Cubs Take Down Evil Empire

It was a game that the Cubs wanted to give away, but Joe nailed down the save after giving up two runs. The Cubs got a win they really needed.

They finish 6-6 on the Homestand to improve to 34-27. They are one game behind the Astros, but are tied with 27 L's. The Cubs now become big Yankee fans as the Cards and Astros make trips to New York this week. Also both teams play the hot hitting Red Sox. The Cubs get the O's and Blue Jays.

I am head to Toronto on Friday to knock out ballpark #15. This marks the halfway point of my life long quest. Now I just have to avoid SARS, but more on the weekend series closer to the end of the week.

The Cubs go to Baltimore this week and it is time to give a shout out to Justin Ladner. He is a lifelong Orioles fan and I am sure the trash talking will start between us. He is still mad about me not voting for Cal Ripken in his last year for the All Star game, and I stand by my vote. I have always thought the All-Star game should be about this year and not past years. Even tough Cal won the MVP, I still think he was not having the year that deserved a All-Star selection. I think it was great for baseball, but that is my personal opinion.

I will have to say that Ladner is as big of an Oriole fan, as I am a Cub fan. I have mutal respect for his love of the O's. The best story I have was in the playoffs in 97. I was watching the Indians vs. O's with him as Armando Benitez gave up a HR that cost the O's the game and the series. He still cruses Benitez's name when he gets the chance. I will give him to chance to write something on this site this week if he wants. He was at all of Cal Ripken's important games and hopefully he will have a story for this site.

This brings up a topic, are you a hometown voter, or do you put time into your ballot? Personally I believe that baseball fans should put a little effort into their ballot.

A quick quote from Giambi about Remlinger

Dennis Goodman over at the Northside Lounge had a great line about Mike Remlinger:

I don't ever remember Remlinger getting pumped up and gyrating after big outs in Atlanta, but he has done it a couple of times for the Cubs. He might have the biggest set of family jewels in the world to drop a 3-2 changeup on Giambi. What a pitch.

Then I went looking for something from Giambi and found this at Cubs.com by Carrie Muskat:

"He threw a 3-2 changeup. You tip your cap," Giambi said. "That's big [guts] with the bases juiced. He made a great pitch. I tried to foul it off, but he put it in a good spot. It was too close to take, and I wasn't able to foul it off."

Just a great game Saturday.

Kelton to get the Call

It looks like David Kelton will be call up for Choi. Paul Sullivan writes:

With first baseman Hee Seop Choi expected to miss up to 10 days with a concussion from his collision with Kerry Wood, the Cubs likely will recall David Kelton from Triple-A Iowa to take his place on the roster.

The article goes and says that Kelton will be used as a DH. So if Sosa is out, then the Cubs will look something like this.

1B-Eric Karros
2B-Mark Grudzielanek
SS-Alex Gonzalez
3B-Lenny Harris, Mark Bellhorn or Ramon Martinez
C- Damian Miller
RF-Moises Alou
CF-Corey Patterson
RF-Troy O'Leary or Tom Goodwin
DH-David Kelton

It really looks like that Todd Hundley trade is paying off. I was starting to think that it might be Bobby Hill called up and Mark would move to 3B, but maybe Hill is close to being traded. If the Cubs can grab Mike Lowell, then this would be a great time. Of course now, a roster move would have to take place, but logic would say Bellhorn or Harris would go if that took place.

Cubs win as Karros Hits for Choi

On a very somber day at Wrigley Field, the Cubs played some of their best baseball of the Season.

Kerry Wood was very sharp his first 4 innings. He was just blowing Yankees away.
The big news of the day has to be Big Choi. He went down hard in the 3rd and was taken away. Word is that his is in serious condition, but lets hope he is ok and out soon.

I would like to thank Todd Hundley. If it were not for the trade the Cubs would not have Eric Karros, who really has played well this season, other than a few Double Plays. His 3 run bomb in the 7th was the best I have felt in a week.

Some interesting news over at the Cub Reporter about the possible Mike Lowell Trade. So be sure and check it out. I say with Sosa about sit out a week, they need another bat bad, but they needed one way before the cork popped.

I was watching the game the D-Rays, and Steve was like the Cubs will be fine with the DH in the AL. Does anybody else think this may hurt us, with our weak hitting, this only brings more weak bats to the plate. Now that Choi could be out a few days, it really could hurt.

