Cubs end season on bad note, brief year in review

The season finale didn't go to the Cubs' advantage. They lost the series to the Padres on the road. Only producing 2 runs in the last game wasn't a good strength to end it for the franchise. Their offense lacks too much execution without enough run support. The team will have to find a solution to the runners stranded dilemna they face almost every year. In good news Carlos Pena finished the year strong with 28 homeruns and over 80 RBIs. He's eligible for free agency again this off-season. A smart move would be to sign him again to a new contract.

The young arms didn't stick around long in 2011. Andrew Cashner, Casey Coleman, Chris Carpenter, Jeff Samardzja, and other pitching prospects didn't get much time in due to injuries. The starting pitching didn't have a terrible time on the mound yet couldn't keep the ERA to around 4.00 or lower as a rotation. In the lineup Starlin Castro produced over 200 total hits with 10 homeruns, having his best season as a Cub. He became the real bright spot for the young blood as did Darwin Barney who served well in the no. 2 spot in the lineup.

The Cubs finished 2011 with a 71-91 record. They fell well below .500 after July and wasn't able to rebound to get within 10 games if not better of the Cardinals and Brewers. They end up 5th in the NL Central. Another big year for Aramis Ramirez who took leadership for the offense as he totaled 26 homeruns with 93 RBIs on 173 hits. Ramirez also notched a .306 batting average. Not much else went to high favor in Wrigleyville. The Cubs let the Pirates get in front of them. They need to desperately sign key off-season acquistions and possibly make a few trades with their bullpen extras. Most of all they need to work on their offensive strategies and find a way to juice up the power connection in the linuep. That's all for 2011, better luck next year.

Pena takes charge with homerun, Cubs route Reds 6-3

The Cubs battled the Reds yesterday with Pena and the lineup taking advantage of good opportunities. Starlin Castro had 2 hits to move his league leading total along the way. Carlos Pena struck for his 25th homerun and notched 3 RBIs. Aramis Ramirez also did fine work in an at-bat to pick up a 2-run single when the Cubs needed it. The pitching held up enough as Ryan Dempster proved to be effective. Yet he didn't qualify for the decision, allowing 3 runs on 10 hits and 2 walks.

Kerry Wood came in during the 8th inning to record his 2nd win this season. Carlos Marmol sealed the victory with his 33rd save. With their record at 62-81, the franchise has endured injuries with new decisions being made by management and the team President. With room on the roster a few minor league call-ups have been made. Nothing exciting for the most part as the franchise will search for a new GM in the off-season since the Jim Hendry firing. The big turnaround may take making at least two big signings after the season ends. That can give the Cubs the firepower they need.

4 dingers completes win for Cubs, Wells records 6th win in San Francisco

The ball sailed right for the Cubs on the West Coast Monday evening. With the score 0-0 in the 5th inning, Blake Dewitt hit a 3-run shot over the right field wall. Alfonso Soriano followed by drilling his 23rd homerun thereafter. Later in the 7th, Carlos Pena and Geovany Soto both hit homeruns. The star first baseman collected his 68 RBI while Soto picked up his 14th homerun with 41 RBI for the season. Smooth from that point on as Randy Wells pitched a real gem, a 2-hit shutout. He struck out 7 batters. With the victory the Cubs improve to 58-77.

Homeruns by Ramirez and Soto don't win series for Chicago

The long ball didn't work for the Cubs the past series against the low rank Astros. Yesterday the franchise dropped it's second straight game, 4-3 with no good hindsight in the near future. Geovany Soto cranked his 13th homerun while Aramis Ramirez launched his 23rd of the season. Overall the team left 13 runners in scoring position, a new season high. On Tuesday night the bullpen gave up a 5-2 lead and allowed a grand slam. That sealed the game for the Astros in Houston.

Ryan Dempster has pitched well in a couple of performances, keeping his ERA down. With a few exceptions in the bullpen the pitching hasn't dominated any team in the NL. Kerry Wood has made good holds and strikeouts for the Cubs in recent weeks yet it's the young blood picking up the pieces for the franchise. Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro are both hitting around .300 or better. They combined for 8 hits in a separate game against the Braves. The pair are the main quality young players this year. With Andrew Cashner out with injury the two infielders have showed the most promise and completeness as Cubs. There is no telling what the team's record will be after September.

Baker pinch-hit single notches victory in extra innings

Sunday showed there was no need for slouching on the field and in the dugout. After coming back to tie the game in the 8th as the Cubs took over in the 10th inning. Alfonso Soriano got the opportune hit to create the deadlock, 4-4. Then with the bases loaded Jeff Baker hit a walk-off RBI single as the Cubs got the sweep against the Astros. They truly needed this series win to pick them up. Marlon Byrd cranked out 3 hits while Geovany Soto added an RBI double The lineup tallied 16 hits.

