8/31/08 vs. Phillies; L 3-5; (85-52)

For the first time since July 26th, Chicago lost two in a row. In between, they went 25-6. It was an impressive run, but the Phillies put an end to it. For the second day in a row, Jason Werth hit a home run. For the second day in a row, Chicago got eleven hits...all of them singles. For the second day in a row, the W flag didn't fly and GO CUBS GO didn't resonate from the Wrigley Field PA system.

Carlos Zambrano was held out of the game to rest his arm. He'll now go Tuesday against the Astros. Sean Marshall pitched in his spot. It also bumps Harden back in the rotation to give him a couple extra days rest as well.

Marshall did his job giving the rotation a break, for the second straight time he has been asked to spot start, Chicago lost. Today he gave up three in the first inning, and Chicago never recovered.

Chicago finished August 20-8, their best month not only this year but since 1984. Now the crucial month of September is upon us. Crucial because the 1969 team entered the month with a record of 83-52. They went 9-18 in September to lose the pennant. The 1945 team entered at 76-46 and then won 22 more games.

What will happen to the 2008 version. So far, SHOW's prediction of 98 wins is dead on. He called a 5-2 week against the Pennsylvania teams and was perfect. I like his odds for the rest of the year.

8/30/08 vs. Phillies; L 2-5; (85-51)

The day after Mark DeRosa's hitting streak ended, the Cubs winning streak ended. Jason Werth did most of the damage driving in four runs and hitting two home runs. Chicago managed their own fair share of hits, but most of them were singles. They didn't capitalize and get the clutch hits when they needed.

Ted Lilly started rough, allowing a lead off single and following that up with a hit batter. Then he settled in and retired twelve in a row. He entered the fifth inning with a one run lead, courtesy of Mark DeRosa and Geovony Soto. DeRosa singled in his first at bat of the day and advanced on Kosuke Fukudome's bunt single. The third base hit in a row, by Soto, scored DeRosa.

Lilly's streak of twelve in a row ended when Jason Werth led off the fifth with a home run to tie the game. He then retired the next three batters. The sixth was the real problem. Singles by Utley and Howard, followed by another hit batter, loaded the bases for...Jason Werth. His single to right field scored two to give the Phillies the lead.

In the eighth inning, Howard hit a solo shot to center and Werth hit his second of the game to extend the lead to 5-1. The Cubs had hope though when Theriot and Lee started the inning with consecutive singles. That brought up Mr. Clutch, Aramis Ramirez, who singled home a run. It sure seemed the Cubs were prepping for another come back win. But JC Romero relieved Myers and struck out three to end the threat.

The Cubs did manage eleven hits, but not a single one of them an extra base hit. Derek Lee led the way for Chicago with three hits. Theriot, Soto, and DeRosa each had a pair of hits. Now the Cubs will need to win Sunday to keep the series win streak alive. At worst they will split, meaning they haven't lost a series since they played Arizona on July 23rd.

Maybe more important will be a good outing by Zambrano, who has only one win in August and didn't make it to the fifth inning in his last start.

8/29/08 vs Phillies; W 3-2; (85-50)

There is no I in TEAM.

Mark DeRosa, in the midst of a hitting streak, was asked to sacrifice in his last at bat. He was still without a hit in one official at bat, having walked twice, and the Cubs already led 3-2. Like a good team mate he did his job, advancing runners to second and third with no one out. The hitting streak is over at ten games. Rubbing salt in the wound, neither runner scored.

However, I bet if you interview Mark DeRosa, the comment falls in the "I just want to do everything I can to help the team. Individual stats don't matter, the team won and that's what is important." category.

Rich Harden set the Phillies up for this one. Much like Dempster yesterday, he struggled early with control and let the Phillies feel in charge up 2-0 after 4.5 innings. He had allowed three hits and four walks while striking out only five. At that point, Chicago had Philadelphia right where they wanted them.

Mark DeRosa led off the fifth with a walk. He stole second, his sixth stolen base of the season, and advanced to third on Henry Blanco's infield single. He scored on Daryle Ward's ground out. Sound familiar? Another run scored with no balls leaving the infield.

In the sixth, Phillies Starter Joe Blanton ran into trouble. He walked Theriot to lead off the inning and followed that up with a walk to Derek Lee. The stage was set for Aramis again, but on a 3-1 pitch he hit a shallow fly ball for the first out. Mark DeRosa walked and that ended the game for Blanton. Former Cub Scott Eyre came on (thinking of his World Series share) and walked Kosuke to tie the game up. Good thing he did too, or Ryan Theriot's family may be making funeral arrangements. With Theriot on third, Blanton bounced one to the plate. It was blocked, but still kicked clear to the wall. Theriot's first move was back to third, and he wasn't able to score. I could read Lou's lips following the play. Let's just say he wasn't real happy. And I didn't know Jesus' middle name rhymed with clucking.

