Cubs prevail in extra innings thriller at Wrigley

As a Cubs fan there are much to be pleased with and disappointing news to accept. First off, the Cubs are still red hot, winning 4 in a row including a sweep against the Braves at home. Thursday afternoon a battle transpired against Carlos Zambrano and Tim Hudson on the mound. They both kept their teams close. Trailing 2-1 in the 9th of all people, Jim Edmonds hits a game-tying homerun to send it into extra innings. The bases were loaded in the bottom of the 9th as Reed Johnson came to the plate as a pinch hitter with no outs. The game ends with him being hit by a pitch to force in the winning run. Heck, the Cubs will take victories anyway they can get them.

Now onto a serious note. Finding out about the injury to Soriano was a shame. He was on a tear with 15 homeruns and 40 RBIs...that lousy, sorry !%#@*!! Braves pitcher broke his left hand. Expected to be out 6 weeks it's a real drag for the Cubs. Why do these freak injuries always happen to the good guys? The offense is still there in the lineup yet it stinks not to Soriano around. A new lead-off hitter in Eric Patterson recalled from Triple-A Iowa I suppose will be his replacement in left field. Lou Piniella will probably juggle guys back and forth into that spot until he finds the best consistent hitter. Micah Hoffpauir rejoins the team to add another good bat off the bench. His role will range from range from rotating in the outfield and pinch hitting when needed.

I'm not at all content with the fact Felix Pie wasn't called back up to play centerfield. He didn't even have to be an everyday starter to benefit the Cubs. How can management expect him to develop further as a player if he isn't given enough experience at the Major League level? The Cubs GM knows he has great potential yet gives limited opportunties to prove himself. I'm certain he'd be a better choice than Patterson for the lead-off spot. He's hitting over .300 in his last 10 games for Iowa. As long as the lineup drives in adequate runs they'll continue to be successful no matter who is on the active roster. I just think Pie deserves another chance.

An exciting group of Interleague series start this weekend. The Cubs will ulitize their extra prospects and fill the DH spot. Today in Toronto they try to extend their win streak. Being pushed back a day Sean Gallagher (3-2) starts in the opener against the Blue Jays, facing opposing pitcher A.J. Burnett (5-6). Going into hostile territory the Cubs must work to get Gallagher run support early and build upon it by forcing Toronto to go to their bullpen. With a win Chicago can jump 20 games over .500 and possibly gain a 4.5 lead over the Cardinals.