Cubs overall inconsistency results in 3rd straight loss

Nothing has actually changed over the course of a week for the Cubs. They can't catch a break at any point in games. After coping with another disappointing series, dropping 2-of-3 in L.A. the lineup as a whole is still shaky and inconsistent as hell. The only exception here as usual is Derek Lee. The star slugger had 2 hits including a solo homerun. That's exactly the problem...rarely is anyone on base when Lee comes to the plate. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of watching this club each season. Sure Soriano went 2-for-5 last night in the 9-4 defeat vs. the Marlins, but it proved to be irrelevant since no one else in the lineup drove in runs when needed. Jason Marquis got shafted if you ask me because it's not his fault the Cubs lost. He gave up 4 earned runs on 8 hits and 3 walks. Such pitching usually keeps a team in a game then the bullpen took over after the 5th inning and screwed up again. Michael Wuertz had pitched well for a stretch before allowing 4 runs last night at Wrigley. No one person is to blame here it's a combination of players who just aren't cutting it. I know Ryan Dempster isn't at fault as he hasn't pitched in the 9th in what seems like weeks! The veteran closer needs more exposure and he can't get opportunities for saves when the rest of the bullpen is pitching so crappy. The 22-28 record at current is really surprising the why this team has played in May. They're lucky not to be sunk at the bottom of the division. The Cubs have to improve upon the 8-hit output from the lineup. They can't expect to rely on their starters so much EVERY game. I feel like luck will turn tonight for the Cubs as Lilly (4-2) will try to rebound and pull them out of the gutter as he face off against former Cub Sergio Mitre (2-2). If anything the Cubs could score more than 5 runs for the veteran southpaw. God knows he deserves it!

Offensive meltdown resurfaces while road trip becoming a real bummer

I tuned in to see the game Sunday on WGN, catching most of it...and again the action wasn't worth viewing. The Cubs lineup struggled all game against the Dodgers and had their lone run from a hard-lining RBI single by Derek Lee. The worst part was how the game ended. Why in the hell would anyone want to throw a low slider with the bases loaded and the game on the line?? The wild pitch allowing the winning run to score was imminent. I knew they weren't going to take the lead or win the game after they failed to score in the 10th and 11th inning.

What does this franchise expect when veteran players can't seem to buy hits or move runners into scoring position? Plain and simple, there isn't any execution by the Cubs on offense. The bullpen gave them a chance, but eventually the tie had to be snapped. The constant alterations to the lineup must be effecting their hitting. Certain players aren't getting enough at-bats. Cliff Floyd and Jacque Jones could start more games and have Murton and Pagan come off the bench on a regular basis. I don't know what will actually work.

Today there is more bad news as the Marlins handed Sean Marshall his second straight loss, edging the Cubs 5-3 in Florida. Damn it, I'm tired of seeing good pitching performances from the rotation go to waste especially from these young guys. Chicago has dropped 4 of their last 6 games. When the lead-off hitter goes 0-for-5 it's usually going to be a tough night. Marshall again, deserved to win after yielding just 2 earned runs. What's wrong with these Cub hitters?

A lack of extra base hits are hurting the Cubs and they're to start thinking more and viewing outfielders positions while at the plate. They have 2 other games with the Marlins before heading to Atlanta for another 3-game series. Somebody better start walloping the ball or I won't bother watching any games for a while.

Lou states his case

Cubs snubbed 9-8 in Los Angeles

The road trip looks rough for the Cubs. After taking only 1-of-3 from the Padres things didn't seem to get better last night. Ted Lilly had pitched phenomenal in previous starts, but in the first game of the series against the Dodgers it just wasn't his night. He only lasted 4 inning while surrendering 5 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. Usually he has good control...I don't know what happened last night.

The good news if there was any for the road stint is Alfonso Soriano has snapped his hitting funk and had 3 hits with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. I want to see more consistent hitting from the star outfielder. When both Lee and Ramirez start swinging hot bats there is no doubt the Cubs put runs on the board in a hurry. Barrett, Jones, and Lee all had 2 hits a piece. The 13 hits for the lineup Friday night was enough the starting pitching nor the bullpen could uphold a lead.

