Going into New York this week for a 3-game series with the Mets didn't scare the Cubs. They had finished the weekend being sweep by the Nationals. Aramis Ramirez was the only player in the lineup providing the punch on offense. He's starting to heat up, hitting 5 homeruns in last 4 games. The Cubs need more of this, unfortunately it comes too little too late. Yesterday the lineup roughed up Steve Trachsel for 8 runs, cracking 3 homers (Barrett 11, Ramirez 22, and Jones 16), They won barely, 8-7 as Greg Maddux picked up the W.
Maddux had not got a win in his prior 3 starts. With 12 hits and 8 runs it was enough for him on Monday. The bad news for the club again is another player is injured. After Sunday's game at Washington the Cubs decided to put Derek Lee on the 15-day DL with inflammation in his right wrist. Nobody can stay healthy on this team in 2006. I don't even think Mark Prior is 100%. Right now they're just a hobbling, insufficient team.
Picking up the slack, Phil Nevin and Matt Murton both managed 2 hits a piece Monday against the Mets. Nevin drove in two runs which definitely helped the cause. With Lee's departure the Cubs will recall first basemen Ryan Theriot from Triple A Iowa. This is good for the young prospect, but why haven't they called up Felix Pie or Nic Jackson? Their pitching is in a bad state as well now. The Cubs may have waited too long to pick up another dependable right-hander or southpaw. Marmol is doing okay in the rotation, but a replacement is needed. Hey, Ben Sheets is back with the Brewers, why not try to make a deal for him?
Going for consecutive wins today the Cubs give Carlos Zambrano (10-3) the start at Shea Stadium against Tom Glavine (11-3). This is sure to be a real pitcher's duel if both guys bring their best stuff. Knowing these two star pitchers there will be few hits and plenty strikeouts. Carlos may have to reach back for a little extra to out perform the crafty veteran southpaw. You can do it Carlos!
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