CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - CUBS AND SOX JUST ONE GAME OUT
The beat goes on as both sides of town find themselves in the hunt for their division. Chicago baseball fans couldn't ask for a better start with what is shaping up to be an exciting summer of baseball.
The Cubs have had to tinker with their lineup and starting pitching due to some inconsistent play and a couple of injuries. The encouraging factors have to include the offense who as a whole rank near the top overall. The top three starters of the rotation: Zambrano, Lilly and Dempster have shown that they can anchor the team. The troublesome parts include lead-off hitters, namely Soriano, aren't getting on base with regularity and the two bottom slots in the starting rotation have been non-existent leaving the Cubs with some big decisions in the near future.
For the Sox, they have gone through their share of inconsistencies but have the pieces in place to be in second place when many experts didn't have them finishing higher than third place. They have a five hundred record and seem to be playing better especially on the offensive front after a dismal swing in which the team was hitting in the .230's. On the bright side, the Sox have received very good starting pitching and have accomplished this without Mark Buerhle getting on track. If the offense picks up the Sox will contend the rest of the season.
So Chicago baseball fans buckle up as we ride this exciting start into summer with two contending teams. The cross-town classics will be extra special this year.
JEFF ARDITO & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
