Utter Domination in "Wrigley North"
Zambrano and Lilly magnificent as Cubs sweep Astros out of Milwaukee

Just a week ago things weren't looking positive for the Cubs as they dropped seven of eight. Now, everything couldn't look better.

In the mini two game set with the Houston Astros, the Cubs took advantage of all the circumstances. Playing in front of a clearly pro-Cub crowd and against a team obviously focused on the devastation at home in Houston, the Cubs pitchers mesmerized the Astros hitters.

On Sunday night, Carlos Zambrano returned to form by throwing a dominating no-hitter against Houston. Big Z threw 110 pitches while striking out ten and walking one in his most electrifying performance ever. Zambrano was hitting the gun as high as 99 mph, while displaying a devastating splitter. His performance was so incredible due to the fact that he had just returned from a 12 day lay-off following being diagnosed with shoulder tendinitis. On top of that, he didn't need any huge defensive play to keep the no-hitter going as he allowed only two balls to reach the outfield. This is the Zambrano that Cubs' fans have come to love and will look to lead them to the promise land.

Following Zambrano's masterpiece, southpaw Ted Lilly attempted to make history by throwing back-to-back no-hitters, which would of been the first time that has ever been done. Unfortunately, Lilly's no-hit bid was broken up in the seventh inning thanks to a single by Mark Loretta. Regardless, Lilly dominated as well, pitching seven strong, punching out nine and walking a single batter. The one batter Lilly allowed on base in Lance Berkman, was subsequently picked-off as Berkman was caught leaning toward second. Lilly was pulled after seven and watched as the bullpen in Jeff Samardzija, Carlos Marmol, and Bob Howry completed the one-hitter.

In the two games that reassured Cubs' nation and showed that the Cubs are back as the class of the National League, Cubs pitchers gave up one hit, one run, four walks, and struck out 20. Yes, the Astros had to play a "home-game" at "Wrigley North" in front of clearly pro-Cub crowd. Yes, the Astros seemed preoccupied with the events following Hurricane Ike and the safety of family and friends. However, the Astros were one of the hottest teams in baseball and regardless of what is going on the stats don't lie. If the Cubs starters pitch like that they will win every time, anywhere.

With the rotation back, the Cubs are once again ready to steam-roll into October. With Zambrano, Dempster, Harden and Lilly, the Cubs have the best starting rotation in baseball come October. With the bullpen, it seems the Cubs are destined for a World Series.

In my opinion, the first no-hitter since 1972 by Milt Pappas cancels out the Billy Goat and all other curses you want to throw out there. The Cubs are primed to make history and end a 100 years of heart-break...are you ready?

I know I am. Bring on October!

Hey Cubs...It's September...Wake Up!
Cubs drop eight of their last nine in pathetic fashion

It's been a hundred years since the Cubs last won a World Series. Many say the 2008 squad is the best ever and should bring home the crown. I believe this is their best team ever and best opportunity to end the hundred years of misery. However, the hot and cold spells that continue to shake the team need to stop immediately.

I can't remember a season in which a team stacked from top to bottom with the power and hitting savvy like the Cubs can struggle to put runs on the board in such spurts. In the past ten games, the Cubs have scored only 37 runs. If you take away one game in which they scored 14, during that stretch they've scored 23 runs in nine games, which comes out to 2.5 runs per contest. They've also been shutout twice and have a team era in the month of September in the high sixes. There is no rhyme or reason as to how or why the Cubs can't seem to score.

So far this season, it seems when Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, DeRosa, or Soto go in slumps, they do it at the same time. I can't recall a year in which the top five producing players in a line-up continue to go ice cold in unison. Granted, D Lee has been in a slump basically since the All-Star break, while the rest of the bunch can vanish like a fart in the wind.

However, with all the mediocrity going on the offensive side of the ball, it may be the "diaper duo" also known as Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden that bring the most frustration to Cubs' Nation. Big Z has become the "Big Baby" this year, while Harden is simply living up to his reputation. We all knew what we were getting when the trade with Oakland was completed. When Harden has pitched, he's been filthy and spectacular. Recently, when Big Z pitches you'd rather have Jason Marquis or Sean Marshall out there. Zambrano has been getting lit up like a Christmas tree since the end of July.

In my opinion, the Cubs seem doomed for failure because of their hot and cold offensive spurts and the training wheels that goes with our main starting pitchers (Dempster is the best). The best part of it all is that may be, just may be, the Cubs will get hot again and steam roll into October. That is if they wake up in September.

In the meantime, let's root for anyone playing the Brewers, Cardinals, Phillies, and Astros (where did they come from). And hopefully come October, we'll be singing "Go Cubs Go" and partying in Wrigleyville.

