Cubs take 2-of-3 from Brewers

This Easter weekend was kind to the Cubs. They won two straight against the Brewers before dropping the third game Sunday, 9-4. Everything went smooth except for Wade Miller's outing. His 2007 debut didn't go according to plan nor ended the way he would have liked. Going 4 innings, the veteran right-hander allowed 6 earned runs on 9 hits and 2 walks. The back-to-back homers Miller gave up to Jenkins and Gross hurt the Cubs chances of making a comeback. Plus Scott Eyre yielded 3 runs in the 9th, which didn't help either.

Chris Capuano always seems to pitch well against Chicago. The lineup did okay, stretching 4 runs across the board. Derek Lee had another 2-hit game while Ramirez and Soriano only added one hit apiece. I don't think the star center-fielder has got comfortable yet at top of the order. To me it makes more sense to have him batting in the no. 2 hole because not only will he be in a position to steal bases, but also have more chances to drive in runs, allowing the other 2 big sluggers to see better pitches. That's one issue Piniella may want to take into consideration.

The Cubs are 3-3, which really doesn't speculate or mean anything for the rest of the season. The 2 losses in Cincy could have gone either way. I'd just like to see the new lineup get used to playing with one another everday and starting to click. The power from the middle of the order will develop sooner or later. Having a strong rotation that provides quality innings and keeps the allotment of runs down is truly important.

Today the Cubs start their home opener at Wrigley against the Astros, scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET. The homestand will be entertaining. I imagine the stands will be packed, especially in the bleachers and on the rooftops on Waveland Avenue. Again, I will miss the game (as many this summer), but can't wait to see the highlights, wishing Lilly another successful outing and for the Cubs to pick their first win at Wrigley!