to start is Greg Maddux (7-6, 4.82) vs. Lee (5-5, 5.04). The Cubs are in dire need of sweeping the Indians. This of course, is no easy feat with the streaky power hitting of Travis Hafner. The Cubs should be able to get to Cleveland if they can get to their bullpen early. From there they better take every opportunity they get to capitalize and pour it on offensively. Maybe Blanco will have no good game. Go Cubs!

Someone please stop the bleeding!

When will the horror end for a team that has lost 6 straight games, including 12 of their last 15. The 12-3 blowout to the Tigers Sunday showed clear indication that the season is getting even worse for the Cubs. The lowly Pirates are creeping up on them in the Central, on the verge of pasting them for fifth place. Mark Prior's season debut was a nightmare. He gave up 6 earned runs on 4 homeruns through 2 innings of work and didn't last but 3.2 innings. His replacement Robert Novoa didn't fair much better, also giving up 4 homeruns.

Since acquiring Phil Nevin not much has changed with the Cubs offense. Run production has been dismal the past month. I don't know what direction the club's management thinks they're going in, obviously it's not forward. It was unfortunate the Cubs have to run into the Tigers this weekend, they're having a miraclous season. Now the Cleveland Indians are coming to town as the city of Chicago can only be excited about the Southside Sox.

How a team can struggle season after season and slide to the bottom of the division, completely out of contention is mind boggling! To understand Cub fans' pain you have to be able to bear what's they're witnessing every week. The lineup got 5 hits on Sunday. It's nearly impossible to win consistently without averaging at least 4 runs a game. The Cubs are lucky to knock home 2 runs per game. All the Cubs runs came from solo homers agaisnt Detroit. This doesn't cut it by a long shot!

The tragic performance from Prior couldn't have come at a worse time. At least his first game is over because I'm sure there much more humiliation left for the remainder of the season. It's been far too long for Dusty Baker not to get aggressive and emotional with his team. He needs to get the players all riled and pissed off. If this team isn't going to find a way to manufacture enough runs, they need to be insulted and ragged on to transfer over to a form of motivation where they're damn well determined to win. Right now they don't look driven to succeed. I may be wrong, but I saw a 2003 team with fire in their eyes. This year is quite different.

Pleading for mercy looks like the best option for the Cubs right now. At 26-42 it's hard to be positive and keep good morale in the clubhouse. Once spirits are crushed, hope is lost, and eerie silence fills the air a team has called it quits before a season is even over. There is absolutely no sense in this club playing so horrible! I don't know when the appropriate changes will come to this franchise or if a turnaround will evolve soon, but the Cubs should want to finish the season with a shred of dignity. Otherwise, they'll just be a showcase for pity and shame.

Wheels turn downhill sharp again for Cubs

After taking 3 consecutive games against the Reds on the road the Cubs return home and have a performance meltdown (or more appropriately, a "letdown"). Losing 5-4 Wednesday night showed why things still aren't clicking for the Cubs. If the offense gets the job done the pitching falters and vice versa. I swear nothing EVER goes right for this franchise. Injuries continue to be a major problem: Scott Willamison, Kerry Wood, and Mark Prior remain on the DL.

The hitting was there last night, contributing 11 hits. Phil Nevin and Michael Barrett both went 3-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored. Maddux had a meddlesome game, allowing 11 hits and 5 earned runs. What happened to Mad Dog? He came out of the flood gates with 5 straight wins, now look at him. It's getting way too disaapointing to watch the Cubs play this season.

Tonight Carlos Zambrano (5-3) will pull for a victory against the Astros' Chris Burke (0-0). I know Big Z will give the Cubs faithful something to cheer about today. Jacque Jones and the lower part of the lineup need to deliver today and help give Carlos his 6th win.

