There was finally something to smile about Wednesday as the Cubs and Pirates hooked up for the third game of the series at Wrigley. It was a special day since it was Derek Lee's 31st birthday. He declined Coach Baker's offer to sit out. It's a good thing that Lee played. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th Lee launched a grand slam, the seventh of his career. That's just how big of an impact the star first baseman has in the lineup. Man, have the Cubs missed his bat.
Michael Wuertz (2-1) recorded the win despite a magnicient pitching performance from Rich Hill. His numbers are the following:
7.1 IP, 4 H 2 R 1 ER 2 BB 11 SO 0 HR
The young prospects continue to show promise and make good progress. They can definitely use the rest of the season to develop their pitching skills. There is still so much for them to learn. It was a good day for most of the youngsters. Matt Murton and Ryan Theriot both collected 2 hits. Henry Blanco been serving well as a replacement to Michael Barrett. Of the course, this game really was all about Derek Lee. I'm glad he started and wanted to play. However, it I was Baker I'd probably would've asked if the slugger wanted the day off too. (Obviously, that would have been a mistake).
D Lee has hit 5 homeruns on birthday on 4 consecutive years. That one helluva good reason to have him in the lineup. I'm looking forward to seeing him 100% healthy next year. It truly stinks that the season has to end with negative results. They can only try to play the role of spoilers and at least help the Reds clinch a playoff spot. This is a time (even though it should've been effectively done in the off-season) where the Cubs organization needs to do real strategic planning and thinking. Finding enough chemistry and talent should be the main concern.
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