I'm certain that all the players feel wonderful about their division championship.  But there are a few that I think feel extra special about this season:

Cliff Floyd

The Chicago native must feel great to come back home and help the Cubs win.  He was very important to the success of the team in September when he heated up at the plate.  But the biggest reason this season has to be extra special for Floyd is the difficult time he and his family went through.  Cliff's father suffered through various medical problems and passed away.  When Cliff returned from the bereavement list and came up with some huge hits in San Francisco he said he felt his father's presence.  Well, his father will be cheering for him, and the Cubs, from the best seat in the house.

Jacque Jones

There isn't a player that has suffered more abuse from the fans than JJ.  It started last April after a slow start at the plate and throwing problems in RF (we found out that he had a shoulder injury).  Then JJ's first half of this season was especially bad at the plate, but he recieved far worse treatment from the fans than his performance deserved.  He has always hustled and given his best effort.  His smile and passion for the game is always present.  After sitting for two weeks at the end of June to clear his head, Lou Piniella told him that he was going to be the CF in the 2nd half.  The skipper told him to forget about the first half and be the player he could be in the second.  Well, JJ carried the offense in July and August and kept the Cubs from falling too far behind.  Also, his defense has been nothing short of spectacular.  I have gained tremendous respect for his perseverance and mental toughness.

Kerry Wood

Kerry has created some of the best moments in Cubs history, but it was his incredible comeback against all odds this season that I'll remember most.  In September, he has regained most of his electric stuff and helped the bullpen continue their dominance over the last four months.  He was about to give up as his shoulder continued to hurt during his many rehabilitations.  He went out one final day to throw to finally confirm that he had to either retire or try one last surgery.  Something miraculous happened on the way to retirement...he didn't feel any pain.  He took a day off and tried it again; no pain.  It is wonderful to have him be a integral part of this divisional championship team.  No one deserves it more.

The Big Three

Ron Santo, Ernie Banks, and Billy Williams.  Their greatness deserved better team results.  And they must be very excited to see this Cub team succeed.  Can you imagine their genuine joy if the Cubs won the World Series?

Rich Hill started yesterday and was dominant.  It appears he has locked down the start in Game 3 of the Divisional Series.  Rich is my favorite starting pitcher because he overcae a rough start to his career in the "show" and become a very good starter.  Yesterday he showed how good he can be when he sticks to his aggressive and simplistic approach.  It also helped that he had great command of his fastball.

The rest of the guys were in kick-back mode.  Ryan Theriot was the only regular who played.  Matt Murton and Ronny Cedeno provided more than enough offense with their HR's and Geovany Soto added 3 hits.

Yesterday's Result:

Cubs 4, Reds 0     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_29_chnmlb_cinmlb_1

Cubs        85-76         --

2007 National League Central Divsion Champions!!!

Carlos Zambrano was dominating and Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, and Jacque Jones led the offense as the Cubs clinched at least a tie with a 6-0 win over the Reds in Cincinnati.  Former Cubs great Greg Maddux helped us clinch the division by pitching the Padres past the Brewers.

Our hopes and dreams in March have come true in late September. 

Our biggest fantasies have to do with making the World Series for the first time since 1945 and winning the World Series for the first time since 1908.  But I am going to savor and enjoy this division championship for the next few days before I even begin to think about the post-season.  The playoffs can wait.  The division takes 6 long, excruciating, and exhilarating months to win.  And we prevailed over a very talented Milwaukee Brewers team who has many great days ahead.

I love the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks, so winning is a fairly rare thing.  This is only the 4th division championship since the division system began in 1969.  I am going to treasure this season no matter what October brings.  I was very disappointed with the outcome of last year's Super Bowl, but it did not damper my joy for the two playoff victories, or my celebrations leading up to the game.  Even the horrific end to the NLCS in 2003 didn't dimish the great fun of winning the series against Atlanta.

So enjoy the moment and the Journey!!!

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 6, Cubs 0     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_28_chnmlb_cinmlb_1

Padres 6, Brewers 4

Standings:

Cubs         84-76            --

Brewers     81-79            3

Our Cubs have made us a little loopy of late and Brewers fans are probably a lot more frustrated than us, but can you imagine being a Mets fan right now?  They held a 7 game lead a little over a week ago.  Gone.  They have lost 7 in a row at home!  How about a Rockies fan?  The Rockies have won 11 in a row to pull within one game of the Wildcard and 2 games of the NL West.  However, there is a chance they don't even make the playoffs if they win their last 3 games against the D-Backs, even though that would be 14 wins in a row.  How about the Padres?  They lost one of their offensive stars, Milton Bradley, when he tore his ACL when their manager tried to hold him back in an argument with an aggressive umpire.  They also lost their CF, Mike Cameron, earlier in the game when Bradley accidently stepped on his hand.  Yet, they have won 4 games in a row.  And I hope they keep on winning the next couple of days.

