HOLY COW

I always hoped, but I don't think I ever expected to see the Cubs get a player of Nomar's caliber.

I don't think the trade was unfairly harsh on the Cubs, although I wish they'd stuck with pitching propects only.

I would have more to add, but it's been a very long day. We just got back from a wedding and I'm exhausted.

Do I now believe the Cubs can win the Wild Card?

I do, and I'll blog more about that in the coming days. But for now, I think "holy cow" said it all.

THINKING LOGICALLY

Ok. Let's pretend that Jim Hendry is sitting in his office about ten minutes from when I'm writing this. Jim has been on the phone all day and is just now starting on a late lunch.

Let's imagine that Jim has a secret pleasure. During his down-time, Jim Hendry likes to surf the blogs of the Cub Fan Nation. He basically ignores them anyway, but he's a people-person, and we will imagine that he does read what the people have to say.

So, with that in mind, here is my plea to Jim Hendry, who I'm pretending will read this blog about 10 minutes after it is posted.

Jim. Mr. Hendry, sir. I love what you've done for the farm system. You have brilliantly drafted a considerable number of players who are going to positively impact the Cubs for years to come.

You don't want to trade those guys, and I perfectly understand why. They are your crowning accomplishment as a general manager. You don't want to trade them. You especially don't want to trade Felix Pie for Orlando Cabrera. That doesn't make sense, not even to me - and I'm desperate to see you make some sort of trade.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are reportedly willing to trade you Nomar Garciaparra for two non-prospects: Alex Gonzalez and Matt Clement. Hell, these two guys might not even be on the team next year anyway!

With Glendon Rusch having a year that not even his mother can believe, I think the Cubs can afford to deal Clement and return Rusch into the rotation. Furthermore, even if you are concerned due to the health risks of Wood and Prior, the Cubs have two or three other guys who could start in a pinch.

In other words, it's like you've prepared yourself for this situation from day one, but now you're too nervous to pull the trigger.

But ultimately Jim, if you are afraid of losing a prospect like Pie or Guzman, then you have to look toward letting go of players already on the major league roster, and Gonzalez and Clement for Nomar is like a huge, happy birthday present for Cub fans everywhere.

And it's going to immediately make your offense better. I hate to break it to you, but you need that. Nomar does that for you. He is clutch in the post season. He's married to Mia Hamm. How can you refuse?

TRADE HENDRY

We now near the trade deadline, and rumors have started flying. While the Cubs have renewed their interest in Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, it probably won't get done so long as Boston asks for Matt Clement.

Although Jim Hendry is apparently on the phones at all waking hours trying to negotiate a trade for players like Montreal shortstop Orlando Cabrera, Detroit closer Ugueth Urbina, Pirates closer Jose "Ick" Mesa, and even Armando Benitez, who has 33 saves thus far, it seems unlikely that a big trade will come. Apparently the Florida Marlins are considering dealing their closer, should they choose to be sellers rather than buyers. However the asking price may be too steep, as Hendry is unwilling to part with top prospects, such as Felix Pie and Angel Guzman. The problem is, even the Expos in offering Cabrera are asking for Pie.

In a way, I can understand Hendry's reluctance to deal away Guzman and Pie. Pie is the shining jewel of the Cubs non-pitching prospects, while Guzman reportedly has a ceiling as high as Prior's. However, while Hendry has shown a great ability at acquiring talent, he also seems incapable or unwilling to deal his prized prospects.

With such plenty at the pitching position, I believe Hendry should be willing to trade his prospects without feeling guilt. His greatest fault is that he's unwilling, and that will haunt the Cubs in their drive for the post season.

I believe that if the Cubs could actually pull off a deal for Nomar and a closer, they'd be set for a wild card drive. And if they're so worried about losing Clement, all they have to do is deal for another starter.

If they went and tried to acquire Mariners closer Eddie Guardado, they could also ask for Jamie Moyer. OR the Cubs could consider entering the Kris Benson sweepstakes - they have the ability to acquire the guy if Hendry was actually willing to give up prospects.

THE COMING MONTH

Chances are I won't be blogging as much in August. Carolyn and I will be going on a road trip for the last two weeks that will take us up into New England and then beyond - ending eventually in Newfoundland, before we turn around and head home (stopping in Montreal to see the Cubs).

I wonder what people will be saying about the Cubs then.