This weekend series with L.A. should be positive for Chicago. Let's hope everything goes okay for Carlos Zambrano (4-4) today and he can endure 5-6 strong innings. Whatever is bothering him on the mound he definitely should speak up about otherwise he may risk a serious injury. I truly wish that won't be the case. Sunday Rich Hill (4-4) will be the probable start facing off against Randy Wolf (6-3). Go Cubs!

Cubs inability to put runs on the board continues

The San Diego Padres caught the Cubs at exactly the right time as they countered late in Wednesday night's contest to score a few runs and pulled out a 2-1 victory. This scoring drought is a reoccurring nightmare because the lineup seems to be stuck in a funk. Last night everyone looked bad except for Mark DeRosa who went 4-for-4 with a RBI. I haven't been watching the games lately since I don't have cable right now...and really I'm not missing much.

Don't get me wrong, Derek Lee's hitting is off the charts, owning the ever rising high average. However, everyone else for the most part is stinking up the field! Plus, to make matters worse rumors are swirling around that Zambrano may be playing hurt. This is not the kind of news the franchise or any Cub fan wants to hear. If he is indeed injured, why continue to pitch and risk further problems? I know Big Z is the emotional leader on the squad and doesn't want to stop playing, but this club needs to have him fully healthy or else he won't be so effective.

It's a travesty that poor Sean Marshall experienced his first loss after going 7 quality innings of 4-hit, 2-run ball. I don't know what's going on with the bullpen. The move to have Angel Guzman as a reliever is fine, but to plan on switching Dempster from closer to start...that doesn't sound right to me. Lou changed his mind and made the best decision. He's still in search of another starter.

I suggest the Cubs make a trade and try to reel in Ben Sheets or someone of his caliber. Don't put too much faith in Mark Prior to return. The organization needs to look over all their options and not hesitate to take bold steps as they get ready to close out the series with the Padres tonight. Jason Marquis (5-1) takes the mound against Chris Young (5-3)

Cubs downed 5-1 at San Diego

Good pitching did the Cubs in Tuesday night at Petco Park. The bats didn't sprang into action and totaled only a run. Jake Peavy's sharp performance gave the Cub lineup problems as he recorded his 6th win. The up and down scoring has become a nagging inefficiency for Chicago. The Padres ace allowed just a run on 4 hits and a walk. On the opposite side, Rich Hill suffered yet another bad outing. The 4 homeruns really put the game in perspective and sealed his fate for the night.

I hate to continue mentioning it, but the Cubs are horrible with runners on base. They stranded 23 in the game! When the top to middle of the order has goose balls and don't produce, obviously the Cubs chances of winning are slim. When will this ever change?? The 8 hits seem irrelevant because of the sole run. Chicago drops to 20-23 despite remaining in second or third place in the Central.

If I'm Lou Piniella right now, I don't know quite what to do with the lineup...except keep the guys like Theriot that are HITTING towards the top of the lineup. We'll see if the club can make a turnover tonight in San Diego for Game 2. Young prospect, Sean Marshall rejoins the team and will start against David Wells.

6-run inning becomes Cubs own worst enemy

Derek Lee made his return off the bench as a pinch hitter Saturday and lead the Cubs to 11-6 victory after he slugged a grand slam. Well, I was dead wrong of questioning whether he'd be healthy enough to play. Off the field the first baseman is still dealing with his daughter's illness. Considering all that's going on with him he's hitting .394. Having a chance at the sweep on Sunday, the Cubs couldn't quite settle down with their starting pitching. Others Cub fans like the one on Crawley's Cub Kingdom believe the Cubs can build on this positive series. Check out other Cub blogs here.

Something definitely is bothering Zambrano because his outing Sunday as in recent starts was uncharacteristic of his true abilities. Going 6.2 innings he gave up 6 hits, 7 earned runs, and walked 4. The control isn't there because these walks are building up. Carlos says his mechanics aren't the problem, but it's uncertain as to what is causing the drop in consistent pitches in the strike zone. The fact that the lineup failed to score runs early didn't help him either.

The production mainly came from Aramis Ramirez who went 2-for-3 with a single and 3-run homer. Only 5 other hits were accounted for by everyone else. Daryl Ward has did a nice job off the bench in the Interleague series with a few timely hits to drive in runs. The Cubs need more of that from their bench. The Cubs were so close to having bragging rights against their cross town rivals...if they only could have swept the Sox! The Cubs go on the road for a short stint starting Tuesday as they'll see the Padres and Dodgers. Cub fans can hope to see improvement from the speedsters like Soriano on the base paths.

