Ramirez walk-off blast seals comeback win

The winning streak remains in tact as the Cubs came back from a 5-0 deficit yesterday at Wrigley. Trailing most of the game the Cub bats sprung into action in the 8th and 9th. Getting that runner on ahead of Ramirez was huge. This group looks like a totally different team. Everybody is hitting well without any apparent slumping in the lineup. Soriano slapped 2 more hits in Friday's game. Rich Hill pitched just 3 innings as the bullpen took over and Bob Howry obtained his 5th win in middle relief.

Aramis went 3-for-5 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. I knew he'd have a big impact with his return to the lineup. Such production is always welcomed and needed. Maybe now during the 7th inning stretch at home the guest conductors won't have to yell, "Let's get some runs" as often. I hope to catch some of the game today as Ben Sheets (9-3) squares off with Sean Marshall (4-2). It's suited up to be a good pitcher's matchup. Can't wait to see what happens. Way to go Cubs!!

Zambrano wheels and deals as Cubs are hot, hot, hot!

I have liked what I've seen this week from the Cubs as a entire club. Everybody is contributing in some form or another. Carlos Zambrano delivered again, recording his 9th win with a 6-inning 5-hit and 2-run showcase which included 8 strikeouts. His K totals are steadily rising with each start. How about the offense? These guys have put in the hours in BP and it shows! Mike Fontenot has been the man of late as he hit his 3rd homer and went 3-for-4 last night in the 6-4 win over the Rockies.

Mark DeRosa supplied a 3-run shot in the 3rd off Hirsh. The low 6 hits usually wouldn't have sufficed yet Zambrano and the bullpen kept the Cubs in the game. Ohman, Marmol, and Dempster have been handy relievers in mid-to late innings. This team will need more of the same in the second half of the season. At 38-39 the Cubs are on the verge of breaking .500 and they can gain ground in the division by taking the upcoming series with the Brewers starting tomorrow.

Rich Hill (5-5) starts Friday against the Brewers' Yovani Gallardo (1-0) in Game 1. I like the Cubs chances if they can contain Prince Fielder and get to Ben Sheets in Game 2. The hitting is looking good the Cubs just need to keep it up.

Cubs win 5th straight, down Rockies 8-5

Nearing the end of the June the Cubs are playing their best baseball of the season. Winners of the last 5 games, good fortune seems to finally be falling in their lap. The big comeback on Monday night at Wrigley (correction from early post: Cubs are in for a homestand series with the Rockies and Brewers; not on the road). When the bullpen looked to have nearly gave the game away the lineup came roaring back with big hits from Fontenot and the game-winning single from Alfonso Soriano. The superstar is smoking at the plate! Man, did the Cubs need his hitting.

The 8-5 win last night showed more of the same as Soriano delivered with 2 hits, 2 runs, and a stolen base. Cliff Floyd slugged a 2-run homer and Koyie Hill had a big 2-run double late to wrap the game up. These prospects recently called up are showing great potential and will only get better as the season rolls along. I'm was impressed with Sean Marshall last year and am glad to see the sharp hitting from the rest of the guys getting their chance to play in Majors.

11 hits did the job against Colorado last night behind another good performance by Ted Lilly (6-4). He went 6 innings and allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 5 walks. Things still look in the Cubs favor as tonight Carlos Zambrano (8-6) coming off a outstanding pitching gem takes the mound vs. the Rockies' Jason Hirsh (3-6). Cubs shoot for back-to-back sweeps. Yeah, let's do it. Wooooooooo!!

Cubs sweep Sox, Soriano homer adds emphasis

At the last a sweep happened for the Cubs...they got a big break in this weekend's Interleague Series against the White Sox. Everything is running smooth as the starting pitching and bullpen had really turned their performances up a notch. Plus Alfonso Soriano is on a tear. He hits 3 homers in the series, pushing his total to 15. Aramis Ramirez's bat has gave the Cubs are lift. He's a valuable guy on the club.

The 3-0 shutout showed how the pitching is starting to fall in place. Sean Marshall moved to 4-2 after a six-inning sensational outing. The bullpen and him held the Sox to 7 hits and only walked 3 batters. Soriano went 3-for-5 with an RBI while Ramirez sliced 2 hits. Even the young catcher, Koyie Hill drove in a run. They all looked sharp.

I knew the Cubs could move up in the standings after this weekend. They're still got to stay in tune as they continue the road trip. Watch out for those Rockies! Coach Piniella did or said something to set his team straight and whatever it was it has worked so far. First place in the Central can be the Cubs by the All-Star break. It's theirs for the taking.

