Offensive shortage keeps Cubs grounded in San Fran

I don't like missing Cubs games when they pour out the runs. That's exactly what happened Monday night in a 9-2 win over the Giants in which Mark DeRosa slugged two homeruns (one a grand slam). Ted Lilly wooed the visiting crowd with a dominating performance as well to capture his 9th win. Then the Cubs just lost the momentum or energy Tuesday night at the plate. The lineup was baffled against Matt Cain, not scoring a run until the 9th after the starter departed the mound. Derek Lee led off the inning with a triple which was followed by a shallow flyout by Daryl Ward. With 1 out Soto hit a single to center to drive in the only run. A rally started but ended with 2 runners on base as Ryan Theriot battled to stay alive yet finally went down swinging to end the game 2-1.

With a shortened bench due to the injuries the Cubs need to start searching for another outfielder or utility player because they're scuffling to put runs on the board while on the road. I sure hope Reed Johnson speeds up his recovery time and comes back 100% healthy as well as Soriano. Relying on a single star player to get hot isn't going to work for the Cubs as the All-Star break approaches. Stringing together the hits and playing small ball is what the club must learn to do. The rotation shows they're effective as Marshall, Lilly, and Marquis (7 innings, 1 earned run last night) have gone deep into recent games without giving up more than 3 runs a piece. Having a prospect like Eric Patterson helps with having speed on the base paths and using hit-and-runs with a small ball attack. Rather than go for the long ball the Cubs can start laying down bunts more often and aim to hit to the opposite field with an effort to boost their run production.

Before the trade deadline it would be wise to at least strike a deal for another hitter. Zambrano appears to be ready to roar back and stay healthy to sustain the rotation for the time being. From the news by WGN's broadcast duo Felix Pie hit a homerun last night for Triple-A Iowa after rehabbing from a brief injury. I really believe the left-handed speedster deserves another shot in the Major League this year. Micah Hoffpauir is another young prospect hitting well there too. He's compiled 28 RBIs in 24 games while batting .319. At current the Cubs have a 2.5 game lead over the Cardinals, but don't want to slip behind. Taking 3-of-4 from the Giants in this series would be real good. The Cubbies got to maintain their stride and find ways to win on their road trip.