In the seventh, Jeff Samardizja pitched for Chicago. He ran into some trouble, but was aided by a questionable (come on I'm a Cub fan, I am not going to say bad call) at first on Ryan Howard's ground ball to end the inning with no damage. That put him in position for the win should Chicago score in their half of the seventh.

And why wouldn't they score with Sarge singing the seventh inning stretch....even with the Bernie Mac hat on. With one out, Alfonso Soriano hit a home run to center field to give the Cubs the lead.

Carlos Marmol relieved Shark with one out in the eighth. He struck out both batters he faced in the eighth. He pitched the ninth as well to earn his seventh save of the year, picking up one more K.

8/28/08 vs. Phillies; W 6-4; (84-50)

Do you believe!?

Do you believe!?

I was ready to let this one go. I was preparing myself for a loss, which is going to happen against the Phillies at some point in this series. I wasn't happy about it, but I was prepared. Then Randy Hundley joined Len & Bob in the TV booth, and two home runs later....what can you say?

This post was going to be about Ryan Dempster not having his best stuff, but working through it to only give up one run. This post was going to be about Mark DeRosa tripling to extend his hitting streak to ten games and tying the game in the process.

Philadelphia wouldn't let that happen. They scored and scored again following DeRosa's game tying triple and had a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth. I don't know where the post was going at that point.

Then Mike Fontenot pinch hit and went yard. Little Mikey Fontenot. Muscled up and went deep. Alfonso followed with a double. "I like how this is going" I told my wife. Ryan Theriot hit...guess what...a single to right field. First and third no one out. Derek Lee draws a walk. Bases loaded, no out, Aramis Ramirez at the plate. The only thing we no for sure, he isn't going to hit a three run homer. No, instead he hits a NO DOUBT grand slam. The Phillies center fielder barely turned around, much less moved towards the ball.

Just like that...a three run deficit is turned into a two run lead in only five hitters. What else can this team do. They win yesterday with two runs in an inning when only one ball is hit out of the infield. They win today with a grand slam in the eighth inning, following a pinch hit home run.

Zambrano throws poorly, they win. Marquis throws great, they win. Dempster is so so, they win. I don't know what else to say....Cubs Win! and Win! and Win!

Next year can wait!

8/27/08 @ Pittsburgh; W 2-0; (83-50)

Mark DeRosa extended his hitting streak to nine games. After his first hit, he advanced to third on a single by Marquis, but he was stranded there. Later in the game, he followed a bunt single by Reed Johnson with a double to put runners at second and third with no one out. Johnson scored on a groundout by Ronny Cedeno. DeRosa scored on a squeeze bunt by Henry Blanco.

Read that closely. Chicago scored two runs in an inning when only one ball left the infield. Two runs by Reed Johnson and Mark DeRosa driven in by Ronny Cedeno and Henry Blanco. Are we missing something? Isn't this the team with Soriano, Lee and Ramirez? Don't forget Soto. I've said it before, this is a team that is deep. They can win with a variety of players and in a variety of ways. Today was small ball.

Who pitched today for Chicago? Couldn't have really been Jason Marquis in that #21 jersey. Seven innings, no runs, no walks and only five hits. That isn't the second half Jason Marquis I have railed against more than once.

Credit these guys when coming up big when the team needs them. It isn't like Johnson and DeRosa are bench guys....no, they play most every day. And they come up with big hits frequently. But Cedeno and Blanco....and Marquis! If this isn't the year.......

Speaking of the year...it was 1945. The last time Chicago played in a World Series. Also the last time Chicago was 33 games above .500, until today!

It gets harder from here on out. Other than a weekend series against the Reds, all of the remaining opponents are .500 or better. So we won't start talking magic number yet. I want to, but I won't. The Brewers aren't going anywhere and we have them six times in the last two weeks. Chicago is 18-6 in August and the Brewers have a chance to match that record with a win tonight against St. Louis. They won't go away!

One win in the series against Philadelphia secures Chicago's best month of 2008. They'll get at least two, probably three. That would put them at 35 games over .500. It would also set the stage for a 100 win season.

8/26/08 @ Pittsburgh; W 14-9; (82-50)

Maybe we should title this post every101years! Chicago's ninth straight series win is an accomplishment not equalled since 1907! That was a World Series Championship year as well. The 32 games above .500 takes us back to late season 1984 to find a comparable record. This is some kind of team.

Watching the game on WGN, I hear Len Casper say in the seventh inning that he isn't worried. He mentions how good the team is playing and that in the time he has been the broadcast voice, he has never had this confidence. At the time, the Pirates lead 8-7 courtesy of two runs in the bottom of the sixth.

Chicago had gotten an early lead again, courtesy of Geovonty Soto. His bases clearing double put them ahead in the fourth. His solo home run in the sixth broke a 6-6 tie. Carlos Zambrano just couldn't hold the lead tonight, and left before finishing the fifth inning. If there is any concern on this team, it would be Z's last few outings. They haven't been the most productive of his career to say the least.

Len Casper probably won't be compared to the great prophets of the bible, but last night he was right on. The Cubs scored as many runs in the eighth as they had all game to put this one out of reach.