Remember just a week ago.  If we could win the NL Central, then the Mets or D-Backs were going to be our opposition.  Now, both teams may not even make the playoffs.

The team I'm rooting for, other than the Cubs and Padres, is the Phillies because of their actions during that storm in Colorado.  And Jimmy Rollins seems to be a great guy and someone to cheer for.

Right now, the Phillies and Mets are tied in the East.  In the West, the D-Backs hold a one game advantage over the Padres and 2 games over the Rockies.  The Rockies do host the D-Backs in Denver this weekend. 

We could have several playoff games on Monday and even Tuesday.  I just hope the Cubs are just waiting for one of the winners.

This will be one of the most exciting final weekends in NL history.  Certainly there are more teams involved than ever before.

I woke up this morning with my Cubs 2 games ahead with 3 games to play.  I don't care how we got here (thanks Ned), and I know it is not over, but we are very close to post-season play. 

Carlos Zambrano takes the mound in Cincinnati tonight with a chance to clinch no worse than a tie for the division.  I have a great feeling that he will get the job done tonight.  He has pitched a lot better of late and I have confidence he is going to turn it on now.

Yesterday's Results:

Marlins 6, Cubs 4     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_27_chnmlb_flomlb_1

Padres 9, Brewers 5

Standings:

Cubs           83-76            --

Brewers      81-78             2

THANKS NED!!!

Ned Yost, or whoever, decided that settling a score was more important than the score.  Pennant race be darned, we are going to get even with that bully LaRussa.  The Cardinals were sleep walking until Tuesday night when former Cardinal Jeff Suppan buzzed Albert Pujols' tower.  Tony LaRussa started yelling at Yost and the Cardinals woke up.  Then last night the Cardinals retaliated, what do they have to lose, by plunking Prince Fielder.  Fielder was livid and stared down LaRussa, but he kept his composure and went down to first.  The Brewer bench went ballistic.  Then came the top of the 8th...

Pujols came to the plate with the Cardinals holding onto a slim 3-2 lead with the bases empty and one out.  Yost went to the mound and summoned Seth McClung although Dereck Turnbow was also warmed up in the 'pen.  Pujols later said he knew what was coming when McClung came in instead of Turnbow.  The first pitch was behind Pujols and caught his elbow.  Phat Albert turned and stared immediately at Yost.  McClung and Yost were tossed out of the game as both benches were warned following Fielder's beaning.  The Cardinals went on to score 4 runs to put the game away.  By the way, Milwaukee scored what should have been the tying run in the bottom of the 9th.

When Yost was asked about the choice of McClung he replied, "I wanted him to pitch.  If anyone got on I was going to get Turnbow.  The first guy got on, so I brought Turnbow in." 

The Brewers got even and the Cubs were relieved.  The Cubs have played tight and bad baseball since leaving Wrigley Field.  But I think the bravado of the Brewers will actually relax the Cubs a little now.

But we still have to win some games.  Although The Padres are going to Milwaukee for the final 4 games of the season and are clinging to a one game lead in the Wildcard, they played late last night and probably are still en route to Milwaukee.  And Gallardo is pitching for the Brewers tonight.  Gallardo has been the best pitcher in the division since the All-Star break and one of the best in baseball.  The Brewers should win tonight.  We need to put some pressure on them by winning this afternoon.

Go Cubs Go!!!

Lou?  Yesterday Lou said that he was going with the experienced Jason Kendall instead of the Geovany Soto.  I was stunned.  Soto has shown a much better arm and a better bat.  And Lou has been going with the hot hand all season. 

But in the end I completely defer to his baseball acumen over my own.  He has managed a world champion and I struggle playing Strat-O-Matic...

Yesterday's Results:

Marlins 7, Cubs 4     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_26_chnmlb_flomlb_1

Cardinals 7, Brewers 3

Standings:

Cubs             83-75            --

Brewers         81-77            2

DON'T PANIC!                                                  yet.

Dontrelle Willis pitched a gem and led the Marlins to a 4-2 win over our Cubs.

If we can win the next 2 games in Florida, then we'll be back on track.