299 AND COUNTING

Congratulations to Greg Maddux for winning his 299th game last night. Maddux has had two or three really good streaks of pitching well this year, intermixed with a few games in which he was outright shelled.

I reckon that these days, the reason Maddux starts slow is because out of Spring Training hitters tend to feast on fastballs (as most pitchers are unable to really work their breaking stuff that early in the year). Maddux rarely reaches 90mph on the gun anymore, and so he's an easy target until he gets everything working as the season progresses.

Tonight Kerry Wood hopes to push the Cubs toward their first series victory since their two game sweep of Cincinnati. They haven't won a three game series since their sweep of the White Sox on July 4th, and they haven't won a four game series since June 17th, when they swept Houston.

Surfing the blogs of the Cub Fan Nation, I think it's actually pretty cool that there are still some optimists out there who expect the Cubs to compete. I like that, because I no longer believe they'll keep up with even the Wild Card teams. However when Cub fans who are more knowledgable than me say there's still a chance, it makes me feel good.

Sweeping the Brewers would go along way toward backing up their beliefs.

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

Greg Maddux should soon win his 300th game in the first of possible three seasons with the Cubs.

Kerry Wood and Mark Prior might be strong and healthy in the second half and will hopefully pitch a few gems before season's end.

Aramis Ramirez is having a breakout season as the Cubs first real answer to the hole that was Ronnie Santo at third base.

Derrek Lee is putting up solid numbers, making him possibly the best first baseman for the Cubs in recent memory (no offense, Mark Grace).

Carlos Zambrano, only 23 (or 25 I guess) is having a tremendous year as well.

Sammy Sosa is in his next to final year as a Cub. Hopefully.

So, there are still things to follow this season. There are still things to get excited about. The Cubs don't have to make the post season for we fans to admire a few accomplishments.

Does this detract from the overall feeling of total and utter disappointment? Well... just a little.

GIAMBI

Can anyone believe it? I truly hope he turns out healthy. I also suspect that baseball might not be making any more trips to Japan for a while.

I'm not really a praying kind of guy, but I'm going to pray for Jason Giambi. No one - not even a New York Yankee - deserves death. I hope he's alright.

JUST ONE MORE QUESTION

When is it ever going to end?

POLL QUESTION

Just out of curiosity, I want to know by show of hands how many of you who read this believe the Cubs cannot win the division?

Ok, so after the Cubs third straight victory yesterday, by show of hands, how many of you checked the box scores to see how the Cardinals did against the Giants?

Uh huh, that's right. Shame on you.

Cubs still won't win the division, though.

ONE GOOD BIT OF NEWS

The Tribune is reporting today that Ryan Dempster will be pitching out of the pen in Iowa in hopes that he can close for the Cubs by September 1st.

I've been advocating that for over a month now, and I never expected the Cubs to consider it as an option. Here's to hoping it'll work out. If Dempster is successful, we have our closer for next year and beyond.

An additional rumor is that the Cubs may pursue Omar Vizquel should Gonzo struggle for the remainder of the month. This is another deal I've advocated - Omar is older but is putting up solid numbers and brings post season experience to the table. Now what would be really funny is if the Cubs get Omar and then Jose Mesa. For those of you not familiar with why that'd be interesting, in his autobiography Omar wrote that Mesa was a vacant, empty man the night he blew Game 7 of the 97 World Series. Mesa took exception to that claim and has threatened to kill Omar should he face him in a game.

Anyway, chances are Vizquel won't be coming. I've also heard that he won't accept a trade from Cleveland.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

When I was 18, I used to post on a few Cub message boards on AOL. Like many of the users on the public one, I was a very optimistic fan. I chugged the kool-aid, so to speak.

That year the Cubs won the wild card behind the bat of Sammy Sosa and the arm of Kerry Wood. It was a tremendously exciting season - I believe I must've watched almost every game on tv, while listening to almost every other game on the radio. Win or lose, I followed my Cubbies.

I guess things have changed a bit since then. These days I have a little more trouble watching them lose. I certainly wouldn't call myself a cheerleader anymore, either.

Last night I was trying to explain it to my girlfriend - who isn't too upset by any Cubs loss, and feels great excitement during any Cubs win. In a way, I told her, it's a life and death thing. I truly believe there are people fighting illness and old age to see their Cubs win a pennant.

It's important that the Cubs win. It matters. And it's very hard on me - and many others - when they lose. Especially when the expectations were so high in February.

