Come to Think of it...Quick Start Key to Game Two Success for Cubs

Above all else, it's imperative that the Cubs take an early lead and then provide some add-on, or insurance runs in game two of their playoff series against their counterparts from Hollywood. Otherwise, it might be a case of "here we go again..."

Yes, I know, they got off to an early 2-0 lead on Wednesday, courtesy of Mark DeRosa's home run. But then the bats fell silent. What I'm talking about is an early lead of two or three runs, and then keeping the pressure on young Dodger starter Chad Billingsley by adding more runs so that by the time the 5th inning rolls around, we're into their bullpen and even a grand slam wouldn't put them ahead.

Because an early deficit would instill doubts into the heads of the Cubs players, not to mention what it would do to the stomachs of Cubs fans. For there is no mistaking the obvious: this is a must game for Chicago. We simply can't go to LA down 2-0.

For this to happen, we'll need the big guns to finally step up and make themselves accountable. I'm talking about Soriano, Lee and Ramirez - they need to start producing in the clutch. The veteran Jim Edmonds needs to step up too, and it wouldn't hurt if rookie catcher Geo Soto hit a bomb or two. 

Look, we need runs, any way we can get them.  While clutch two-out hits and home runs would be nice, we also need Cubs manager Lou Piniella to start the runners to avoid the double play. Steal a base. Try a squeeze bunt. In other words, whatever it takes.

Let's show a sense of urgency, here, gentlemen. Winning this game would even the series, and even though LA would return home confident that they have effectively stolen home field advantage, a huge weight would be lifted off of the Cubs shoulders.

For the Cubs need to relax, take a deep breath, and make things happen. Be aggressive but do not panic. There is a difference, you know.

The fans have got to step it up, too. While we can't swing the bats or throw the ball for them, we did not do a good job of being that 26th man yesterday. We mostly sat on our hands. I realize it was cold and the grand slam took the wind from our sails, but c'mon, we can do better than that.  We must do better.

In the meantime, another key will be which Carlos Zambrano shows up. The good Z or the bad? Wildly inconsistent all year, he can be great one start, as he showed in Milwaukee against the Astros, and he can be terrible. And the early lead would help calm his nerves too and hopefully avoid a repeat of the type of histrionics Big Z is all too well known for.

And Lou needs to get Z out of there if he struggles, unlike last night when he stayed with Dempster too long. That's the kind or urgency I'm talking about.

Let's hope the 24 year-old Billingsley gets a case of nerves, as he has pitched just two innings of postseason ball in his career. Although he continues to improve each year, he did lose twice the Cubs in 2008.

With a win tonight, all is well in Cubs Nation and the Cubs go on to win this series. A loss tonight and, well, let's not go there. A quick start by our offense and seven innings from Z will cure what ails us, come to think of it.