Life on the road is a constant uphill struggle for the Cubs. Watching them try to score runs is like waiting for Novocaine to subside after having your teeth drilled. It's just not fun. If I have to witness another game in which the offense has 4 or 5 chances to drive in runs and comes up short I might be compelled to jump off a roof or balcony. Last night another total lack of production from the lineup allowed the D-backs to have their way and cruise to an easy victory. The outcome wasn't centered around Jason Marquis' pitching at all. He hung around for 6 innings and served up a homerun and 3 earned runs on 5 hits and 2 walks. Collecting his 6th loss Marquis wasn't the reason for the Cubs' inefficiency.
Having two of the team's main power hitters slumping in Lee and Ramirez shows the run production withering each game. The immediate problem is nobody in the lineup is picking up the slack. Ryan Theriot is the only one batting with any consistency in the last 7 games or so, claiming a .474 average with 9 hits, a run, and 3 RBIs. The offense must get recharged somehow because stranded 16 runners on base can't lead to success in road games. Plus I don't know why Lou doesn't have Reed Johnson playing in center more often and giving Edmonds days off. Another good contact hitter with speed can help open up holes on the infield and possibly lead to executing well timed hit-and-run opportunities.
All the talk this week is about Soriano be activated and ready to play today for the series finale in Arizona. I'm happy he'll be inserted back in the lineup, most likely at the leadoff spot yet he can't be looked upon to resurrect the offense. No doubt he'll provide the pop and jump start the scoring. There still is another quality element missing within the offense. I feel another reliable outfielder is needed, who possesses speed and hitting ability to give the Cubs that extra push in the right direction. Today Ted Lilly (9-6) will make an earnest effort for a win as Cubs fan pray the offense will ignite and provide the southpaw with run support. Taking the series in Arizona is out of the question and at least the Cubs can shoot for 1-for-3 and high tail it back to Wrigley to rub off those road woes. Chin up, Cubbies. There is too much season left!
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