Prior goes tomorrow for a big win and the Series victory.

Our Hearts and Prayers with Big Choi

Choi went down hard in the third inning. This game has changed tones and lets hope he is ok.

Sosa gets 8 and don't forget the Yankees

Not that any would forget the big series this weekend, but it seems like everything is much less because of Sammy. Maybe that is a good thing. The Cubs really need to focus on this series. They need to take 2 of 3 to keep pace with the soaring Astros and Cards.

I meant to write something yesterday, but Comcast went out on me, so I had to wait until now. Lenny Harris should never lead off. I about went crazy when I saw it. I do not care if he did get a hit, but really are the Cubs turning into the laughing stock of the league. First Sammy, and now Lenny batting first.

Carlos vs Boomer today. It should be a great matchup, but I just do not think the Cubs can score enough runs this weekend. Maybe they will prove me wrong. More after the game.

Paging All Bats

I will not spend any time on this sight on Corkgate, other than to say you can read about every where else. Now on to more important matters.

The Cubs must do something about thier hitting. The Cubs have made the Devil Rays look like one of the elite pitching staffs of the American League. if it were not for much luck on Tuesday the Cubs would have dropped that game. The Cubs pitching has kept them in some games, but there is no way to contend with not scoring more runs. I may be beating a dead horse, but as I was watching the game last night I was almost amazed that it took the Cubs until the 9th to make any sort of move. If the D-Rays looked good this series, just think about how good Wells, Clemens and Pettitte come to town this weekend.

The Cubs are now tied for the lead in the Central. It has that kind of feeling like it might slip away. Unless there are some moves to help the hitting, then I am sad to say that the June Swoon is upon us. Matt Clement goes to the hill tomorrow, wouldn't be nice to see a lot of runs on the board for the first time in weeks.

Do not sign Matt Williams, and Trade for Mike Lowell. That should be the cry around the clubhouse. Something has got to give.

Sammy's Out and Draft Picks by The Cub Reporter


The Big News of the night is Sammy Sosa, but before we get into that for the next few days be sure to check out Christian Ruzich's site for all the lastest draft nes at The Cub Reporter. He is doing a great job of keeping track of the all draft picks.

Cubs Rework Staff

Mark Prior was pushed up today mainly because Clement's struggles have continued and the Cubs want Prior to face the Yankees. This weekends series will have Carlos, Kerry and Mark going. Clement will face the D-Rays on Thursday.

This is probably a good move by the Cubs. A very important series starts tonight against the D-Rays. The Cubs could really use a sweep this series and hope the AL beats up on the rest of the Central.

From what I have read Matt Williams may just calling it quits. He did not want to move in the off season to Denver, so I would say 70-30 that he just retires.

This is from a ESPN article from the draft:

Ryan Harvey, an outfielder from Dunedin High School in Florida, was selected with the sixth pick by the Chicago Cubs. He missed the first part of the season recovering from a knee injury in November, but still hit .400 and is regarded as a five-tools player

Here is a little more on the Cubs first round pick from ESPN:

A tools monster, Harvey is projected to go among the top-five picks, with an outside chance of being the first player chosen. He has everything: power, speed, arm strength, good personality and work ethic. A knee injury from last winter is fully healed. His swing might be a little long, and I'm concerned about his contact/plate discipline at higher levels, but I'm notoriously paranoid about such things, and they are very hard to project/predict at this level.

A tools monster. I like the sound of that. It looks like he fell to the Cubs and they could not pass on this kind of talent. After the last few seasons of drafting mainly pitching, maybe its time to find some hitting talent.

Lets get ready for the D-Rays.

The 16 inning Affair

Holy Cow, what a game. I sat the entire 4 and half hour game in total shock. Nobody could cross in a run, and it was amazing. With the trade rumors coming about Wellemeyer, I am not sure I would like to see him go. All he does is just get people out. The Kid has no fear. The Cubs now go into the ruber game with a 2 game lead and they look to improve that to 3 tomorrow as Wood goes for #50 in his career.

It was great to see Sammy get his game winning RBI, but he still needs to work on the timing.

Sosa Returns, but the Bats Fly Away

It seems about once a week the Cubs just throw it in and get hammered, but it has happened two times this week now. Wade Miller threw a gem and was in total control. Estes went back to the old ways and the Cubs scored only one run.

