Hang 'Em High

Cubs 4 Cardinals 6

In this case it was a curve ball to Albert Pujols that did in the Cubs. With the game tied 2-2 in the 8th inning. Dusty brought in Roberto Novoa to face the top of the Cards line-up. Novoa walked Eckstein and gave up an infield single to Nunez. Before I go any further, I would like to say Ronny Cedeno made a great play on the single by Nunez and almost nailed him at first. The throw was a little off the mark and pulled Derek Lee off the bag. This was one of those plays that makes me look forward to Cedeno being the Cubs everyday shortstop. It was AWESOME. Back to the game...Novoa ran the count to 2 and 2 and then hung a curve ball to Pujols that left Busch Stadium VERY QUICKLY.

Pujols is one of those players that you do not like because he plays for the other team, not because he is a 'bad' guy. All reports that I have read say he is a top notch person, as well as ball player. So it stinks to see him do well because he is a Cardinal, but it is good to see because of what you read about him. Then there is Jim Edmonds...

Edmonds hit a solo shot right behind Pujols to pretty much put the game out of reach. Dusty brought in Will Ohman to face Edmonds and this is one of the few mistakes Ohman has made all year. Ohman has been a very bright spot on an otherwise dim bullpen.

The offense played well today and Nomar kept hot. Burnie delivered a big 2 out single to tie the game. Prior pitched very well. He only gave up 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings. A very good start against a very good team. The only problem I had today, beside them losing, was the fact that Dusty pinch hit for Cedeno in the 9th with the bases loaded.

Dusty pinch hit Cedeno with Jose Macias and Macias did his job with a sac fly to drive in a run. But why not leave Cedeno in? See what the kid is made of and if necessary let him fail. Do not take him out, for a far less talented player, and send the message to him that you do not trust him. Dusty is a player's manager and I can respect that, but a player's manager must learn to trust young players until they prove otherwise. Both Murton and Cedeno seem and act like they want to be there and to learn, do not discourage this. Lead them and they will follow.

Tuesday - Glendon Rusch(5-8/4.83) vs. Matt Morris(14-6/3.91)

Tuesday is a BIG GAME for Glendon Rusch. After his last several outings Dusty has to have him on a short leash. Look for the bullpen to be ready early and often. Sergio Mitre was recalled from Iowa and pitched today. Dusty has a lot of arms in the pen to rely on tomorrow. The Cubs need this win to have a shot at .500 and 3rd place. Nomar needs to stay hot and the kids MUST PLAY in order to win. Patterson is just playing out the string. Murton wants to be there.

If you play them...and just win!!!