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 April 2 to April 8:

Record: 3-3
There’s an old adage for winning baseball: Play .500 baseball on the road and win the majority of your games at home. The Cubs did exactly that this week, splitting a six-game road trip with Cincinnati and Milwaukee.

The second half of that adage begins this week as the Cubs make their 2007 Wrigley Field debut in an eight-game home stand.

While break-even baseball isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of good things to come, it was a better beginning than last year’s end. Normally I’d be happy with a road split, but the Cubs beat themselves in two of those losses.
Grade C

Starting Pitching:
With the exception of Carlos Zambrano’s manic opener and Wade Miller’s Sunday bust, the Cubs’ starting pitching has been better than anyone anticipated. Still, I’ll take four of six quality starts any day.

Miller simply will need to get better. As for the rest, may the Force stay with you.
Grade: B

Relief Pitching:
Inconsistent is the only way to describe the bullpen this week. It looks like Bob Howry will once again be the workhorse this year as setup man for Ryan Dempster, who recorded two of two saves.

On the flip side, the bullpen was directly responsible for Thursday’s loss at Cincinnati and Scott Eyre has looked simply horrible thus far.
Grade C

Hitting:
Cub hitters began to show signs of life after a lackluster start in the Cincinnati series. The potential is obviously there to score runs in bunches as it showed in its two wins against the Brewers.

For maximum potential, however, Alfonso Soriano needs to break out of his slow as molasses start. Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee are doing their jobs in the three and four slots, but need base runners to take advantage of their strong beginnings.
Grade B-

Base Running:
The Cubs were positively horrific in Thursday’s game against Cincinnati. Miscues by Soriano (picked off first) and Ryan Theriot (caught stealing) closed the door on a potential rally and a possible win.

It’s the little things that separate the contenders from the pretenders. The Cubs are running the bases like pretenders.
Grade C

Defense:
Once again, the Cubs traversed the plain of brilliance to bungling in the field. You won’t see a prettier double play than the one turned in by Lee and shortstop Cesar Izturis on Saturday.

On the other hand, catcher Michael Barrett has two passed balls in five games behind the plate.

Chicago’s outfield, which many think is the weak link of the Cub defense, will be tested over the course of the week as the Cubs enter an eight-game homestand. This is Soriano’s opportunity to quiet any critics.
Grade C

Managing:
I like Lou Piniella. And I like the way he manages the game and his players.

Wednesday’s trip to the mound to visit Dempster was classic. Basically, Lou told Dempster to throw strikes - in not that gentle of tone.

I do believe the Cubs will have success this season. And I believe Piniella will be a large part of the reason why.
Grade B+