Go Cubs Go!!!

Yesterday's Results:

Marlins 4, Cubs 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_25_chnmlb_flomlb_1

Brewers 9, Cardinals 1

Standings:

Cubs            83-74            --

Brewers        81-76            2

The Brewers won in a rout.  Like I said yesterday, we need to assume that the Brewers are going to win out.  We have to win both series'.  Tonight's game is huge.  It is a lot easier to win a series if you win the opener.

Go Cubs!!!

Standings:

Cubs            83-73            --

Brewers        80-76            3

For 5 months I've been asking when would the offense we anticipated finally show up...well it has showed up in September.  The offense and bullpen has carried us this month.

Carlos Zambrano was brilliant until another forearm cramp shortened his day, but the offense had provided enough to lead the Cubs to a very important sweep of the Pirates.  Matt Murton and Ronny Cedeno each had 3 hits with Cedeno adding a HR and 3 RBI's.  Derrek Lee also hit another HR and drove in 3. 

And the Wrigley Faithful was in full splendor as they basked in the glory of first place and dreams of the Fantastic Fall for our Cubs.  They even broke out in the Tomahawk Chop as they rooted for the Braves to defeat the Brewers; which they did.

We now lead the Brewers by 3.5 games with a week to go.  But it is not over.  It is not over.  The mindset must be that the Brewers are going to get on a roll at home and win out.  Given that scenario, the Cubs have to win 4 of their last 6 games~~win each of their last two series'.  We must keep pressing.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 8, Pirates 0     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_23_pitmlb_chnmlb_1

Braves 7, Brewers 4

Standings:

Cubs           83-73            --

Brewers       79-76            3.5

The offense that we all expected in March has arrived here in September!!!  Just in time. 

Soriano belted 2 HR's yesterday and King Aramis and D. Lee each added another to lead the Cubs to a 9-5 victory over the Pirates in our next to last home game.  Coupled with the extra-innings loss of the Brewers, we are now 2 games ahead in the loss column with 8 days left.  It's far from over though.

Ryan Dempster:  I know he isn't a dominant closer, but he is very good.  I just don't understand all the boos.  He has 28 saves in 31 opps.  There is only one closer with fewer blown saves who has at least 12 saves.  Just one!  Francisco Cordero has 7 BS.  Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reported the other day that the number one priority for the Brewers in the off-season was to re-sign Cordero.  Now, Brewer fans probably don't agree, because almost every fan distrusts their closer.  We expect every lead to hold up.

But I'll gladly take Ryan Dempster as my closer.  I'll be nervous every time, but that is the case with most, if not all, closers anyway.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 9, Pirates 5     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_22_pitmlb_chnmlb_1

Braves 4, Brewers 3

Standings:

Cubs             82-73               --

Brewers         79-75               2.5

King Aramis!!!

Milwaukee has the Prince, but we have the King.  Aramis Ramirez came through again with two 3 run HR's to spark the Cubs to a 13-8 win over the Pirates.  He has delivered time and time again in the clutch this season. He has been spectacular at the hot corner.  And he has done all of this while suffering through many aches and pains.  He has been a real sports warrior. 

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 13, Pirates 8     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_21_pitmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 4, Braves 1

Standings:

Cubs            81-73             --

Brewers        79-74             1.5

Go Braves Go!

Yesterday's Result:

Braves 3, Brewers 1

Standings:

Cubs            80-73             --

Brewers        78-74             1.5

5th inning and the Cubs were losing 2-1 to the Reds and the Brewers were winning 2-1 in Houston...it looked really bad.

But Ted Lilly pitched great, on short rest, to lead the Cubs to a huge come-from-behind 3-2 victory.  Bob Howry was wonderful as well with a dramatic 2 inning save. 

The offense got started with its first batter.  Alfonso Soriano led of the bottom of the first with his 28th HR of the season.  Geovany Soto tied the game in the bottom of the fifth with his 2nd HR. 

The Reds looked to take the lead in the 8th when Brandon Phillips singled with a runner on wnd, but they hit it to the wrong guy, Soriano.  Fonzie threw yet another laser home to nail the go-ahead run.  Then Matt Murton delivered in the clutch again; this time in the bottom of the 8th.  His sinking liner scored The Riot and put the Wrigley Faithful in full explosion.  We're once again tied in the loss column as the Astros made a marvelous comeback of their own and knocked off the Brewers in 10.