Two runs were courtesy of bases loaded walks. Then Reed Johnson singled to put the Cubs up by two runs. That brought Geovony Soto to the plate. I neglected to mention earlier, his home run broke the tie he had with Randy Hundley for most home runs by a Cubs rookie catcher. His 20 on the season is the most for ANY rookie catcher since Mike Piazza did it in 1993.

Geo did it again. His second bases loaded double of the night gave him seven rbi and put the game out of reach. He scored on Mike Fontenot's double just for good measure.

Carlos Marmol pitched a perfect eighth. I just throw that in there because he is on my fantasy team. Kerry Wood struggled a little in the ninth allowing a run. He did end up striking out the side to finish off Pittsburgh.

Lost in this comeback win was Mark DeRosa. He had two hits on the night before being pulled for a double switch in the sixth. That extends his hitting streak to eight games. He's on my fantasy team too.

Life is good right now if you are a Chicago Cub fan. The only thing that would be better is if the Brewers could manage to lose a game here and there. They have matched the Cubs at 7-3 over the last ten games and just won't go away. I am actually rooting for the Cardinals (it hurts, it hurts) to win a couple while they are playing Milwaukee.

8/25/08 @ Pittsburgh; W 12-3; (81-50)

What can you say about a 12-3 drubbing of the Pirates? Chicago is 12-4 this season against Pittsburgh and came out swinging Monday night. Soriano, Lee, Edmonds and Fukudome EACH had three hits on the night. Aramis Ramirez hit another three run homer.

Chicago chased Jeff Karstens, who had shut out Chicago at Wrigley earlier this year, before the fourth inning. His replacement didn't do much better as the Cubs had jumped out to a 10-1 lead by the fifth inning.

For Edmonds, it was a nice end to his recent slump. For Fukudome, it was a tribute to the tutelage of Sweet Lou. Nice to see he can hit on the road too.

Ted Lilly went seven, allowing for an easy inning of work for Howry and Wood. It was a good win. Now we move on. Chicago has to win these games and they did. Making them look easy is just a bonus.

8/24/08 vs Nationals; W 6-1; (80-50)

First team to 80 wins. 30 games above .500 for the first time this year. Baseball is certainly a numbers game and Chicago is posting good numbers. Here are a few more from today's win against the Nationals.

4....Straight games Mark DeRosa has hit a home run

6...Game hit streak for Mark DeRosa. He has ten hits in the six game homestand and is hitting .435 in that stretch.

8....Consecutive series wins by Chicago

9....Kosuke Fukudome hit his ninth of the season today. His first extra base hit since August 6th. It came in a pinch hitting appearance in the seventh.

11...Strikeouts by Rich Harden, tying a career high. He has hit double digit strike outs five times as a Cub. He only did it twice playing for Oakland.

19...Home runs this season (one today) by Geovony Soto tying a Cub record for rookies. I am sure he will surpass Randy Hundley before the end of the year.

The Cubs are certainly firing on all cylinders right now. Five more weeks to go, can they keep up this pace? I certainly think so. The depth of this team can help keep them fresh. Guys can get a day off and have someone else pick up the slack. That should help them stay fresh through the last 32 games and into the post season.

Next up is a brief road trip to Pittsburgh.

8/23/08 vs Nationals; W 9-2; (79-50)

Chicago responded, especially Aramis Ramirez, to their worst drubbing of the season. Ramirez led the way with two three run long balls. He added a single to lead the team with three hits. His six RBI was his most since September 21st of last year, when he hit two three run homers. He has been picking up the slack lately with 15 rbi in his last ten games.

Overshadowed by Ramirez' offensive output was Ryan Dempster. He held Washington scoreless, allowing only four hits and one walk through 6 2/3 innings. With two out in the seventh he finally allowed consecutive base hits and a run. In the eighth he was chased after another base hit and a hit batsmen. His effort was needed after yesterday's bullpen work.

Chicago had everyone contributing today. Ryan Theriot had three hits. Mark DeRosa went yard for the third time in three days. He also had a single for another multi hit game. Locked in is an understatement for him. Reed Johnson had a couple hits, while Derek Lee and Alfonso Soriano each had only one hit, but both drove in runs.

Chicago will go for their eighth straight series win tomorrow with none other than Rich Harden on the hill. They should need to score a half a run to win.

8/23/08 vs Nationals; L 5-13; (78-50)

The Washington Nationals rank dead last in runs scored. The Chicago Cubs are top five in least runs allowed. But there is a reason they play the games. Washington erupted for 13 runs, a season high allowed by Chicago, to defeat the Cubs in the series opener.

Jason Marquis was staked to an early 4-0 lead. Through five innings he held the Nationals scoreless and had allowed only a walk and two singles. His sixth inning was a little rougher. An infield single and two walks loaded the bases with no out. A sac fly was followed by a double to cut the lead to two runs, with the tying runs in scoring position and one out.

