Cubbies Back On Top

Not only in the division, but in the major leagues.

Last week was certainly not one of the best for our Blue Pinstriped Heroes, but they didn't fall too far behind everyone.

After sweeping the Mets (sorry fester) the Cubs went nearly two weeks without winning another series.

They split a two game series with the Rockies, lost 2 of 3 to the Nationals, 2 of 3 to the Brewers, 2 of 3 to the Cardinals, and 2 of 3 to the Reds.

Not a good stretch by any stretch of the imagination.

Then came the Diamondbacks, the best team in baseball. This could be trouble.

Instead, the Cubs came back in all three games to sweep the majors best team (who because of the sweep lost that title to the Florida Marlins).

Then yesterday, the Cubs took care of the Padres in convincing fashion winning 12-3, which coupled with the loss of the Marlins to the Reds meant that the Cubs have ridden their current four game winning streak to the best record in the majors along with a one game lead for the Central division.

In other Cub news, Jim Edmonds, long time Cub killer from the rival Cardinals, was released by the Padres, and the rumor is that if he clears waivers he might join the Cubs as a much needed left handed bat that can play all three outfield positions.

Sure, he's older and has lost a few steps, but I think that he could be a very valuable addition off of the bench.

There were some fun bases loaded moments in baseball last night.

The Cubs held an 8-2 advantage in the 6th inning with the bases loaded, Mark DeRosa up, and two outs. With a 3-2 count, DeRosa hit a ground ball deep in the hole at third.

For those who aren't fully versed in all things baseball, when there is a 3-2 count and two outs with the bases loaded the runners take off on the pitch. If it's ball four, everyone is automatically safe at the next base. If it's strike three, the inning is over. So, the runners were off with the pitch.

San Diego's third baseman, Kevin Kouzmanoff got the ball and attempted to run to tag third before Ramirez arrived hoping to end the inning, but since the runners had left with the pitch, Ramirez beat him to the bag. At this point, Kouzmanoff tried to throw to first to get DeRosa. That probably would have worked and ended the inning if he'd have done that first, but as it was, DeRosa was probably going to beat out the throw, which caused Kouzmanoff to rush the throw which went flying past San Diego first baseman (and former Ranger) Adrian Gonzales. Both Ramirez and Fukudome came around to score as well turning what should have been an inning ending ground ball into a bases clearing infield grounder.

The Padres currently have the worst record in the majors and this just shows that when things are going poorly, it is easy for things to get worse.

The Cubs look for their fifth straight win tonight.