This short week returning to play after the All-Star break, things seemed to be progressing gradually for the Cubs. They had won 4 out of the last 5 games coming into Sunday. Winning the series against the Mets would be a real motivator. Like having a chance to creep back the division, reach .500 again, or most of all clinch the playoffs it wasn't meant to be at all. Today at Wrigley the Cubs jumped out to a 2-0 lead thanks to RBI doubles from Aramis Ramirez and Michael Barrett.
In the second inning, helping his own cause, Sean Marshall hit a solo homer. The Cubs took a 5-0 lead into the 3rd inning. Of course, the Cubs lineup squandered a couple scoring opportunities in the early innings. Ronny Cedeno, who's been in a slump came up with the bases loaded, but struck out to end the lst inning. Marshall needed at least 6 runs through 7 innings. Unfortunately, the rookie didn't last that long. He was pulled from the game after giving up a grand slam to Cliff Floyd in the 6th.
Moments later the game got completely away from the Cubs. I don't know why the hell I resumed watching the game 30 minutes later. After being up 5-1 the Cubs allowed the Mets to claim the lead and steal the game as they pounded out 11 runs in the 6th. The Mets hit two grand slams in the same FREAKING INNING! Damn it, I can't believe this shit! Either the wind blows straight out when the visiting team bats or blows in during the bottom half of the inning. All I know is the game turned over a leaf when Todd Walker bobbled a ground ball, allowing Carlos Beltran to beat out a play at first. This threw everything off (Walker should've already been traded by now).
I failed to recognize the bad omen in the lst when Cedeno and Walker couldn't make up their mind who was going to catch a pop-up instead letting it drop on the grass. This is a clear indication that they can't function as a team. If they can't handle basic fundamentals there is no way winning is possible. Also, squandering chances to score against a power-hitting team can't be countered by decent pitching. Cubs management have relied solely on this factor from the start of the season. With Wood done with the year and Prior now sidelined again, the GM and owner sure look like fools!
Ole' Dusty was shown on ESPN during the game throwing his hands up after the first grand slam. Then what dumb move does he make? He brings in Roberto Novoa, like he can handle pressure. He had commented to commentators, Joe Morgan and Jon Miller prior to the opposition's offensive outburst about being satisfied with the work of his bullpen. God, this guy's age must be affecting his mind frame or judgment because I don't think he knows what's going on from one day to the next. Still it's not all his fault either. The players aren't performing up to their capabilities. Making some trades before the deadline is the solution.
The 13-7 loss today at home was another painful experience for all Cub fans. The bitterness can only grow deep down inside until resentment and frustration surface. Those who just can deal with it anymore may have to numb themselves by downing several pitchers of beer (others may just get high, hey, people cope with shame this way all the time). The true victim and poor soul today was Sean Marshall. He had his heart set on his 6th win only to see it slip away in the 6th (that incompetent ass, Walker!) Tommorrow the Cubs get the day off, able to recuperate after the butt whooping they received. They'll see the Astros starting Tuesday for a 3-game series at Wrigley. Preparing to bring out the brooms in advance can only mean you're an Astros fan. My optimism is about dead, can't you tell?
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