Come to Think of It...Cubs Blow It Big-Time

Once Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez left runners on 2nd and 3rd base in the top of the seventh inning, you just knew the Cubs were going to lose this game. In fact, I started writing this article when Marmol had the bases loaded and no one out and the Cubs were leading 3-1.

Let me ask you: when the heck was the last time Lee has driven in a run when it mattered? He has been non-existent since April, but will Lou bench him? Of course not.  Unfortunately, Sweet Lou has actually turned into Sweet Lou.

As bad as Lee needs some bench time to collect his thoughts, and realize that even so-called stars need to produce, Ramirez probably needs it as well.

You see, just like last year in the playoffs, the Cubs do not have a 3-4-5 order that scares anyone. The first two don't produce under pressure and assuming the 5th hitter is Fukudome, he has no power.

So the Cubs have been swept out of Tampa by the Rays. Perhaps it was Lou's payback for having failed to turn the franchise around during the three losing seasons he managed there.

Whatever, now comes the White Sox and you know how badly they want to beat us.  And suddenly, they are the team playing well, and they have the momentum heading into the series. If the Cubs don't wake up, they will have lost six games in a row. And worse yet, losing to the Sox, which is unforgivable.

For being a Cubs fan is a lot like being a Bears fan. The ultimate goal, of course, is to win it all.  But if you can't do that, if you're the Bears you better beat the Packers.  If you're the Cubs you had better beat the Sox.

But the way the Cubs are playing, I give very little chance of them beating the Sox. To be truthful, the way they played in the Ray series, I give them little chance of beating the Little Sisters of the Poor's softball team.

You really can't blame Marmol. He was due for a crappy outing.  And he definitely delivered.  But a 7-run inning? That's just kids play.  Kids playing against men.

You know what we need?  A Lou tirade like last year. But I'm not sure he has one left in him.

So the Cubs, limping along without Edmonds, Johnson and Zambrano and  playing bad baseball are supposed to win it all this year? C'mon, if you're an older fan like me, you're used to it.  And if you're a young fan, you'd better get used to it.  Come to think of it, mommas don't let your babies grow up to be Cubs fans.