CUBS AWAKE JUST IN TIME

just three weeks ago, i told you that the window of opportunity on the north side was closing rapidly and the season was slipping away and with a roster filled with malcontents and journeymen, the cubs were simply playing out the string. that proclamation was made right at the all-star break as they were spiraling out of playoff contention. it was a done deal.

not so fast, retired fat cop.

the cubs suddenly wake up with bradley & soriano raising their averages 30 points while the pitching becomes the strong point of the team with kevin gregg closing the deal again and again, as good closers do. the starters were overwhelming for the most part as the ball club won 11 of 14 during the past two weeks.

but they still had a glaring weakness in the bullpen because sean marshall was the only lefty and being overworked because of it. but what do they do just before the trade deadline??? they make a deal that puts them over the top and clinches the central division for the third consecutive season by plucking the bones of the pittsburgh pirates like a vulture in the desert, getting not one but TWO lefthanded pitchers and giving up basically zero in return.

are they a perfect team?? absolutely not. they're still a jeckyll and hyde offensive team although mr. hyde has appeared almost every night the last two weeks and the cubs have averaged almost SEVEN RUNS PER GAME!

so now they have starting pitching, a closer, the possibilities of three lefties with major league experience in the bullpen and an exploding offense. hmmmmmmmmm.

do cub fans get excited now? or is it a mirage like so many seasons past? i say they are now the real deal in the central division. stay tuned.