This is fun.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 3, Reds 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_19_cinmlb_chnmlb_1

Astros 5, Brewers 4

Standings:

Cubs            80-73             --

Brewers        78-73             1

The Cubs fell one game behind the Brewers in the loss column as Aaron Harang pitched a great game with the wind gusting out to left.  Carlos Zambrano pitched pretty well considering the conditions and his short rest, but it wasn't enough. 

It's hard to imagine the Brewers winning their final 12 games, so we just turn the page and get after it today.  Go Cubs !!!

Yesterday's Results:

Reds 5, Cubs 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_18_cinmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 9, Astros 1

Standings:

Brewers            78-72               --

Cubs                79-73               --

HOLY COW!!!

It looked bad for the Cubs.  We were about to fall one game behind Milwaukee in the loss column.  We were losing to the Reds 6-4 in the 9th and the Brewers had already closed out a 6-0 win over Houston.  Then...magic.

Theriot worked a walk.  D. Lee hit a line single to right.  Aramis Ramirez stepped to the plate.  For me, it conjured up memories of his dramatic walk-off HR against the Brewers at the end of June.  This time ARam hit a sinking liner to right-center where the Reds CF Norris Hopper, who had made a miraculous catch against Aramis earlier, just missed in his diving attemp.  The triple allowed both The Riot and D. Lee to score, tying the game.  Mark DeRosa, who was already 4 for 4 in the game and following an intentional walk to Daryle Ward, provided the winning hit up the middle off of the gloves of two Reds players.  It was exhilarating.  With "Go Cubs Go" blaring in the background the Cubs celebrated like high school kids.  It was great fun.

Cliff Floyd after hitting yet another HR.

Hopper's amazing catch.

It shouldn't be forgotten the great pitching of Kevin Hart and Will Ohman who shutout the Reds on just one hit over the last 3 innings.  Once again, the bullpen has been great for the last 3 1/2 months.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 7, Reds 6     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_17_cinmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 6, Astros 0

Standings:

Cubs           79-72           --

Brewers       77-72           1

Jason Marquis was terrific going 6.1 innings and Ryan Dempster nailed down his 28th save in 31 opps. 

Matt Murton provided for the winning margin with a 3 run HR.  Big Red has been clutch over the last month in his limited role.

Two weeks to go:  The Cubs survived an exhausting week on the road going 5-2.  We are still tied in the loss column with the Brewers.  Now we have an equal amount of home games, 6, as we do road games.  The Brewers play 14 games and have half of them on the road.  So the home game edge the Brewers had is now gone.  So the Cubs are in the driver's seat, right?  Not so fast...

You could argue it both ways.  Those that like the Cubs argue that we play against teams that are totally out of contention, while the Brewers play 4 against the Braves and 4 against the Padres.

Those that favor the Brewers point to the fact that the Brewers miss Roy Oswalt in Houston, on paternity leave, and Jake Peavy of San Diego.  While the Cubs catch both Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang twice each (the Brewers missed both of them this past weekend).  Also, the Padres could be resting their guys for the playoffs by the time they make it to Milwaukee next weekend.

I'd go crazy trying to project the last two weeks, so I'm just going to enjoy the ride.  I'll have fun no matter who wins this thing...wait, I'll have a whole lot more fun if my Cubs win, but I am going to enjoy the journey.

Da Bears: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, do not risk Devin Hester on offense.  The upside is not worth the extra risk of injury.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE.  Hester is the single most important player on the Bears.  They would not have gotten to the Super Bowl last year without him, and would not have beaten the Chiefs yesterday.  He is the best return man ever to play the game.  Bar none.  He brings back memories of Gale Sayers running through the 49er's.  PLEASE.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 4, Cardinals 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_16_chnmlb_slnmlb_1

Brewers 5, Reds 2

Standings:

Cubs          78-72            --

Brewers      76-72             1

Alsfonso Soriano hit a dramatic 2 run HR in the top of the 8th to give the Cubs an emotional 3-2 win over the fading Cardinals.  Ted Lilly was good for 6 innings and the bullpen of Wood, Marmol, and Dempster was perfect in finishing it off.

The nightcap didn't go as well with the Cubs falling 4-3 and losing an early 3-0 lead.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 3, Cardinals 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_15_chnmlb_slnmlb_1

Cardinals 4, Cubs 3     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_15_chnmlb_slnmlb_2

Brewers 5, Reds 3

Standings:

Cubs          77-72            --

Brewers      75-72             1

Wow, that was easier than I expected...right.

Last night's games had wild and crazy finishes.