I believe that the longer you're a Cubs fan, the more cynical you become. As you struggle to cope with the constant losing, you invest more and more in the years when the team may actually win. And when they don't win - and hey, let's face it, they aren't going to win the pennant any time soon - it becomes even tougher on the true blue Cubs fan.

So, this is a year that I will keep following, but more now for the personal accomplishments of a few Cubs (like Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and Aramis Ramirez who now grace the intro page to my website). I won't be excited by any one win. Nor will I be pissed off by any one loss.

I imagine it must be even harder on Cub fans who have been around twice as long as me.

OK, FINE

So maybe the Cubs have a little more sack than I gave them credit for earlier today.

I just wonder where it was last night when they really needed it.

UPDATE: JUMPED THE GUN

Looks like I was wrong. Our sackless Cubs and their vaunted pitching staff have blown a huge lead.

Season over folks.

DEAR CHICAGO CUBS

Well guys, it looks like another disappointing season from my perspective. This one hits a little harder though because in theory, the talent is there.

But what is talent if you have no heart?

Guys, I don't know if it's because you don't understand, or because you just don't care. We Cub fans are loyal. We desperately hang on to all hope, believing that someday, you will come through for us and win a pennant. Just think of it. You'll never have to pay for a meal again if you're on that pennant-winning team. Did you make some sort of clutch play to help win the pennant? Guess what? You get to speak at schools in Illinois for the rest of your life (at a hefty sum)about virtue and never giving up, and if you ever have any hankering to write a book, someone will publish it! And every year someone will want to rent out a hotel for a reunion where thousands of fans can come and practically worship you.

But you don't care about that. Well maybe a few of you do. But for the most part this team is entirely gutless. No one has heart. No one has the drive to win. Your stats are nice but do you really care about a pennant?

Guys, it's pathetic. I don't know what it would take to get a fire lit under your asses, but no one on that team has that kind of leadership skill. I like to blog a lot about Kerry Wood being a leader, but what was he doing when St. Louis took an early lead? He was sitting in the dugout laughing.

So, Jim Hendry, if you're reading this, you are a shit. You have no understanding of the importance of OBP. You allow for Wendell Kim to be capable of determining the outcome of a game. Seriously man, do you know that winning teams draw a lot of walks?

And Dusty, don't think that I'm not going to direct some of that scorn toward you either, pal. Fuck this "aggressive bats" strategy. It just allows for a lot of strikeouts and solo homeruns.

All in all, this is a huge disappointment. A buddy of mine thinks you guys won't finish over .500. He might be right. So for your sakes, and for Chicago's sake, get your heads out of your asses and try winning for once.

You fucking pansies.

WHEN WILL IT BE OVER?

I think the general consensus is that the Cubs need to get a leadoff type guy or someone who can produce runs. At this very moment I'm having a debate with my buddy Steve about what the Cubs should do. Steve feels that Corey Patterson needs to either shit or get off the pot - if Corey increased his patience just a bit, and perfected the bunt just a little more, he could be the ideal leadoff guy the Cubs are presently missing.

I still think Corey's a good #3 guy. I feel that if the Cubs are going to get a table setter, they'll need to look outside the organization and upgrade at their weakest position: shortstop.

I wonder if Hendry feels pressure yet? I'm going to predict that depending on how the Cubs do in the next week (especially against St. Louis), Hendry will make a deal. If Chicago plays well up til the break (which looks unlikely), I doubt he'll do more than a minor tune-up. If they continue their losing ways, we'll see something bigger.

ROTTEN
 
I don't have much time to blog today - or until Monday, for that matter.  But I have to comment on Mark Prior's most recent injury.
 
It sucks. 
 
With that out of the way, the Cubs find themselves struggling to keep their heads above water.  Can they still take the central?  Or even the wild card?   At least it seems as if Prior's injury isn't as Doom and Gloom as first thought.  Yet the possibility remains that he may be unable to help the Cubs for the remainder of 2004.
 
Time to go get Randy Johnson, folks.  Time to get a closer, be it Urbina or someone else.  The Cubs need to shit or get off the pot, and twiddling their thumbs when deals must be made is not the way to win a playoff spot. 
 
Yes, it might be too much of an act of desperation right now.  Hendry may feel inclined to overpay for some help.  I say to you, so fucking what?  Let him overpay.  Sometimes you have to overpay to get your team on top.
 