Matt Garza pitched a fine game, going 7 big innings. He allowed 2 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. He recorded 9 strikeouts as didn't get the decision. The bullpen did well with the likes of Samardzja, Grabow, and Marmol. He yielded 2 runs through 3 innings. The Cubs have ground to made up in the division. They will see a few their Central opponents coming up. Hopefully come this week Zambrano will be ready for a big start and the team will continue it's win streak.

First half of the season in the books: Cubs need streak after All-Star break

With the Pittsburgh series over and done with things didn't go to the Cubs' liking this past weekend. They managed to win just 1-of-3 games. With Castro and Barney showing real promise for the first half nothing else looks too good. The franchise has undergone changes with new management, different players while the record began to slide in June. The team leader for homeruns remains to be Carlos Pena with 19. Aramis Ramirez is not far behind him.

At about 36-55 the Cubs find themselves back a ways in the NL Central for 4th place. That wasn't the plan coming into mid-July. Before the trade deadline the Cubs' fans expect management to make a good move. They need to acquire more veteran talent to hit in the lineup. They're okay with the bullpen. They need to beef it up with the power selection. With Starlin Castro headed to his first All-Star game the young blood aims to keep up the banter and energy flow. It's up to the big guys on the other hand to carry the load after the break.

Cubs toss a doubleheader to Giants, Pena works to power offense

Nothing went to the Cubs liking yesterday. The doubleheader and heat took their toll. Carlos Pena managed to go deep for a homerun in Game 1. The 13-7 loss shows the franchise needs to gain depth in the rotation. They also need the hitting to pick up the slack. Not too many in the lineup could answer the call. In Game 2, Aramis Ramirez hit a shot to outfield for his 8th long ball. Barry Zito got the best of the Cubs as the bats managed only to drive in a couple runs in the 6-3 defeat. The Chicago men in blue wait for the cross-town classic series to make a dent for improvement in the division standings.

After slide against Yankees, Pena and Cubs come up strong in cross-town series opener

Keep on ticking and taking a licking is how to put this one today. Although, the Cubs lost the series to the Yankees they put up a strong effort to gain the win Monday against the White Sox. Their cross-town rivals aren't doing awful at 35-39 yet may go for a longer slump moving towards the end of the Series in Chicago. Yesterday Carlos Pena put good wood on the ball with a homerun and drove in 3 runs. Starlin Castro was the good ingredient with a 2-for-4 showcase with a solo bomb to the left field seats.

With the passion still there Carlos Zambrano gutted the game out to reach his 6th win. His went the distance for 8 innings, allowing 3 runs while recording 5 strikeouts. He's in the process to work out a negotiation for his contract next year. At the Cubs are fortunate He's stay and not get traded. The struggle continues as the franchise is far from atop from the NL Central. They need to get everyone healthy and pull a few strings for trades. Getting the starting pitching under control and on the same page will be good. Until then good luck to the Cubs in their cross-town series against the Sox!

Cubs try to find cure in extras, come up empty

Nothing seemed to be soluble for the Cubs in the series against the Cardinals. They put it to a test in pitching with good support from their relief staff. That didn't result in the win desired. They went to a long ball on a brief time. That didn't work either. One thing is for sure. They wanted Albert Pujols out of the lineup. His two homeruns won 2 straight games in extra innings. The Cubs also tried precise timing with strategy. That almost worked.

They searched for answers yet didn't know how to stop the St. Louis offense. Dealing with injuries the games have flipped to the downside effect. A boost in the bats throughout the lineups is clearly needed. The batting order has to be able to take on bigger challenges. Otherwise the Cubs will continue to slip further in the NL Central. Chicago will look to rebound in the upcoming series until Soriano gets well and returns.

Cubs try to shake off loss to Mets, 7-4

The first to five runs came up with the victory last night. Cubs still licking their wounds with slight injuries. Coming up with big hits early the Mets took advantage of the situation. They came up with 5 runs in the 2nd inning to take the energy away from the home team. Carlos Beltran busted 2 hits and had a big triple in later innings. Casey Coleman had a real bad outing giving up all those runs in the lst inning. The bullpen tried to salvage yet to no avail with Russell and Maine. Better time with the effort next game then.

