Cubs Merry Go Round

It’s like the DL has become the Cubs’ personal merry-go-round.

One player comes off the training table and another goes on.

Wouldn’t be surprised at all if Big Z is the next in line.

Toughing out a back injury is risky business for any pitcher, let alone a No. 1 like Zambrano.

Here’s a good way to lose a ballgame: leave 19 men on base, hit into three double-plays and go 1-for-11 with RISP.

Don’t say the Cubbies didn’t have their chances to score more than two runs.

Meanwhile, you hope Soto finally got his act together rehabbing this past month in Arizona.

Perhaps, the hard conditioning that should have happened over the winter — when Soto was too busy hitting the pipe — will have him primed for a strong stretch run in September.

Wasn’t thrilled to see Hoffpauir get sent down at Soto’s expense, either. The Cubs says he’s not swinging the bat up to par, but how can you blame a guy for not hitting when he’s continuously coming off the bench cold?

I’d go as far to say you’d get better offensive production from Hoffpauir than Milton Bradley…if only Hoffpauir had the opportunity.

Bradley wasn’t signed to bat from the 2-hole, of course, but it sure beats Aaron Miles hitting in front of Lee and Aramis!

Typical Jeff Samardzija outing: lack of control, behind in the count and very hittable.

It’s not that I blame Jeff, the guy’s not major league ready, and his numbers show this. Yet, Jim Hendry and company don’t seem to agree.

I’ve said it all year: leave Samardzija in Triple-A until his ready for the major leagues as a starter.

Comcast’s Cubs Post Game Live show polled viewers on whether or not Chicago should take a chance on John Smoltz, who was DFA by Boston.

I didn’t watch long enough to see the results, but I voted a big fat No!

Smoltz is 42-years-old, and it showed Thursday night against the Yankees.

The man clearly hasn’t fully recovered from off-season shoulder surgery.

And let’s not forget that in the post-Steroids Era most 40-year-olds are well over-the-hill.

My gut says Smoltz accepts an assignment with one of Boston’s minor league clubs.

If he declines, however, I’d look for the Yankees to make a push for him.

In the last two days, after all, the Pinstripes have inked former Cubs Chad Guadin and Russ Ortiz.

Good question: who’s more desperate, the Cubs’ offense or New York’s rotation?

• The Cubs (57-50) are in second place.

• W: Jimenez (9-9) L: Marshall (3-7)

• Chicago is 10-7 in its last 17 road games.

• Overall on the road they’re 24-31.

• The Cubs went 5-1 against the Rockies last year.