Thanks to Injuries, Cubs Are Left with "a Catcher and a Gathright"

No question Sunday’s game was the biggest win of the season for the Cubs, who avoided the sweep against their bitter rival, the Cardinals, while producing some much needed clutch hitting to maintain a record above .500.

Plus, winning on getaway day is always a shot in the arm. And let’s face it, the Cubs needed some breaks before heading to Arizona, where they are (10-25) since the '99 season.

Kosuke Fukudome provided the offensive breaks on Sunday. Just remember that six weeks ago Kosuke’s hitting was still a major concern. Now, he’s the centerpiece to a makeshift lineup.

We heard all offseason how much extra conditioning Kosuke was doing to better prepare himself for his sophomore season—it appears to have paid off. Give the guy credit.

The hitting aside, quality starting pitching is the best cure to losing streaks. And, guys like Rich Harden are who you want on the mound after dropping four straight.

He fulfilled his duty—107 pitches, six innings, nine strikeouts, and, most importantly, he appears injury free.

I love the fact that Harden sends a message to Albert Pujols by plunking him in the hip! It’s a rallying cry the Cubs need while they are pulled apart by injuries.

Speaking of which, I also love Derrick Lee’s honesty in the postgame about his neck spasms—Lee is saying he may have just slept awkwardly.

Who can’t relate to a stiff neck after a poor night’s sleep?

However, with Lee now day-to-day, you pencil in Micah Hoffpauir as Derek’s replacement. But, that leaves the Cubs with no backup infielders on the bench. Or, as manager Lou Piniella put it, he’s left with “a catcher and a Gathright.”

It can’t stay that way. A roster move is imminent.

Jake Fox is tearing up Triple-A, batting .438 with nine home runs. But, he’s best suited as an outfielder and not an infield guy.

Moving Koyie Hill or Soriano to the infield is cute for the highlight reels but not for winning baseball games. Maybe Corey Koskie would reconsider a comeback?


Notes

Cubs (9-8) are in fourth place.

W: Harden (2-1), L: Wellemeyer (1-2)

For the 65th time in his career, Harden allowed two or fewer runs.

The Cubs are 9-7 against right-handed starters this season. However, they’ve only faced one left-hander, losing to Houston’s Wandy Rodriguez.

Since 2003, the Cubs are 60-48 against St. Louis.