Big Picture
The Cubs begin a 4-game set in Colorado tonight vs. a Rockies team
that is scoring runs in bunches. 30 over their last 2 games in
fact. On paper, this looks like a scary series in that the Cubs are
not scoring runs right now, but the great thing about baseball is
that anything can happen.
I know there's been a lot of panic in Cubdom because of the way the
Cubs have played lately, but let me add just a little perspective.
The Cubs had been basically the best team in baseball for 2 months
straight and, as it normally goes in this game, there was going to be
a stretch like this during which the Cubs were going to lose 6 of 7.
I've said the key is to minimize the skids like this and while that
is true, keep in mind that they're still ONE GAME out of first
place. Put another way, even if the Cubs had lost 35 in a row,
because of their place in the standings, all is not lost. Are there
concerns with the way this team has played lately? No question. Is
the loss of Soriano huge? Yes. Am I worried about Aramis Ramirez
and his sore wrist? Of course I'm concerned. But, the objective
thing to keep in mind here is that this team didn't go from one of
the best teams in the league to one of the worst in a matter of 6 or
7 days. We talk about track records all the time and there will be a
point very soon when this offense will kick it in gear again.
So, while I'm a bit nervous about how this series might go, I'm not
fundamentally concerned about the BIG picture with this team. All I
know is, a year ago, the Cubs were 48-66 after 113 games. Think
about that for a second.
Len
Comments
hey len and bob would u say happy aniversary to my mom and dad today its there 27th
Posted by: Brian | August 9, 2007 9:57 PM
Len you are wrong, haha. No this game tonight is making me feel a lot better and hopefully the team as well. Despite our our rough week we still are only a 1/2 game out. If we can keep this up, watch out for us come october.
Eddie
Posted by: Eddie W | August 9, 2007 9:58 PM
Thanks for the blog...I like listening to you guys when u comminate on the cubs. go Cubbies!!
Posted by: Jessica | August 9, 2007 9:59 PM
Reason tells us that we should not push the panic button just because the Cubs have had a bad week. Unfortunately, Cubs fans have suffered through many losing seasons and look at every loss as if 'Here we go again...It was just a fluke that we were doing so well.' I really believe this team has everything it should take to get into the post season. They have power (although not seen much lately), speed, pitching, great coaching...etc. I just wish they would take advantage of the Brewers struggles and take firm control of 1st place. Go Cubs Go!!
Posted by: Mary Anne | August 9, 2007 10:08 PM
Len,
I saw on Yahoo sports the Cubs have made a "play" for Oakland OF Shannon Stewart. If that is the case, depending on what the Cubs would give up, how would he fit in the lineup/outfield when Soriano comes back? Thanks, Jim
Posted by: Jim | August 9, 2007 10:17 PM
Hey Guys could you do me a favor and wish my mom and dad a Happy 54th Anniversary tonight My mom is a die hard fan Thanks
Posted by: Pat Kelly | August 9, 2007 10:18 PM
Do you think if Kerry Wood continues to improve and have strong outings will he take over the closer role?
Posted by: Chris Durston | August 9, 2007 10:50 PM
Len/Bob,
How much do you think the loss of Soriano will impact this team?
Posted by: Chris Durston | August 9, 2007 11:03 PM
I have a question for you Len or Bob. In light of Soriano getting hurt, do you think the Cubs have enough sock (especially since they really did not have enough sock before the injury) to not only make the post season, but make some noise in the post season? Also, have you heard of anything coming through the waiver for an outfielder for the Cubs, especially with some power? Is Ramirez going to be ok or is he going to miss some/a lot of time?
Thank you
Posted by: Dennis | August 9, 2007 11:57 PM
You know Len i been watching the games lately and of course i don't like what i see but like you said we are only one game out of first but now i htink it's 1/2 game out. On another note i think we will be fine in this series and predict that we will win a least 3 out of 4 in Colorado so i have trust on my cubbies. I am so dissapointed that Soriano and Ramirez are out of the lineup it hurts really! But we have good bats in our lineup that can pick it up like Theroit,Lee,Jones,Kendall,Pie and many more, and like Bob said maybe we can run the bases better and steal more often with guys in there i think right now we are a faster team with the lineup that Lou is putting out there. But like always i will never turn my back on my cubbies, i am a very loyal fan and believe the cubbies will eventually play a lot better than the last couple of days. Go Cubbies, and remember "The Cubs will be in Heaven in 2007"
Posted by: Ruben | August 10, 2007 11:30 AM
Len/Bob,
I think the Cubs can hang on, I don't know how long you have hung your heart on Cub's wins and loses, but take it from me... two weeks into August and we are still in the hunt.
GO CUBBIES!!!
Posted by: Jack Chapman | August 10, 2007 11:30 AM
Hey Len Kasper i wanted to ask for a favor i watch all the games and would love to ask if you can give me some shout outs on tv for my wife Mildred and my two boys Ruben Jr and Andres they are Cubs Fans for life and also i would like to say that you and Bob do a great job in the booth day in and day out i love to listen to you guys. you guys are awesome by the way my name is Ruben Garbalena and i am a die hard cubs fan in been for 18 years straight. Thank You bye
Posted by: Ruben | August 10, 2007 11:38 AM
Why doesn't Derrick Lee forget about "style" and wear his pants and socks the traditional way? The umpires will better realize just how high his knees really are and this will make pitchers elevate their pitches more.
Posted by: John Cadwallader | August 10, 2007 11:51 AM
Players like Soriano and Ramirez have a huge impact on the team... notice the difference in the Cub players and fans w/out Soriano around...Soriano just brings the winning attitude to the rest of the team. Soriano and Ramirez are just great baseball players.
Posted by: Jack Lopez | August 10, 2007 11:54 AM
I couldn't agree with you guys more. The Cubs, even with the recent change in the line up, still have enough talent to get the job done. Love listening to you guys. It isn't the same ball game with out you two.
--Bob, Chicago
Posted by: Bob | August 10, 2007 1:53 PM