Nothing 'brewing' in Coors for Cubs

Sunday afternoon the offense looked void of energy, unable to supply much run support for Sean Marshall. It hurts not having Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano in the lineup. I have no idea how the star third baseman will be out, but the team is in dire need of his services. 9 hits were what the lineup mustered. With the game tied in mid-innings Sean Marshall exited the game being replaced by pinch-hitter. Unable to get a decision he sat and watched from the rest of the game from the dugout.

Both Felix Pie and Eric Patterson saw playing time again, but only combined for an RBI and no hits. I like seeing the young prospects to further exposure and have these chances to learn how to play the Major League level. Derek Lee has cooled off considerably since the All-Star break and the Cubs need him to recharge his bat. His lack of power isn't that important, but his performance is in these late months. Kerry Wood didn't look sharp at all yesterday, coming in with the game tied at 3. Lou will want to put Kerry in when the Cubs have extended leads. Otherwise it's just too big a risk to let him pitch until he's comfortable on the mound.

So the Cubs took 2-of-4 in Colorado and find themselves a 1.5 games behind the Brewers. They can't keep pushing their luck. With prolonged absences of their two sluggers maybe it's necessary to find another hitter. It helps to have Daryl Ward back on the active roster, but the Cubs could use another guy to in the infield and outfield occasionally. The guys in blue ought to get rest with the off-day and be ready to do damage in the upcoming road series with the Reds and Cardinals. These games could be crucial to them in the standings depending on what Milwaukee does. At all costs, AVOID A SWEEP!