Cubs Sputtering to the All-Star Break

Things aren't so friendly on the northside these days following a three-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago White Sox. The Cubs since sweeping the southsiders at Wrigley last weekend have gone 1-5. Their pitching as been borderline pathetic, while their offense has been lacking the "big hit."

The Cubs do have a laundry list of injuries including superstars Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano being on the DL with hand and shoulder issues. They also have centerfielder Reed Johnson and lefty-reliever Scott Erye on the DL, while superstar third baseman Aramis Rameriz will be out the first three games of the series in San Francisco starting tonight due to family issues back in the Dominican Republic. With all these injuries, it seems the Cubs are arguably the most banged-up team in baseball.

However, with all these injuries, Carlos Zambrano and Reed Johnson are slated to come off the DL on Thursday just in time for a big series against second-place St. Louis at Busch Stadium. Zambrano will start Friday's series opener, while Johnson could be in the line-up immediately to give the ailing Jim Edmonds a much needed breathier. On top of that, the Cubs believe Soriano may be able to be back before the All-Star break after fracturing a bone in his left hand. Trainers are calling Soriano, "the quickest healer they've ever seen." With the likes of dealing with Kerry Wood and Mark Prior in the past, I'm not sure what they exactly means, but so far all signs point to Soriano being back sooner than the projected six weeks.

Therefore, if the Cubs who still hold the best record in the NL at 49-33 and lead all of baseball with a +95 run differential can manged to pull together over the next couple weeks there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Injuries are a part of the game and the Cubs simply have to overcome numerous obstacles right now to hold their first-place lead in the NL central. The Cubs have been in first since May 12th seeing their lead grow as big as 4 1/2 over the Cardinals. They currently hold a 2 1/2 game lead over St. Louis.

Although the injuries may be an excuse, the Cubs haven't played well on the road all year like majority of baseball. They are a dismal 16-23 on the road including being swept in their last two series against the Rays and White Sox. If it weren't for their major-league best 33-10 home record the Cubs would be in complete disarray. Therefore, in order for the Cubs to turn it around before the break they need big performances this week in San Francisco and St. Louis starting with their pitchers.

No more excuses. Go out, be professionals and play baseball.

Whose Your Chicago Cubs' MVP?

There are too many to pick, but here are three to consider: Soto, Fukudome, and Marmol

With over a fourth of the season in the books, the Chicago Cubs find themselves at an impressive 27-17 after completing an 8-2 homestand.

There are many early season heroes for the Cubs, from the usually consistent Derrek Lee to the ever emotional Carlos Zambrano. They've both done their part, but there are three integral parts: two new and another just continues to dominate.

The two Cubs' rookies, catcher Geovany Soto and right-fielder Kosuke Fukudome have brought patience at the plate and stellar defense. Soto is batting .321 with an on-base percentage (OBP) of .429, 14 doubles, eight homers, 30 RBIs and is slugging (SLG) .607. Soto leads the Cubs in OBP, doubles, RBI's and SLG. He has also compiled 27 walks and thrown out forty percent of attempted base stealers. All this from a rookie catcher, a home-grown future All-Star.

Since opening day, Fukudome has been "the fan favorite" of Cubs' nation. Since hitting a game-tying three-run homer on opening day against the Brewers, Fukudome has become a superstar seemingly overnight. In right field, the "Fu Fighters" hang out to lend their support, while vendors outside Wrigley Field sell Japanese headbands for all those looking to join the Fukudome frenzy. The right-fielder is hitting .314 with an OBP of .416, 11 doubles, two triples, and a team-leading 28 bases on balls. It's Fukudome's patient that has the greatest effect on the former free-swinging Cubbies. He has brought a discipline at the plate that has been missing for over a decade on the North Side. Following Sunday's game, the Cubs lead the majors in team OBP at .372. They also lead the majors in runs, RBIs, and on-base percentage plus slugging (OPS). In every other major statistical category, the Cubs find themselves second in doubles and batting average, and third in slugging percentage. One thing is clear, the "Fukudome Effect" has many positive results.


Finally, there is no higher rising star on the Cubs than a flame-throwing pitcher. He resides in the bullpen, continues to dominate, and is not named Wood. Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol has become a lethal weapon in baseball. He can get starters out of jams, leave hitters scratching their heads, and get the ball to closer Kerry Wood. Marmol has an astounding 1.61 earned run average (ERA) in 28 innings while incredibly punching out 40 batters. This comes after he posted a 1.43 ERA last year going 5-1 and striking out 96 hitters in 69 1/3 innings. Marmol has electric stuff from a 96 mile-per-hour fastball to the nastiest slider in the game today. It is picturesque to watch Marmol strike out the side or simply have a hitter's knees buckle while confusion and frustration spreads over their face.