First, my Cubs played a very good game in a great pitcher's matchup.  Both Wainwright and Zambrano brought their A Games and it was fun, if nerve-racking, to watch.  Cliff Floyd gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead with his 3rd HR in as many games in the 7th.  Zambrano looked to have it hold up by going an awesome 9 innings.  Then the Cards walked Jason Kendall to get to Zambrano's spot in the top of the 9th.  Kendall's walk loaded the bases with 2 out.   LouPa decided to pinch-hit for Big Z.  It was a huge gamble.  Carlos was his old dominant self last night.  But Daryle Ward proved Piniella correct as he drove a fastball over Edmond's head for a bases clearing double and a 5-1 cushion.  That big lead gave me the opportunity to watch the Brewers-Reds game...or so I thought.  2 Cardinal HR's and a single in the bottom of the 9th ushered Dempster out of the game and Howry in to close it out.  2 singles later the Cards had the bases loaded.  I was so nervous I watched the ending through one of the holes on the top of my Cubs hat.  Whew, a groundout to Theriot.  Cubs Win!!!

To the Brewers game.  The Reds held a 6-3 lead going into the bottom of the 9th in Milwaukee.  I was delighted to see that the Cubs were going to be a game up in the all-important loss column...not so fast.  2 HR's by the Brew Crew led to more nerve-racking TV, but the Reds did finally prevail.

I don't know how many more nights like last night my middle-aged  heart can take.  But this sure is fun when we win.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 5, Cardinals 3     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_14_chnmlb_slnmlb_1

Reds 6, Brewers 5

Standings:

Cubs        76-71          --

Brewers    74-72          1.5

Cardinals   69-76           6

The power is finally showing some consistency as Aramis Ramirez (3 run HR), Alfonso Soriano, Daryl Ward, and Cliff Floyd all homered to lead the offense in the 6-2 win over the Astros. 

Steve Trachsel played a magician in escaping trouble, but only allowing 2 runs over 5 innings and the bulpen(Eyre, Wood, and Marmol), shutout Houston over the last 4 innings.  Jacque Jones helped out with a spectacular HR saving catch in the 9th.

What's ahead?  The Cubs still play 10 of their last 16 games on the road, while the Brewers play 10 of their 17 at home.  That is still advantage Milwaukee.  This is a very important weekend.  The Cubs play 4 games in 3 days at St. Louis.  The Cardinals are reeling, but the pressure is now off them and they would love nothing more than to ruin the season for "my" Cubs.  The Brewers host the Reds.  The Reds are hot, but the Brewers luck out and miss both Harang and Arroyo (who will pitch against the Cubs next week).  The Brewers have been great at home and a sweep is very possible.  If the Brewers do sweep, then the Cubs would have to win all 4 games in St. Louis just to stay tied in the loss column.  (We would be one game ahead in the standings, but just tied in the loss coulmn.)  And a 4 game sweep, including a DH, is not overly likely.  But this is a longterm view based on logic.  Sports laugh in the face of logic, so we'll just have to take it game by game, inning by inning, and pitch by pitch...

And in a weird twist, we have to root for the Braves to get hot and stay in the race, and root for the Padres to lose a few.  The Brewers play at Atlanta next week and then host the Padres in the last 4 games of the season.  We need San Diego to desperately need to win in those last 4 games. 

Go Cubs!!!

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 6, Astros 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_13_chnmlb_houmlb_1

Reds 5, Cardinals 4

Standings:

Cubs          75-71             --

Brewers      74-71             .5

Cardinals    69-75              5       

LouPa was fired up when the Cubs turned a very difficult 3-6-1 double-play to end the game and preserve a division tying victory. 

Rich Hill pitched exceptionally well and Cliff Floyd garnered 2 hits, including a mamoth HR to lead the Cubs over the Astros 3-2.  But it was the wild finish which stole the show.  Ryan Dempster, who was coming off a tough loss on Tuesday, looked to close out the important win.  It got off to a good start when Mark Loretta bounced an easy grounder to S. Lee at first base...then it happened.  Cub luck.  The ball hit the base and bounced into short RF for a hit.  It hit the base?  Yup...  Mike Lamb then hit a run scoring triple leaving the tying run at third and zero out.  It didn't look good.  Dempster got Luke Scott to groundout weakly to ARam and then walked PH Orlando Palmeiro to set up the dramitic finish.

