But, two out of three isn't going to help the Chicago Cubs record much. At least for a while. If the Cubs won every three game series in June two out of three and managed to win the two four game series they have three out of four, they'd only gain nine games and would still reside a game under .500. But at this point, the Cub fans would certainly take it.
What's the chances that the Cubs will win every series for the rest of the month and win three of four at Cincy and home vs. Milwaukee? Not great, considering two of the series are vs. Detroit and at Cleveland. But, winning more games than losing is certainly the priority, and the Cubs need to do much more winning if they want to approach the break-even point.
Is there much to cheer about if the Cubs somehow do reach .500? Well, it's better than a losing record, I suppose, but is it worth $100 mil? Obviously, it'd be good for TribCo, since the Cubs would definitely continue to sellout their games. In addition, it'd be good for Dusty, since the surge would likely be rewarded with a contract extention. Funny how losing as many games as you win would be looked at as a victory in 2006.
Do we really want Dusty back? I, for one, do not. I believe he'd be a great bench coach, getting the players to feel good about themselves, but I definitely think there are much better choices at the helm. Greater baseball minds have to outnumber Capt. Toothpick 3-1 out there. Seriously. Even the Cardinal fans know Dusty should go (as reported by 1060 West's interview, question #10, with the guys fromCardinal Diaspora), although they aren't as eager as we are to see it happen.
I can't believe it myself, but just due has to be given to Jacque Jones for turning it around, in spite of barbs from me, other writers, and one pissed (drunk) off female right field fan in Wrigley. In his last 10 games, he's been on fire, hitting .415/455/.756 with three homers, 11 RBI and eight runs scored. His season totals are now respectable as well, hitting .306/.346/.541 with 10 HR, 30 RBI, 21 R, 10 2B and nine BB. Not bad for a guy that looked like a lost puppy out there in RF the first month of the season. I owe you an apology, JJ. You are definitely a big reason this team looks anew in the last two series.
Alright, are the Northsiders ready to kick some Astros? Let's hope so. Carlos Zambrano up against Taylor Buchholz. Zambrano has found his way of late, as we've seen, and Buchholz has lost his, giving up 30 ER in 32 IP in May. He did have a complete game shutout vs. the Rangers in that timeframe as well, but the rest of the outings are the kind we'll be hoping for tonight.
Shut 'em down Carlos, and let's get on that March Toward Mediocrity.