My newest line of suggestion: Right Now the Cubs need either Randy or Nomar or someone who can infuse a little fire in this team. 
 
Anyway, I gotta go.  But come July 31, if Atlanta is out of it, I'm also hoping that John Smoltz becomes a Cub.  Now THAT is a closer.

WHO LEADS?

Something I was thinking about a little earlier today... is there one guy in the Cubs clubhouse who stands out as a team leader? I know Sammy Sosa would say he is the leader, but all I've ever heard about his clubhouse presence can fit in the term "obnoxious."

Historically, the leader for a long time was Mark Grace. In 98 a big influence on the club was Rod Beck. Last year a lot of good things were said about Randall Simon, Eric Karros, and to a lesser extent maybe Kenny Lofton. But what about this year?

I have to agree with Mark Prior, who has said that Kerry Wood is a clubhouse leader. I have no doubt that Woody brings a lot of fire and intensity to the team and that's probably a big characteristic of leadership. But if that was all it took to lead the club, then Zambrano would be there too. He clearly hates to lose. At the same time, I think a leader is a guy who also keeps his team loose, and I can't see Woody as being that kind of guy. Which brings me toward my unlikely conclusion that a big leader on the Cubs this year is...

Todd Hollandworth. His leadership can be summed up in one act - crashing into the outfield wall to save the game. Falling over, feining death, and then sitting up and scratching his head as if to say "wha' happen'd?" It takes more than making defensive plays to make a leader (sorry, Joe Morgan) and on that one play you could also see Hollandsworth's clownish attitude - that is, if his bozo-like hairstyle hadn't already given that away.

This year Wood brings the fire, Hollandsworth and his Lemons bring the loose attitude.

ONE STRANGE FELLER

Anyone see the ESPN.com article in which legendary pitcher Bob Feller voiced his objection to Mohammad Ali throwing out the first pitch?

Feller feels that Ali changed his name and religion in order to dodge the Vietnam Draft. Therefore, Ali is unworthy of public accolade. In truth I think Mohammad Ali is one of the great heroes of my parents generation. I don't believe he is a man who ever ran from a fight in his life. I respect Feller because he was a great player who served for his country, but I feel he's totally off base about Ali.

I believe he owes an apology to Mohammad Ali, and also to Major League Baseball.

Oh, and one other thing. Did any of you see Ali's 13-year-old son? Kid's HUGE. I can't help but wonder if he'll follow in dad's footsteps... although who knows if he has Ali's heart?

CUBS BREAK THE BANK

CHICAGO:

The Chicago Cubs have become the team to beat in the second half after a series of trades for All Stars Carlos Beltran, Nomar Garciaparra, and Randy Johnson, as well as Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin.

"I just felt that we needed to improve our chances of victory in any way possible," Cubs GM Jim Hendry said. "It may cost us a bit down the road, but this year these are the guys best suited to carry the Cubs into the World Series." Hendry claims the trades had nothing to do with the series of death threats he had recently received from thousands of Cub fans.

The deals should help the Cubs climb back from 7 games out of first, but they were costly. To acquire Nomar Garciaparra, the Cubs traded starter Matt Clement and reliever Kyle Farnsworth. They then filled their hole in the rotation by dealing prospects Angel Guzman, Sergio Mitre, and infielder Brendan Harris to Arizona for Johnson. Following that trade the Cubs dealt Corey Patterson, minor league pitcher Jae-kuk Ryu, and righty Chad Blasko to Houston for Beltran.

"We've addressed all our needs," Hendry said. "Now we just need to ensure that Nomar and Carlos stay Cubs for a long, long time."

The three new Cubs will report to the squad today, but probably won't play until tomorrow's game. Beltran has to fly in from Houston, while Garciaparra is in Anaheim. Randy Johnson was scheduled to start today in Los Angeles. His start will be moved back to tomorrow, where he will face Victor Santos.

"We've given up a piece of the future for the pie that is today," Hendry said. "Now, hopefully the fans will stop threatening to blow up my house!"

THINK BIG

If you're the GM of the Cubs, you're probably a little stressed out right now about the team's play. You probably have started making the phone calls, hoping to pull something together. And around you, two All Stars (and both possibly Hall of Famers) are available on the trade market. The catch? They both make a pretty penny - and one is damned old.

But it's like what Steve Stone said in August of last season. If you're competing for the pennant, you never know what next year holds in store. Sometimes you have to give some things up to get the components you need (Stoney was advocating for a deal to acquire Giles and Kendall).

