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I am going to write a new article about the Cubs every month of the 2007 Cubs season. June 2007 |
Base Running and Slop
The Cubs have been playing sloppy baseball this year. The base running
has been atrocious. I don't know what it is. Every year in spring
training they talk about going over the fundamentals and they bring in
base running coaches like Vince Coleman and Bob Dernier. But then we
find ourselves in the same situation. We are getting picked up and
double up. It is sad. I might sound like Lou when I say that we need to
get better but it is true. I think the Cubs have to take a different
mental approach.
Pitching Surprises
Cubs pitching this year has been weird. Last year the bullpen and guys
like Eyre and Howry were great. This year, Eyre has been awful. I have
no idea why. I don't know what the Cubs should do. As for the 5th
starter, Marshall has stepped in and looked great so far. It looks like
Wade Miller is going to be shown the door. The Cubs starters have been
great for the most part so far. Hill, Marquis and Lilly have been
wonderful surprises.
I Want More Offense
I want more offense. I want more runs. Before the season started I
looked at the big 3 of Lee, Soriano, and Ramirez and I dreamt about all
the runs the Cubs were going to score. It is weird because the Cubs
are in pretty good shape in important offensive categories but it just
doesn't seem like we have been getting the clutch hits. Soriano needs
more than 12 RBIs. Michael Barrett needs to hit over .240. Jacque Jones
needs to have more than 1 home run.
NL Central
The NL Central is bad, really bad. The only team over .500 is the
Brewers and that might not be for long. They are 3-7 in the past 10
games. This division is for the taking. The only teams that seem to be
winning in the division are when the teams are playing each other. The
Cardinals starting rotation is Todd Wellemeyer, Adam Wainwright, Braden
Looper, Kip Wells, and Brad Thompson. That is just horrible. The Cubs
are lucky to be in this division. Now win some games and take over 1st
place.
The Riot
I think the Cubs should play The Riot every day. EVERY day. If he is
not at SS one day, put him at 2B. If he is not at 2B, put him at SS.
The guy makes things happen. Same thing with Pie. Call him back up and
play him every day in CF. He just adds some youthful excitement. Pie
is a spark. I also think that Murton should get most of the playing
time in RF. The guy gets on base. He has a great eye and can flat out
hit.