Cubs-Cardinalas: Playing the Blame Game

If hitting is contagious, the Cubs have a clean bill of health.

In its last four games, Chicago has scored 0, 1, 3, and 2 runs. Not surprisingly, those totals have added up to a four-game losing streak.

It’s been hard to watch, and the end to this offensive ineptitude doesn’t appear near. Obviously, injuries to Aramis Ramirez and Milton Bradley hurt the lineup, but there are seven other batters responsible for hitting the ball, too.

The Cardinals have committed four errors in this series. The Cubs have done almost nothing to capitalize on them.

What’s more, Chicago’s staff has hurled four consecutive quality starts, but the lack of offense has humbled the mighty Cubs back to .500.

Winning streaks cover weaknesses—losing streak makes them glaring realities.

It’s more obvious than ever that Derek Lee is not a three, four or five hitter. Ryan Theriot appears better suited down in the lineup and Alfonso Soriano sure looked good batting leadoff.

That said, it’s not time to panic. The Cubs are simply too talented not to break out of this funk. And eventually, Ramirez and Bradley will be healthy and back in the order.

In the meantime, place blame wherever you want, but like the common cold, the batting slump will just have to run its course.

After the game Lou gave a low blow to reliever David Patton, who allowed four runs on five hits and three walks to turn a 3-1 game into a blowout. “You can’t walk people in front of Pujols.” “You might be able to do that in Modesto, but over here, I would suggest not,” Piniella said.

Let’s see how Patton responds.

It goes without saying the Cubs need a huge start out of Harden Sunday. That makes me worry the right-hander will want to over-throw the baseball, especially if the Cards grab an early lead.

However, if Harden throws a gem, maybe the Cubs can squeak out a win on get-away-day and regroup in Arizona.

Note:  

• The Cubs (8-8) are in fourth place.
• David Patton’s ERA is 11.37
• Three of the Cubs’ starters—Lee, Geovany Soto and Aaron Miles—are batting below .200
• In the past two games, Chicago is 3-for-18 with runners in scoring.
• Pujols has eight career grand slams.
• Last season the Cubs didn’t lose three in a row until July 17-19.
• The Cubs and Cards meet for a total of 16 games this season, 13 before the All-Star break.