Good riddance to Florida, Cubs head back home for another grueling matchup

I wasn't happy with the way the series started or ended against the D-Rays. I really felt the road trip was going well after departing Toronto winning 2-0f-3 games. The greatest concern now for Cubs fans is Carlos Zambrano aggravating his shoulder in Wednesday's start. The debate between him and Lou on the mound late in the game was a little bothersome for me. If Big Z was hurt he should've agreed to leave the game yet was intent on getting one more out. Lou certainly did the right thing by pulling him and avoiding further problems with the shoulder. Getting swept in Tampa Bay was a surprise. Geovany Soto and Fukudome provided the hitting yet it was wasn't enough.

Dropping two games by a run were close battles then yesterday the Cubs took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 7th and the flood gates opened. Carlos Marmol had this one particular bad relief outing and lost his composure. Plunking two straight batters with 2 walks was so unlike him. To make matters worst for Game 3 in the 8-3 loss Sean Gallagher pitched a fantastic game and received a no decision which looked to be a potential win. Here is his stat line:

6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO

The dip in the road trip didn't effect the Cubs much in the standings which is great. I was pushing for them to climb over .500 before returning to Wrigley, but overall they're in good shape. However, with guys on the trading block and the Cubs concerned about Zambrano it's time for them to act and strike a deal for another good starting pitcher. Again I'll put it out there despite those Cub fans who are against it: Pursue BEN SHEETS! He's a veteran strikeout pitcher with a track record for winning. As the Cubs enter the Windy city clash with the White Sox management needs to contemplate possible trade options. With the Chi Sox coming off a three-game win streak the Cubs will have to be ready. Oh, it's going to be a fierce showdown with a few hard hits and tension boiling (especially if the umps piss Lou off). All there is left to say is this crosstown series is on and both teams will be bringing it.