CHICAGO SPORTS BLOG - THE CUBS SHOW SIGNS OF WEAKNESS
For diehard
Cub Fans, the last week is a sign of possibly more questionable times for the short-term future of the first place Cubs. Yes, they have a terrific record and a pretty formidable offense but in the last week to ten days despite a home sweep of the first place Sox, the Cubs have shown a number of problem areas that will need to be addressed.
For starters, it is crystal clear that the loss of Alfonso Soriano has been devastating. Despite his penchant for striking out, Soriano is a spark that this team sorely needs back in the lineup. The latest word is that Soriano might be back before he was expected to return - the Cubs really need him back. First Baseman, Derrek Lee, has really had a tough stretch dating back to the beginning of May. Since May 1st, Lee has hit only 8 homeruns and has driven in only 26 runs - poor production for the number three hitter in a lineup that offensively is ranked first in all of Baseball.
Injuries to Soriano and now a litany of other starters also have Cub fans singing the blues. Cub's ace Carlos Zambrano is on the 15 day disabled list, Centerfielder Reed Johnson is also on the 15 day DL and his platoon mate, Jim Edmonds continues to be hobbled by a bad left foot which he apparently strained again in yesterday's loss to the Sox. Right fielder, Kosuke Fukodome is hobbled by a strained left calf muscle leaving manager, Lou Piniella very few options for whom to start in the outfield. The infield is in better shape although the Cubs have seen a drop in Mark DeRosa's production as he has just three hits in his last 34 plate appearances - this might be due to DeRosa's having to play five different positions for the team in the last month or so due to the injuries. Today, it was announced that relief pitcher, Scott Eyre, might have a groin pull and his status is a bit unknown.
So, these injuries and uncertainties have fans nervous as the Cardinals and Brewers continue to stay just a few games behind the Cubs. Hopefully, the Cubs will pull the trigger on a trade for a reliable starting pitcher to help the rotation and ideally the Cubs would secure another right-handed, clutch hitter to come off the bench in late inning games. C'mon, Lou, we're counting on you to make it right as the Cubs pursue a World Series Championship.
JEFF ARDITO & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
