JEFF'S CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - HOTTER THAN JULY? THE CHICAGO CUBS!
A TRUE CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG, FROM A TRUE CHICAGO SPORTS FAN!
The Dog Days of summer are quickly approaching, and the only thing hotter is the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs have won 7 of 9 since the All-Star Game and 19 of their last 25 games making them the hottest team in baseball. The Milwaukee Brewers are now only 2.5 games ahead of the Cubs.
The Cubs pitching staff has been strong and now boasts the third-best earned run average at 3.89 and they have the second most strikeouts, 709. The bullpen has been solid so the Cubs are now winning the close games. With the activation of Ryan Dempster and the possible return of Kerry Wood to the bullpen the Cubs could have the pieces in place to take over their division.
The Brewers will have to endure two key injuries to everyday player, Bill Hall and starter Ben Sheets. This combined with the Cubs starting to win at home and playing the easiest schedule the remainder of the year might just make the Cubs the frontrunner.
The Cubs are playing well as a team seemingly doing all the little things to win the close game. Manager Lou Piniella has managed as well as anyone in the league and Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry has begun to work the trade scene acquiring catcher Jason Kendall this week to provide some veteran experience behind the plate. It will be interesting to see what other moves the Cubs make as they continue to hunt the Brewers for the division lead.
What are YOUR thoughts on the Chicago Cubs? Let me know!
DEAN'S TEAM SPORTS EDITOR,
JEFF ARDITO
