Cubby Hole
By Kevin Rogers
The Cubs have been a mystery all season long. In 2008, Chicago looked to be headed to its first World Series since 1945, but was quickly eliminated by the Dodgers in the first round of the postseason. The expectations were still high coming into this season for Lou Piniella's squad, but injuries derailed that plan, as the Cubs sit in second place inside the NL Central.
Despite Wednesday's victory at San Diego, the Cubs have dropped nine of their last 13 games. Chicago came out of the All-Star Break like gang-busters, going 11-3, but ten of those wins came against the Nationals, Reds, and Astros. Amazingly, the Cubs have not won a road series this season against a team that is currently above .500.
The pitching staff has seen its share of injuries, as ace Carlos Zambrano is rehabbing from a stint on the disabled list due to back spasms. The loss of Zambrano is taking its effect on the Cubs, as the team was 14-6 in his 20 starts, with seven wins each at home and on the road.
The co-team leader in wins, Ted Lilly, picked up a no-decision in a hard-luck loss on Monday at San Diego, his first start since mid-July. Lilly has been dominant at home, owning a 6-1 mark and 1.86 ERA at Wrigley this season. The Cubs southpaw has not been a great play on the road, as Chicago is 4-7 in Lilly's away starts.
Randy Wells has been a pleasant surprise for the Cubs, compiling a 9-5 mark, and ERA of 3.01. Chicago is 9-2 in Wells' last 11 starts, but the Illinois native has beaten the Pirates twice, the Reds twice, Astros, and Nationals in this span.
Cubs fans can point to the multitude of blown saves by the bullpen, namely Kevin Gregg, who was demoted after allowing a walk-off homer in Monday's loss to the Padres. Gregg has blown three saves this month, and was recently replaced by set-up man, Carlos Marmol.
Things don't get easier for the Cubbies this weekend, heading to Los Angeles to battle the NL West-leading Dodgers. Chicago sends out lefty Tom Gorzelanny on Thursday, Wells on Friday, followed by Lilly on Saturday, then Ryan Dempster to wrap it up on Sunday.
From a trend standpoint, keep an eye on Friday's matchup, when the Dodgers send out lefty Randy Wolf to the mound. Chicago is 9-3-1 to the 'under' this season in night contests against left-handed starting pitchers.
The Cubs return home from their West Coast swing to host the Nationals and Mets beginning Tuesday night. There's still time remaining for the Cubs to make a late surge for the Wild Card, but Chicago has to find some consistency down the stretch if they want to play into October.
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