Off-day allows rejuvenation, arm stiffness for Wood lingers

The Cubs finished off last week in good fashion. They didn't allow the Reds to overpower them or get the best of them. Closing out the series with 3 wins was much needed as the team resumes play today in Houston with a 3-game set with the Astros. I like what I saw this weekend in Cincy, the Cub bats came around in key situations and delivered when needed. They'll be tested again as they face Andy Pettite (5-7 5.81 ERA) today.

Sean Marshall (3-4 4.43) goes to the mound again in search of his 4th win of the year. The rookie has shown promise, looking good in the last 2 starts. I feel he's going to have a positive impact on the team if he stays instead of being called down to Triple A Iowa. There really is no sense in Marshall not already being a 5 or 6 game winner. The starting lineup couldn't provide much run support for him in his 2 starts.

The real issue now is Kerry Wood. Again he's unable to pitch. Due to prolonged stiffness in his arm he was put on the 15-day DL. As far as he's come in making a recovery this had to happen. For the most part he's resting the arm. The Cubs can't continue to wait for him to get 100% healthy and ready. They can survive a little while longer without Mark Prior, but if Wood gets hit with another injury spell the Cubs may tumble into desperation.

Being 11 games back in the Central, at 26-36 the Cubs can ill-afford to manage without Wood, Prior, and Lee. At the point, however the club should be at least be 2 under .500 or better. With the way the rotation has performed it's a shame the offense hasn't came through in the clutch more often. I don't want to hear any further bad news about Wood, the offense scuffling off and on, or anything going on with this franchise. Just win, win, WIN AND KEEP WINNING!

Maddux earns 325th career win, ends Reds winning streak

Watching Cubs games this year like so many in the past is depressing. When it looks like they going to make a turnover things become bleak (or worse). The good news for Cubs fans is they're responsible for ending the Reds 8-game winning streak on Friday. Also Greg Maddux reached another milestone moving to 13th on the all-time wins list.

Maddux: (W, 7-5) 5.1 IP 4 H 2 R 2 ER 0 BB 2 HR 2 SO

That's great for Maddux, he deserves the recognition. The 6-5 win was held up by the thinnest margins as Ryan Dempster closed out the game in the 9th to pick up his 10th save. What I have a hard time understanding is why the starting lineup responded with enough runs and hits last night. I know they faced Bronson Arroyo the other day, yet there isn't a real clear explanation to why the lineup can produce for 1 or 2 games then go ice cold the next 6, failing to produce on several scoring opportunties.

Years ago Harry Carey was right, this team isn't going to win enough games without ample offense. Not much has changed since then. They have to drive in sufficient runs or you can forget about it. All the superior pitching in the world won't help if a club can't score runs in crucial situations. The best clutch hitter on the team is Derek Lee and he's still injured so guys like Ramirez, Barrett, and Nevin will have step up to the challenge. They can't worry about a slump forming. They just need to take care of business.

Today in Game 3 of the series between the Reds, Carlos Zambrano (4-3) will shoot for his second straight win as he combatants Brandon Claussen (3-6). The offense better give Carlos at least 4 runs. They aren't facing a tough pitcher so there is no excuse. Dusty should start Walker at second and put Nevin at first. They need more power in the lineup. Go get 'em in Cincy...have some patience at the plate.

Zambrano comes close to no-hitter, Cubs victorious

Carlos Zambrano threw a gem last night in Houston. With full steam ahead he pitched 8 scoreless innings and with Will Ohman, combined for a one-hit shutout. Chicago can gain some ground in the Central if they can take the series against the Astros and Reds this week (or just get back-to-back sweeps). With an 8-0 win, it seems like the offense is finally getting settled.

The starting lineup hit 3 homeruns, off the bats of Michael Barrett, Jacque Jones, and guess who? That's right Carlos Zambrano, who also drove in 4 runs and racked up 8 strikeouts. Is this guy unbelievable or what? His 4-3 record doesn't show his value to the club or really reflect his overall performance thus far in the season. Both Todd Walker and Ronnie Cedeno had 2 hits and scored 2 runs. Pierre even showed signs of breaking out a slump, going 2-for-4 including a walk.