So whose the Cubs' early-season MVP? It's simply too close too call. However, looking up and down the Chicago Cubs roster there are many names that have surprised and others who just continue to shine. A few other names you can throw into the mix are starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (5-1, 2.35 ERA), utility infielder Ronny Cedeno (..324 AVG, .403 OBP, 19 RBIs, 68 at-bats), and the red-hot Alfonso Soriano (.296 AVG, 10 HRs, 26 RBIs).

Regardless, the Cubs have turned the corner at the plate, at home with a major-league best 19-8 home record, and hopefully as the "lovable losers." All I know is this 2008 Cubs' roster is stacked. If you want an MVP, you pick because at any moment one of the stars will get hot and carry the squad.

So let's forget MVP's for now and just watch a team play.

I Wanna Be Like Mike...Fontenot

Since being called up from Triple-A, Cubs' infielder Mike Fontenot is doing it all including batting an astounding .408 in 20 games and solidifying a spot in the everyday line-up for the red hot Cubs

At only 5'8'' 170 pounds, the Cubs' newest infielder packs quite a pop.

Since being brought up for the second time this year on June 9 and starting since June 10, Mike Fontenont has helped the Cubs go 10-6. During that stretch, the Cubs swept the rival White Sox at U.S. Cellular and the Colorado Rockies at Wrigley to give them their current six-game winning streak.

The Louisiana native knows a thing or two about winning since Ryan Theriot and him won the College World Series at LSU back in 2000, in which Fontenot was named to the all-tournament team while batting .462. It looks like little as changed with this offensive fire-starter. In 20 games, Fontenot is hitting an incredible .408 with eight doubles, two triples, three homers, 13 RBI's, scored 15 runs, and has a .455 OBP. In the recent three-game sweep of the Rockies, the second baseman went 9-for-13 including a 5-for-5 performance in the Cubs wild ninth-inning victory 10-9 to open the series. The 5-for-5 night featured two doubles, two RBI's, and two runs.

Today, Fontenot showed that little men can play a big man's game by going 3-for-4 including a towering 415 foot solo homer. The homer impressed all his teammates including starter Carlos Zambrano who said, "I didn't know that short men could hit the ball like that. He hit the ball like a man. I feel happy for him" (http://www.chicagocubs.com/). Fontenot's pop-single in the first that was lost in the sun extended his career-high hitting streak to 10.

If your wondering how the Cubs acquired Fontenot, look no further than GM Jim Hendry. Fontenot was brought over from the Baltimore Orioles in the Sammy Sosa deal along with OF Jerry Hairston and RHP Dave Crouthers. So all those that thought the Cubs got nothing for Sosa they would be greatly mistaken. Two years since the trade, Fontenot is paying huge dividends, while Hairston and Sosa are Texas Rangers and no one knows who or where Crouthers is.

With the way Fontenot has been hitting all year, including Triple-A in which he was batting .340 in 54 games with 17 doubles, four triples, and six homers, it's clear that the little, big man can hit. Another thing that is a certainty is his amazing production in the two-spot for the rest of the year.

With the Milwaukee Brewers set to invade Wrigley on Friday to start an important three-game series, the Cubs will need Fontenot to remain on fire. With his humble attitude, don't expect anything to change as the Brew Crew meets the newest Cubs star this weekend.

By Sunday afternoon, the Brewers will understand why there's a new Mike in Chicago that Cubs fans want to be like.

Cubs' Pitching Staff Commanded by the Carlos'

In the past month, the Cubs have begun to figure things out thanks to the phenomenal pitching of starter Carlos Zambrano and reliever Carlos Marmol

Both have nasty stuff. Both are intimidating on the mound. Both are named Carlos.

Since June 1, Carlos Zambrano has truly begun a "new season," while Carlos Marmol has been lights out since he was brought up from Triple-A on May 18.

The fiery, intense, and hard-throwing Carlos Zambrano is beginning to live up to his prediction that he would win the NL Cy-Young this year. In his last four starts since June 1 and the Michael Barrett scuffle, Zambrano is 3-1 with 1.14 ERA. His most recent start came yesterday against the White Sox in which he went eight strong innings, struck out 12, gave up one earned run, and walked only one. Yesterday's game was Big Z at his best. Zambrano's stuff was electric with his breaking balls falling off the plate and fastball hitting as high as 95 mph. Big Z will look to continue his dominance Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies in which he will get to bat again. If his brilliance on the bump isn't enough, Zambrano is batting .273 with two homers, four RBI's, and nine runs scored.

