Best Homestand in 30 years
The Cubs’ winning ways at the Friendly Confines continue as they wrapped up an 8-2 homestand this weekend. Granted, five of the wins were against the struggling Padres and Pirates, but sweeping the Diamondbacks was noteable. I was in attendance for three of the eight victories. The wins more than made up for the less than warm weather. Many of these May games have been colder than Opening Day. That game in March happens to be the only loss I’ve attended this year.
I’m glad that Marquis got the win yesterday. The bats weren’t supporting him, but the Cubs did coax seven walks, many of whom scored. Lou seems to have flipped a switch, as he stressed walks last year but the team is finally putting the instruction to use this season.
Another surprise was the success vs the Pirates with Lee and Ramirez going 0-22 during the series. The other bats have stepped up when necessary, especially the suddenly hot Soriano. Theriot, Soto and DeRosa have been consistent and even Cedeno has been a pleasant surprise.
I’m not certain why the fans booed new Cub Jim Edmonds. I understand he killed us as a Cardinal, but when he shows up in Cubbie blue for the first time you give the guy a warm welcome. I think he has a lot to offer this team, given that he’s hit more homers at Wrigley than any other field other than his home turfs. Would I have loved to see Murton called up to replace Pie, who needed to go to Iowa to work on his hitting? It wasn’t an option, as Murton doesn’t play center. I like Reed Johnson and his hustle, and I think he and Edmonds give Lou a nice platoon option. Pie will have to earn his way back up.
Speaking of earning his way up to the big leagues, Micah Hoffpauir played in his first game yesterday. Called up to replace Ward (15-day DL) on the roster, Hoffpauir struck out pinch-hitting for Marquis. After a great spring, Hoffpauir strained his oblique at the end of camp. He has been hampered with injuries over the last few seasons, but could really contribute if his bat stays hot off the bench.
Now it’s off to Houston to cool off those Astros. A win gets us back to .500 on the road.