Cubs use power display to highlight offense, sweep Brewers

The offense roared this week for the Cubs and busted out ample runs against the Brewers in route to a sweep. How about that! All this trash talk I heard going around about Milwaukee taking over the lead in the NL Central and winning the series didn't accumlate to jack squat. When Jim Edmonds can blast 2 homeruns (1 a grand slam) that's a special moment by itself. Then add Kosuke turning the corner with the approach at the plate, hitting a homerun along with Soriano, and it's clear the Cubs are dead serious about their intentions. Also, much deserved to his credit Rich Harden captured his 1st win as a Cub yesterday. The way I see it he ought to be 4-0 with his 39 strikeouts and only 4 runs allowed. It's all good though because the Cubs are in first place, 5 games in front of the Brewers and Cardinals.

Rich Harden's stat line: 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 1 HR

Without the sensational pitching from the Cubs the sweep wouldn't have happened. Their rotation's combined ERA for the series was 1.11! That's lights out...forget about the opposition scoring runs. As good as the starters are right now I don't see any NL team which can match them pitcher for pitcher. Jason Marquis (6-6) as the no. 5 starter is the least consistent out of the group as he starts off the homestand today against the Bay-less Pirates at Wrigley. I think they can win this series by averaging about 4-5 runs per game. Since Jim Hendry didn't make any moves by the trade deadline it would be good to see Felix Pie called up sometime this month. His hitting will come around eventually, but his defense and speed are a major bonus for this club. I'm all for the young prospect rotating time in the outfield and coming off the bench even as a pinch runner.

Getting too comfortable with the NL lead is out of the question. Staying focused and healthy is key as they play 9 games against the Pirates, Astros, and Cardinals at home. Kerry Wood is still in the process of rehabbing his blistered finger. If everything goes well he probably will be back soon. Whether the Cubs play small ball or hit dingers as long as they score runs in August no team can stop their run for the division title. If Lou has to keep getting the face of umpires and defending his team so be it. He's got enough talent to rotate around at positions and keep fresh. Mark DeRosa can play at second more regularly since Soriano and Fukudome are gamers and have hit well as of late. Cubs fans got to be pleased with Mike Fontenot's enough off the bench as well. The little guy is driving in the runs with his teammates in scoring position. The Cubs just got to keep up the balance of attack. Way to go Cubs!!