When Zambrano ever needs some help he needs to look no further than his good friend Carlos Marmol. Marmol has been simply magnificent since his recall on May 18 from Des Moines. Marmol has comprised a mind-blowing 0.96 ERA in 18.2 innings with 24 strikeouts and has only given up 10 hits. His slider has been nasty and he locates his fastball beautifully. Last season, Marmol went 5-7 with a 6.08 ERA, but it is clear he learned a lot about himself and his abilities since then.

With the Carlos' dominating, the Cubs finally are getting back on track at 34-39 with a chance to sweep the South Siders tomorrow at U.S. Cellular Field. Marmol did a solid job today, while Zambrano had a superb performance yesterday. Expect to see Marmol if Cubs starter Sean Marshall struggles at all tomorrow.

Together, they are commanding and leading the Cubs' pitching staff to consistency. If Zambrano continues his dominance expect him to be in the running for the NL Cy-Young award. However, let's hope his other prediction of a Cubs World Series victory comes true as well. Regardless, the Carlos' will be there the whole way leading the pitching staff back to excellence.

Chicago Cubs Cancer and Catcher Sent Packing

The Cubs and Michael Barrett parted ways Wednesday when he was officially traded to the San Diego Padres for back-up catcher Rob Bowen and minor league outfielder Kyler Burke

The saga that was Michael Barrett is over. Not even halfway through the 2007 campaign, the Cubs' front office had seen enough headlines featuring Barrett over the last three and a half years.

Just this year, Barrett has been the focal point of fights, silly arguments, and bone-head plays. All these contributed to not only his departure, but a disease that needed to be cured in the Cubs' clubhouse. On June 1, Barrett and Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano went toe-to-toe after a lot of mounting frustration and more brainless plays by Barrett. The fight has been well-documented with many blaming Barrett for the repercussions even in light of Zambrano's intense emotions. Only eleven days later on June 12, Barrett and Cubs lefty Rich Hill got into a mild discussion about pitch selection. Then, in the 13th inning of the team's loss, Barrett misplayed a throw to home by Jacque Jones that would have nailed Jose Vidro of the Mariners by a couple steps.

These headlines in the past three weeks are simply the end to a long list of ridiculous issues with Barrett. In May 2006, the catcher socked White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski after getting cleanly run over protecting home. Barrett suffered a 10-game suspension for his actions and depleted a Cubs roster that couldn't afford his absence. Back in 2005, Barrett instigated a feud between Houston Astros starting pitcher Roy Oswalt that fueled the Astros to overcome the Cubs in the wildcard race late in the season. Even with all these distracting headlines, it is the play of Barrett so far this season that has Cubs nation in disarray.

At 30, Barrett is batting .256 with nine homers and 29 RBIs in a more limited role this year. However, it has never been his offense that people questioned, but his defense and overall lack of respect from pitchers. So far this year, Barrett has committed five errors, been charged with eight passed balls, and thrown out seven of 39 potential base-runners. On top of that, he has had some of the silliest baserunning blunders on record. Throw in the fact that numerous pitchers have requested he not catch for them including Hall of Fame bound Greg Maddux, Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, and most recently Carlos Zambrano. Finally, add to the mix that back-up catcher Koyie Hill has gone 5-2 with a 1.75 ERA in games he's started since being brought up.

With all of these put into the equation and Barrett set to be a free agent at season's end, the only logical move was to get rid of Barrett and his nonsense. It is rare that you see a player fall from the graces so quickly, but with everything over the last year the writing was on the wall.

Now, the Cubs will look to Koyie Hill and Rob Bowen to get the job done. Bowen joins the Cubs with a .268 average, two homers, 11 RBIs, and a .371 OBP. However, for all you Cubs fans who are worried about a lack of offensive production from the catching position, you need look no further than Des Moines, IA. The Cubs catcher of the future Geovany Soto is batting .325 with 15 doubles, eight homers, 41 RBIs, and a .400 OBP in 53 games. There is also an offensive-minded catcher named Jake Fox who resides in Double-A ball right now for the Cubs. Fox is hitting .298 with 14 home runs, 48 RBIs, and 19 doubles.

Whoever ends up making the biggest impression will win out, but for now Hill and Bowen are in charge. Barrett lost his welcome with the demanding fans and organization. He's just the first of a list of players that need to be shipped out. That list includes overpaid outfielder Jacque Jones, back-up shortstop Cesar Isturiz, and the lousy lefty reliever Scott Erye. By July 31, all three should be residing elsewhere and causing headaches for other clubs.

The good thing about trades is that you can monitor and see who the winner and loser is in the upcoming weeks. Barrett joins a pitching staff that leads the NL in ERA, but he struggled all year with the Cubs behind the plate. Regardless of what the future brings, both are better off going their separate ways.