4/2/08 vs. Milwaukee; L 2-8; (0-2)

So I look back at last years World Series participants and both started by losing their opening day game. Enough to give this Cub fan a little solace on the day off before game two.

Now we've had game two. I don't have quite the patience to look back and find the last World Series participant to start the season 0-2. So let's contain our focus to this year.

D Lee and Felix Pie both have two game hitting streaks. That may be the high note of the season so far. Kosuke didn't get a hit today, but at least we had some other guys get on base. Now if we could catch the ball. I didn't get to watch the game, but heard the booing on the WGN broadcast. Who can blame them after allowing three stolen bases, two errors, two wild pitches, two hit batters and a balk! I am hopeful my sons 5th/6th grade team does better than that in their first game!

I mean losing is losing. When a team outplays you fine. George Will made a good point the other day. Every season, every team is going to win 60 games, and lose 60 games. The difference is what happens in the remaining 42 games. Yesterday was one of our 60 losses. We just didn't hit most of the game. Today was one of the 42 and it didn't go our way. We still had a chance at this game in the bottom of the seventh. Two on and one out in a 5-2 game...top of the lineup at the plate.

I am as big a fan of the The-Riot as anyone, but his two hits today came with no one on and two outs. You have to get the hit with first and third one out. Alfonso hits next and continues his O for the season. Then we bring in Pignatiello...."Steve, do you know what Pignatiello spelled backwards is?" I can hear Harry saying from his heavenly press box....and let the Brewers extend the lead.

Lastly, what about Aramis Ramirez. Again O for the season. Did anyone watch the opening day game. Why did D Lee almost take out Big Z's knees, because Aramis must have been standing still. Later he probably should have made an effort at the foul ball that drifted away from Geovany. Now today he makes an error and Braun doubles off his glove. I didn't see the game so I can't say anything one way or another about those particular plays. Combined with his lackluster effort Monday and the 0-6 at the plate, my impression is he didn't give a great effort at either.

So Lou is going to change the lineup tomorrow. Ryan Dempster also makes his first start after moving from closer to starter. Maybe these changes are enough to get these lovable losers going the right direction. I'll be listening to Len and Ron to find out.