Trade Rumors are a flying. Reports out of Florida say that the Cubs are looking into Mike Lowell a little more now. The deal would involve Bobby Hill and a pitcher. It seems like Florida would like Cruz, but we shall see.

Wathcing a great game right now between the Cubs and Astros. Choi just made a great grab that saved the game.
Lets see if the Cubs can push accross some runs.

The Sammy Watch continues. It looks like Sammy should have taken a rehab start because he is not even close to hitting.

The Memorial Day Report(A Few Days Late)

I was going to do this on Memorial Day, but I have class (Media Law Yawn...) and I now getting to it.

The first milestone in the year is Memorial Day. Now you cannot win the race by Memorial Day, but you can lose it. So, where does that leave the Cubs? Let's look at the numbers first.

At this point last year the Cubs were 20-31. That is a great improvement. The Cubs stand at 29-23. Thanks to Jeff Fassero the Cubs are up 2 games on the Cards and Astros.
If you told me the Cubs were in first with Sosa missing three weeks, I would take it. That still does not change the fact that nobody in the Central has played good baseball.

The Cubs have some holes that must be taken care of by the next big landmark of the All-Star Break.

1. Sosa must be heathly and hitting. The Cubs just do not have enough batting to make it without his power.

2. Clement has to find some of last year's form. He has been really bad over the last month and is not showing signs of breaking out. It looked like Estes was the weak link early, but now it is Estes. The Bottom part of the rotation now has 10 wins. Last year Lieber, Prior and Bere combined for 13 wins. Zambrano had 4 wins, so lets call it 17 wins.

3. Something has to give at 3B. I know I have been writing a lot about the hot corner(or cold corner in the Cubs case), but Lenny "I should never Start" Harris and Mark "insert your favorite nickname" Bellhorn have hit nothing in sight. I will scream from the mountain top until someone stops Lenny Harris from starting. I would not let him start for my coed slow pitch softball team. That is a little harsh, but you get the picture.

4. Can Corey keep up. Patterson has been the biggest help this season. He has been an RBI machine and is starting to live up to some of that promise. Even if he tails off a little, he could still have a monster year. He leads the Cubs in five offensive stats, runs, HR, RBI, SB and average.

5. Can Mark Grudzielanek keep it up. Nobody saw this coming. I was glad to see Todd Hundley gone, but Mark has been more than the Cubs could ever dream of. He is career .283 hitter, but his OBP this year is at .357 which is well above his career averages.

6. The catching core has to continue to produce. Miller and Bako have 28 RBI's this season. Last year the Cubs got 53 total. Thier main job is to handle the staff, but a little hitting never hurt.

7. Will the pitch count come back and hurt the starters. I have seen the both sides of the argument and right now I believe no. If they the staff is handled well and they are feeling good it should not matter. Now that does not mean that Dusty has not made some mistakes. There are a few times this season where he left starters out there a little too long and it cost the Cubs.

8. Will the Cubs make a big move to stay in first? I would have to say yes. There is no way the Cubs can let this start go to waste. With all the minor league prospects something has to give. Now if it is Mike Lowell or someone else I do not know, but the Cubs will not have the same rosters by the end of the season.

We will leave it at 8 things right now. I have to study for my final and I need to hit the sack, but a big series this weekend. Estes, Zambrano and Wood take to the mound. The Cubs could really use two of three. Oswalt comes off the DL Saturday, so it should be interesting.

The Cubs Escape with a Win

Not a pretty game, but thanks to the Ump the Cubs win today.

Miller and Alex homered and that was the only highlight of the game. Prior was not sharp, but he did the job.

Walk, Walk, Walk, Walk,


Now that was an ugly game. Nothing much to say, other than the Cubs must make some moves. Goodwin, and Harris both starting is getting me sick. Everyday I see that it just makes me want to run. I know Bellhorn has struggled, but there has to be something better. At least on Friday we get Sammy back, but lets hope he is not too rusty. With Corey playing really well, it could really protect Sosa in the lineup.

Sorry I have not posted in the last few days, but I needed a break from school, so I went to the beach. I am back in full force now.

Please Jim make a move, for the love of all things holy. Lenny Harris should not be starting in the majors.

The Marlin Lottery!

