13-7 win places Cubs 8 games back

With the rising race in the division the Cubs had fell behind in the standings. Last night they stuck it to the Brewers in an offensive outpouring. Derek Lee had the touch with a 2-for-2 display which yielded two RBIs. With the middle of the order including Aramis Ramirez the batting averages of the two top sluggers is climbing. That is most definitely a good sign in Wrigleyville. Fending the rest of the competition in the NL Central is always the daunting challenge.

The starter, Zambrano fine-tuned for 5 innings allowing 4 walks and picking up 9 K's. The relief in the matter came from Aaron Heilman who collected his 3rd win. The lineup churned out a total 11 hits. Soto contributed too with a couple RBIs with his timely hitting. Everyone doesn't understand the utter frustration during the year when this franchise comes up empty at times yet rallies it's best for comebacks late. It's already mid-September with the resolve for a energetic burst towards the end for momentum. Once again I blame the crappy management for lack of smart efforts.

Every time I see the records with the Cardinals on top it kinda makes me cringe. How in the hell can the Cubs not make freaking trades worth a crap in the early going? Rumors don't amount to jack when the talent isn't managed right. Fans know good and well this intolerable way things are run are why the Cubs have their tumbles towards the season's close. I'd just have got the best money can buy and loaded the freaking lineup with the top performers available. That's you get things done. I look for a push late. Don't count on much. Go Cubs Go!

Cubs counter losses with 2-0 shutout

Thanks in part to a sterling pitching performance the 2-0 victory was in the bag yesterday. Derek Lee launched his 27th homerun of the season as Lilly pitched a 8-inning hum dinger with 4 hits allowed and 5 Ks. The southpaw jumps to a 10-8 record. What riddles this team is the point in offense every time when the starting pitching can't make it happen. Behind again as in typical fashion the Cubs trail in the Central and keep falling behind since they fail to make new key acquisitions.

Carlos Marmol did the trick in one inning of relief and rendered no hits. When the bullpen is on point the rest comes natural. I don't like several moves that are made during the course of games yet don't watch every freaking home game on WGN. Frantically, it's not worth the time. Management always thinks they can sit back and watch the team slowly slide down the tube with nothing manufacturing into success. It's sucks to be a loyalist these days as a fan when you don't get your money's worth at games. If this Jewy ass way to turn deals continues for Chicago with horrible trades then I could care less to watch at all.

Looking a little loose Cubs drop game in Cincy

The 0-4 defeat last night in Cincy was less than noteworthy for the Cubs. When the offense stalls in mid-innings and nothing works there this team struggles to plate runners. In recent weeks that hasn't been an issue. The guys in the lineup has stepped up in run scoring chances. No one other than Derek Lee is having a top caliber year at first base. The pitching staff does need the occasional improvement yet the relief sure knows how to blow a good lead.

I like the young pool of talent inserted into the lineup at times, but the ones in the front office still can't put their finger on it as to why the team falters around this time a year and right before the playoffs. The diversity is definitely there with many great things to come. The problem lies primarily in relations within inner circles while cutting the best overlooked personnel. Carlos Zambrano knows things get kind of wishy-washy with months in the seasons differing because of tensions which seem to flare sometimes.

I push for the franchise to seal first place if the players don't get interference a known issue for years. Wrigley Field sells out each year and the classic fans are devout with plenty of spirit when the good times roll. It's always going to be like that when the younger, more efficient are ignored.

Cubs starter Harden wields victory in 5-2 final

With the great support by Rich Harden yesterday afternoon in Wrigley the Cubs took care of the task at hand. The offense supplied enough energy to push across 5 runs as others contributed in their own ways. Alfonso Soriano went 2-for-4 with a run driven in to aid in the win. Fukudome had 2 RBIs and is striving for an improved season. With good strength from the bullpen the Cubs handled their opposition and kept them in check with a few scoreless innings pitched.

Rich Harden pitched 6 innings with 8 strikeouts while giving up 1 hit and 1 run. The team has pushed their record to 51-45. Their aim their sights on taking over the division with a large margin edge. Coach Piniella has found sparks from the bench with the younger talent which is starting to turn the corner. The veteran leaders sometimes get a day off to rest while these prospects so to speak get their time for exposure. The NL Central is going to be close once again this season due to the remarkable young talent involved. I'd expect to see more high run scoring games yet it's fine when the Cubs pull out the W!