I'd be shocked - SHOCKED, I SAY - if the Cubs acquired Nomar Garciaparra. But like all Cub fans, I have eyes bigger than my brain and not only would I like to see the Cubs deal for Nomar, I'd love to see the Big Unit propel the Cubs to a championship.

What might happen is a three way deal between the teams. The D-Backs get Guzman and say, Farnsworth. Boston gets the Unit. The Cubs get Timlin and Nomar. Everyone's happy, right?

Still, expect a deal with Montreal first.

SECOND HALF PREDICTIONS

Just for shits and giggles... 9 predictions for the second half.

1. Corey Patterson will not draw 40 walks on the year, but he will steal well over 20 bases and hit over 20 homeruns.

2. Aramis Ramirez will lead the Cubs in homers in the second half.

3. Moises will hit no more than 10 more homeruns on the year.

4. Derek Lee isn't going to cool off.

5. Carlos Zambrano will win 20 games.

6. Greg Maddux will win 300 in August at home against the Brewers.

7. Wood and Prior will stay healthy the rest of the way.

8. The Cubs WILL make a big trade.

and 9. LaTroy will not be the closer come August.

No predictions on where they finish.

MORE TRADE INNUENDO

I still have trouble with the idea of losing Corey Patterson, even a day after posting that theoretical trade for Nomar and Damon.

It sort of reminds me of last August when I was in Illinois with Carolyn on our way home from a trip out west. We were listening to the Score after a game when Steve Stone called in. Stoney was heavily advocating a trade for Brian Giles and Jason Kendall, because although they'd be expensive they'd also improve the team, and you never know when your team will be in the position to compete for a pennant.

With that in mind, if the Cubs could upgrade at shortstop, they absolutely should do it. If the Cubs could acquire a successful closer, they absolutely should do it. And if the Cubs could obtain a solid leadoff hitter, again, they should make the trade.

I've heard different rumors regarding Garciaparra. I would sacrifice Angel Guzman to acquire him. I'd rather give up Clement and allow Rusch to return to the rotation, and if the Red Sox would take Clement and a lesser prospect instead, I'd say go for it.

Of course it's all heresay and speculation.

I bet some sort of deal happens, eventually.

WHAT WOULD YOU GIVE FOR NOMAH?

A friend of mine posed this question recently. The Red Sox are still probably trying to unload Garciaparra. If you were the GM of the Cubs, what would you deal for him?

My friend said that he'd give up Guzman and Beltran. I think that's a LITTLE excessive. I'd rather keep Beltran, believe it or not, and perhaps offer up Farnsworth.

Actually, how would THIS trade sound:

The Cubs get:

Nomar Garciaparra
Johnny Damon
Mike Timlin

The Red Sox get:

Alex Gonzalez
Corey Patterson
Kyle Farnsworth
Angel Guzman

The Cubs benefit from having two talented, offensive players who can step up and immediately fill the two biggest holes in the Cubs lineup: leadoff and shortstop (aka the big black hole of the Cubs offense). The Cubs get a solid but old reliever in Timlin. They are immediately better this year and prepared to make their drive for the pennant.

The Red Sox get younger. They absorb the remaining salary of Alex Gonzalez while getting a terrific prospect in Guzman. Likewise they get two twenty-something players in Patterson and Farnsworth, who could yet become stars.

Ultmiately this deal benefits the Red Sox long term and the Cubs short term. I think one other important aspect is the signability of Nomar. If he wants 10 or more million a year, he might not be worth trading for.

It would be a hard trade for me to make, were I the GM of the Cubs. Yet ultimately I think I'd go for it. What says you, my reader?

(I fully expect anyone who posts to tell me I'm on crack.)

SUPRISE ME

Going into the break, the Cubs are still hanging on just by their finger nails. It was good to see Wood be the stopper. I think many of us expected 5 innings out of him - none of us expected them to be that good.

The Cubs are a better team with Kerry Wood in the rotation. Maybe Wood will never win a Cy Young - and he almost certainly has faded in his chances for the Hall of Fame even this early in his career - but Wood is still a dominating hurler. Still an ace.



MORGAN AND MILLER

I wound up watching more of the game last night than anticipated. All I can say is, Joe Morgan is an idiot. Apparently, according to the Joe Morgan school of baseball, you don't want your pitcher getting a hit because it'll wear him out. Likewise, I don't exactly know how running down a fly ball near the right field wall makes Sammy Sosa more of a leader, but Morgan seems to think it's an example of Sammy's leadership when he does stuff like that. Get a clue, Morgan.