I thought I would introduce the Marlin Lottery. It is a spin-off of the Lebron Lottery, but in this game the winners get a chance at the playoffs this year. Here is how you play. First you pick an order of who you think will go from the Marlins. Then you pick the team you think the player will go to. Finally you say when the deal will happen. It could be next week two weeks and so on forth. You will be awarded points on correct order of trade and every aspect of the contest. The contest will run until I end it or when the Marlins trade 4 players. So be thinking and get your picks in. The winner will get to post their thoughts on this site and I will post their name in bold. I know these prizes are great, but I am a poor colege student.

Here is an example:
1. Derrick Lee May 30th-Braves
2. Mike Lowell June 3rd-Cubs
You get a point for picking a player that is traded. 3 points for the Correct team. 5 points for the correct day. 1 point for the correct week. Submit up to 4 players. If you select all 4 players correct that is 10 bonus points. If all teams are correct that is 15 points. If you select the order they are traded then that is 10 points. If players are traded at the same time, then that counts as correct order. You have until the end next week or until the first trade goes through. I will post my list, but I am not in the contest. So let's have some fun and try to win the Marlin Lottery.

Goodwin Homers, What Cubs Win!

It is very nice to see the Cubs back to the wins, but a very tough battle will happen this weekend in Houston. The Cubs could do some real damage in the Central with a good showing. Right now the central is a 4 horse with nobody looking to break away.

Cub Drop Third Game in a Row


Not many things will make me study before the end of a game, but last night was one of them. Not a pretty game. People scoring from third on a pop fly to second is one of them. Not much to say, but let's hope tonight is better. It looks like Sosa will be back in the first of June, but the Cubs need a Bat before then.

A Personal Note

It seems that life deals with us in different ways most of the time. My friends Allison and Chris had thier Apartment building burn down last week. They are dear friends of mine and I just wanted to say to them that my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of struggle. Thankfully they were not hurt, but everything they owned is now gone. Life has a funny way of telling us sometimes there is more important things than just baseball. Over to the left you will see a link to a website about the fire. Feel free to check it out and make a donation if you would like.

In honor of Allison at this time I will stray from my normal Cub talk to look at her favorite player in the Minors.

Chin-feng Chen: He is in the Dodger farm system and looks to be very close to the majors.

So far in 2003:

.290 avg, 5 HR's, 27 RBI's, 6 SB's, .471 SLG,

Here is bio for you Allison:
Career NOTES: Chen enters his fifth year in professional baseball...in 2002, became the first Taiwanese-born player ever to make a Major League roster when he was recalled by the Dodgers from the 51s on Sept. 9...has produced impressive offensive numbers throughout his four minor league seasons, batting .292 with 106 doubles, 85 home runs and 365 RBI in 529 games...became the second Taiwanese player (Hsin-Min Tan pitched at Single-A in the Giants’ farm system from 1974-75) to play in the the minor leagues in the United States and went on to capture the California League and Dodger Minor League Player of the Year Awards in 1999...became the first Taiwanese player to be placed on a Major League 40-man roster pn Nov. 20, 2001...named by Baseball America as the Dodgers’ No. 2 prospect entering the 2002 season.

2002: Recalled from the 51s on Sept. 9 and made his major league debut on Sept.14 at Colorado...appeared in 3 games for the Dodgers (.000, 0-for-5)...enjoyed a solid season with Las Vegas, to help lead the 51’s to the PCL playoffs...appeared in 137 games and batted .284 (145-for-511) and led the team with 26 home runs and 84 RBI...his homer and RBI totals led all Dodger minor leaguers...collected 38 multiple-hit games...27 two-hit games, 10 3-hit games and 1 4-hit game (vs. New Orleans, 6/30)...13-game hitting streak twice (April 21-May 4; Aug. 8-22)...had 3 RBI in one game six times...batted .324 (82-for-253) with 14 doubles, 16 home runs and 46 RBI in 70 home games...hit at a .310 clip with four doubles, six home runs and 19 RBI in 26 games in April...smacked six home runs in a 10-game span from June 22-July 1...started 97 games at first base...batted .287 with 17 home runs vs. right-handers and .285 with runners in scoring position...batted .333 (5-for-15) with a double, triple, home run and 4 RBI in four postseason games.

