The agony never ends as playoff dreams vanish

Well, what a horrible end to a rather uplifting and sensational season for the Cubs. Who knew after all the injuries and setbacks throughout 2008 this team would even finish with 97 wins. That in itself holds merit. Then again this new Cubs team was supposed to win it all. That sure as hell didn't happen. Being a Cub fan for over 15 years this to me was by far one of their worst playoff performances ever. This goes for the entire team. Not one single player caused the obvious complete meltdown which took effect. The effort was there from certain players, that was also apparent. Mark DeRosa and Derek Lee tried to get rallies going with hits here and there yet no one else in the lineup delivered especially with runners in scoring position. The offense was the biggest letdown I think because the Cubs were 0-for-5 with scoring chances after the 2nd inning in Game 1 at Wrigley. Nothing changed after that either.

Too much emphasis was placed on the World Series, which of course was on everyone's mind in the dugout and clubhouse because that's ALL THEY FREAKING HEARD from the media and the rest of the baseball world. I can't imagine anyone not being distracted by that or feeling any pressure. On the other hand, such nagging reminders doesn't make up for the team's lack of performance and poor fundamentals. Their inability to execute, deliver in the clutch, and play defense cost them the series from the start. Actually judging from the players' mindset and body language the series was over in the first game. No one stepped up to the challenge within the lineup as the middle of the order primarily scored runs when a homerun was hit. As a result the Cubs were outscored 20-6 in the series with no chance at seeing the light of day.

One of the worst moments for Cub fans to witness was seeing the frustration from Carlos Zambrano in Game 2. It puts a sick feeling in the pit of one's stomach to see him giving it his all, doing his best to keep his team in the game while his teammates come up short time and again. That is a real shame. In turn it's devastating to confidence as well as kills any spirit or energy from the Wrigley faithful. I don't understand how a team who looks so crisp at times during the year can play so miserably rotten in the postseason. Several guys on the team have the playoff experience yet it didn't matter. After all these desolate years Cub fans would think this franchise would learn how to perform under pressure because it will always be there. That's what separates the bad teams from the great ones. Sure I could rattle off stats here and pinpoint exactly where this team went wrong, but that's not my style.

The way I see it all year long too much attention was placed on Cubs' pitching and how it was the most dominant in the NL which was an ultimate mistake. Consider this for those who think pitching is always the answer: The Cubs had a game during the regular season where they stranded around 20 runners on base! Regardless of how many were in scoring position such total inefficiency can't possibly lead to wins. Another thing which concerns the media again which I loathe is how they have their mind determined on casting predictions then slapping them on the front page. Sorry, but SI you are the absolute worst at this nonsense. I knew damn well before the season the Cubs would not win the World Series solely by signing Kosuke Fukudome. That is a mere quick way to get a hot story published (sell magazines) which turned out to be garbage. I mean when was the last time these block heads were right about anything??

Another area which puzzles me is why Lou decided to keep the same players in the lineup when they didn't seem able to hit the side of a barn. Why in the heck was Reed Johnson, Ronny Cedeno, or Fontenot being so sparingly or not at all? At least have them pinch-hit and be defensive replacements because after 2 huge errors in one inning with 3 in the game somebody needed to be jerked from the field. I didn't even care much about the whole lefty vs. righty match-up at the plate. Reed had as good a shot as anyone for a hit if Lou would've brought him in off the bench. If Hoffpauir was available he could have been used, but I never saw him any where throughout the series. That just goes to show baseball supporters when everything goes to pot there is not a damn thing a struggling team can do to ignite a comeback. For the Cubs this excruciating event has happened all too often...I'm so tired of seeing these never ending catastrophes. As usual the dubbed expression, "Wait 'Til Next Year" will be manipulated to sell more T-shirts. Anyway, even with the utter despair it was a memorable season now with 101 years and counting.

Playoff Division series gets underway, Dempster gets start in Game 1

As it worked out the Cubs are set to face off in the opening round of the playoffs against the Dodgers. The matchup is sure to be a historic series. Much work has to be done in terms of execution for the Cubs. As always my biggest concern is the offense. With Fukudome likely to get time in right or left field he should be able to provide a little jolt in the lineup. That last homerun he hit in Milwaukee shows his timing and follow through swing is better. Let's hope he keeps up the hitting. Today to open the series at Wrigley Field Ryan Dempster (17-6) will start opposite Derek Lowe (14-11).

Depending on healthy or ready Zambrano and Harden are there is a chance Ted Lilly will toss Game 2. It's definitely a plus the Cubs rotation contains two 17-game winners with a loaded bullpen. All is this talk about how the pitching is the answer for the Cubs is getting to be old. That's only partially right because if enough hitting isn't there the series will be straining and become tight. I have to believe with DeRosa and Soto inserted back into the lineup and with the quality reserves available the Cubs can outscore the Dodgers even on the road. At the time being DeRosa is listed as day-to-day with soreness still in his calf. His bat is much needed as he carries a .356 postseason batting average into this series.

With the Cubs picked as the favorites it's crucial for them not to underestimate the Dodgers and play as a unit to succeed. A tough task awaiting them will be Manny Ramirez, who can get the team hot in a hurry as well as rub off good fortune on his teammates. The Cubs' pitching will have to be careful with this dangerous hitter and walk him if necessary. The first round division match-up is sure to be enthralling with close games developing. I want to see Zambrano pain free and composed when he heads to the mound and not get mad with himself. For the Cubs concentration is key. The lineup can get those bats energized, being productive to take care of the rest of the work in this series. It's go time, baby! The Playoffs are here. Go Cubs Go!!