ON THE TRADE FRONT

It looks like my hopes might be coming true. Alex Gonzalez, who will soon be rehabbing in Iowa may be a Cub for only so much longer. The Cubs appear interested in dealing him, and have been looking at Expos shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Cabrera is usually pretty good. This year his numbers are way down and he's not my first choice at short.

One way or the other, a trade for a shortstop and a decent closer would be nice. But I'm still not convinced that the Cubs can stop from slumping.

DEAD AND BURIED

Half an inning in, we got to watch the lively Cubs crew strike out three times.

Has the season officially imploded yet?

At least Kerry Wood appears to still be stuck in May. Maybe if no one tells them that he's playing for a team that's dead in the water, he might eek out a win.

GOODNIGHT, CHICAGO

It's looking more and more like the Cubs aren't going to have what it takes. I don't know who you blame in a situation like this - the offense has been putrid. I have to hope, I guess, that the Cubs let go of Gary Matthews after the season and go for the best hitting coach available.

Hopefully he'll teach the importance of taking pitches and walking.

I believe Kerry Wood is a good pitcher. I think he's great, in fact. But he's not going to be a savior - the Cubs need a bat more than an arm right now.

Good luck Chicago. I'll be watching from the sidelines, hoping for the best, but I'm disappointed and don't expect things to get better.

MUST WIN?

The Cubs, now six games out of first, are playing their final six games against the St. Louis Cardinals over the next few weeks.

While the Cubs are still a Wild Card favorite even if they fall behind St. Lois, I'm mostly opposed to relying on the WC as the way to get into the post season. I want another division title, and I want the Cubs to have home field advantage.

The good news is, the second-half Cubs are going to look strong - at least on paper. With a healthy rotation and hopefully a healthy lineup, it may be easier for the Cubs to come by some runs.

One thing on my mind lately is Matt Clement. At this point, I still am advocating that the Cubs deal him. One way or another, I think the Cubs will have other pitchers capable of starting at the major league level next year, and Clement's salary can go toward upgrading the offense. However, so long as the Cubs fail to assert themselves at the top of the division, it makes sense to hold onto Clement as he is a better pitcher than any other guy the Cubs have THIS year who could replace him.

Regardless, while I want the Cubs to upgrade at short, I officially state that I would herby shit my pants if they actually did - especially with a star player like Nomar.

That's right, a Cub Fan Nation exclusive. If the Cubs get Nomar, I will shit my pants.

BLOG TINKERINGS

As you've probably noticed, the blog has been undergoing some changes since I move to facetious.org. I suspect there are still a few more minor things to do, although this is probably the final design you'll see here at least until October. At that point I might force - er, ask my lovely girlfriend Carolyn to help with a new design.

FIVE GAMES OUT

I realize it's probably happened only twice in his career, but it seems that a great way to get to the typically unflappable Mark Prior is to face him after one of his fielders has made an error. Prior gave up four unearned runs in the first, after Brendan Harris made a fielding gaffe.

Also, I'm starting to wonder about why Prior hasn't thrown more than 90-100 pitches in an outing. I have a feeling that Dusty is sitting back in his office thinking "they give me shit about high pitch counts? Let's see how long they'll start bitching about me keeping Mark on a short leash."

I have to wonder when he'll just let Mark go.

CLEMENT, CLEMENT, WHO WANTS A CLEMENT?

Matt Clement should be traded before the end of this month. Rusch could remain in his spot, and the Cubs could use Clement in a deal to acquire an offensive-minded shortstop. Someone has mentioned "Clement for Garciaparra," which is just way too good to be true so let's not even speculate on that.

I don't much give a crap about Alex Gonzalez and where he'd go once the Cubs upgrade. A little extra punch would be very nice right now.

VOTE ARAMIS, VOTE OFTEN

In case you somehow aren't aware of this, I strongly urge you to go to the official website for the Cubs and place your vote for Aramis Ramirez to be the last All Star. He's fantastic this season and truly deserves to make the team.

THE PITCHING REPORT

Incidentally, this is the 200th post on the Cub Fan Nation in just over 8 months.

So, mid-season grades for the pitchers.