2001: Split the season playing for Single-A Vero Beach and Double-A Jacksonville, batted a combined .290 with 31 doubles, five triples, 22 home runs and 91 RBI in 128 games…began the season at Single-A Vero Beach following offseason right shoulder surgery and hit .268 in 62 games with five home runs and 41 RBI...used primarily as a designated hitter, appearing in left field 11 games and DH the rest…promoted to Jacksonville on June 14 and hit .313 with 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 66 games…immediately had an impact on the league co-champion Suns as he hit .357 (10-for-28) with four home runs, 20 runs scored and six RBI in his first seven games…homered in four straight games from July 18-21 and drove in seven runs in that stretch…reached base safely via hit or walk in his first 15 games at Jacksonville (June 14-July 5)…had a nine-game hitting streak from July 9-21 and batted .429 (15-for-35) in that stretch…reached base safely via hit or walk in 57 of 60 starts…started 50 games in left field and 10 as the designated hitter…started the season on fire at Vero Beach, hitting safely in 16 of his first 18 games for a .352 average with six doubles, a home run and 14 RBI…had a season-best 10-game hitting streak from May 28-June 7, batting .368 (14-for-38) with nine RBI in that stretch…was batting .354 in 14 June games before his promotion to Double-A…following the season, starred for his native Chinese Taipei team which won a Bronze Medal in the World Cup tournament held in Taiwan…in the final game, a 3-0 win over Japan, he hit two home runs…finished World Cup competition with a .429 average, four home runs and 14 RBI in 10 games…he topped all batters with a 1.029 slugging percentage and was tied for first in RBI to earn tournament all-star honors…also played in the Arizona Fall League for the league-champion Phoenix Desert Dogs and batted .332 with five home runs in 15 games and was selected to the AFL top prospect team.

The Third Base?

I hate to say this, but something has to give with Sosa out. The Cubs and Dusty Baker have to do something about 3B. It makes me almost sick to see Lenny Harris starting for the Cubs at the Hot Corner. Now Bellhorn has not played well all year, so the there has to be a better option than harris. Personally I would rather Ramon trot out there everyday rather than Harris. While I am not Mike Kiley's school of trade now and ask questions later, I would like to see the Cubs try something else.

The Cubs have a few options.

1. Stick with what is going on right now: A three man platoon that does not seem to work.

2. Pick one of Ramon, Lenny or Mark to play.
a)Ramon is best used as a spot starter.
b)Lenny is not the kind of bat you need at third base.
c)Mark has not hit all year.

3. Call someone up: Not much in the minors other than Kelton and he does not seem ready, but he can't be much worse than what the Cubs have.

4. Trade: It seems every media outlet is talking trade about the Cubs. Jim Hendry seems willing to wait and see, but it could be very soon.

The Cubs have a lot of pitching in the minors and Mike Lowell could become a Cub. He hits for average and has a good glove. He could be the perfect fit for them. Will it happen? Who knows Does it need to happen? It looks like the Cubs are running out of options. If Lenny Harris is the best option for this team, then the Cubs are in real trouble.

The last thing I will say is Cub pitching needs to take the out. Estes was lucky two starts ago not to throw a ball away, but Carlos did not have the same luck. The game is easy, you throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball. Now I am not out there playing, so it is hard to imagine the amount of pressure that goes on, but you have to play sound baseball to win.

Cubs Drop 3 of 4

Not much to say, but the horror of the Cardinals continue. The Cubs just beat themselves with costly errors this weekend. The must beat the Bucs this week to remain in first this week. Without Sammy there is not a lot of thunder in the lineup.

Cubs Win

What a game. The TV started working just as the bottom of the 9th started. A bloop single started the inning, but that did not stop Joe. He pitched really well to get the last three batters. The Cubs are 4 up on the Cards again.

I Hate Weather

I was all happy today. Watching Prior pitch a great game and now I half to deal with Thunderstorms and Tornados. So, the local Fox Station has broken in and telling everybody to get in a safe place. I no longer can watch the game.

Thoughts on the game I saw:

Prior working out of the jam with 2 on no outs. That was a great piece of pitching, and with a little help from the Ump.

The Cubs just can't plate anyone right now. They just keep getting singles. It is time to bring the thunder.

I am watching gamecast right now and it looks like Prior is in another tough spot. 3 On with 2 out in the 6th inning.

