Dismal Production From Lineup, Cubs Get Swept By Sox

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The atmosphere became Unwrigley-like today against cross-town rivals the White Sox in Interleague Play. Nothing developed with the offense as the Cubs lost 6-0 behind a tough pitching showcase by Jake Peavy. Only 5 hits total mounted by the Cubs! This contest wasn't worth watching (the 2012 club has yet to give fans a reason to cheer much). Paul Maholm(4-3)left many in the crowd at Wrigley speechless. He went 6.1 innings to allow 5 earned runs on 9 hits with no walks. Yes, one game to truly want to forget. Starlin Castro and the boys in blue failed to produce any real offense. This has to sting a bit for the Cubs who just hit their 6th straight loss. Optimism won't be enough to fuel the club until the half-way point in the season. Nothing seems to be working right on consistent basis, bench-hitting, outfield rotation, call-ups from Triple-A, decisions on the base paths just name it.

At 15-26 the problems grow for the Cubs. They don't have the veteran leadership or the power in the lineup to make comebacks often. A struggle to reach at least 4th place right now is SERIOUS with no insults being made here. Theo Epstein is the new guy in Wrigley with the power to make all the top decisions so good trades have to be made sooner than later. If he can piece together a contender like so in Boston than it's time to make history positive again in Chicago for once again a uncertain, struggling franchise. The best which can be noted in the recent week is the Kerry Wood strikeout in relief and his farewell (giving a curtain call to a near sell-out home crowd). He pitched with dominance in his early career and led the Cubs to the playoffs twice. Finished out his career with a positive stride while performing at a lesser control level as a reliever. Yet he as a player with his talent will be missed.

As for the present time the Cubs don't want to put their season on ice and let everything falter around them. Their goal needs to be to keep working on hitting techniques to prove they can sustain the bad and avoid the real ugly games to get back within .500 ball. The NL Central is shaping up to be a toss up so far. For now the Cubs have to play with intensity and earn runs (average 3-4 per game) truly on offense and pray the starters stay healthy and effective for the best overall results. This club looks to snap the losing streak with new life in the lineup against the upcoming series with the Astros and Pirates.

Lahair, Soto Power Cubs to 5-1 Final Plus Game 2 Predictions

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The game last night turned out well to the Cubs' advantage.  With the bats coming around Starlin Castro slapped an RBI single early.  Brian Lahair followed suit with his 8th homerun in the 4th inning.  The pitching proved to be outstanding by Jeff Samardzija who finished the game with this statline:  7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K. 
That's what the Cubs deserve: a fine starting pitching performance which was backed by ample offense.  In route to the win, Samardzija moves to 4-1 on the season.  Later in game 1 during the 8th Geovany Soto who'd been rotating with Willington Castillo, drove a ball into the bleachers for a 2-run homer.  He went 2-for-4 on the night amongst the lingering fog at Wrigley. 

  The Cubs have a lot of promise in 2012 with young prospects and talented starting pitching.  Making up ground lost in the NL Central will be a true test.  I like the Cubs' chances with them averaging around 4.5 runs per game and maintaining the three staples in the starting rotation: Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, and Jeff Samardzija.  The club needs that appeal from the pitching with their gritty performances as well as having production from third base and the outfield to keep the runs pouring in for a while. 

  As for Game 2, Ryan Dempster(0-1) vs. Randall Delgado(2-3), will be to the Cubs' favor. Dempster is shooting for his 1st win in 2012. He's sitting on a 0.95 ERA, which I'm guessing he only will allow 1-2 runs in this game at home. Predictions for this contest are certain to be close. Starlin Castro must get on base. I believe he reaches 2 times with at least a walk and a hit while boosting his batting average. Alfonso Soriano if inserted in the lineup will get a big hit and drive in around 2 runs. The rest of the lineup must get enough pinetar on those bats as they aim for 10-12 total hits. As for Demp, it's going to fun to watch. He may have a bit of trouble with the Braves' middle of the order.

Other than that the savvy veteran right-hander probably will be fine as he tries to keep it close for the Cubbies. Coach Sveum may elect to make a few defensive switches on the infield and outfield. Reed Johnson can have a chance to enter late in the game and get an at-bat. Expect the score to be a 4-2 final for the Cubs. Definitely should be worth the watch as Chicago tries to climb up to .500. Enjoy it while it last Cubs fans because this month may get to be nagging with a challenging schedule. Go Cubs!