The rotation:

Carlos Zambrano: A+. Cy Zambrano has a good ring to it, and Carlos has lived up to that name so far. I'm not entirely sure why Carlos gets ignored over Prior, Wood, and even Clement, but his numbers this year are a good indication that he won't be ignored for long. If the Cubs make the post season this year, it's going to be because they rode in on Zambrano's wide shoulders. Don't be surprised if Carlos is in the top 5 for Cy Young votes at the end of the year.

Matt Clement: B+. Clement has also pitched strong, even if his record has slid south lately. Amazingly, Clement is the #4 pitcher on the Cubs. That's amazing because I suspect he'd be an ace on many teams in MLB. He's not an authentic ace like Prior, but he's surely the best #4 pitcher in baseball today. Clement in the end will deserve much credit for any post-season aspirtions.

Greg Maddux: C+. I sort of expected more from Greg, although it's possible that I'm being tough on him. Maddux has had a lot of good starts and a handful of atrocious ones. He's bound to win 300 by the end of August, maybe even sooner. I'm not really sure what he's been like in the clubhouse, but I'm still glad he's a Cub. Again, when a multiple Cy Young winner is your WORST starter, you know your team is good.

Glendon Rusch: A. Rusch has been fantastic coming in for the Cubs. After losing 12 games last year, I doubt any Cub fans gave Glendon notice when he signed on with Chicago. Yet he's made believers out of all of us - providing the squad with terrific outings in place of an injured Kerry Wood. Hopefully Rusch stays with the big club the remainder of the season.

Wood & Prior: Incomplete. If you combine their numbers, they're doing great. However neither of our two aces have made enough starts to really be graded. With Kerry and Mark returning to full strength in the second half, the Cubs could be a force to be reckoned with. Personally I'm a bit nervous about them, and I doubt they could carry the Cubs the same way that Johnson and Schilling did with the D-Backs in '01. However, a strong outing out of these guys in the second half will go toward earning them A's.

Meat-Tray: F. What a disappointment. He's trade fodder.

The Bullpen:

Kent Mercker/Mike Remlinger: B-. Our lefties have been sporadic, with both injury and inconsistancy. Presently Mercker has an ERA of 2.91, but he's also had a few visits to the DL. And Remlinger, again on the DL because of his shoulder, is proving to be a 4 million dollar bust.

Wuertz, Wellemeyer, Leicester B. Wuertz is a waste of roster space, but Wellemeyer is a good reliever when he's healthy, and Liecester has pitched well in limited opportunities this year. If the bullpen ever gets truly healthy, the Cubs are a force.

Francis Beltran: B. Even money says that Beltran will leave Spring Training next year as the Cubs closer. In the meantime, Beltran has battled inconsistancy while giving up 8 - EIGHT - homeruns. That's as many as Cy Zambrano. He's also striking out more than 10 guys per 9 innings. He's a great #5 or 6 guy in the bullpen, and this should be a learning year for him. If he learns how to keep the ball down, he'll be a good one.

Kyle Farnsworth: B. Nuke lives up to his nickname. He has a decent ERA, is also striking out more than 10 per 9 innings, and sadly is a key part of the bullpen. With that in mind, Farnsworth couldn't close my kitchen door. He will forever be a decent middle relief guy, but he should never be a setup man or closer. As long as he stays within the confines of his limitations, I like him as a Cub.

LaTroy Hawkins: B. LaTroy is a slightly better Kyle Farnsworth. He can set up but he can't close. He's got a great ERA, and I'd never be afraid if he came out in the 8th, but Hawkins should stay away from close games in the 9th. Unfortunately, he's our closer and will be for the rest of the year. I think he'll make do.

Joe "Blow" Borowski: F-. I hope he'll some day come back strong. Until then I hope he stays out of Wrigley Field. Borowski just didn't have it this year. I won't miss him.

*INSERT SWEEP CLICHE HERE*

For only the third time this year, the Cubs swept away an opponent (fourth if you want to count a two-game set near the beginning of the year). It's nice to see the Cubs beat the White Sox, although like most Cub fans I'm too full of myself to consider it an important series.

Up next the Cubs face the Brewers, and then the Cardinals, and then All Star glory. The Cubs only play the Cardinals FIVE more times this year. Those are truly must-win games.

