JEFF'S CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - LAST NIGHT'S SURRENDER AT WRIGLEY FIELD!
THE CUBS BREAK THE HEARTS OF THEIR LEGIONS OF FANS ONCE AGAIN!
It was a memorable stretch run! It took the Chicago Cubs until the last weekend of the regular season to lock up the Central Division Championship. They were hitting the ball and getting good pitching en route to the post season. I thought to myself if the Cubs could get into the playoffs this year, anything could happen.
Was I wrong!
The Cubs laid a major egg and showed me again the one main ingredient missing on this team and the team that went to the postseason in 2003 - a vocal team player who won't accept losing.
Now, the Cubs are faced with needed changes if they want to compete with the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals, and other strong teams in the National League, in 2008. They desperately need help in the outfield; particularly center and right fields. They need another starter who could win a big game. They may just be able to plug Carlos Marmol into the closer spot and utilize Ryan Dempster as a set-up guy. If they tinker with the lineup and consider replacing Alfonso Soriano in the leadoff position with shortstop Ryan Theriot, and make Geovany Soto their everyday catcher, most Cub fans believe they can compete again.
However, we all know the other teams will be rebuilding as well - so it will not be an easy task!
The three-game sweep is certainly disappointing, but part of being a Cub fan. In my opinion, the Chicago Cubs were a product of a very bad division that basically let the Cubs back into the playoffs. The team needs more guns - more offense, more pitching, more hustle, and more heart. It will be interesting how that's handled by the new owners of the team.
Who will buy them? When will the sale be complete, and how will the process affect their pursuit of the missing pieces to their puzzle. I hope the Cubs can remain committed to fielding a winner in 2008, and beyond.
The only solace I hold is that I think Lou Piniella will insist on building a winner, or he may decide to go his separate way.
Did you watch the final Cub game last night, or were you there at Wrigley Field? I'd be anxious to hear your thoughts.
Feel free to commiserate with other Cub fans on www.bleedcubbieblue.com, one of our favorite, detailed Chicago Cubs blogs.
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO SPORTS EDITOR,
JEFF ARDITO
