Cubs lose to Braves 4-1in a real yawner

The Cubs game yesterday was a real yawner, I know because I was there. Their lone run came on a Fukudome solo HR in the 6th inning. Kevin Hart was recalled from AAA- Iowa to replace injured starter Ryan Dempster who is on the DL with a broken toe. Hart was not too bad: 5IP, ER, 4H, 5BB, 3K. It could have been worse for Hart, he pitched out of a few jams, and did not get much help. Hart did not get much help defensively as Derrek Lee let a grounder get over him, it was ruled a double, but it should have been an error, he is supposed to make that play. Fukudome and Jake Fox (who started in LF) also both let balls get by them, Fox's lack of defensive skills are starting to show. The umpires, specifically the second base umpire, blew multiple calls that favored the Braves. The first was when Fukudome was ruled out at second on a double play ball hit by Ryan Theriot, it was clear from my seats that Fukudome was safe. Then later in the game Casey Kotchman was ruled safe on a similar play, when he was clearly out, if you follow the in the neighborhood "rule" at second base. Derryl Cousins needs to get his eyes checked, he is a complete ass. Nevertheless, the Cubs never really deserved to win the game yesterday, they did not hit the ball, again.

With Ryan Dempster on the DL we need to do something about the rotation, Kevin Hart is not the answer. I would like to see Lou Piniella either bring Sean Marshall or Jeff Samardzija into the rotation, preferably Marshall of the two. If Mitch Atkins starts to perform better at Iowa, he could be a possibility as well, especially since Marshall has been pitching so well out of the pen, and he is our only lefty in the pen. The Cubs would have to add another lefty to the pen if they move Marshall to the rotation, I am not sure when Jason Waddell is due back from the DL, or if Neal Cotts is still considered a big-league pitcher. I have heard rumors that recently released B.J. Ryan (Toronto and fomerly of Baltimore) could be had for the league minimum, similar to Jim Edmonds' deal last season. Ryan likely is not the answer, he has battled major arm injuries the last few seasons, and does not have much left in the tank, I guess it could be worth a look though.

I was wondering why Geovany Soto was not in the line-up yesterday, especially since Koyie Hill started the night before, apparently fat-boy strained his oblique in batting practice. The club is not sure if he will have to go on the DL yet and Fox is the backup there for now. If Soto does have to go on the DL the Cubs will be in trouble, we do not have much depth at Catcher in the organization, it would be similar to our catching situation of 2007. I hope he is ok, but oblique injuries can be troublesome.

Furthermore, Jeff Baker sucks. Why did we trade for this guy? What happened to Andres Blanco? I know he does not hit all that well, but he can really field, unlike Mike Fontenot and Baker. Blanco deserves to play over both of these clowns.

The Cubs are off today and they need their rest, they start a 4-game weekend series with the Cardinals tomorrow. This is a huge series, if the Cubs do well, they'll be right back in the division race. The Cubs are back to .500, again, at 41-41.

I did go to the game yesterday, it was fun, and cheap. My friend Nick and I scored Standing Room Only Seats for $15 and snuck in a flask of Vodka which we mixed with Tropicana Lemonade. We were easily able to sneak down to seats in section 231 and enjoy the game. Also, the Italian Beef Sandwiches at Wrigley are pretty tight. It is rare that I go to a game, have a good time, and spend less than $40, which in these economic times, is a really good deal.

My personal 2009 Cubs record: 6 and 3.
The next game I am going to as of right now: Sunday July 12th at 12:05pm vs St. Louis.
*There is a possibility I will be going to both games of the double-header on Sunday. As of right now I have bleacher tickets for the morning game so I will be waiting in line early on Sunday morning with an alcoholic beverage in hand.