One final news of note: the All Star players have been announced, and this year the Cubs will be sending three - Sammy Sosa, Moises Alou, and Carlos Zambrano. What's upsetting is that Aramis missed the cut - he was edged out by Mike Lowell, but the fans vote on the last All Star player and hopefully it can be fixed. Zambrano is playing superior ball to Mike Lowell. 'Nuff said.

MID SEASON GRADES

As always, it's time to Rate Your Cubs. The starting lineup first:

CatcherMichael Barrett: A. He's come around defensively, he's been about twice as good as anyone expected, and he's hit a few clutch homeruns as the season's progressed. He could be the steal of the off-season for Chicago.

First base Derrek Lee: B+. He's basically doing what they thought he would - hit for extra bases, steal some, drive in a lot of runs, and score some too. His slow start cost him an All Star appearance and an A, but he is a guy who'll help the team win and I think he'll finish the year with better numbers than Hee Seop Choi.

Second base Todd Walker: B+. He's not a leadoff hitter by nature, but half way through the year, Walker is hitting .284 with an OBP of .370. He's got no speed to speak of, his defense is average at best, but he's been solid for the Cubs.

Third base Aramis Ramirez: A+. Good defense, hitting .326 half way through the year, on pace to hit well over 30 homeruns and drive in more than 100 RBI, Aramis has finally evoked the question: What Santo Curse? Hopefully this guy will be at the Cubs corner for years to come.

Shortstop Ordonez, Martinez, Gonzalez: D-. The black hole position of Cubs baseball in 2004. Ordonez is a waste of uniform. Martinez is a great guy off the bench, and you know it's bad when fans are longing for Gonzo's .240 batting average. Luckily even the good teams can have one really non-productive position, so these guys aren't hurting the Cubs too much.

Left field Moises Alou: A. Anyone expect Moises to have these numbers at his age? Moises has hit 18 homeruns and is on pace for 38 at the moment. He's slumped recently, but chances are he'll wind up with far superior numbers from last season. This should be Alou's last year as a Cub... at least he's earning his money.

Center field Corey Patterson: C+. His numbers are finally starting to get there, but Corey is the most anti-clutch player on the team. He consistantly causes base-running blunders. He still strikes out too much and walks too little, although he's on pace for more than 50 walks this year. And he really needs to not swing at balls in game situations.

Right field Sammy Sosa: B. He's done well enough when he's played, but Sammy has again missed considerable time because of a freak injury. As much as it pains many Cub fans to say it, the offense is better with Sammy Sosa. If he's healthy, they win more than 45 games in the second half. Stay healthy, Sammy.

The Bench:
Mark Grudzielanek: incomplete. Grudz is a starter, and I suspect he'll see more starting time in the second half. He's done well enough since his return (hitting .333 in 54 at bats) but time will tell if Grudz is really going to contribute to the team. Baker feels that the Cubs need him for his spark. This may be true. I dunno.

Todd Hollandsworth: A. A clutch guy with some game-changing homeruns. Hollandsworth is a great player off the bench and by all rights could be starting for many teams in the league.

Paul Bako: F. He's cost the team games. He can't hit. He's old. He won't be back next season (hopefully).

Tom Goodwin: D-. Time has passed Goodwin by. Last season he was a tiny spark off the bench. This year he's an automatic out.

Jose Macias: D+. He's had his moments, but for the most part the Cubs could do better with a different guy off the bench. I'm hoping that the Cubs will eventually trade for another bench player, and if they do I would like to see Macias or Goodwin off the team.

I'll try to get to the rotation later today.

HAPPY VICTORY DAY

It's the fourth of July and I'm in the process of setting up at my new house.

Like probably thousands of other Cub fans, I'm a little confused as to why Dusty would've let Maddux return from not one but two rain delays recently - there's a lot of speculation that Jon Lieber wrecked his elbow by pitching through a rain delay with the Cubs in '01, I believe, and as cautious as the Cubs are it makes little sense to do the same with Maddux now.

Today will mark the 81st game of the season. The Cubs are on pace to surpass their record last year, but not by much. However they're probably tons better if only because they've gotten here with more injuries than anyone had anticipated (and many of us were worried about the injury bug from February on in).

This team reminds me a lot of the team from Bang the Drum Slowly. Some days they win it with their pitching, some days they win it with their bats, but rarely have they put them together to just win dominantly. I think that will change.

What I would really love to see is a nice 10 game winning streak. I think it's going to happen; it's just a matter of time.

But I'm still not entirely on board with this team, although I think they're actually better than they've played. We'll see how I feel in August.