Cubs absorb day off after losing series to Red Sox

The franchise has much to think about going through woes again (injuries). They haven't put out the scores the fans have wanted for a while. The numbers are definitely not there. So far the Cubs have staked claim to a 20-25 record overall. That's not what they need. The focus should be far greater. The middle of the lineup is expected to produce. With Carlos Pena slumping plus Alfonso Soriano taking a drop the younger guys aren't sure what to do yet. Expect the lineup to do better in the coming days as they take on a challenge in the Mets heading back to Chicago.

Cubs spring back, win two in a row against Marlins

The night cap went fine for the Cubs as they posted a 5-1 win over Florida. Marlin Byrd put the pop in the lineup with a splendid 2-run homer. That came in the 4th. Starlin Castro aided the effort with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, adding a double to his total. With most of the run support the big boppers didn't have to do much.

Coleman, who started paved the way for the bats to send off as he went 5.2 innings. He allowed 4 hits and 5 walks while garnering 7 Ks. Kerry Wood also came in to notch the 8th inning and hammer down his 7th hold. The 7-4 victory Wednesday night showed the Cubs turning the corner a bit.

The middle-to-bottom end of the order took pride with delivering a knock out blow to the Fish in late innings. Koyie Hill added a few hits while being driven in by his teammates while the Marlins made 2 errors which lead to runs scored. Marlon Byrd did fine with an RBI knocked in too. Cubs gear up now for Interleague Play against the Red Sox.

Cubs make note to get back at Reds, drop second consecutive game

The early lead didn't help the Chicago Cubs too long yesterday. After a short lead at Cincy being up 4-0. This time the bullpen wasn't at fault on the road. Carlos Pena nailed a 2-run homer to deep right field. In the 6th inning Zambrano struggled to get outs. That's the key thing in the whole game. He didn't get out of the inning. He got banged around by Reds' from front to bottom.

Darwin Barney did well for the offense, going 3-for-4 with a RBI. He's hitting .345 with 18 RBIs. There was not much else from the rest of the lineup who went cold after 5-6 innings. They didn't find a groove for their needed rally. Carlos Zambrano failed to hold it allowing 6 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks. As a result he falls to 4-2 on the season. The Cubs face the Reds once more before heading to Florida for a 3-game series. It's up to the bats to turn everything around.

Cubs Win, Dempster Garners First Big One

Hot back on the trail the Cubs pushed across the best they know with 5 runs yesterday. In route to a 5-4 win they took care of business in the batting order. Away from a solid appearance on the mound by Dempster the Cubs meat of order included a 2-run double by Alfonso Soriano. He made it last towards late innings. Ryan Dempster only yielded a run earned through mid-innings. Starlin Castro also comes through in a big way for them to set the tone and get the offensive charge going. He's been hitting over .310 in the last 10 games. The pitcher as of record bumps his first win as Chicago moves to 5-5 as they finish out their road trip.

Cubs work record to 3-3, Dempster doesn't get proper credit

So far I'm not impressed with the path the Cubs have not been able to take. After not sweeping the series against Arizona it didn't look as if the offense got over soon enough to pad a big lead. Well, it happens on the field. The credibility better stay with the Cubs' top people with offense keeping to a good average per game. Save other insurance runs for another time. Ryan Dempster sure didn't get what he needs, a victory added to his name yet. That must take place with some precedence at Wrigley for the Cubs to cruise past .500. Who knows what to expect the rest of the time at Wrigley before they take their leave for the road.

Cubs make it last, take down D-backs in extra innings

The 6-5 win goes to Chicago yesterday after a hard fought game. Marlon Byrd helped to lead the way. Afterwards the Cubs advance past .500. At they get a break from the action. Tyler Colvincame through with a homerun in the 3rd inning to give them a lead. With 2 hits to push the cause Starlin Castro went 2-for-5 with an RBI. A good solid double took care of the hitting work in mid-innings by Byrd.

Relief came in to make it last with firm pitching, timely decisions. Cashner got the start and departed after 5 innings on the mound. James Russell fills in nicely and went to gain the big W in the Cubs extra inning comeback. Storming back with no avail is what the Cub hitters normally don't go through with. They'll look to make good on the series takeover with the best the lineup can produce. Starting pitching should be fine for the remainder. Sean Marshall picks up his first save with route to a 6-5 final.

Cubs swing a victory 5-3 yet drop series against Pirates

The home opening series didn't favor the Cubs. This time around they worked around the weather and timely mistakes. After losing Game 1 at Wrigley the Cubs bounced back the next day to make a 5-3 win possible. Blake Dewitt aided it with a double with a string of hits to bring in at least two runs in the 8th inning. Carlos Zambrano had to leave the game, therefore not able to reach to limit to qualify for a decision. Chicago doesn't want to expect an injury long-term from him.