Neil Cotts was called on for relief. He walked the first batter and then gave up a grand slam to Willie Harris. That would prove to be all the runs Washington needed, but they added one off Bob Howry and six off Chad Guadin for good measure.

Chicago did manage ten hits, with Lee and DeRosa each getting home runs to help the Cubs to the early lead. For Lee, it was his first home run since July 27th. DeRosa's was his second in as many days. His hot hitting continues and he has a career high in rbi this year with a month left in the season.

Chicago still maintains the best record in baseball as the Angels lost as well. Their NL Central lead slipped a game as both the Brewers and Cardinals won. Chicago will have to take two in a row to keep their series win streak alive. With Dempster and Harden on the mound in the next two starts it shouldn't be a problem. Especially with Washington wasting all their runs in one day.

8/21/08 vs Reds; W 3-2; (78-49)

Chicago won it's seventh consecutive series Thursday with a 3-2 victory over the Reds. Their record is 17-5 during that stretch. They have increased their NL Central lead by 4.5 games and passed the LA Angels for the best record in baseball.

Thursday was Carlos Zambrano's day. He picked up his thirteenth win of the season and his fourth home run of the season. It was easily his best outing in the month of August. He went seven innings and gave up only one run. He picked up his first win in his last four decisions.

The Cubs scored early when Soriano led off the first with walk. Theriot's single advanced him to third. He scored on a double play ground out by Derek Lee.

Mark DeRosa added another run with a solo shot in the second inning. It was his fifteenth of the season, extending his career high. His is 11 of 31 in his last ten games with nine rbi and ten runs scored.

Zambrano's home run in the third ended the scoring for Chicago. Cincinnati chipped away at the lead with solo home runs by Bruce and Votto in the sixth and eighth respectively. Kerry Wood came in to pick up his 26th save pitching a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts.

The Chicago Cubs have definitely hit a hot streak. They are finding ways to win and haven't lost back to back games since July 26th. Surely they will come back to earth in September. Let's just hope it isn't a crash, just a return to .600 baseball.

8/20/08 vs. Reds; L 1-2; (77-49)

Ted Lilly threw seven innings allowing only two hits and two walks. Unfortunately, two runs scored off those two hits. Both were lead off doubles and the Reds managed to move them around to score both times.

Chicago only scored one run on three hits...two by Mark DeRosa...all night. Bronson Arroyo threw 116 pitches through seven innings, but kept Chicago at bay. Two relievers combined for two perfect innings to close the game. They only had to throw 22 pitches.

Chicago's only two threats, in the third and fourth innings, were ended by double plays. They had two runners on in each inning. Ramirez and Soto were the double play victims, both good men to have up in a spot to drive in runs. It just wasn't Chicago's night.

8/19/08 vs. Reds; W 5-0; (77-48)

On the way up to Wrigley, we figured we were in for a pitcher's duel. We arrived to find the wind blowing in. That aided both Harden and Cueto, and the game was scoreless through four and a half innings.

Chicago finally broke through in the fifth. A lead off triple by Soto set the stage for a Harden sacrifice to score Soto.

Harden went seven scoreless innings giving up only two hits. He was pulled for a pinch hitter in the seventh. He earned his third win and struck out ten for the third time. He didn't walk a single batter all night.

The Cubs needed that kind of effort since Cueto battled valiantly for seven innings. He worked out of a lead off double by Theriot. After Chicago scored, he stranded a runner on third with one out.

In the eighth Chicago broke thee game open. Six of the first seven hitters reached base giving the Cubs four more runs.

Lee, Ramirez, and Fukudome all drove in runs in the eighth putting the game out of reach.

Kerry Wood warmed up for the save, but by the time he entered the game it wasn't a save situation any more. He struck out two and closed out the Reds.

The fans reveled in a home stand opening win singing Go Cubs Go for twenty minutes after the game.

8/17/08 @ Florida; W 9-2; (76-48)

Alabama once sang "You Can't Keep A Good Man Down." Well, this Chicago Cubs roster is full of good men. So while the Florida Marlins held Chicago scoreless through six innings, the good men rose up in the seventh.

Trailing by two runs, and having managed only four hits, the Cubs sent twelve batters to the plate. They scored eight runs on five hits to take a commanding lead. Alfonso Soriano tied the game with a double. Aramis Ramirez gave Chicago the lead with a two run double of his own. Following a sac fly by Fukudome, Reed Johnson hit a bases clearing double, driving in three runs.

For Johnson it was his third hit of the game, on his way to a four for five day. He was hitting .480 for August...coming into today. He raised that average to .533 with his four knocks today! I sure am glad we picked him and Jim Edmonds up instead of Felix Pie. For more on that, check out all star center fielder Reed Edmonds.

Ryan Dempster was the beneficiary of the high scoring seventh inning. Still the pitcher of record, he earned the win, his fourteenth of the season. That's good for the team lead and fourth in the NL. He picked up ten strikeouts on the day to pass team mate Ted Lilly.