Cubs sweep Nationals, humble the D.C. crowd

I enjoy the long ball just as much as any fan. Yesterday it took form with Alfonso Soriano as he connected on his 15th homer. Derek Lee came through with a few hits and an RBI at least as the Cubs prevailed 11-4. Pitching has been up and down for the rotation. In the third game of the series the Cubs starter did fine. Nobody can tell where the Cubs will end up in late August, but so far so good. Moving over past the other pretenders in the division and being notched in second place is okay for now. I look for better days come the fall when the NL races will heat up so to speak.

Cubs inch way to 3-1 win

Luckily the Cubs had enough in the tank to pull a subtle 3-1 victory in Pittsburgh. Whether it's a solid pitching performance which got delivered by Rich Harden or effective hitting Chicago makes due. Now for a team with a stellar talented cast it's kind of disappointing to see them falling behind the freaking Reds and Cardinals. With a sterling gem Rich Harden delivered. He pitched 7-8 innings with 9 K's to earn a 5-4 record.

On the road in Pittsburgh the Cubs had the best record on a high winning percentage. Until later they'll have to subside on momentum and energy to strive for better days. Good luck with that.

Soto launches homerun, Cubs prevail 5-4

At was a glorious day against the cross-town rivals as the Cubs made it to victory. The 5-4 victory looked good for those who witnessed it. I'm looking forward eventually to seeing a game sometime. Derek Lee has proven he's going to get the big hits here and there. His average has picked up in recent weeks yet no fan likes to see so the stranded runners. Geo Soto cranked the big homerun his 7th or 8th of the season. Lou Piniella dealt with a few in the dugout. Milton Bradley left the game after throwing a temper tantrum for whatever reason.

Serving as a good role players off the bench Hoffupauir and Reed Johnson are performing up to par. The rest of the lineup needs work. The starting pitching has done okay up to this point. I like the two top starters: Zambrano and Lilly. I don't see enough consistency with the starting 9 on the field. Sure they're those who are gutsy and strive for the best while the others seem to bring down the overall performance of the team. When will this ever change? Aiming for the best the Cubs will most likely lean to their main veteran leaders.

Cubs work win streak to 4 in a row, Soto homers

With the Friendly Confines in full view for the fans the Cubs do care of their visitors, sweeping the Indians. Nobody knew what the slip-ups were here and there in the past few weeks. Too many mindsets were not on the same page yet they never are usually. Geovany Soto hammered a homerun to left-centerfield. The Cubs have played 7 or more extra inning games this year with good results for the most part.

Allowing the competition to get the best of them is not what the Cubs want. Nevertheless, money can't save this franchise once again as expected. It may speak volumes, but of course action is much stronger than words. How many times have I witnessed stupidity and bad decision making from those in the front office? Evidently, when an offer is allegedly made to someone a person's word should be kept! The 6-2 win was nice yesterday, but if poor management continues so much for the season working out right for the Cubs. Eventually maybe those who considered themselves are top brass will learn and not think about who is kissing ass.

Lilly hits the mark in 3-2 victory

The Cubs brought up the W in Chicago yesterday with a fine-tuned pitching performance. With enough run support Lilly lasted 7 innings while garnering 6 strikeouts. Geo Soto hit a RBI double with a 3-for-4 performance. The wind wasn't much a factor for a homerun display since that didn't happen. It's nice to see the Cubs tack on runs yet a win is always good.

From the bullpen Carlos Marmol came through in relief with the win. This homestand
hopefully will turn out well for the Cubs. They'll see the White Sox then the Indians before heading on the road. As usual a trade will be in order this year before the deadline because nothing is consistent again with the offensive output. I can't wait for that day to come...I won't hold my breath. With the right support this franchise can muster far beyond a 30-30 record.

Cubs bang out victory in 14th inning

Alfonso Soriano delivered with the clutch homerun in extras to put the Cubs ahead after going meandering innings of scoreless baseball. Stranding runners has always been an issue for the team. Yet with the momentum shifts in their favor the game progresses for the team in blue. Pushing across 3 runs in early innings Chicago looked sharp. Too many times this team seems to lose it's luster, although when strong willing can muster up enough for a comeback.

Nobody likes to see boring, tiresome inning after inning with no runs put on the board. Obtaining the right mix to put on the field is the way to go. Lou Piniella I see is once again experimenting with his accumulated talent here and there. I look for a good season from Micah Hoffpauir. Last night with the wheels of speed Ryan Theriot once again aided the winning effort. He went 3-for-6 with an RBI. With their concentration on the upcoming series the Cubs expect to take over against the Astros then they'll head to Minnesota. This is only June with their record notched at 28-26. Go Cubs!!

