Cubs Swept at Home: Finding new ways to lose
The Cubs finished up a series with the Astros today, having been disgraced with a sweep at home. Zambrano once again pitched brilliantly, today. Seven innings, one run, 5 Ks, 2 walks. Anyone that has a problem with that must be sick of watching the Cubs offense, or lack thereof. The bullpen blew today's game, but I can't really blame them too much with this one. Howry came in, put two runners on. Bad. Next guy made an out. Next play, grounder to second. Walker misses the bag, though, and his throw is late to first. What should have been an inning-ending double play ends up being bases loaded, one out. Next guy, Brad Ausmus, ground-ball single to right. Runner from third scores easily, and the go-ahead run scores from 2nd scores on Jacque Jones easily. Jacque held the ball a split second too long on his throw and he threw the ball straight into the ground. This is like the fifth time that's happened this month. Ridiculous.
I was listening to this game on the radio today and Santo was going nuts. "Jeez-us!" If I heard that once, I heard it 50 times. He was saying Jacque might seriously have a mental block against throwing. You know, Steve Blass/Chuck Knoblauch disease. I don't know about that, but I do know his shoulder's been bothering him lately. If it's bothering him that much, he should sit. No matter how hot his bat is, no matter how crappy his backup is. With interleague play coming up, the Cubs will get to use the DH next week and he can play then. With Dusty runnin the show, though, look for Neifi to play every day and bat second. (No, Neifi playing has little to do with Right Field. I just thought I'd point out that Neifi's still on the roster and still sucking.)
I'm getting kind of worried about Santo. I don't know how many more heartbreaking losses this guy can take. He sounds like he's having an aneurysm right there in the booth every day. The Cubs better start winning or Santo is toast.
Since I mentioned Interleague play, now might be the time to point out the Cubs host the Detroit Tigers this weekend. For the first time probably ever, White Sox fans will unite and root for the Cubs. Wish I had better news for you, Sox fans, but the Cubs stink and will be lucky to pull one of three in this one. They certainly won't win Friday, with Glendon Rusch scheduled to pitch. Marmol's got a chance Saturday, but he's facing Verlander so I wouldn't exactly bet the farm on this one. Then the hot-n-cold Sean Marshall takes on Gambler Kenny Rogers on Sunday. Tough matchups, all of them. Not to mention Detroit has an offense, a good manager and well... Let's just say it won't be easy for the North siders.