LouPa said that he thought this could give the Cubs the boost it needs to go on a run...let's hope he is right.  He usually is.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 3, Astros 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_12_chnmlb_houmlb_1

Pirates 7, Brewers 4

Reds 5, Cardinals 1

Standings:

Cubs           74-71          --

Brewers       74-71          --

Cardinals      69-74          4

It's frustrating, but I try to stay positive because we're still only one game back...

Yesterday's Results:

Astros 5, Cubs 4     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_11_chnmlb_houmlb_1

Reds 7, Cardinals 2

Standings:

Brewers           74-70          --

Cubs               73-71          1

Cardinals         69-73           4

A sense of urgency seemed to be there for the Cubs yesterday as they blasted the Cardinals, 12-3.  Aramis Ramirez hit 2 HR's and Derreck Lee hit another to lead the Cubbie offense and give hope to me that the offensive promise has arrived. 

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 12, Cardinals 3     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_10_slnmlb_chnmlb_1

Pirates 9, Brewers 0

Standings:

Cubs          73-70            --

Brewers      73-70            --

Cardinals     69-72            3

It couldn't have been much worse sports wise.  The Cubs fell to 2nd place and the Bears lost while losing Mike Brown to injury again.  I really felt badly for Brown during his interview following the game.

Turn the page...

Yesterday's Results:

Pirates 10, Cubs 5     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_09_chnmlb_pitmlb_1

Brewers 10, Reds 5

D-Backs 6, Cardinals 5

Standings:

Brewers          73-69          --

Cubs               72-70          1

Cardinals         69-71         3

I am also a huge Bears fan. 

Today's opening game is going to be a tough one.  "We" are at the San Diego Chargers.  Probably the most talented team in the NFL. 

I do think we are getting them at the best time, however.  They have a new coach and staff in their first game, they play at the Patriots next week (the Pats beat SD in last year's playoffs and LT went ballistic), and their owners have repeatedly commented how this regular season is basically meaningless.

That being said, I think the Chargers have a better offense than we do and a defense that is just as good.  But the Bears don't win with a dominant offense, and after Tommie Harris' injury last year, they didn't win with a dominant defense either.  They win by inducing turnovers and with Devin Hester.  And they just might win today with that same formula.

I love our head coach and I think he is a great coach.  But I don't agree with using Hester on offense.  He is a huge weapon on special teams and I would keep him doing just that.  I fear his offensive involvement will cause injury.  I don't think the upside of him being a WR offsets the risk.  But I admit, Lovie has 1000 times more football knowledge than I could ever have, so I defer to him.

GO BEARS!!!

Carlos is back!!!

Carlos Zambrano pitched like an ACE last night and it was needed badly.  He was his mid-summer self in shutting the Pirates down with just one hit through 6 innings.  He ran into a little trouble in the 7th, but the other Carlos quickly put out the fire.  Where would we be without Carlos Marmol?  Out of the race.  He has been just short of perfect.  And I love how Lou uses him.  He uses him when we are in the worst trouble.  He is our shutdown guy.  Then Bob Howry bailed Marmol out in the 8th and Ryan Dempster closed it out in the 9th. 

Alfonso Soriano hit another HR and just might be starting a hot streak when we need it the most.  Now it the rest of the offense can get hot too.

Imagine, for a moment, if Soriano, Lee and JJ had just average power numbers.  Most teams need their stars to have career years to make it to the playoffs.  We may still win the division with our stars having subpar years and Aramis having to hit well through a lot of pain.  ARam is a true warrior.  If they could just have career Septembers and Octobers now....

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 5, Pirates 1     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_08_chnmlb_pitmlb_1

Brewers 4, Reds 3

D-Backs 9, Cardinals 8

Standings:

Cubs             72-69              --

Brewers        72-69               --

Cardinals       69-70               2

That was very disappointing.  The Cubs looked tired and listless...and bad. 

Turn the page...

Yesterday's Results:

Pirates 6, Cubs 1     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_07_chnmlb_pitmlb_1

D-Backs 4, Cardinals 2

Standings:

Cubs           71-69             --

Brewers      71-69              --

Cardinals     69-69              1

Sports are great fun.  They are a great diversion, especially these days.  Sports are played in great arenas on beautiful fields, courts, and rinks.  And they are played by great athletes with unreal skills and incredible mental toughness.

One of the best parts of sports is that it is unpredictable.  Totally unpredictable.  Sometimes sport follows conventional wisdom, but just as often there is a complete surprise.  Just ask the Michigan Wolverines.  Just ask the Cubs. 