UPDATE

My buddy Lewis Whitfield has saved me today. Being a poor college student I never wanted to buy the gameday audio on the internet. Mainly because I already pay 140 for MLB Extra innings. Lewis does have the gameday and he gave me his password today. Another example of how the Cardinal/Cub series has more friends than any other.

So thanks Lewis. Now, Go Cubs beat the Cards!!

UPDATE #2

Mike Kiley eat your heart out. Bellhorn puts the Cubs up 1 in the 9th, but danger awaits.

The Shooter


If you have not had a chance to read the story on Rod Beck. Go to ESPN.Com to read this really great story about the former Cub.

If I was not from Alabama and could drive to Iowa this weekend, I would.

It's Early, but I can't Sleep

It is about 7 in the morning, but I woke up about 3 hours ago and I am not able to go back to bed. So, I thought I would write a little something about road game records. I checked the standings today and the Cubs are 12-9 at home and 12-7 on the road. That got me thinking. When was the last time the Cubs finished with a better road record than home. Thanks to the great website at Baseball Reference I was able to take a quick look at the numbers. I went back to the 89 Playoff Team.

Year Home/Away
2002 36-45/31-50
2001 48-33/40-41
2000 38-43/27-54
1999 34-47/33-48
1998 51-31/39-42 (Playoff)
1997 42-39/26-55
1996 43-38/33-48
1995 34-38/39-33 (Strike Season)
1994 20-39/29-25 (Strike Season)
1993 43-38/41-40
1992 43-38/35-46
1991 46-37/31-46
1990 39-42/38-43
1989 48-33/45-36 (Playoff)

The Cubs have had a better record on the Road twice in the past 14 years, but those two seasons were because of the strike. The only time in the past 30 years the Cubs had better record at home than on the road in a full season was 1974 32-49/34-37. In 1945 the Cubs had the Same number of Wins 49-26 at home and 49-30 on the Road.

The 1937 Cubs is the last team to finish with a better road record in a full season with a winning record.

Home 46-32/ Road 47-29

The 37 Cubs did not even make it to the playoffs. They finished 3 games back of the NY Giants.

The Cubs probably will not finish with a better road record, but it is fun to look at. The Cubs continue the long road trip with the Cardinals tonight. This is a four game set, and they will face Woody Williams tonight. Clement looks to rebound after the do-over last Sunday.

Who wants to take a poll of when Mike Kiley writes "Cubs have options with Wellemeyer in Pen." It could be funny, but I would not put it by him. This could

Let's play the Numbers Game

I am very sleepy right now. I saw the late show of the Matrix last night and then I had to be at class this morning. I figured I would take a nap after the game, but the Cubs had to play 17 innings to keep me awake.

So here we go:

1- The place the Cubs stand
2- The 1Bs That Keep hitting
2.5- Games led over the Astro
3- Strikeouts by Todd Wellemeyer Today in his Debut
4- Sweep of Brew Crew
5- Longest Winning Streak in the Majors Right now, Plus record in extra innings.
7- At bats Sexson did not get a hit today
8- Wins out the 4 and 5 spot on the pitching staff.
9- Hits by the Brewers in 17 innings, That is why the Cubs Won.
12- HR's by future Cub Mike Lowell
13- Wins this time last year
17- The never ending game, finally did
24- Cub pitching strikeouts
33- Team leading RBI's by Coery Patterson
40- Games Played this season
76- Kerry Woods Major League Leading Strikeout total
121- Number of Pitches today for Wood
122- Games Left this season
1991- Last time the Cubs swept 4 on the Road(Mets)

I am sure there are other numbers, feel free to email me with them, or post them in comments and we could have some fun with this.

The Cubs go for Four Tonight

The Cubs need to win tonight to have the first 4 game winning streak this season. More after the Game.

You Can't Teach a Old Dog New Tricks

I know this may be getting old, but Mike Kiley again today brings up the same trade rumors as he did yesterday, and not to metion all season

Today's article says:

There isn't room for Beck in the Cubs' bullpen right now, but general manager Jim Hendry has to get a trade overture sooner or later if Beck continues to succeed in this overwhelming fashion. It also gives Hendry the option of dealing Antonio Alfonseca for a third baseman and considering Beck as a possible replacement for Alfonseca in the Cubs' bullpen.

