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.