In Spring Training the Cubs looked like a good team with enormous power on offense and a deep and very good bullpen.  The big question was whether the starting pitchers were good enough.  Well...the starting pitching has been very, very good with the exception of the last couple of weeks.  It has been the most consistent part of the team from day one.  The offense has been the most disappointing part of the team and the hardest to explain.  Almost every player is well below their career norms.  If it wasn't for Aramis Ramirez's incredible June and July, there wouldn't be any offense.  The bullpen was horrendous the first two months of the season, but they have been great since then.

The Cubs had a horrible first two months and started June with the embarrasing brawl in the dugout and in the clubhouse.  We were 8.5 games behind and reeling.  I came close to writing off the season right then.  As Lee Corso says, not so fast my friend.  The Cubs, led by Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez, went on a two month tear and leaped to the front of the division. 

At the beginning of August it looked like it would be a nice stroll to the playoffs with the Cubs playing great, the Brewers in a 1969 like freefall, and the Cardinals way out of it.  Not so fast my friends.  Both the Cubs and Brewers struggled in August and the Cardinals, led by the best story in baseball this year, Rick Ankiel, got hot.  Now it is September and it is a dramatic 3 team race.

What now?  It doesn't look good for the Cubs.  Even though all three teams are tied in the loss column, the Cubs are in the worst shape.  We have to play 16 of our last 23 games on the road.  The Brewers have remarkably turned their season around even though they have suffered far worse late inning collapses than we did yesterday.  Braun, Fielder, and Gallardo have led them back to the top.  And Ankiel, regardless of today's news, has been a great story and the Cardinals have been unbelievable considering their injuries.

To me, the Cubs look like the least likely to win this division now.  And maybe that is just the way we want it.  Remember sports are unpredictable.  Maybe the offense finally claims its promise of spring away from the "Friendly" Confines.  Our streak in June started when Soriano got hot; maybe Fonzie's two HR's yesterday is the start of a hot streak.  Maybe Zambrano recovers his mid-summer form.  Maybe the rest of the pitching coninues to pitch well.  Maybe, just maybe, the Cubs get hot and win this thing. 

And if they don't, I'll be disappointed...until the next game.  The Bears, Blackhawks, Jazz, Weber State, Iowa, and Notre Dame can keep me entertained until pitchers and catchers report next February and our rose colored glasses see a World Series Championship season about to begin. 

I just love sports.

The Cubs suffered a brutal loss yesterday as Ryan Dempster blew a one run lead in the 9th and we lost to the Dodgers 7-4.  It's too bad because the Cubs got another very good start, this time from Jason Marquis.  Now the season starts all over; The Cubs, Brewers, and Cardinals are all tied in the loss column with a little over 3 weeks left.

Dempster got roughed up, both on the field and off it since; but he was not the only reason the Cubs lost.  The offense blew a chance in the 1st inning to cripple the Dodgers.  The Dodgers starter, Derek Lowe, was struggling with his command and his strikes were just hanging in the zone.  Alfonso Soriano hit a leadoff homerun, then Lowe walked Lee and Ward with one out, but Ward was then picked off first base on a 3-0 count to DeRosa, who then walked himself.  Lowe recovered from there and pitched a lot better.

Then Soriano did it again.  Trailing 2-1 in the 7th, Alfonso hit a dramatic 3 run HR to give us a lead which I thought was enough with the way our 'pen has been since the end of May.  But the offense had a couple more oppurtunities to tack on, but failed.  Dempster was blasted, but he is not the only one to blame.  Keep in mind it was his first blown save since June 11 and just his 3rd BS for the entire season.  He has pitched very well this year. 

Yesterday's Results:

Dodgers 7, Cubs 4     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_06_lanmlb_chnmlb_1

Cardinals 16, Pirates 4

Standings:

Cubs           71-68            --

Brewers      71-68             --

Cardinals     69-68             1

Ted Lilly provided a much needed great start and Aramis Ramirez added the power with a 2 run homer as the Cubs beat the Dodgers 8-2.  The Cubs added on with 4 runs in the 8th for some breathing room and the 'pen continued to shine with the trifecta of Marmol, Howry, and Dempster complimenting Lilly's important start perfectly.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 8, Dodgers 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_05_lanmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 14, Astros 2

Pirates 8, Cardinals 2

Standings:

Cubs            71-67           --

Brewers        71-68           .5

Cardinals       68-68           2

Steve Trachsel pitched decent enough, 3 runs in 6 innings, but the Cubs couldn't get the big hit and lost again to the Dodgers, this time 6-2.