Zambrano's 12 Ks overpowers Sox in Windy City contest

What a thrilling game I missed yesterday in Chicago! Carlos Zambrano dazzled and delivered as only he can in a Cubs uniform. He's been hot in his last 3 starts and proved for sure there was nothing wrong with his arm in the Cubs 5-1 win Friday afternoon. Zambrano went to 8-6 after going 8 innings while surrendering a mere run on 3 hits and a walk. Man, Big Z was dealing against the Sox. He's sure made them look bad on a variety of sliders and fastballs.

With the win the Cubs improve to 33-39. Aramis Ramirez made his a much anticipated return to the lineup and supplied the power. Him and Alfonso Soriano (13) jacked the ball into the seats beyond left and right field. Felix Pie even got in the act with a 2-run single. When the Cubs hit for power they usually manufacture ample runs and it was more than efficient for Zambrano. Somehow the strong right-hander's mind set has changed for the better. He seems more focused and determined unlike in previous months. 7 hits was all it took to take care of the White Sox, who luckily for the Cubs are struggling right now.

Taking the series at U.S. Cellular Field will be a big plus and boost to the Cubs. Ryan Dempster should get a few more save chances, he added another one to his total yesterday. The Cubs will face two hot teams in the Rockies and Brewers coming up on the road trip. If Soriano and Pie keep hitting well the club can at least reach the .500 mark. They ought to take full advantage of the poor play from the rest of the competition in the Central. Go Cubs!

Cubs drop historic game, 7-3 to Rangers

With all the attention surrounding former Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa it was evident no one cared much about the actual outcome...well except fans like me. I had wanted Sosa not to hit his 600th career homerun against the Cubs, but as luck normally has it the shot heard around baseball was imminent. The 7-3 loss certainly didn't help the Cubs in the division. If the Brewers gain a big lead they may very well run away with the division...I can't believe I just said that.

The 2 hits from Lee and 3-for-4 efforts by Soriano weren't enough to save the Cubs. A few guys in the lineup had an off-night. 8 total hits can't get the job done unless the starting pitching holds up for extended innings. Marquis lasted 5 innings yielding 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. This wasn't a bad outing for the right-hander yet when the lineup is stumped in late innings the game is pretty much over. The bullpen did well for the most part just giving up a run.

No doubt about it the 2 errors cost the Cubs a few runs. Defense will be a major contributing factor to Cub wins in close games. What I'm having a hard time understanding is why the Cubs decided to trade Michael Barrett for virtually two nobodies! Sure I know why he was traded (the spats with teammates), but he had 9 homers and 29 RBIs. The Cubs dealed him away to the Padres for backup catcher Rob Bowen and a minor league outfielder. Again as in the past, what in the blue hell was Cubs management thinking??

Now, suddenly they're interested in Ken Griffey Jr. Of course this would be a great addition to the franchise, however what makes them think they have the money or if Griffey will even waive his no-trade contract. I'd love to see Griffey in a Cubs uniform, but honestly what is the real possibility this could happen? While management is cleaning out some of the roster they might as well finally say so long to Kerry Wood and maybe Prior too. They've been a complete waste of money the last couple of years. Get rid of them while you can, Jim Hendry! Forget about the Griffey trade because I don't see it happening, look elsewhere...say Houston or Atlanta. The main goal is winning no matter how it happens...Cub fans want to see a contender!

Cubs expected to be rejuvenated after day off

With the schedule day off Monday the Cubs' arms and lineup ought to be well rested. I don't know what kind of offense fans will see from the lineup tonight against the Rangers. The Cubs will have gut out the road trip and make at least a dent. The guys like Barrett, Jones, and DeRosa must be active hitters. This early count swinging nonsense has to stop. Getting runners on base...AND driving them in is key.

Marshall gets the start oppose to the Rangers' Tejeda (5-3). The young lefty has shown well in recent performances and definitely must have adequate run support. Everybody needs to do their part: the lineup, middle relief, and closer. If not the Cubs will experience their 3rd straight loss. They should be over .500 at this point instead of under. This team has got way too much talent going to waste. Lou Piniella will have to be a charge into this club again to spring them into action and move on to winning ways.

Cubs knocked around in 11-3 loss to Padres

Emotion in the air at Wrigley was apparent this weekend. A day after Derek Lee and Padres' pitcher Chris Young were ejected for fighting, the Cubs had no answers against their NL opponents. Carlos Zambrano pitched a near no-hitter on Saturday, but tragically picked up the loss. It's funny because in the heat of the moment the Cubs ace will do almost anything. Footage showed him fired up and ready to defend his teammate, but after the game he allegedly said, "I'm glad no one got hurt."

