I guess all of the discussions swirling around who should lead off was put to rest this week. Most Soriano in the lead-off spot detractors forgot how much offense he brings when he’s groovin’. Most of the bs kicked up upon his return from the calf injury…he hadn’t found his groove prior to going out with the injury. He has since taken extra time in the cage and it’s paid off. Leading off with home runs is great but it’s better when he comes through the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time through the lineup knocking dingers, roping singles or gapping a double. He’s for real, though human and will have his down spurts. But, he’s super streaky- long streaks with super impressive numbers. I suggest he’s just getting started and 2008 will be a marquis year for him. If it is, Cubs go deep into the playoffs. The entire offense is on fire from his spark. This is why Hendry went out and signed him. I’m a believer, to be sure! Now…how about this Gallagher kid? Big win yesterday- 6 full innings, gave up 1 run on 4 hits? Even though it was the lowly Bucs, they are professionals, not AAA. ****, Howry gave up 2 solo shots in the 8th off of the same guys the Kid faced. Gallagher’s curve is super pro and nice getty-up on the heater. Hopefully he fills the need and his young arm has the stamina the Cubs need this year. Even if Lou only gets 5 or 6 complete each start, it will be a huge part of the 2008 success. It’s what Hill didn’t have the mental horsepower or physical ability really on he thought he had. Dump Hill around the deadline for another left handed utility/outfielder. So, we go into the weekend 7-1 on this homestand with two to play before heading to Houston. I said we’d go 8-2…maybe 9-1? Big Z today…I say he goes yard in front of the Wrigley masses and picks up his 7th win…7 wins with at least 2 more starts before June? Very impressive.

Bringing in Jimmy Edmunds, the ex-Cub killer, is a good thing. I would like to see him in the batters box, clutch situation, come through and watch the Wrigley faithful go bananas. Things change over time, team dynamics shift and ultimately it’s the GM’s job to get the manager what he needs to make positive change happen. Hendry has a solid track record of listening to and delivering based on individual managers would like. Its obvious Pinella was hounding Hendry for a left handed bat to give Fukudome some support against a right handed pitcher. Pie was obviously having a hard time, but maybe he can figure out how to adjust his swing at AAA. Right now, Pie couldn’t hit a 14 foot pinata without a blindfold. Edmunds might not have the range he did say, 5 years ago, but I believe what he lacks in speed he makes up for in postioning and jump on the ball. He works the count and drives the ball to the opposite field. He’s a gamer, a winner and will bring some veteran stamina to an already confident clubhouse. Adding Edmunds is a good thing. If Hendry likes it, that means Pinella wants it…and so do I. Let’s go get Maddux today, end up 3-1 in this series then go seep the Bucs. The Cubs are starting to walk with a swagger…just what Pinella prescribed in the spring…I like what’s happening here…

Great to see any potential of playoff
hangover gone with the big series win this weekend. It may
have helped that Randy Johnson (12-0 lifetime vs. Cubs)
didn’t go today because of weather. Nonetheless, a number of
contributors in today’s game. This team is playing as just
that, a team. Reed Johnson, hitting sub .200 in May came
through with a game tying, 2 run shot to the left center
bleachers into the teeth of a 25 mph win to give the Cubbies
a boost in the 7th. In the 8th, bid Daryl Ward doubled off of
Juan Cruz with the bases stacked to go ahead by 2. Marmol and
Wood were lights out to close. Another great win which pulled
them into a tie for 1st place with the Cardinals. The Cards
had a rough go in Milwaukee this week showing thier major
weakness- pitching. If it wasn’t for LaRussa, they’d be in
the basement! Get ready for a great series of 4 vs. the
Padres at Wrigley with the Bucs coming to town for a Friday,
Sat., Sunday series. The Cubs are 3-0 starting this
homestand. My call is by next Sunday night they’ll finish the
homestand 7-3. Better than a white hot poker jammed to your
eye!!

Dempster showed much heart today. He threw a load of pitches but hung in there during a tough 6th inning. Bats are firing up lead by Theriot and clutch hitting by Soriano and Ramirez. Cubs look good today, lets hope the recent rough patch was just that…a rough patch. I’ll throw this out there…Soriano looks somewhere around 70% on the bases. His legs aren’t there yet…let’s hope it isn’t chronic…

I’ve titled this blog centuryseason for
obvious reasons. However, there has to be other “a hundred
years since” examples of historical significance. I’m in
search of those and ultimately the one that could be bigger,
more important that what Cubdom is wishing, praying and
dreaming of this year…help me try to find one…if it even
exists!!