The win ties the Cubs with the Angels for the most wins in the entire major league. It also caps a 5-1 road trip. They are 11-4 in August, and are on pace for their best month of the season. As I said yesterday, the remainder of the month holds a very promising schedule for Chicago. A 20 win month is within their grasp.

8/16/08 @ Florida; L 1-2; (75-48)

Four guys who normally don't see their names in the starting lineup all did on Saturday. Sean Marshall was called upon for a spot start. Henry Blanco gave Geovony Soto a day off and Darlye Ward did the same for Derek Lee. Aramis was again held out of the lineup, we'll call Mike Fontenont the replacement. (DeRosa actually played third, with Fontenot at second base)

So Chicago looked to extend their winning streak with less than 60% of their normal lineup. It didn't happen, but it was close. Chicago played a 2-1 loss with multiple chances at pulling the game out.

The four "non-starters" all did their part. Sean Marshall had a career high eight strikeouts as he threw five solid innings. His battery mate, Blanco, hit a solo home run to tie the game in the fourth. Mike Fontenot singled and walked. He was inches from squeaking through a bases loaded grounder that would have scored two runs. Daryle Ward did go without a hit, but reached base once on a walk.

Chicago actually outhit the Marlins eight to four, but Florida's hits were just more timely. Hanley Ramirez led off the game with a home run to give Florida the early lead. In the fifth, Cody Ross had a two out single to score the eventual game winning run, who had reached on a walk.

Soriano was the on base leader with two hits and a base on balls. Theriot reached twice on walks, and both Fontenot and Fukudome had a base hit and a free pass. The clutch hitting just wasn't there tonight. Reed Johnson might be the exception. With two outs in the seventh, and runners at first and second, he singled. Why Mike Quade didn't try to score Soriano baffles me.

Mike Fontenot had another chance besides his bases loaded at bat. He ended the game with runners on first and second. He took a called third strike that sure looked to be well outside.

Regardless, the Cubs will persevere. They got some rest for their starters and will return to action today with Dempster on the mound. I am confident they will leave Florida with another win and head home for an off day. They will finish the month with 9 of 12 at home and 9 of 12 against sub .500 teams. My prediction, they will finish August 30 games above .500.

8/15/08 @ Florida; W 6-5; (75-47)

Daryle Ward has only had eleven games this season where he has come to the plate more than once. He has been called on to pinch hit most of the season, and it hasn't gone real well for him. He is hitting only .217 and had driven in only ten runs going into Florida. His home run last night may make him forget all that.

The Cubs trailed 3-5 going into the ninth. Neither team had scored since Mark DeRosa's two run homer in the fourth. The inning led off with a walk to DeRosa from Florida's closer, Kevin Gregg. Mike Fontenot lined out to third on a great play. The ball was absolutely smoked for what looked to be a double in the corner, but was caught by a diving Florida third baseman. Reed Johson then singled to bring up the pitcher's spot, in which Daryle Ward was asked to fill in. He absolutely crushed a ball to right field for a three run game winning home run. Zambrano congratulated him in the dugout both for winning the game and saving him from a loss.

Zambrano actually started the scoring, singling to score DeRosa in the second inning. His lead didn't last long as the Marlins tied it in the second and blew it open in the third. Control was the issue as Z allowed three walks in the inning to go along with a home run and triple.

DeRosa, 1 for 1 on the night with three walks, three runs, and two rbi, closed the gap just a little bit with his 14th homer of the season. Then the pitchers took over on both sides. Chad Guadin pitched two perfect innings to earn the win. Kerry Wood allowed a walk, but struck out two to pick up his 25th save on the season.

The win extends Chicago's winning streak to five, their road winning streak to nine, and their NL Central lead to 5.5 games. Everyone on the roster is contributing. When Chicago can win a come from behind game in which Aramis Ramirez doesn't play, and Derek Lee doesn't get on base....doesn't it seem like this is our year!

8/14/08 @ Atlanta; W 11-7;(74-47)

Chicago narrowly avoided a skirmish in the sixth when Ted Lilly drillled Yunel Escobar. The game itself wasn't as close.

The Cubs continued their recent trend of scoring early and often. In sweeping the Braves, they managed 29 runs. They also managed to win their fifth series in a row and extend their lead to 4.5 games.

Other than trying to pick a fight, Lilly piced up his twelfth win while racking up eight strikeouts.

Aramis Ramirez had three runs batted inn to lead the way for Chicago. Fukudome, hitting second picked up two hits for the second consecutive game. Derek Lee had a pair, making our 3,4,5 hitters 6 of 12 on the night.

The Cubs head to Florida with their longest road win streak since 1945. They have five more to go to beat that mark.

8/13/08 @ Atlanta; W 8-0; (73-47)

The Cubs took the second game of the double header in easy fashion. Do you know the last time the Cubs swept a double header on the road? Go ahead...say it...1908! Yes, every time we look at the record books, the Cubs seem to be matching events from one hundred years ago.

