Cubs nipped 6-5 at Wrigley by Reds

The home opener for the series with the Reds didn't result in the Cubs favor. It was another close game the Cubs dropped. Aramis Ramirez and Derek Lee hit back-to-back solo shots in the 4th inning. Unfortunately, Zambrano had bad luck in this outing, allowing 6 earned runs on 13 hits. In his previous start he got a no decision, which also sucked. The animated, streaky Cubs ace fell to 14-9 on the year.

5 hits are rarely efficient for this club as Lee gave up with 2 of his own. The Cubs drop to 60-58 after the loss in Game 1, their third straight. These skids are expected around this time by Cub fans, but if the Cubs keep this up they'll dig a big hole for themselves. The energy and joy appears to be diminishing since Soriano isn't around. His teammates can't linger on his absence or fret over their own individual performances.

Sure the Central is normally wide open each year, but this franchise can't think that way. They've been burned too many times in the past. If the Cubs allow their nemesis to come back and take first it will be a damn shame. Lou Piniella is too good of a coach to sit back and watch his team crumple (Think it's time for another heated tirade and 'dirt kicking' incident to get the players fired up again). The young guys like Fontenot, Theriot, and Cedeno will have to prove themselves to keep getting playing time.

Now that I know that Lou has jerked Dempster from the permanent closer role, what's going on with the bullpen? Jim Hendry knows this club needs a few more relievers. Simply calling up guys from Triple A Iowa won't cut it. Get out the green backs or start making some freaking trades! I believe the offense will suffice until Alfonso returns, but the pen is an area for adjustments. Maybe the bullpen can rest more as Ted Lilly (13-5) heads to the hill today against some virtual unknown for the Reds.