Chicago Cubs Baseball

Every Sunday during the Chicago Cubs baseball season I’ll try to issue a report card, assessing the week that was from a long distance point of view. Here’s the report card for the week of May 14 to May 20 :
Weekly Record: 3-4
Season Record: 20-22

Despite a 3-4 record for the week, all was not bad in Cubbie land. After all, anytime the Chicago Cubs can take two of three from its crosstown rival there’s cause for celebration, if not momentary bragging rights.

The week also saw a heroic return of Derrek Lee after a week off with neck spasms. In a pinch-hitting role on Saturday, Lee delivered a grand slam, closing the book on the ChiSox - for at least a day.

Then there was the bullpen which even has Cubs manager Lou Piniella struggling for answers. What is becoming the same tune week after week, the Cubs have learned that no lead is safe as long as they have to turn to their bullpen.

The Cubs begin a six-game road swing out to the Left Coast, beginning Tuesday. Success is within range as long as the bats remain hot, the starting pitching remains respectable, and Piniella finds at least four new faces for the Cubs bullpen.

Here’s this week’s Cub report card.

Weekly Grade: C-
Season Grade: C

Starting Pitching:
Chicago Cubs baseball fans caught a glimpse of the “old” Carlos Zambrano on Tuesday, but by Sunday the Big Zzzzz returned to his 2007 form - generally ineffective, mostly wild. Tuesday was another story, however, as Zambrano was in full command with his agent and Cubs president John McDonough in the audience.

With the exception of Ted Lilly, who has been absolutely brilliant all season, the remainder of the starting pitching is beginning to show chinks in its armor. Jason Marquis lasted five and six innings, respectively, in his two starts this week, while lefty Rich Hill suddenly is having trouble with his control.

And seven weeks into the season, Chicago is still looking for a fifth starter.

Weekly Grade: B-
Season Grade: B-

Relief Pitching:
Just when you thought the Cub bullpen couldn’t perform any worse, along comes this week.

Michael Wuertz, who supplanted Bob Howry in the set-up role, got the bullpen collapse rolling Monday night against the Mets. The right hander issued three consecutive walks to force home the New York winning run.

Not to be outdone, Ryan Dempster and Scott Eyre combined for the second bullpen fiasco of the week on Thursday. New York scored five times in the ninth to snatch yet another victory from the Cubs win column. Dempster was the main culprit in the collapse, but Eyre was certainly an accomplice.

Piniella has more than hinted a shake-up is coming. Cubs fans may have caught the beginning of it this weekend with the call-up of Carlos Marmol. The last time we saw Marmol was in a starting role last season. He’s now been used in late-inning relief, and has been somewhat successful.

Dempster to the starting rotation? Angel Guzman being groomed as the next Cub closer. These and other rumors emerged this past week.

Stay tuned on Tuesday.

Weekly: Grade: D+
Season Grade: C-

Hitting:
The good news is Chicago averaged over six runs per game the past week. The bad news is the Chicago bullpen can’t stand prosperity.

Aramis Ramirez swung the hottest stick with three homers and 12 RBIs, while raising his BA over 25 points in the course of seven games. Ryan Theriot continues to show patience at the plate and has emerged as perhaps Chicago’s most clutch plate performer.

The Chicago offense also seemed to get a boost with the insertion of Angel Pagan into the starting lineup. A recent call-up from Triple A Iowa, Pagan always had speed, but showed some punch this week with a pair of homers.

Weekly Grade: B
Season Grade: C+

Base Running:
The biggest issue facing the Cubs and the base paths is the communication between third base coach Mike Quade and whomever happens to land there. The fact that baserunning pops up at least once a week tells me there’s still work to be done.

And runs to be scored.
Weekly Grade: C

Season Grade: C

Defense:
Even in the absence of D Lee at first base the Cubs managed to put in a steady, if not sparkling effort in the field this week. Chicago fielders committed just one error for the week - by an out-of-position Daryl Ward, subbing for the injured Lee.

The Cubs appeared to have solidified their middle defense with Ryan Theriot alternating between second and short, and Jacque Jones and Pagan sharing the center field duties.

Weekly Grade: B+
Season Grade: B-

Managing:
One thing we learned about Piniella - he doesn’t like to talk about “feelings” after a tough loss. In fact, kudos to Piniella for keeping his cool following another Cub collapse, courtesy of the bullpen.

”I don’t know,” Piniella said Thursday about his bullpen. ”I’ll be honest with you. I’ll tell you the truth: These guys got to do it. I don’t know what else to say.”

Don’t worry, Lou. The look on your face said it all.
Weekly Grade: B+
Season Grade: B+