Cubs drop close encounter in extras, 6-5

In a scrappy contest last night the Cubs put forth the effort from an offensive standpoint. Alfonso Soriano served up a solo blast. So far the left fielder has 13 homeruns and 26 RBIs. Nobody expects miracles to happen overnight yet when poor decision behind closed doors are made the performance on the field becomes dismal. The Cubs don't want that at all. This is why young players like Micah Hoffpauir has displayed their talent and are off to a good season.

The starting rotation I hope will take definitive shape later in the year. Zambrano, Dempster, and Lilly are key again as their endurance will be tested. Derek Lee put a nice effort in Monday night with 2 hits and 2 RBIs with a homerun. The relief staff just didn't manage to hold on in extras as the winning run scored in the 11th inning. That shouldn't have happened, but who the hell knows why these games get away from the Cubs. With the right motivation and spirit the team will take a new direction.

Team spirits need a pick-me-up after loss

The wind was sailing out a ways yet the Cubs didn't quite have the punch last night. The 10-8 loss was a surprise to me because in the latter part of the game things went awry. Ryan Theriot gives a nice spark in the lineup, the gutsy infielder with a passion on the field. He went 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and a few RBIs. I'm not sure what happened to Mark DeRosa after the season yet I believe the Cubs miss him.

Everyone within the organization may be pushing for a big season with reform yet to come. With ticket prices still high many fans from the nation very well are likely to shy away from the game until the lame management style is changed. Every damn year this great franchise falters here and there which is more than disappointing. Alfonso Soriano is sure to be a smash hit if he learns to have a better eye at the plate. Showing patience will be key and then the faithful in blue (not red) will see. It's all about timing at the plate.

It's one way to discover talent it's another to waste it. As usual deals are in order to scope the alterations in the season for the Cubs. There may be a shock to those who don't fully believe in this franchise or what's right. Nothing will working with the pitching staff last night as I watched occasionally in dismay as the Pirates scored a series of runs. In 4 innings Ryan Dempster didn't have it, but will have those off-games. Whether those in the stands jeer or cheer the GM still has a way to uplift new life in this team. Trades are in order already as it's obvious the lineup needs to be restructured. Until then the Cubs don't need to let the f---king Pirates get the best of them.

Cubs get edged 6-5 at Wrigley

With a chance at a comeback yesterday the Cubs managed to find a lift from Derek Lee. His long ball sent over the left field wall resulted them turning the corner. The first baseman went 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs. It was an all out effort by the team yet the Astros slipped past with a 7th inning surge. Alfonso Soriano is beginning to show form, collecting 2 hits yesterday. Rich Harden couldn't cut the mustard in his 6th start.

Getting knocked about through mid-innings Rich allowed 4 runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. To say it wasn't all gravy and biscuits Sunday would've been a lie. I mean come on the Cubs had it in the 9th with a runner in scoring position. Nevertheless, Geovany Soto lined out to the end the game. Chicago will head to St. Louis for a exciting triple bill. I look for them to make head way.

Harry Carey: My Tribute to a Broadcast Legend

Without that empathetic, prominent voice which provided so much delight over the air waves for so many years baseball would not have been the same. Harry Carey made me laugh, get excited, and confused at times watching games as a Cubs fan since the early 90's. His presence is missed, but his voice and commitment to the game will never perish. Things have been bleak during the many struggling seasons for the Cubs yet Harry always found a bright spot to liven up spirits. For that I am grateful, knowing his phrases and chants such as "Holy Cow" made listening to a baseball more memorable and entertaining than usual. My favorite line of his of course is without a doubt, "I'm a Bud man and Cubs fan."

Few broadcasters can dictate Mr. Carey's voice or come close to his impeccable and animated style. His passion for baseball speaks volume in a time now where integrity and honor are in question. No matter how bad the performances or problems got on the diamond for the franchise Harry managed to find the positives and definitely examined the negatives with a critical eye for improvement. His career stemmed from starting off as the voice in St. Louis then finishing his career in Chicago to share his life and infectious personality to deliver some of the most entertaining commentary.

He used to say the offense is lacking and no matter how great the pitching holds up it's runs that wins games. I totally agree with him there. One thing for certain which should be keep in memory for Cub fans was that Harry gave all of his remarkable talents to the fans and players. That goes without saying how of an impression he left on all of us who got a chance to know him. He says it best with, "Cubs Win! Cubs Win!" They'll be shooting for the World Series one day and I know he will looking on with pride. God Bless Harry Carey for what he brought to the game and to the Chicago Cubs!