Yesterday's Results:

Dodgers 6, Cubs 2     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_04_lanmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 5, Astros 3

Cardinals 6, Pirates 2

Standings:

Cubs            70-67           --

Brewers        70-68           .5

Cardinals       68-67           1

Carlos is mad.  I don't blame him, but it is not going to change.  I addressed this topic a while back, but here is my opinion on booing the home team again:

Every fan has the right to boo.  They pay the high prices for the tickets, parking, and food.  They have every right to boo.  But should they?  I believe fans should only boo for lack of effort.  To boo players for a bad performances only makes it more difficult for the player to do better next time.  It does not help him perform better.  It creates more doubt and more pressure.  It does not help.  (The heavy booing hasn't helped Rex Grossman.  He has become even more inconsistent.  He is even more indecisive.  And like I said before, booing hasn't helped Philadelphia teams.)

Steve Phillips echoed the same thoughts on ESPN Radio this morning.  He said, "fans have the right to boo, but they have to understand that there are consequences for their actions.  Because they booed ARod so consistently in New York, they will probably lose one of the best hitters of all-time this off-season.  Also, baseball is a sport where trying harder is actually counter-productive.  Players are human; they will try harder to turn those boos around.  But if you try harder to hit, then you will pull off the ball and open up and even do worse.  Pitchers will overthrow and even do worse."

I understand that booing is just a reflection of the frustration fans have.  I was very frustrated in Big Z yesterday too.  But to boo him as lustily as many Cub fans did is only going to hurt, not help.  The consistent booing didn't help JJ turn his season around.  It extended his slump.  It wasn't until Lou gave Jacque two weeks off, and away from the booing, did JJ regain his career form. 

That being said, the reality is that fans are going to boo.  (Although it does seem to be getting a lot worse in Chicago lately.)  So Carlos and every player has to learn to deal with it.  It is not going to change.  They have to deal with the reality of the situation; whether they like it or not.  It is not going to change.  But fans should then understand it when players lose their affinity and loyalty to the fans as time goes on.  Players are human too.

Just my opinion...

Yesterday's Results:

Dodgers 11, Cubs 3     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_03_lanmlb_chnmlb_1

Astros 9, Brewers 7

Pirates 11, Cardinals 0

Standings:

Cubs         70-66         --

Brewers     69-68         1.5

Cardinals    67-67          2

FANTASTIC!!!

"My" Cubs came back from a 5-1 deficit and Derrek Lee capped the comeback with a 2 out, 2 run homerun to lead "us" to an exhilarating 6-5 victory. 

Ryan Dempster continued his good season with a 1-2-3 9th for his 25th save in 27 opps.

And "we" needed it as both the Brewers and Cardinals completed their sweeps to continue to nip at "our" heels.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 6, Astros 5     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_02_houmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 7, Pirates 4

Cardinals 3, Reds 2

Standings:

Cubs          70-65           --

Brewers      69-67           1.5

Cardinals     67-66            2

JJ made a great catch saving at least one run.

Then our big boys provided the power.  Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee hit homeruns giving the Cubs the offense they needed to lead the Cubs to an important 4-3 win.  Once again the bullpen was very good in relief of a decent Marquis start.

Back to Jacques Jones.  It was Sweet Lou who sat JJ for almost two weeks prior to the All-Star Break, then met with him to tell him to forget about the 1st half and play the way he is capable of.  He told him he was going to get another chance to play everyday and he had a lot of confidence that JJ would come through.  As we now know, he did come through in a huge way. 

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 4, Astros 3     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_09_01_houmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 12, Pirates 3

Cardinals 11, Reds 3

Standings:

Cubs          69-65           --

Brewers      68-67           1.5

Cardinals     66-66            2

Yesterday's Results:

Astros 6, Cubs 1     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_08_31_houmlb_chnmlb_1

Brewers 3, Pirates 2

Cardinals 8, Reds 5

Standings:

Cubs           68-65            --

Brewers       67-67            1.5

Cardinals      65-66             2

Matt Murton and Alfonso Soriano hit back-to-back homeruns to help the Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the Brewers.  It provided a 2-1 series win.  Carlos Marmol continued his impressive season by striking out 5 Brewers in just 2 innings.  There have been many heroes this season, but none more important than Marmol.

Yesterday's Results:

Cubs 5, Brewers 4     Box:  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_08_30_milmlb_chnmlb_1

Astros 2, Cardinals 1

Standings:

Cubs            68-64               --

Brewers        66-67               2.5

Cardinals       64-66               3