Cubs prevail in first interleague game against Sox

Wrigley Field enthusiasts were pleased Friday and actually felt compelled to stand up and cheer as the Cubs stuck it to the White Sox, 6-3. The Cubs made a comeback in the 7th, down 3-1 behind Angel Pagan's 2-run triple. Michael Barrett cranked his 6th homer in the 2nd inning off Mark Buerhle. Lou's adjusted lineup broke out for 11 hits while scoring 5 big runs late to take the lead. It's always good to see an increase in runs yet way too many runners are being left stranded. 18 total runners got left on base!

Ted Lilly pitched extremely well again, recording his 4th win behind 7 strong innings of work.
Stat line: 6 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO, 1 HR.
Bad news brews again for the franchise as Derek Lee is on the DL with neck spasms, listed day-to-day. He's expected to be available, however Saturday off the bench as a possible pinch hitter. If he's really bothered by these neck spasms may be it's a bad idea to put him in the game just yet. Give him until Monday unless Lee feels fine by Sunday. 4 guys are already on the DL so it's smart to avoid such risks with star players.

I see Lou put Alfonso in the 3 hole, which may work to the Cubs advantage if the star outfielder start seeing a series of hitter's pitches. With guys like Theriot and Pagan getting on base so frequently there will more than enough RBI opportunities for the middle of the order. Today Jason Marquis (5-1 2.22) starts opposed to Javier Vazquez ( 2-2 3.86). I think Marquis will rebound from his last rough start. The men in blue always come to play hard against their cross town rivals. Let's make it a sweep Cubs!

Cubs hit pitfall in Game 3 at Shea

After an offensive outburst in the second game against the Mets, the Cub bats hit rock bottom Wednesday night. The inconsistency has to drive a coach crazy because I know it does to Cub fans. The starting pitching left something to be desired too. Coming off a rejuvenated start by Carlos Zambrano the lineup had the motivation to produce. However, Wednesday the lineup had a pitiful 2 hits...what freaking happened?

Rich Hill endured 6 innings of work and pitched okay, with 7 hits and 4 runs credited to him. The 4 walks, for the most part did him in for the game. This makes the second or third straight loss for Hill, who seems to have lost confidence in his best pitches. Well, I was right about the changes being made...at least for one game in this series. The bullpen has sputtered recently. Wuertz, Ohman, and Cotts don't have the command or control of their pitches. They'll got to work these mechanics out.

Cotts gave up 3 earned runs yesterday in the 7th inning. It was not the Cubs night at all. Most everyone in the lineup went either 0-for-3 or 0-for-4. Get rid of those goose eggs on the scoreboard guys! I understand the new formulated team is still making adjustments and getting use to one another, but if the Cubs keep this type of play up they'll always be up and down in the Central with no lead or advantage over their competition. Milwaukee is playing like a team possessed, what has jump started them? Then again, how long can their wild streak last...this is the BREWERS I'm talking about here. Who knows what the standings will look like at the All-Star break, but the Cubs better take all their games seriously.

Bullpen blows lead and game in the 9th, Piniella up in arms

How could a sure win elude the Cubs last night? It's beyond me why Michael Wuertz was left in the game against the Mets. After the second walk in the 9th Lou should've jerked him. When everything appeared to be clicking for this club another blunder or series of mishaps surfaces again. The offense did their part... kinda of (still could have scored a few more runs), scoring 4 runs on 8 hits. If the Cubs want to be contenders they've got to beat teams like New York. I won't be too hard on Wuertz because he's done fairly well as a setup man.

I'm not sure the reason why Ryan Dempster didn't enter in the 9th to go for the save. He ought to be given as many opportunities as possible as the closer. His role is valuable to the Cubs. Jason Marquis got a tough break as he was on a roll in previous weeks. He pitched 5 innings, wheeling out 5 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. The right-hander received a no-decision. That's probably for the best since he didn't deserve the loss. Derek Lee sat out Monday night at Shea Stadium due to neck spasms. The slugger traveled back to Chicago have doctors run some tests.

