Tuesday the Cub bats came out slugging in the opening innings. Alfonso Soriano slammed a lead-off homer off Shawn Estes to kick off the scoring. Later in the 2nd inning Reed Johnson followed with a 2-run double to center. After that nothing else was cooking at the plate for the Cubs. San Diego outhit them 10-7 as Jason Marquis went 5.2 and gave up all 4 runs on 9 hits and a walk. It was another bad break for the veteran starter since the bats started off hot then went ice cold, resulting in his 3rd loss. 5 games remain on the homestand allowing the Cubs to extend their excellent record at Wrigley and push for a lead in the Central.
This week rumors have fluttered that the Cubs are interested in picking up Jim Edmonds. With the potential deal laying in wait Felix Pie would be sent down to Triple A. I don't think the trade would work out. Edmonds strikes out too much and doesn't fit into any good spot in the lineup. Plus I think the only way Pie can improve and developed is getting extra at-bats at the Major League level. Sure he's tore it up at Triple A Iowa in previous years yet he needs to face the caliber pitching around the league. Whether coming off the bench or sometimes as a starter he can be a spark plug for the Cubs with his speed and aggressiveness.
I know Scott Eyre is back from injury and trying to find room on the roster for guys is an issue. The bullpen, no doubt about it has been superb. They deserve much credit for the Cubs 23 wins. Having enough arms in the pen is important, but the main focus for progress at current is getting more production from the middle of the order. If the Cubs can start driving in runners on base more frequently they'll wrap up games fairly easy wins against less than potent offensive clubs. Today the Cubs look to recharge the offense as Ted Lilly guns for his 4rd win against Jake Peavy (4-2). It's going to be a tall order for the Cubs lineup to handle. Go Cubs Go!!
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