We're singing Go Cubs Go

I've been reluctant to write anything about the Cubs lately. It hasn't been because of poor play, but because I've been afraid of jinxing this cursed franchise. The Cubs have been on fire since the supposed implosion early June. The turmoil started with a fight in the dugout between ex-Cubs catcher Michael Barrett and star pitcher Carlos Zambrano. The two were seen exchanging words in the dugout and Zambrano began throwing fists at Barrett. The fight then continued in the dugout after both players were pulled from the game. The next day there was more controversy when Cubs manager Lou Piniella was ejected after blowing up after a call at third base. All the so called experts began saying that this team was in trouble and steps had to be taken to right the ship. I disagreed, I thought these two events, especially the Zambrano/Barrett fiasco would bring the team together. I was right.

Since June 3 the Cubs have been the best team in the league and are now in contention for the NL central and the Wild Card race. It hasn't been one player, or one side of the ball that has spurned this turn around. The team has been solid up and down the line up and pitching staff. A scary thought for the opposition is that the Cubs are starting to get healthy. Cliff Floyd has been battling nagging injuries, Henry Blanco has been sidelined by a strained right shoulder, Kerry Wood has been dominant in his rehab starts, Wade Miller is coming on, closer Ryan Dempster is expected back any day, and Daryle Ward should be back in a couple of weeks. Derrek Lee is also currently serving a five game suspension. The Cubs have been able to overcome the lack of these players with solid performances from Mike Fontenot, Theriot, Carlos Marmol, Hill, Marshall, and other Cubs youngsters.

Right now, the Cubs are 2.5 games out of both the Wild Card and NL Central lead and are poised to take over the NL Central with the return of their better players and the newly discovered talent from the "fill-ins."