This one started even better than the first game. While the Cubs jumped out to 4-0 leads in both, it only took one inning this game to get to that mark. Even better than that, Kosuke Fukudome drove in two runs with a single in the first inning. That was his first hit in five games. He added another hit later and hopefully will start working his way out of the slump.

Rich Harden threw two hit ball through five innings. He even worked himself out of a self made jam in the third. With two outs he walked three consecutive Braves to load the bases. But he induced a Casey Kotchman groundout to end the inning with no damage. He picked up just his second win in a Chicago uniform while blanking his opponent for the second time in his six starts.

The Cubs added some unnecessary insurance in the ninth, scoring three runs off the Braves bullpen. Aramis Ramirez and Ryan Theriot each had two hits in each game to lead the way for Chicago. Geovony Soto managed three hits in just the one game he played. Soto, Ramirez, and Edmonds were the big run producers on the day, combining for ten rbis.

The Cubs maintain a 3.5 game lead over the surging Brewers at this point. Milwaukee has won eight in a row and ten of twelve since being swept by the Cubs. Chicago has won eight out of eleven in that same stretch, preventing the Brewers from getting any closer.

The sweep also guarantees another series win for Chicago, keeping them perfect in the month of August. They will send Ted Lilly to the mound in the final game of the series and try for the sweep before heading down to Florida.

8/13/08 @ Atlanta; W 10-2; (72-47)

In the opening game of a double header...making up yesterday's washout...the Cubs jumped to an early lead and poured it on.

Geovony Soto got things started with a two run double in the second. Jim Edmonds tacked on two more in the third with his 16th home run of the year. That's sixteen in less than 300 at bats as a Cub. Not bad for a guy we pay the veteran minimum. He doubled in the fifth to drive in another run. Mark DeRosa followed that up with a double of his own to plate Edmonds.

Jason Marquis was moved up to this start, Harden would have gone yesterday. He pitched into the sixth allowing only two runs to pick up the win. Cotts, Samardizja and Howry pitched in to keep the Braves scoreless for the remainder of the game.

Geovony Soto added a home run, his eighteenth, in the ninth to pad the lead and put the Cubs into double figures.

It was the Cubs sixth straight road win. Not bad for a team that has had trouble winning at all on the road this year.

8/10/08 vs Cardinals; W 6-2; (71-47)

Ryan Dempster shut down the Cardinals for six innings on Sunday night. His offense had spotted him a one run lead in the second, but had failed to cross the plate again since. In the sixth inning, they managed to add an insurance run and then some.


With one run in, Adam Kennedy's error not only botched a double play, but allowed Chicago to go on and score four more runs in the inning. Three consecutive hits following the error plated three runs and extended the lead to 6-0.


Dempster ran into trouble in the seventh and allowed two runs. He yielded to Jeff Samardizja to face Pujols, who drove in the second run with a double. Samardizja struck out Mather for the final out of the inning.


The last three innings were scoreless on both sides, as the Cubs picked up the rubber game of the series. They have now won four straight series and are 12 - 5 since returning from their west coast trip. Included in that stretch, they are 6-1 against the Cards and Brewers. Their lead increased from one game to four over the two plus weeks. It got me thinking, what is different about this team than Cubs teams from the past.

When I was at the game Saturday, listening to the lineup, what struck me most about this team is the depth. While Tony LaRussa chooses to hit his pitcher eighth, we were hitting rookie of the year candidate Geovony Soto. The worst hitter (year to date average) in the lineup was Jim Edmonds.

Sunday was typical of that depth. Soriano, Ramirez, and Soto each had two hits. DeRosa and Cedeno each had two RBI. And Derek Lee had a hit, a run, and an rbi. Top to bottom there isn't an easy out in this lineup. Theriot is the only hitter you would question getting an extra base hit when needed, but he leads the team in average. He will at least get you to the next hitter.

More and more this appears to be the year.

8/9/08 vs. Cardinals; L 3-12; (70-47)

When I arrived at Wrigley Field today, I told my wife that Mark DeRosa would have the best day of any Cub. After he homered to tie the game in his first at bat, I felt pretty good about my prediction. Then the game of home run derby broke out.

The Cardinals hit four bombs in three innings, interrupted by Zambrano hitting one himself, to take a commanding 9-2 lead by the end of the fifth.

Hardly what I expected to see from Zambrano today on my third trip to Wrigley this year. He didn't make it out of the fifth inning and gave up nine runs.

Chicago, on the other hand, didn't even get nine hits. They rarely threatened and the Wrigley faithful had to endure idiot Cardinal fans who thought this win clinched the pennant. I politely reminded them to check the standings when they got home.

DeRosa did have the best day of any Cub. Unfortunately the homer was it. Only Alfonso had two hits, both singles. The only extra base hits were the solo shots by Z and DeRo.

Now it falls to Ryan Dempster to win the series. The Cub hitters will square off against Chris Carpenter in his third start since elbow surgery.

A win would send the team back on the road in good fashion, finishing the home stand 6-3. Plus it sends those ridiculous Redbird fans back to Missouri with their tail feathers between their legs.