Rich Hill dropped to 5-5 with today's game outcome. He only pitched 3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 5 hits. No one was hitting in the Cubs lineup. They had 9 total hits and missed much need run production. Lee is suspended for a couple games and will serve them soon. A week ago this club looked to be getting on track, but they don't seem to have actually have their heads in the game all the time.

I'm not sure what's going on with all these recent MLB beanings and fights, but the Cubs can't let their emotions effect their ability to perform up to par. They'll see the Rangers and White Sox for two Interleague series before returning home to face the Rockies for a 3-game bill. If they don't bring the bats or the power I don't see them having much of a fun road trip. The Cubs desperately need Aramis Ramirez now. He's a key component in the offense. Come on Cubs, make rallies late if necessary!

Cubs take 2-of-3 from M's

Sure the home series with Seattle wasn't the most exciting games the Cubs have played this season, but they were historic. The 5-2 victory Thursday showed the Cubs out hitting the visitors 12-3 as Soriano went 2-for-5 with a run scored. Cliff Floyd punched out 3 hits and Izturis drove in 2 runs. Bob Howry (3-3) entered the game in the 7th and recorded the win. The Cubs badly needed to take a series.

At the moment in today's game they're up 1-0 against the Padres. Chicago will see them for a 3-game series and should get should good cuts in on their pitching staff. I can't wait for Aramis Ramirez to returns. Cubs definitely need his bat. Well, it looks like Alfonso Soriano and D. Lee are heading to the All-Star Game. They both deserve being selected. Meanwhile, the Cubs can focus on making some sort of decent run before the break. Winning the majority of their home games is all important because they'll face tough teams on the road. We'll see how they respond.

Cubs drop close one in extra innings to M's

I got so amped up for this Interleague series with the Mariners at Wrigley since it marks the first time ever the two teams have faced off. Last night, unfortunately luck shifted to the visitors side as the Cubs didn't push across a run in 5 consecutive innings and and lost the game in the 13th. Rich Hill pitched a fine game and it sure sucks when the lineup doesn't give him sufficient run support. The inability to execute in the clutch often has been the story for the Cubs since April.

The main source of offense came from Derek Lee and Michael Barrett. Both had 2 hits and a piece with 2 RBIs. Their production alone couldn't compensate for the 5-3 deficit the ball club found themselves in extra innings. Consistency is still an area this team must really work to improve. They're lost too many close games in the first half of the season. The young guys, Pie and Fontenot punched out one hit each and showcase great potential. The lost fell to Will Ohman (0-4), who entered the game in extra innings. Hill went 6.2 innings allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits and a walk.

As far as a production standpoint the Cubs were only out hit 14 to 12, but it was Jose Guillen's homer in the 3rd which keep the M's ahead for most of the game. Aramis Ramirez' absence is hurting run production for the lineup and with him now being on the 15-day DL other guys have to assume bigger roles on the team. Keeping Soriano and Pie back-to-back in the lineup as often as possible is the best strategy Lou can take in my view.

Finding more at-bats for Cliff Floyd and Jacque Jones is still in question. Those two veterans have the power and the Cubs can definitely use their bats in key situations off the bench. Hopefully 'Ole Lou will know what to do. Let's take 2-of-3 from the M's!

Cubs blow chances and game to closeout series in Atlanta

Another breakdown or as I'd like to think, offensive shortage occurred Sunday night at Turner Field. With 6 outs left Ryan Dempster entered the game and couldn't hold a 4-2 lead. Well, the closer can't be perfect each time and the lineup didn't provide enough insurance runs. Soriano's sac fly in the 5th to put the Cubs ahead then Derek Lee had a chance to drive in runs with runners in scoring position late in the game, but grounded out to short. The whole incident in the 1st inning was absurd.

I'm not sure why the home plate umpire reacted with an automatic ejection after Lilly hit Edgar Renteria with a pitch up and in. Who knows if it was intentional or not? Usually a warning is issued to both dugouts instead deciding to toss the pitcher. Plus the umpire took a while to make this decision. What the hell was his problem? Lilly got robbed of a start! It was a clear there was conflict between both teams in this series. Still umpires don't need to jump to conclusions. If another incident occurred then action should be took.