After the Matt Garza showing Sunday it's hard to say what happened to the pepper in those Cub bats. The other true bright spot was Starlin Castro had went 3-for-4 with 2 triples and at least a run scored. They got to get themselves in shape better on the field. Carlos Pena put the pop out there to right field with a crucial 2-run double late yet the Pirates sneak back into the game in the 9th where Marmol could not hold for the save. That does stink in a way. As a result the 5-4 final shows Chicago dropping to 1-2 for now. They're set to play the D-backs today to open a new series.

Opening Day Preview: Cubs want to make it real good at Wrigley

The Opening Day ceremony won't be worth mentioning for the Cubs. They'll hand the ball to Ryan Dempster as a now no. 1 starter. He's excited about the chance to prove himself once again as a quality pitcher. Chicago has also begin the time in Spring Training to acquire good prospects with options from Triple-A Iowa. They have a few good arms with outfield potential which may break dividends down the road.

As far the starting lineup goes nothing is off limits for the Cubs as they squeeze the standard nine into the scheme of it all. Aramis Ramirez looks to have another breakout somewhere being penciled in the lineup card once again. His pop will go to solid use. Also, having Geo Soto around is a big plus. His likeable agile ways with good handle and power is going to make a difference. Today the Cubs face the Pirates, the own nagging heel in what may shape up to be a hallmark season. Having less downs can definitely help out the franchise.

Picking up the various pieces it's nice to Carlos Pena and Matt Garza are get the selection away from the Tampa Bay area. They got plenty of potential with results to await among the Cubs' power men. The meat of the order did combine for more than 50 total homeruns last season. Expect the middle order to exceed the amount easily. They can't buy homeruns yet sure plan on hitting them. A go to guy will remain Carlos Marmol after the work from offense is done.

A downfall effect will turn opposite given the stats hold up for the starting 5 rotation with ample runs per game from the usual offense. Cubs don't want to go on the war path early and care to avoid a hit parade with Pittsburgh. With the new additions (includes K. Wood) the vibrant Carlos Zambrano needs recognizable consideration to be a team leader again. His follow through with warm-up practice is in need. Look for Cubs to make their impact beyond Opening Day.

The Day-to-day operation in effect, Cubs do play two

What a exhilariting day it can be when the Cubs play a double-header. The charm hasn't left the field until the air becomes too unfamiliar...means too discouragable with bad timing. The lineups came out fresh with new appeal plus didn't have to stay in old Mesa, AZ. The crisp has yet to appear yet when the whimping boy takes effect it will be outside Chicago. No guarantee yet for starters for the remaining Spring Training campaign. A Dean can serve one heck of a Hall example.

The two timing from another season has gone yet not forgotten. If the subpar stays away Wrigley Field will be good for another Spring Day. A win over the Athletics helps. The stats don't sway people from the real call. Fans like them as they come short, tall, the other enter the Hall. Kiss nothing if they the other managers don't like it because it stands when the new prospects and a familiar thrower in Kerry Wood. Plus add a Hoffpauir for effect and it's fine with Cubs' blue. 9-12 is the record at current.

A reciporal time not to reflect: Chicago blue move forward

Since a snail's pace generates nothing outside the North side the whole idea with new advancement with operations is Spring Training works okay. People like flock to the Chicago land where all is well. Nothing outside of business seems to faze the General Public. Sure a time for good trades is fine with what new acquisitions can do. Let's see a complete darn new turnaround without hassles and the usual who did this routine.

With a crisp one in the baseball atmosphere, the Cubs don't as team participants won't have all the hassle with slow and uninteresting this season. Yes, people got to stay out of the direct target of redundancy with no good aim. Where it matters to other fans outside Chicago as they put it, people take a licking yet keep on going. No list on a fine lineup needs to take a rearrangement. Stay with the talent present without all the main hoopla of everything. Plus reward people (fans) who remain loyal for too long. Nothing slowly stirring on the field is needed. Chip-chop-chip!

Franchise heads in new directions, Spring Training underway

The chip-chop-chip has the effect in Wrigleyville. Spring Training takes shape with new roster moves. Off the field the Cubs again get busy. Adding back to his familiar place is Kerry Wood. Don't expect flame-throwing with his intent back in Chicago. Belongs there with his sealed spot and experience. The GM has another top bat from a off-season deal put solid in print. Nothing besides the main structure work on the North side for the Cubs. Clearly pitching a idea won't be towards the best interests. They'll go straight to Opening Day with a full roster, plenty to do.