8/8/08 vs. Cardinals; W 3-2; (70-46)

Jim Edmonds did his best to single handedly defeat his formwer team. Two solo home runs and a diving catch had Chicago knotted in a 2-2 tie when he came to bat in the ninth. With one on and one out, he was in position to win the game with an extra base hit. He grounded out to first.

That left hero honors to Henry Blanco. The runner on base in the ninth was Geovony Soto. Heee was pulled for a pinch runner, meaning Blanco entered the game in the tenth.

He came to bat in the eleventh with the bases loaded and no outs. He lined a ball over a drawn in infield for the game winner.

The inning started with singles by Lee and Ramirez. Lee was running on the pitch and advanced to third on Aramis' opposite field single. That forced an intentional walk to Fukudome to bring up Blanco.

Chicago has now won ten of their last twelve including five in a row against their two closest division rivals. Zambrano will go today for Chicago in an attempt to guarantee a fourth straight series win.

8/6/08 vs. Astros; W 11-4; (69-46)

Mark DeRosa has definitely gotten back on track. An RBI double in the second and a two out grand slam in the third inning provided all the offense Chicago needed today to take the game, and the series, from Houston.

For good measure, Alfonso Soriano added a three run homer, his second in two days. He has certainly been a spark since coming off the DL. His average is now hovering just below .300, and Chicago is 11-4 since his return.

Jason Marquis earned his first win since the month of June thanks to the offensive outpouring. He allowed four earned runs himself over six plus innings. But by then, the game wasn't in doubt. Chicago had an eight run second inning and scored all eleven runs before the end of the fourth inning.

Chicago will now enjoy a day off before welcoming the redbirds to town. They deserve it, having played 20 games in 20 days. They finish that stretch 12-8, going 6-4 both on the road and at home. Playing .600 ball over that stretch increased their lead in the division by one game.

8/5/08 vs Astros; W 11-7; (68-46)

Weather wasn't an issue today, but that didn't make for a boring game. The Cubs jumped on the Astros early and sprinted to a 6-1 lead after just two innings. With Rich Harden on the mound, that is a sure victory...at least that's what I thought. The Astros managed six runs to take a 7-6 lead by the seventh inning.

Whomever sang the seventh inning stretch must have done a wonderful job, because Chicago scored five runs in the bottom of the seventh and took an 11-7 lead that ended up being enough.
Kerry Wood threw a seven pitch eighth inning (nice to have him back off the DL) and Carlos Marmol pitched a perfect ninth inning.

Rich Harden struggled for the first time as a Cub. He still struck out eight in only 5 2/3 innings, but allowed eight hits and four earned runs. His lone highlight was a lack of free passes, walking only one Astro today. He has only allowed 9 walks in 30 innings wearing the blue pinstripes.

His offense tried to help him out, starting in the first inning. With the bases loaded and two outs, Mark DeRosa doubled to drive in two runs. Reed Johnson took one for the team, following a Theriot walk and a Derek Lee double, to set the table for DeRosa.

Chicago continued in the second inning, plating four runs on five hits. Soriano, Ramirez, Johnson, and DeRosa all drove in a run to give Harden a five run lead. He held the lead throughout, but surrendered two runs in the fifth and two more in the sixth before being pulled.

The cast of characters leading Chicago in the seventh should seem familiar by now. The same guys getting on base and driving in runs early in the game came through again in the seventh.

Reed Johnson singled and Mark DeRosa doubled for the second time in the game. Kosuke scored Johnson with a sac fly to tie the game. Daryle Ward was intentionally passed to get to the pitchers spot. Geovony Soto struck out as a pinch hitter, bringing up Alfonso Soriano. With two outs, he hit a three run homer to give the Cubs the lead. Chicago didn't stop there. Theriot drew a two out walk and stole second. Derek Lee scored him with his fourth hit of the night. DeRosa and Soriano each had three hits and combined for seven runs batted in.

I am especially happy to see DeRosa start to work out of his slump, since he is my fanatasy second basemen. Cub fans should be happy too. With his defensive versatility, he will be in the lineup often. His production helps make this lineup tough top to bottom.

Jason Marquis will be on the mound tomorrow as the Cubs try for their third straight series win. Marquis has lost his last four decisions and hasn't won in six starts. Chicago needs a solid outing by him, heading into an off day and a weekend series against St. Louis.

8/4/08 vs Astros; L 0-2; (67-46)

Ryan Dempster didn't pitch poorly, but allowed two runs in five innings. Then the rain hit. A nearly three hour delay ensued. That took it's toll on both teams as they only managed one combined hit the rest of the way. Another delay in the eighth ended the game early.

The Cubs were shutout for the sixth time this year and dropped their second straight series opener at home. At least no one got hurt.

The Cubs will look to rebound this afternoon with Rich Harden on the mound. With three starters sitting yesterday, the Cubs should come out rested and ready to go.

8/3/08 vs Pirates; W 8-5; (67-45)

The Cubs did in fact eclipse the 21 game mark and get to 22 games over .500 for the first time since 1989. They didn't make it easy.

