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!
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