Windy City clash goes the Cubs way, Dempster 9-0 at Wrigley

Alright, the Cubs are back to kicking butt as they return to Wrigley Field. This weekend they mauled the White Sox, sweeping the series as if their road trip had no ill-effects on their play. The long ball became a big part of the offense as the Cubs went deep 4 times on Saturday and twice Sunday. Eric Patterson cracked his 1st Major League homerun in the 7-1 shellacking last night. The hottest player of the series by far was Aramis Ramirez who tallied 4 homeruns and 8 RBIs. He also hit the game-winning homer in Friday's 4-3 comeback victory. ESPN broadcaster Jon Miller was so enthralled with the Cubs third baseman's prolific hitting he kept repeating how many dingers Ramirez hit in the series. It kinda reminded me of Harry Carey a little except without the famous quote, "I'm a Bud man and a Cubs fan."

Watching how the Cubs play at home compared to last year is astounding. They're a totally different team and have functioned well without Alfonso Soriano. I don't know where they'd be without the bullpen either. Bob Howry did a nice job of closing out the game Sunday night, not giving up a run or hit. Tying a mark set in 1936 the Cubs have won 14 straight at Wrigley. A major contributor to that success is Ryan Dempster who is 9-0 at home. With Zambrano on the 15-day DL he may take over as the no. 1 starter. He's a good ground ball pitcher and coaxed 3 double play balls last night. Much credit is owed to him for the Cubs hot streak.

With the shoulder strain to Zambrano the Cubs have called up Sean Marshall from Iowa to make a start on Tuesday against Baltimore. I'm glad to see him rejoin the team and start in the rotation. Another lefty would even out the rotation a bit, providing the Cubs with an extra option in the bullpen as well. As for the lineup, Ramirez has caught fire and Lee is starting to heat it up. He slapped out 2 hits and drove in 2 runs yesterday.

By the All-Star break with the Cubs sailing already possessing a 48-28 record most everyone should be healthy and ready to endure the second half. As hot as this 2008 team is now it's only a matter of time before they start shattering franchise records. They'll have to learn to win on the road. After facing the Orioles at home they'll head to the South side to meet the White Sox again then head to San Francisco for 3-games. Keep those bats sizzling especially you Ramirez!