at the break

[bhogg]

Well, we've arrived at the all star break.

 

We stand 6 games out of the wild card.

 

In all honesty, I'd say we have just as good a shot as the rest of the teams in WC contention.

 

However, if this team reels off 10 straight wins or 10 straight losses, neither will surprise me.

 

I had a very similar feeling in '03.

 

Who knows, maybe we play a little better after the break, Hendry makes a nice move or two, Nomar comes back to his usual form, and pitching holds.

 

Stranger things have happened.

 

Hopefully, it will be a fun 2nd Half.

[Zaphkiel]

I must admit, I feel much better about our chances(if we pick up an impact bat) after this sweep of the Marlins. I was ready to write off the season after that four game sweep by the Braves, but it's possible that with Corey and Neifi no longer batting 1-2 and Murton brought up, this team actually just got good enough to contend. I'm willing to believe that if not for Dusty's obstinate determination to bat two very bad hitters at 1-2, we'd have a much better record right now.

[USSoccer]

The key is keeping Hairston/Walker 1-2. They've done a great job getting onbase and putting pressure on the opposing pitcher.

 

My feeling on the team is this: I think they have one good winning streak left in them before September. It has to come sooner rather than later. The post ASB schedule does help. 4 vs PIT and 3 vs CIN before a series in Busch. They absolutely, positively cannot afford a losing streak longer than 3 the rest of the season. If they have another slide, they're done.

 

I said after Friday's game, they have to go 10-2 over their next 12 to get themselves back in the thick of the race. After that, they need to make sure they win series, and hopefully rip off one more streak before September.

 

If they can enter September within 3 of the Wild Card, I think we're in good shape.

[dalgreen]

It all goes back to what I said a week ago. Which is the real team? The one that has two losing streaks of seven this year or the one with the seven game win streak and now a three game win streak?

 

Hairston and Walker have to remain at the 1-2 spots, and Dusty can no longer "experiment" with anything. But I still say, it's important for the whole lineup to have OBP and not just the 1-2 hitters only. If you notice, this series, the whole lineup got on base at a much better clip.

 

The Cubs are still contenders. Honestly, every team in the wild-card hunt can say if this and if that. There's not one team that I see that is just head and shoulders above everyone else. We need to take care of business against the Pirates. If we do that, we gain ground on either the Cards or the Astros, who play each other next weekend.

[donobr]

Baker had achance to really increase their chances by playing Murton against a lefty on the downside of his career and really building Murton's confidence.If the man was not so stupid you would think he is throwing games for profit.FIRE BAKER NOW.

[PackLandVA]

We all knew that the schedule in June and then the first part of July were gonna be a killer. I agreed with many other posters saying that if the Cubs could stay near .500 at the All-Star Break AND stay healthy, they'd be in good shape.

 

Well, they're a game of .500 at the Break. I think the schedule works out for them to start the 2nd half. The worst part of their schedule has passed. I expect their starting pitching to be better and more consistent. I think the past 3 games was a glimpse into what to expect. I think the lineup, offensively, will be better as long as 1-2 are getting on base. And I think with a good start to the 2nd half, Hendry will make some moves to strengthen the team.

 

I don't know if they'll make the playoffs. But I'd at least like to see them compete, and play to their potential. Heck, there's always next year! :wink:

[Bench Coach]

The Cubs need to just kick some butt, and have fun, in the second half.

 

Hopefully Nomar will come back and return to form, which would be a serious boost. I do think we need to trade for a setup man, a proven one that is. Someone like Scott Sheilds from the Angels would be ideal, though I have no reason to think the Angels would want to trade him.

[Brian]

We got at least one thing going for us Mark Prior historically OWNS in September. And big Z did last year (have an amazing Sept.). Both Wood & Prior should have very fresh arms for the stretch.

[PackLandVA]

August 1st is the latest projection for Nomar's return.

[Brian]

a wild card for the pen will be Scott Williamson. How soon can he return and can he be a reliable set-up man.