The road ahead in the coming weeks may be rough for the Cubs, but they should have an advantage since they will be playing at home. The problem is they're scheduled to play the Astros again next week then have the Tigers and Indians in town for interleague play. They need to hang on until then while Mark Prior finishes his rehab stint with Class A Peroria. If all goes well he should rejoin the team before end of June.

Today Kerry Wood (4.50) will start against the Astros, gunning for his second win squaring off with Wandy Rodriguez (6-3 4.81). Control and endurance may be concerns for Wood. If his fastball is on point with high velocity the Astros won't have much luck. Keep the ball rolling Kerry, let's maintain this streak. The Cub offense should be sufficient tonight.

Cardinals spoil chance at sweep

Closing out the end of the week could have been sweet if things would have gone according to plan. Sunday the Cub offense was more than active and productive. Greg Maddux just didn't have good stuff out there on the mound. The Cubs gave him a 5-3 lead towards the 5th inning, but old Mad Dog couldn't hold it.

Stat line on Maddux (6-5): 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 2 BB 4.77 ERA

Well, that's the kind of rotten luck the Cubs have at odd times. Moving onto Houston in the road trip starting Monday, the Cubs really needed this sweep.
If there is anything good to know, the Cubs are 6-3 this year against the Cards. That still doesn't make up for their standing in the division with 33 losses and 11 games below .500. The Pirates are on the verge of jumping in front of the games for 5th place. This is freaking pathetic. I know with the steady improvement from the offense and acquisition of Phil Nevin things are supposed to be looking up for the Cubs.

You would think with the injury to Albert Puljos this would be to the Cubs' favor. Not in the last game of the series with a 9-6 loss. It's a shame that they can't capitalize on opportune situations. Juan Pierre again struggled to reach base. He did manage a hit in 4 at-bats. When he takes hard cuts and swings at first pitches he's not going to help the team. Relying on his speed by bunting and slapping grounders in the hole along the infield is what he needs to be doing.

Sunday wasn't a good day for Matt Murton either at the plate either. This kid is still learning and growing so it may take him some time to figure out certain pitchers. He'll find his stroke again when he's able to start taking advantage of being ahead in the count. This week the Cubs are set to the play the Astros and Reds to finish their road trip before returning to Wrigley to face the Tigers in interleague play. Carlos Zambrano (3-3 3.39 ERA) will get the start Monday at Houston against Fernado Nieve (1-3).

Cubs acquire Nevin from Texas

The Cubs GM finally made a move to help bring another source of offense to the lineup. This week the team traded Jerry Hairston to the Rangers for first basemen/DH Phil Nevin. For some idiotic reason Jim Hendry goes after players who are struggling at the plate and that nobody wants. The stats prove my case. Nevin is hitting .216 in 46 games with 9 homeruns and 31 RBIs. He's batted .204 since joining the Rangers in July 2005.

Yes, Nevin can give the team some extra power, although how often will he reach base or be effective? Against the Reds earlier this week the Cubs have demonstrated their ability to drive in runs, especially with the aid from Jacque Jones. The whole focal point from the management's viewpoint should be to maintain consistency with run production. Obviously, on Wednesday this didn't happen when Zambrano had another good outing, but came up short to lose the game. Without sufficient run support for the pitching rotation the club is doomed. They can't expect to win close games by only putting up 2-3 on the board.

It took Jim Hendry over a month to make a deal. That part is okay, the problem is he fails to negotiate with buyers in the market who have the best talent available. I'm not saying Nevin won't contribute much, but the Cubs would benefit the most by having proven talent with postseason experience. The GM doesn't want to give up much in return for such a commodity. He'd rather strike weak proposals to retrieve mediocre players then watch the team slip downhill and stay there the rest of the season. The outfield alignment remains unsettled too. I hope there will dramatic changes with the team's performance in the near future.