"Just a small town girl..." I know, I know, its a southside thing, but its still baseball season in Chicago. So what the Bears have hit training camp, there's still a division title to be had and a a world series celebration like this town has never seen in the horizon (unless you're a Sox fan, where that 2005 party was pretty f'n cool).
So let's ruin your pres-season football plans by informing you that YES indeed the White Sox are still in the play-off hunt. Forget just how bad Adam Dunn and Alex Rios are and focus on the winning ( and don't focus on the beating potential play-off opponent New York Yankees dished out on them on four consecutive days). Winning is contageous, and finally sweeping rival Minnesota is a huge start. Getting stud Jake Peavy on track is another plus, and the bullpen getting their act together also gives the southsiders alot of hope for the fall.
But the surprise of it all comes from the north. Its hard to beilieve the Cubs aren't dead in the water yet, but they aren't....and much like a fish out of water they keep fighting and fighting to make their way back in.
That seven game winning streak was far from a fluke, as if you look at it the Cubs possess one of the best bullpens in baseball. James Russell and Jeff Samardizja and two big flame-throwers who are hitting their stride at the best time. Both have been lights-out many times and have carried the load for a usually left for veterans Sean Marshall and Kerry Wood. Thats not to say KW and marshall haven't done their part, as they were there early on when the team really needed them. Even Rodrigo Lopez has stepped up.The former Baltimore phenom has given the Cubs more than what they've expected...a small blessing in dusguise. I still have faith in the bullpen, as their experience and savvy will come into play down the stretch.
Even more Carlos Marmol worked out his issues. Seems like the Cus closer is back on track after the train fell off the rails a few weeks back. Its good to have a reliable closer on your team. Its even better to have reliable starters, and getting quality starts by Dempster, Garza, and Zambrano hel...wait,hold on, did Zambrano just try to hit Chipper Jones?
Wait a minute,did Carlos just try to hit Chipper Jones again? Oh boy....
Well....the good news is there's going to be room for Andrew Cashner when he returns. The bad news is...well, if you really look at it,is there any bad news in this whole situation? Sure the Cubs lose a potential number one starter, however Carlos hasnt been the performer his 18 mil a year contract would have you believe he is. Head case would be the mildest thing to calm him. It should say something that many teammates commented to the press how the clubhouse would only be a better place without him. He never lived up to his potential, which is a Cubs theme (hello Mark Prior), and it wasnt injuries or even talent that did him in, he only has himself to blame.
Yesthere's an appreciation for his contributions and teammates loved his competitivness,but who gets into a fight with Derrek Lee? Better yet,who gets into a fight with Michael Barrett (White Sox fans dont answer that one).
Anyhow, that issue seems to be done with,and the rest of the summer looks bright for the Cubs. Sure they make not make the play-offs, but they are playing good baseball and showing the baseball world why Starlin Castro is the Cubs next big star. And you have to love everything Tony Campana gives you, which is hustle and speed this team has sorely lacked for years. I was really hoping more time opened up for good guy Tyler Colvin, but it looks like he's going to have to fight Reed Johnson for playing time, which is fine since Johnson has been on a tear lately. The do anything and everything outfielder has been a good soldier all season long and deserves a true crack at starting or at least a key reserve spot next year....if he survives the year. the Cubs look to be re-paying the good soldier by showcasing him to other teams while he's on this hotstreak so he can be a everyday player somewhere. I really hope he stays here, however.
So until the fat lady does truly sing the Cubs are still in the race,and I really hoping for a photo finish from thesekids.