Marquis drove in 2 of the 4 runs going 2-for-3. You can't expect any more from a pitcher. Lou is clearly frustrated as many of us fans out there because he's not seeing the production from the top to middle of the order. Soriano must learn to utilize his best skills and play smart baseball, especially on the base paths. Ramirez, Barrett, and Jones need to start driving runners home and stop striking out so much. I anticipate changes in the rest of the Mets series and in the interleague play match-up with the White Sox.

Lilly baffles Phillies, continues to shine

Luckily for the Cubs a bright spot has come forth in the series vs. the Phillies. Ted Lilly pitched another fan-tastic game Sunday as the Cubs went on to win 4-1. This came a day after the two NL teams put on a slugfest both scoring 6 or more runs in the 7th inning. The two-run lead didn't hold up for the Cubs yesterday. The bullpen fell apart and gave up too many extra base hits which were daggers late. Today the offense was limited on both sides, but the Cubs' 4 runs sufficed behind the stellar pitching performance.

Lilly lasted 8 innings, only surrendering 1 earned run on 3 hits and a walk while garnering 5 strikeouts. The southpaw seems to be getting more dominant as the season progresses. His control is excellent. The lineup helped him out by getting 11 hits. 6 of those came from Matt Murton and Cesar Izturis. This series didn't go as expected, but at least the Cubs managed 1-of-3. The lineup will really have to come to play in the upcoming series with the Mets and the White Sox. Maybe fans will see a big change from Zambrano is his next outing. I would just like to see him win without extending to high pitch counts. Good luck Cubs!

Cubs lose back-to-back games on the road

Right after I mentioned how well the rotation was pitching the Cubs lose two straight against the Pirates. Then again, more of the deficiency has come from the offensive side. Consistency isn't there at the plate. The 7-2 loss to the Phillies last night showed the lineup getting 9 hits, including solo shots by Ramirez and Soriano, but leaving 12 runners on base. WHY CAN'T THEY DRIVE THESE RUNNERS HOME...for God Sakes guys you go through this cycle EVERY season!

It's damn near impossible for starting pitchers to go 6-9 innings all the time and only give up a run or two a game. Rich Hill fell into this scenario Friday night. It was going to happen sooner or later anyway. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, 5 earned runs, and walked 3 batters. The southpaw dropped to 4-2, which is nothing to ashamed of considering how well he's pitched in April. I still can't believe the Cubs lost 2-of-3 to Pittsburgh. All of a sudden the Pirates and Brewers can compete with anybody...and actually have a good chance of winning!

Zambrano's start on Thursday was a bummer, but everyone knows he doesn't have his best stuff now. I just don't want to see his ERA continue to inflate because he's too good of a pitcher and a key component in the Cub's future success. Angel Guzman (0-0 2.19) starts today against the Phils' Freddy Garcia (1-2 5.33). These solo homers need to stop when guys are on base. Hit a few grand slams or three-run shots, do anything to put more runs on the board!

Pirates overtake Cubs in extras, 4-3

Man, the Cubs were on a roll and then they had to play another extra innings game at home. 15 innings in fact, which showed them struggling to score runs late. I thought the Cubs had jumped over this hump. The lineup did have 14 hits, but scattered them throughout the game. Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot both had 3 hits a piece and combined for the 3 runs. What happened to everyone else?

After the no. 2 hole the Cubs stranded 16 runners on base! That will kill any team's chances of winning. These types of games are common so really I guess the lack of runs shouldn't be unexpected because it's going to happen from time to time. What's disappointing is Ted Lilly not collecting the W. He pitched another marvelous game. Lilly's Stat line: 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO, O HR.

The Cubs came so close to pulling off another extra innings victory and prolonging the streak...damn that stinks! The series still looks in their favor as Marquis and Zambrano are slated to make starts. The rotation is doing a tremendous job so far and the bullpen is looking sharper too. I'd like to see Zambrano bring that crisp fastball and slider Thursday and give this club momentum heading into Philly.

Sunday game recap: Cubs vs. Nationals

The day off Monday was well deserved for the Cubs who come a sweep against Washington. The 4-3 win in Game 3 of the series came in extra innings. Daryl Ward slapped the game-winning single in the 10th. He came on late as a pinch hitter and drew a walk in his first at-bat, keeping the inning alive to help Chicago tie the game. Matt Murton also had a huge hit off the bench. Ryan Dempster pitched 1 inning and collected is first win.