Carlos Zambrano pitched five good innings, but was pulled just to allow some rest. The logic was that he had thrown an extremely high number of pitches in his last two outings and today the Cubs could afford to sit him down early.

Jeff Samardzija pitched an effective couple innings and turned it over to Neil Cotts and Chad Gaudin in the eighth. They combined to allow three runs to score, the final two on an Adam LaRoche home run. That blew Guadin's save, but eventually earned him the win.

That's because with two outs in the eighth, Geovony Soto drew a walk. When Daryle Ward was announced to hit for Gaudin, the Pirates made a pitching change. Lou countered by bringing Reed Johnson to the plate. Johnson homered, for just the sixth time this year, to regain the lead. Alfonso Soriano made it back to back and gave Carlos Marmol a little cushion.

He didn't need it as he pitched a perfect ninth inning to pick up his sixth save.

8/2/08 vs Pirates; W 5-1; (66-45)

The Cubs returned to their winning ways Saturday with a 5-1 win over the Pirates. Ronny Cedeno and Geovony Soto both were responsible for knocking in two runs and Reed Johnson went 3-4 and scored two runs.

Ted Lilly pitched an effective six plus innings, working his way out of a couple jams. He only allowed one run even though the Pirates managed six hits and three walks. He earned his eleventh win on the season. He is 10-2 since April, and the Cubs are 13-5 when he starts in that same time frame.

Carlos Marmol pitched the ninth in a non save situation. Since his horrible outing in San Francisco, he has pitched seven times without allowing a run. He also has fourteen strikeouts in eight innings during those games. Whatever was bothering him heading into the break sure appears to be fixed.

Chicago is now 21 games above .500 again, a high point they only reached Friday for the first time this season. Previously they had reached 20 games over .500 four times, but were never able to take the next step. The 1908 team didn't reach 21 games over until August 27th, with a record of 68-47. From that point the 1908 team went an extraordinary 31-8.

Should the 2008 team play at a .750 pace the rest of the way, then they would finish with 104 wins. It seems more likely that they will continue playing .600 ball and finish around 97 wins. Either way, the key will be winning a high percentage against the Brewers and Cardinals who seem to be the only teams in the entire National League who could challenge Chicago for both the division and the wild card.

8/1/08 vs Pirates; L 0-3; (65-45)

The Cubs returned to Wrigley Field fresh off a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. Other than the last minute big name trades, they were the talk of the major leagues; A team that was 8 games under .500 on the road, taking four from their division rival. Now they are home for nine straight games. Home, where they are twenty five games above .500, facing a team that is seven games under .500 on the season.

You can guess what happens. A goose egg! The Cubs were shutout by the recently acquired Jeff Karstens, who had yet to pitch in the bigs this year. They only managed five hits, one of them by Jason Marquis. Aramis Ramirez did manage a couple knocks for the Cubbies today.

Marquis surrendered three runs. Not bad for him. Most days with the Cub offense, that will get you the win. Tough spot today for him. The law of baseball averages caught up to the Cubs. They absolutely smoked Milwaukee for four games, scoring 31 runs in four days. They were due to come up short.

So the Cubs go to sleep in their own bed, knowing they'll still take two from the Pirates before they let them out of town.

7/31/08 @ Milwaukee; W 11-4; (65-44)

Rich Harden finally earned a win as a Cub. He worked six scoreless innings before surrendering a home run to Prince Fielder. Chicago's offense finally supported him too, spotting him five runs by the fourth inning.

Coincidentally, did you notice that the only run he gave up was on a solo home run. The only three runs he has given up as a Cub are on solo home runs. One in each of his last three starts. To say the other teams can't get a rally going against him is putting it mildly.

He only struck out nine today, but he didn't walk a single Brewer. He left after the seventh having thrown 105 pitches.

Most of the scoring came late in the game. In the last three innings the teams combined for ten runs, after only posting five through the first six. Actually, Jim Edmonds scored five through the first six. He had a solo home run and a grand slam in his first two plate appearances. Everyone else took longer to get warmed up.

Soriano and Fukudome both homered in the eighth. Ramirez had an rbi double in the eighth and Fontenot drove it two runs with a ninth inning double. That was after Eric Gagne was ejected for throwing his 3-0 pitch BEHIND Jim Edmonds to lead off the inning.

This series to me said the Chicago Cubs have the rotation that can carry them in the playoffs. Most of the talk prior to this four game set was how Chicago's offense would fare against Sabathia and Sheets. The offense did just fine, as they have most of the season.

The Cubs four starters for this series only gave up five total runs. Three were from Lilly. Zambrano didn't allow a run and Dempster and Harden only gave up one apiece. Shutdown pitching combined with this offensive firepower.....UNBELIEVABLE!

With a St. Louis loss, the Cubs now own a five game cushion in the NL Central. This on Thursday night after they were in a dead heat on Sunday. Impressive play from these Chicago Cubs when the chips were down.