How about them Cubs? The bats continue to sizzle with the run totals increasing each game. The Cubs are serious about making a statement on the road trip. After a 7-6 win against San Diego on Monday, featuring a 3-of-3 slugging performance by Carlos Zambrano along with him grabbing the win the Cubs hit the long ball in Game 2 to result in a 9-6 triumph. Bruising up the Padres bullpen for 6 runs Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto, and Alfonso Soriano all homered. The Cubs came back from a 3-1 deficit heading into the 5th inning. It was the 8th game in a row they made comebacks while trailing at some point.
Jason Marquis went 5 innings in the game last night, enough to reel in his 3rd win. The following is his stat line:
4 H, 3 ER, 3 R, 5 BB, 2 SO, 0 HR
The starters don't have to go deep in games when the bats produce at least 5 runs, but it would be good for the bullpen to get extra rest. Cutting down on the walks would lower the pitch counts and give Lou further reason to let his starters in the game for further innings. 6 relievers were used in Tuesday night's game. I have to applaud Kerry Wood for his outstanding efforts as closer. With 16 saves to his credit he has racked up 36 strikeouts with a 2.78 ERA. He's the stronghold of the bullpen and is such a valuable piece to the Cubs makeup.
I see Lou went back to placing DeRosa in the outfield rotation. This idea of moving players in and out of the lineup is working well, allowing players to be refreshed the next day. I don't think Cub fans see enough of Ronny Cedeno though. Switching him with Fontenot in the lineup works okay, but perhaps he could be used more at shortstop. Besides Cedeno is hitting at a .292 clip on the road compared to his infield teammate's .233 average. I know Lou has a difficult time getting everyone enough at-bats. The run production in the lineup has picked up immensely with 4 players in the lineup having at least 38 RBIs each. Credit that to the Cubs 9-game winning streak.
Seeing how the Cubs are facing one of the least formidable teams in the NL the game tonight won't be a 'piece of cake' against Greg Maddux (3-4). After two consecutive no decision the 42-year veteran will be hungry for a win. I'd have DeRosa in the lineup for this one because he knows Maddux' arsenal of pitches playing together in Atlanta. Plus, let's see Henry Blanco in action, whether starting or off the bench. The knowledgeable veteran can have more of factor than being a defensive replacement. If Ted Lilly (5-4) works around 5-6 innings it ought to be sufficient to keep the Cubs in the game. Just be leery of the walks! Go Cubs!
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