The Cubs may just be back in this thing after a sweep of the lowly Washington Nationals. As of today the Cubs are 2 GB in the NL Central behind the first-place St. Louis Cardinals, but we are even in the loss column. The Cubs were supposed to beat the Nats and they took care of business. Yesterday we got a 7-run 4th inning, reminiscent of last season, where the hits just kept coming. The big lead we staked Kevin Hart was enough for him to get the win.
For the second day in a row, Alfonso Soriano, who had been left for dead by most Cubs fans, hit a HR, this one was also a game-winner. Soriano's HR's the last two days were also hit in key situations, yesterday's especially, since it was after an error, Soriano made the Nats pay. If Soriano can stay "hot" then the Cubs have a chance to get back in this division race in a hurry. Micah Hoffpauir and Mike Fontenot had three hits apiece yesterday, which was great to see, since both had been slumping for some time, but they both seem to be reverting back to their old form (which is good). Throughout the series Hoffpauir saw a lot of playing time and did well, combining multiple hits with surprisingly strong fielding in the outfield and at first base. Props go out to Jake Fox who just keeps hitting when given the opportunity, yesterday he hit a 3-run HR that basically put the game out of reach for the Nats. Fox has hit when given the chances, he's hitting .326 on the season with 5 HR and 19 RBI in only 86 ABs. Too bad Cubs management did not call him up right away when Aramis Ramirez went down with an injury. Anyhow, Fox brings a positive attitude, energy, and hustle to an otherwise dull team, he has basically taken the place of Mark DeRosa.
Even the Cubs pitching was top-notch against the Nats, who are a good hitting ball club. Rich Harden had one of his better outings of the season on Thursday. Carlos Zambrano despite a bad first inning and lack of his best stuff, did just enough to win on Friday, including his 2RBI. On Saturday night Randy Wells was not as sharp as he could be but still got the win, thanks to some run support (finally) and despite Aaron Heilman's best efforts to blow the game. By the way, Heilman needs to be shown the door out of town. Every time he comes into the game I cringe, if he does not blow the lead, he will make sure to at least walk a few guys and give up hits to make it interesting. Jeff Samardzija has pitched well as of late, let him and/or Jeff Stevens take Heilman's place in the bullpen. And to think that Heilman thought he could still be a starter at the beginning of the season, HA! Well maybe he could start for the Nats? Finally, yesterday Kevin Hart gave us 5 solid innings, despite walking 5 again (he did the same thing vs Atlanta a few weeks ago) and got his first win of the season, as well as his first hit and RBI, congrats. Here is another thought, couldn't we move Hart back to the bullpen once Ryan Dempster returns from the DL? He too would be an upgrade over Heilman.
After sweeping the Nats the Cubs appear to be back. All except for Milton Bradley who is now taking private hitting lessons from Lou Piniella and will not likely play until Wednesday afternoon, when we face a lefty starter, and he can bat right-handed. I really hope that Lou can help Bradley get back on track from the left side of the plate, Bradley has been so unproductive at times, he is starting to remind me of Todd Hundley. At least Bradley has played a decent right field and takes a lot of walks, hence he is second on the team in OBP at .372, just behind new lead-off hitter Fukudome who is at .377 and has been really good at leading off despite his lack of base stealing ability. For the record, Lou should keep Fukudome at lead-off as long as he continues to hit and keep Soriano at the 6 spot for the remainder of his career. I do not like Reed Johnson batting lead-off against lefties though, he just does not get on base enough, and is too streaky. I would like to see Ryan Theriot get a look at lead-off vs lefties with Bradley batting second or vice-versa.
This is my first post since July 10th, I decided to give myself my own All-Star Break. I did go to game one of the double-header vs the Cardinals on July 12th it was awesome. Got in line for bleacher seats early ready to go with a can of Arizona Iced Tea's Arnold Palmer Drink mixed with Gordon's Vodka, a choice pre-game drink if you ask me. They did not let us in the stadium until 11:05 am because on double-header days you can only enter one hour before game-time. Nevertheless once we were in we sprinted up the stairs and got second row seats in left-center, but closer to left. We were treated to a nice Cubs win, highlighted by a Hoffpauir 3-Run HR and a Zambrano GW- HR. What a game, the rest of the details are a little fuzzy for me, I had plenty of Beck's, and got a lot of sun.
My personal 2009 Cubs record: 7 and 3.
The next game I am going to as of right now: Monday July 27th at 7:05 vs Houston. Not sure where the seats are yet, but I want to get there early so I can get my Cubs luggage tags at the gate.
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