The above .500 mark at 15-14 looks good and it shows the players are starting to function better as a a team. Angel Guzman did a solid job as the starter Sunday, lasting 5 innings and only allowing an earned run on 2 hits and 2 walks. He should have recorded the W. Looking forward in the schedule the Cubs work to continue the hot streak as they meet the Pirates at home for a 3-game series before going on to the road to play the Phillies and Mets.

Lee's homer gives Zambrano, Cubs win

The 6-4 victory against the Nationals at Wrigley Friday afternoon proved to be a crowd pleaser. What a big day for Derek Lee! He's red hot as his averages continues to soar. The slugger hit the long ball when the Cubs truly needed it, providing a 2-run cushion and ending up being the difference in the game. Also I'm happy Zambrano bounced back after giving up 4 runs in the lst inning then pitched 5 more innings and went on to win the game. The strikeouts aren't important for him now, cashing in on his 3rd win is what counts. The rotation has flourished this week with Marquis, Lilly, and Hill pitching deep innings.

Ryan Dempster recorded his 6th save, making quick work of the Washington batters. He's going to a veteran asset to the Cubs all year if he can be consistent and as effective as he was yesterday. Today the Cubs go for the sweep. They're currently up 5-1 on the Nationals in the bottom of the 7th inning. Aramis Ramirez hit a solo bomb in the 3rd and Lee prolonged his hitting streak. The Cubs push for their 5th straight win and look to get to .500.

The Central division looks to be wide open at the moment and the Cubs can really gain ground if they continue on their recent path. The twinks with the lineup sure seems to be paying dividends. Lou unexpected game plans are working for this club. I really like the concept of Pie and Soriano in the lineup. That shouldn't change too often. I say whatever works go for it. Everything appears to be falling in place as the Cubs try to make an impact in May. Let's hope the hot streak lingers!

Soriano smashes 2nd homer, Cubs prevail over Bucs 7-1

The fresh attack from the Cubs offense worked wonders the past 2 games. The dingers are starting to fly off the sluggers' bats and the pitching is holding up well. Jacque Jones and Alfonso Soriano both finally....have gone yard! The constant reminders of this drought must have charged their bats. Much of this recent turnaround is due to them seeing better pitches, hitting in front of and between Derek Lee and Ramirez. Chicago poured on 9 hits in Wednesday night's contest. Lee had another 2-hit game, driving in 2 runs while Soriano (3-for-5), Jones, and Cliff Floyd homered. I want to see the star first baseman continue his hot hitting.

As I expected the Cubs managed to take 2-of-3 from the Pirates. Jason Marquis was incredible again in his start yesterday. He's now 4-1 with a lower ERA of 2.09. Only rendering 4 hits and an earned run while going 8 innings is outstanding! The lone run came from a solo homer which I assume was because of a mistake pitch. With Rich Hill and him pitching so well, the Cubs can really dig in within the Central division if they push themselves.

Given another off-day for Thursday the Cubs set their sights on . They have an opportune time to go for the sweep. Miller, Zambrano, and Hill are scheduled to pitch in the series. I want to see the Cubs utilize Felix Pie's speed more in the coming weeks. He'll have to learn patience at the plate and once he draws walks more frequently or gets in a hitting groove he'll be threat on the base paths. The same goes for Alfonso Soriano. Go Cubs!

Bucs outlast Cubs 3-2

After winning two consecutive games against the Cardinals the Cubs couldn't quite pull ahead of the Pirates Monday night at PNC Park. The runs didn't come late as needed and giving up the homer to Jason Bay was the difference in the game. Rich Hill still pitched another fine game and owns a 1.77 ERA. He exceeded 5 innings of work, however fell short of recording his 4th win. The offense is looking better. Alfonso Soriano and Jacque Jones have yet to hit their first homerun. Eventually they'll snap out of this funk and supply the power.

The Cubs have two more games with the Pirates before seeing the Nationals on the road for a 3-game series. Lilly (2-2) starts tonight opposite Armas (0-2) for the 7:05 p.m. If the offense can give Ted Lilly around 4-5 runs that will be enough. They actually outhit Pittsburgh 9 to 7 yesterday, but stranded 10 runners on base. I look for Derek Lee to continue his recent mult-hit games and boost his average to over .400. The goal this month for the Cubs should be to jump in front of the Brewers and Pirates in the division because right now they're playing better. Come on Cubs, go on a long winning streak!