The farm system has surprisely been beneficial for the Cubs. After a tiresome, extended 18-inning comeback win Tuesday night rookie left-hander Ryan O'Malley was called up to make his Major League Debut against Houston. The kid was marvelous, shutting out the Astros to help the Cubs win 1-0. I'm very pleased with the young prospects' pitching, but what is the lineup's freaking problem? Michael Barrett got the only run with solo homer in the 6th inning. They can't continue to scuffle at the plate if they expect to make strides in the division.
4 hits just happened to be enough behind O'Malley stellar debut performance. What more can the club ask for now? Unfortunately, the success of the young rotation called up from Triple-A won't last much longer I'm afraid. The Cubs were lucky to catch the Astros at the right time. Lance Berkman and company could've easily sealed a victory in the extra innings game Tuesday night, but they couldn't execute. Houston is struggling big time and this reap benefits for everyone else in the Central. With an off-day today the Cubs bullpen will get much needed rest. Then they look forward to the series in St. Louis which actually matters at this point in the season.
At 11.5 games back the Cubs still can do a lot of damage. Another sweep could even put them back in the race as crazy as it sounds. I don't have a clue who else will be pitching in the rotation or how Dusty will work out kinks. This team can't get lazy or be less aggressive. Now is not the time so full concentration is required to keep the winning streak alive. Bring on those Cardinals!
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