Favorable home opener for Cubs, Soriano takes early exit

Several things are working in the Cubs favor in April. Still they're trying to define themselves as a ball club in 2008. Tuesday night in Wrigley was a bittersweet game. The Cubs captured a 9-5 win behind 14 hits. As usual though a freak incident occurred. Alfonso Soriano appeared to have a routine fly ball caught without a problem yet came up hopping after the play with a strained right calf. Leaving the game in the first inning really caused a scare for Cubs fans.

This sucks, but the Cubs will cope without his bat in the lineup as they've done in the past. I want to see Soriano have a full recovery and come back strong. Derek Lee and Mark DeRosa socked homers and accounted for 6 runs. Dusty Baker had to watch his new team fall to 6-8 and struggle to drive in runs. The wind played a factor as usual and worked to the Cubs advantage this time. A sweep to kick off the opening home series would be great!

Ryan Dempster came the bullpen a break pitching 6 innings and earning a 2-0 mark. I didn't see him as a regular starter, though he's adjusting well in the new role. Kerry Wood pitched the 9th in a non-save opportunity and was flawless while striking out a batter. I know this will one of the wackiest seasons in Cubs history and maybe even in MLB history. Ken Griffey Jr. added to baseball history with his 595th career homerun in the 3rd inning. Coaches want to utilize as much as their roster as possible in games. Lou Piniella's experience as coach with the Mariners, Devil Rays, and Reds will enlighten him as to what works or what doesn't in games for the Cubs. I like the idea of using the bench with Cedeno, Ward, and Fontenot coming in as pinch hitters or sometimes defensive replacements. Lou will determine when this strategy becomes too excessive.

The 8-5 record is a good start for the Cubs. Derek Lee right now, the hottest hitter on the club at .368 will be expected to lead the offense. Fukudome has much unraveled talent and is on the verge having breakout performances. The talent is so widespread now the managerial staff is working to effectively disperse players in given key situations. The starting pitching for the Reds and Cubs will be tested again. Tonight Carlos Zambrano (1-1) takes the mound against Josh Fogg (1-1). Both are known for going long innings as the right-handers push for their 2nd win.