I wrote yesterday about the same thing, but Jason Steffens, over at The Clark & Addison Chronicle pointed out that it was the same title that was used a coupld of weeks ago. I thought that title was the same, but Kiley gets to keep on writing.

Estes the Staff Ace

I will admit when I am wrong most of the time. Today Shawn Estes proved to me that he could still pitch. Now granted it came against the Brewers, so there is still a little cause to worry. He now has 3 wins in a row and is 4-3 overall. Two of those wins are against the Brewers and the other is the Rockies. Also he helped with the Bat. Estes was 2 for 4 and should have had a RBI if it were not for a bang-bang play at the plate.

His next start will come against the big hitting Cards. That start is huge for the Cubs and Estes. If he continues to get that good curveball over for strikes he will have a solid season. Beating the Cards with a strong outing would mean that Cubs could really contend this year.

Estes has given up 6 ER's in his last three starts. It should be lower if Baker would have taken him out an inning earlier against the Rockies. He is getting ground balls and that has led to many double plays.

Mark Grudzielanek is on a tear. He is 10 of 14 in the last 3 games and his average is up to .310. Four days ago he was batting .267.

Choi broke out of his mini slump tonight going 2 for 4 with his 7 HR. Choi needs to keep improving and looks like he is.

Today the Cubs are 22-16. That is a great start, but if you would have told me that Corey Patterson would have 7 HR's and 30 RBI's and without Sosa playing 100%, I would say no way the Cubs are off to that kind of start.

The Cubs go for the Series win tomorrow in this four game set and their longest winning streak of the year of 4 games.

Carlos will try to improve on his 3-3 record and get back to over .500 this year.

The Cubs did not win Game #22 Last Season until June 6th.

Mike Kiley at it Again

The Sun-times writer Mike Kiley is starting to beat a dead horse. For weeks now he has crusaded that the Cubs must trade for a 3B. Now I know Bellhorn has not played great and is probably not the long term answer, but Kiley seems to write about weekly. Bellhorn has shown some signs again of breaking out of the slump, but Kiley does not let down.

Today in a short article he writes that:

Baker acknowledged that he is at a point where he can use Alfonseca or Joe Borowski as his closer. But the possibility also remains that general manager Jim Hendry could use Alfonseca to pry away third baseman Shea Hillenbrand from the bullpen-challenged Boston Red Sox.

Hillenbrand and Florida Marlins third baseman Mike Lowell seem to be the top two third basemen Hendry is interested in. Alfonseca is a former Marlin, so perhaps his best trade chance would be if the Red Sox bite.

But the Cubs will have to think twice before tampering with what appears to be a dependable bullpen, something they haven't had in years.

Kiley seems to want to become a opinion writer, rather than a beat writer. Much of his comments lead to what ifs. It is has been talked about all over the blog scene, and as long as he keeps writing this stuff, I will keep bashing him.

Cubs Win Game One

Ok is anyone else shocked at the runs the last two games. In 8 innings the Cubs put up 18 runs, now granted the 9 from Sunday did not count.

It looks like putting Mark back in the leadoff spot helped. He went 4/5 today with a walk. When the leadoff man is on it really helps.

Alou's slump is over. He is hitting everything in site. Even excuse me check swings are going for hits. O'Leary is making use of his everyday playing time. His HR yesterday did not count, but today's did. Prior looked really rough tonight, but he worked out of some jams and picked up his 5 win.

The Cubs have 3 left with the Brewers and then 4 with the Cards. These next few weeks will decide if the Cubs are contenders or pretenders(to steal a segment from ESPN). Right now with the pitching, I would have to say contender, but the hitting must continue to score runs.

There is a real problem with Clement right now. Even tough yesterday did not count, he has been rocked in two straight starts. The Cubs need him to anchor down the staff. It may be time to switch Clement and Prior in the pitching order. Maybe that could help. The Cubs lead 1.5 over the Astros and a full 2 games over the Cards. At 21-16 the Cubs continue to play average baseball, but they really need to string some runs together.

Sorry about the lack of posts over the weekend. I was enjoying my limited break from School. I have started the summer term now, but only have one class. Updates will come more often now and I will continue to follow the Cubs.

Estes goes to the hill tomorrow. This will be a real test for Shawn. He has not pitched well on the road this season and a good outing here could really help him and the Cubs. Of course if the Cubs score 11 again that would help also.