Sweeping the Bleachers: Mon. June 25 - What a game!

Cubs endure massive Rockies comeback, respond with one of their own

To think, after Angel Pagan’s first inning shot that put the Cubs up by 3, it looks like the Cubs were going to ride out an uneventful win. Sure enough, that’s what happened for the first eight innings, as the Cubs stretched the lead to 8-3.

It was easy to tell the Cubs had started packing it in; after Scott Eyre’s comical at-bat in the 7^th (with runners on base!) and leaving him in to pitch the ninth. But Eyre didn’t even record a single out in the top of that inning. The first 6 Rockies to come to the plate all eventually scored, giving the Rockies a massive 6-run comeback. It was looking pretty bleak even after Bob Howry retired the next three batters to end the inning; a fan ran on the field and nearly got to the mound before receiving a smackdown from security.

But thanks to an inconceivable error by Kaz Matsui that would have ended the game and clutch hits by Koyie Hill (I have no idea why our worst batter and backup catcher was in a pinch-hit situation when there were others on the bench, but it worked) and Alfonso Soriano, the Cubs came back to win this wild one, 10-9. The Cubbies had 18 hits in this game, their most of the season.

Alan Trammell says the Cubs should resurface Wrigley. There is a considerable slope from the outfield to the infield dirt, and this sizable ridge where the two meet. Last night, a ground ball skimmed along the infield until it hit that ridge, where it popped right into the air. I'm not against stadium quirks at Wrigley, but this one should definitely get a hard look because it seems like it could be an injury hazard to the players.

The Cubs are "teetering" with this shorthanded staff, says Lou. This means either Dempster should be sent to the DL or Jacque Jones should be traded or designated for assignment within the next few days. Maybe both. But the team could definitely use some bullpen help. Maybe call up our old pals, the Padres, again? However, its mentioned that Ryan Theriot could be a candidate for demotion. That would be a HUGE mistake. More on that later.

Mark Simon of ESPN's Diamond Daily says this streak could turn the Cubs' season around. I'm not so sure if this streak is enough, because the Cubs seem to be just as likely to lose four straight as they are to win four in a row, but things are definitely looking up. We're just three games under .500 and most of the team seems to be clicking (bullpen... grumble grumble). Also, check out what they have to say about the bullpen on the bottom of the page. Yeah, it sure was ugly.

Page 2's Jonah Keri says the Michael Barrett trade will end up in the Padres' favor. I wish Barrett the best, but the Padres are living and dying with their arms right now, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Peavy, Young, and co's. ERAs rise a little (Peavy's already has). Unfortunately, Barrett's offense isn't up to snuff this year, making his defense and game calling not worth it. Yes, it's hard to tell how much of an impact a catcher is making defensively, but I feel much more confident with Bowen behind the plate than Barrett if they're hitting for the same average.

And last, but certainly not least, here's a heartwarming story from 2003 of Rod Beck's time in Iowa. The guy literally lived at the stadium when he was there, and he invited all fans to his RV to sit down after games and enjoy a beer. Now that's a true Cub.