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Friday, March 29

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« Bulls Draw First Blood in Boston Snatching A Draw From the Jaws Of Victory »

Cubs Sun Apr 19 2009

Cubs Still Good, Still Have Holes

On paper the Cubs are off to a decent start this season with a 7-4 record; but the devil is definitely in the details with this team. The baseball world has made it clear that the Cubs are the team to beat in the NL Central and as a fan that is still smarting from last year's playoff sweep I'm viewing everything with an eye on the post-season.

They say pitching and timely hitting wins in the playoffs. The Cubs starters have been a bright point in the young season. Ted Lilly even flirted with a no-hitter his last time out. The problem is in the bullpen. Marmol has been dependable but that's about where it ends. Yesterday's 7-5 win over the red birds not withstanding, the relief corps has been shaky at best. As far as timely hitting goes, you'll have to read below the fold to see why I'm worried. Today's headlines are dominated by Rami's walk-off 2-run homer but look closer and you'll see he was trying to avoid an 0 for 6 day. Soriano was the hero last week with a late go ahead homer, but he struck out badly in his first three at bats. That's certainly clutch hitting, but the lack of consistency is what puts me right back in last October wringing my hands and wondering where my 8 All-Star team went.

In any case, judging by the first 3 in the series, tonight's game against the Cardinals should be an all out battle. There is a lot of good Chicago sports happening right now and April baseball might just be background noise. I for one want to be doing in October what Hawks and Bulls fans are right now. It would be nice to see these holes addressed before they come back to bite us later. Maybe that's why they've been trotting Micah Hoffpauir out there every day lately. I'd like to see him become the star he's destined to be in Cubby blue, but if it means a chance to put some better arms in our pen this year, it's best to get his name on the radar.

 
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