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.