The bullpen did okay until Dempster entered the game in the 8th. He's just wasn't able to shut down the Braves' hitters. At least some good news came from Game 4. Prospect second baseman, Mike Fontenot hit his first Major League homerun while adding a triple with 2 RBIs. It stinks the rest of the lineup couldn't produce more than 2 runs. Looking forward to tonight's game, Carlos Zambrano (6-5) takes the hill against the Astros' Woody Williams (2-8) in Chicago. I would like to think the Cubs will be focused and pay no attention to any trade rumors circulating in MLB. Let rebound tonight Cubs before gearing up for the exciting series vs. Seattle!

Soriano's 3 homers drives Cubs to 9-1 victory

Friday night's game in Atlanta couldn't have concluded with much better results. The pitching, both starting and the bullpen was superb as well as the offense. What has got into Alfonso Soriano? The slugger launched 3 dingers last night, all of solo variety. He finished with 4 hits, 3 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Finally Cub fans are seeing the star put up big numbers! It's only a matter of time before he broke out.

To compliment the lineup's efforts Sean Marshall pitched one heck of a game and went on to collect his second win after going 6 innings. The young southpaw only totaled 1 earned run to his credit. What solid back-to-back performances from the Cubs young guns! The club could really benefit with a sweep against the Braves before facing Houston for 1 game then jumping back into Interleague Play.

I can't wait to see the long awaited Mariners, Cubs series. This marks the first time in history the two teams have played each other in the regular season. Seattle is my favorite AL team (Although Ken Griffey Jr. is no longer there he played a big part in my rooting choice). The best aspect of this series is it will be played at Wrigley Field.

The game last night was filled with great efforts all-around. The lineup hit that magic number of 5 early and I knew they were in the clear. 15 hits were crunched out by the lineup with everyone except the pitcher having at least 1 hit. Everyone is booming about Soriano, but how about FELIX PIE? He's been impressive from the start. He delivered with 2 hits and 3 RBIs. This guy is the real deal and deserves every chance possible to be in the lineup. The veterans like Floyd now more than ever have to prove themselves. I think it's okay to have Murton, Pagan, and Floyd come off the bench most of the time. Of course, they are entitled to some starts too.

Jason Marquis (5-2) goes to the mound tonight and squares off against Braves ace, Tim Hudson (6-4). This ought to be a real pitcher's gem with the game being decided by 1 or 2 runs. Then again it may very well turn out to be a slugfest. In the Cubs favor, it would be nice to see them knock Hudson around a bit and get out to an early lead. Piniella is focused on setting goals, one being a top spot in the division. With another win the Cubs can make it 4 straight. Let's go Cubs!

Zambrano returns to rare form, Cubs blow past Brewers 6-2

A fuse was lit and seems to have fired up the Cubs ace. After the heated nonsense incident in the Cubs dugout and clubhouse over the weekend, Carlos Zambrano put his energy to good use. Going 6.2 innings Wednesday night at Miller Park he allowed 2 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks with 9 strikeouts. If Carlos is injured he's doing one hell of a job of fooling everybody. It was probably personal issues bothering him, nothing to do with his mechanics.

Felix Pie hit a three-run homer, going 3-for-5 in the game with 3 runs scored. I think only good things will happen for the offense when Soriano and Pie are in the lineup. The Cubs are in dire need of such speed on the base paths. I think it's a good idea to have the young outfield prospect leading off and have Alfonso in the no. 2 hole. I've said it a few times before the star slugger will be more productive at this spot.

The bullpen is looking much improved from previous weeks. I think I'm sold on the idea of having Carlos Marmol enter the game in middle relief. He's been effective, which is all that matters. Ryan Dempster was great last night too. He spread goose eggs on the scoreboard in the 9th. Everything went well until Aramis Ramirez left the game with a strained knee after reaching on an error at first base in the 2nd inning. This sounds minor and shouldn't cause him to miss no more than 2 or 3 games if that.

Well, it looks as if Zambrano has his head and focus back in the game. Apparently, Michael Barrett and him have made amends. I'm amazed at this guy. He has a prior bad start then rebounds with a sound pitching performance for his 6th win plus comes through with 2 hits and a RBI! Few pitchers in the league can hit and pitch this well. The Cubs need such an advantage on the club all season. They're only 6.5 games in back of first in the scuffling Central. It's so important that they make a run before the All-Star break. At that point it won't be a time to slouch behind. I look for further progress in the upcoming series at Turner Field.

