Positive ID
The Cubs keep rolling and of all the great things going on right now,
I think the coolest is that it doesn't really seem to matter who's in
the lineup these days--everybody's contributing. Whether it's Ryan
Theriot one day or Mike Fontenot and Jacque Jones the next, the Cubs
are getting great performances from just about all the "role"
players, in addition to the stars on this team (Soriano, Lee,
Ramirez, etc.).
Early in the season, it seemed the Cubs didn't have an identity.
There was a lot of talent, but it was hard to say, "THIS is what this
team is about." I think now, we have found out a few things:
1) The starting rotation is very good. The ace (Zambrano) is one of
the elite guys in the NL. The #2 starter (Lilly) is quietly putting
together a nice first year as a Cub. The #5 starter (Marshall) has
been a very pleasant surprise and the #3 and #4 starters (Marquis/
Hill) have been up and down but have been generally solid and
healthy, which is huge. It's not like 1-5 has to be perfect every
time through, but if they all remain healthy and at least give the
team a chance, that's good enough.
2) The bullpen has clearly defined roles now. Dempster comes back
and jumps into the closer role. Howry/Marmol are the main setup
guys. Ohman is the main LH specialist. Wuertz is the guy you can
use just about anywhere and Billy Petrick is the current rookie who
doesn't know if he'll be pitching here or in Iowa on a day-to-day
basis. Scott Eyre is the only guy who hasn't been able to really put
together a prolonged solid stretch, but there's still a chance that
could happen.
3) The offense is built on some major stars (Soriano/Lee/Ramirez)
surrounded by role players who seem to take turns getting hot. It's
a lineup that displays defensive versatility, highlighted by the
extremely dependable Mark DeRosa. And in talking about the stars, I
think Aramis Ramirez is starting to make a run at the NL MVP.
4) Last but not least, this team has a manager that sets the tone
every single day. Lou's implicit message is pretty obvious--play
hard and if you help us, you will continue to have opportunities.
Struggle and we'll let the next guy play, but remember that if he
struggles, you may get another chance, so stay ready.
It's a mix that has worked beautifully the last several weeks and
ideally will just continue to get better.
Len
Comments
Well put, Len....it's been a long time since I can remember feeling like the Cubs had a good chance to win, every single day. All the parts are clicking -- just gotta keep it up!
I watched the Brewers/Giants game last night....the Spew Crew's announcers kept talking about having to win to fend off "those red-hot Cubs." It made it that much sweeter when they fell apart -- even WITH shutting Bar-roid down! They are looking over their shoulders BIG TIME....time to overtake them for good!
Posted by: Carrie C. | July 21, 2007 10:22 AM
What a terrific summary, Len, it has been a true 'team effort', and what an awesome team we have. It's been an absolute thrill.
GO, CUBS, GO...
and WAY-TO-GO "Jonesy" -- keep it up!!
Posted by: ShowMeCubs | July 21, 2007 11:02 AM
I agree with everything you say about the team. I think the missing ingredient is the left handed stopper out of the bullpen. The 8th inning is the key inning of the game and the lefty lefty matchup with runners on is the game maker.
I don't think Ohman strikes fear in the hearts of contending teams LH hitters. I would go to Pittsburgh(suckers!) for Marte. Then possibly try Texas for Mahay or CJ Wilson. Trade Eyre to Texas so he can play with his brother. I would get Eyre into about 5 games before the break, and if he doesn't have it, he has to go. Possibly a Cubs reunion with Scott Downs, although he gives up a lot of hits. I am afraid that the Cubs are trying to get by with what they have for lefties until the playoffs, where they can use Marshall in the pen.
Posted by: Jay M | July 21, 2007 11:03 AM
I agree with everything you say about the team. I think the missing ingredient is the left handed stopper out of the bullpen. The 8th inning is the key inning of the game and the lefty lefty matchup with runners on is the game maker.
I don't think Ohman strikes fear in the hearts of contending teams LH hitters. I would go to Pittsburgh(suckers!) for Marte. Then possibly try Texas for Mahay or CJ Wilson. Trade Eyre to Texas so he can play with his brother. I would get Eyre into about 5 games before the break, and if he doesn't have it, he has to go. Possibly a Cubs reunion with Scott Downs, although he gives up a lot of hits. I am afraid that the Cubs are trying to get by with what they have for lefties until the playoffs, where they can use Marshall in the pen.
Posted by: Jay M | July 21, 2007 12:53 PM
Dear Len,
Definitely well put as your comments usually are. You have really impressed me as a knowledgeable baseball man. And wheather you realize it or not, you have evolved into a true Cubs fan. Even though you have been here a couple of years, no one comes to the job you have as an automatic fan. For me the night you made me a believer in your conversion was that crazy game against the Rockies when we went into the ninth with an 8-3 lead and came out losing 9-8. When Soriano hit that ball, your excitement gave me goose bumps as your voice was cracking and you became a spectator for a brief moment instead of an announcer. I'm really glad because that makes you and Bob almost as good as Pat and Ron. When Steve Stone and Chip were on, I just turned the sound off and listened to Pat and Ron, I don't do that anymore (at least not as much). Thanks!!!!
Posted by: Katie A Gray | July 21, 2007 2:19 PM
LEN WE HAVE NO CATCHERS .K. HILL IS HITTING 17OS AFTER HIS BIG GAME THURSDAY AND KENDALL IS HITLESS STILL CAN BOB B. CATCH
Posted by: ERNIE TAYLOR | July 21, 2007 7:50 PM
As good as the Cubs are right now, it's a daily struggle to convince myself they can keep this up. I think I've been a fan for too long.
Posted by: Renee | July 21, 2007 8:55 PM
Chip often put me to sleep, Katie. Len is far superior.
Posted by: Renee | July 21, 2007 8:56 PM
I agree Piniella is doing a great job and the players are stepping up. Ramirea is just a great hitter. What is up with Howry? Saturday 7/21 another homerun pitch (mistake in the wheelhouse..give me a break) Saturday Cubs could not do much on a very windy day. Still they had a chance to win it with Pagan at third in the inning he should have scored. Can't win em all. Great home stand overall A+ Let's get DLee back and go after first place for good. Finally, good to see R.Hill back to back solid quality starts. Len what was that book you posted on your blog about a month or so ago.
Len & BB you guys are great. Go Cubs!
P.S.
When Jones keeps his head into his swings he hits the ball pretty good. He seems to have a tendency to drop his shoulder and pull away from the ball. Hopefully, he can put the first half behind him and finish the second half strong. He needs to feed off Soriano and play aggressive defense in the outfield.
Posted by: Jack Lopez | July 21, 2007 9:33 PM
Len,,,,you are absolutely right.........I came into town for the four game series with the Giants and was amazed at how the team is really starting to gell....Yeah a few errors here and there, but that happens.....The bats really started to produce....Whoever gave JJ the batting lessons recently should be taken out for a big porterhouse....He is getting back to where he belongs....IF all of these guys get hot at one time we will be seeing more explosions like on Wednesday of this past week.....GO CUBS GO!!!!!!
Posted by: phillip moore | July 22, 2007 7:35 AM