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/ Getty Images

Soriano's 3-run bomb propels Cubs to 7-2 win

Surviving a disastrous weekend the Cubs set their minds on achieving goals. One of those goals was to not again become the laughing stock of the NL. The organization received good and bad news on Monday. Due to his behavior and actions at Wrigley on Saturday Lou Piniella was suspended an additional 3 games by Commissioner Selig. This makes a total of 7 games the Cubs will be without their skipper. Well, he's already eat up 1 or 2 games so far so it's not as bad. I still can't comprehend why Lou was hit with such a penalty when every baseball fan who's tuned in to ESPN has seen the antics from other ball club managers.

Actually the incident involving the Mississippi Braves minor league coach put all other ejections at the pro level to shame. I found it quite amusing really...with the flipping of the bases and the crawling toward the mound then heaving the roselin bag at the home plate umpire. What Piniella did was tame compared to that guy's actions. I'm sure old Lou regret his actions now and will put it past him.

Anyway, the Cubs have won two straight and last night Soriano delivered with 5 hits. His 3-run homer in the 7th gave the Cubs a comfortable lead. Carlos Marmol collected his first win behind 5 big innings of work by Jason Marquis who gave up an earned run on 7 hits and 3 walks. The best part I think was the lineup producing 12 hits for 7 runs. Of course they stranded 15 runners, but that doesn't matter when a team wins. A sharp turnover for the rest of June would be great. They'll see the Brewers for 2 more before traveling to Atlanta for 4-game series. The player issues and other distractions hopefully will vanish. Let's go Cubs!

AP Photo/ Nam Y. Huh

Chaos erupts in Wrigleyville, Lou gives umpire an ear full!

If there is one of the worst times to be a Cubs fan, it's definitely now. With what happened this weekend in the Braves series at HOME I'm kind of ashamed to root for this club. With things already a mess, Carlos Zambrano and Michael Barrett had to lose their cool and fight. I'm a big Zambrano supporter and everyone knows he was unsatisfied in the previous inning with the pass ball and error, but throwing a punch at his catcher was wrong. Then the two got into it again the clubhouse!

No one really paid much attention to the game itself, it was more of a emotional free-for-all as Lou Piniella jolted from the dugout in the bottom of the 8th and contested a call at third base. He got in the third base umpire's face, yelling and kicking dirt...then in a classic move he kicked his hat after being ejected. It was a close play at third as Angel Pagan was called out, but it looked from one angle that his hand touched the bag just before the tag. The Cubs fiery manager was suspended indefinitely by MLB for his behavior on the field (I can't believe that...when did dirt hurt anyone?). The 5-3 loss makes 6 in a row for Chicago.

Normally I would provide stats of the game, but with all the turmoil and complaining going on it's too depressing to mention. Why the hell can't the players put aside their egos, conduct themselves like Major Leaguers and actually give a crap about winning?? Lou was right when he said guys need to start acting like Major Leaguers and he only has so many guys to put in the lineup everyday. People better not start turning on 'Ole sweet Lou and make him out to be the next Dusty Baker. He clearly is trying to fight for this franchise. Zambrano and Barrett need to put their differences aside, shut up, and play SMART, LEVEL-HEADED FREAKING baseball. Otherwise the Cubs will continue to endure hell.

The woes and tribulations carry on for a struggling ball club

Another off-day yesterday came at the right time. The past two or three weeks, seeing how the Cubs have sputtered and collapsed in games was gut-wrenching. I've said it earlier they are lucky to still be within stomping distance in the NL Central. With the exception of the Brewers no team has played well. The sweep against the Marlins was a shame. They should be embarrassed they got beat 9-0 in the third game and didn't scratch out more than 4 runs in any game within the series. What do other fans think about the Cubs play in recent weeks? Read what's posted on this Cub site from MLB.com.

The players meeting was a great idea...finally someone spoke up and took action. Lou Piniella rallied the group together for 30 minutes to talk about their sloppy play as of late and what can be done to change everything. Cub fans can only pray this makes a difference. Losing 7 of their 9 games the top players like Lee and Ramirez recognize adjustments must be made for this club to thrive and succeed. Bullpen and run production issues have stunted the Cubs' progress and had to be addressed.

Coming back to Chicago for a three-game series with the Braves won't makes matters any easier because even though Atlanta isn't the team of old they sure as heck aren't pushovers. We'll see how the rotation and bullpen respond. It turns out I was way off on my instinct in regards to Ted Lilly's last start...it was awful (sometimes it's going to happen to the best anyway). Carlos Zambrano (5-4) coming off a win will start today opposite Kyle Davies (2-3). Maybe the animated hurler can duplicate his previous performance.