Monday, May 3, 2010
5:48 PM
By Luke Stuckmeyer
CSNChicago.com
April Shower: The Cubs have questions to answer after the first month of the season, but almost every team in baseball can say the same thing. The Cubs concerns are obvious right now....the bullpen and their inconsistent offense. The biggest hit to the Cubs going into this season was the loss of Angel Guzman. He's not Cy Young but the Cubs were counting on him as a righty with experience and past success to bridge the gap to Marmol. That left young relievers trying the setup role and they were forced into pressure situations.
May Answer: Can Carlos Zambrano be the temporary answer? So far -- so good. Give Carlos credit for being a team player here. Two years ago a more immature Zambrano would never have taken this role. He's not happy, but he's doing it. Zambrano has the best winning percentage of any starting pitcher in Cubs history!! Its the boldest move in baseball this year.
April Shower: An offensive roller coaster with more lows than highs for the Cubs big three. Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are struggling to hit their weight with slow starts at the plate. Alfonso Soriano heard more boos than A.J. Pierzynsksi in a crosstown game. This much is simple...all three have to produce if the Cubs are going anywhere.
May Answer: Don't worry. They will hit. Soriano is on a tear to start the month and the booing -- has turned into bleacher bum bowing! Lee was the best player in Chicago last year and a slow start isn't the end of the world. D Lee will hit and so will Aramis Ramirez. They are two of the most productive hitters in the National League every single year. That will be the case again this year.
If that doesn't cheer you up, try this:
MLB
1. Geovany Soto had a great first month after struggling last season.
2. Carlos Marmol has been terrific as the closer since taking over last year.
3. Marlon Byrd has been everything the Cubs need him to be on and off the field.
4. Tyler Colvin's spring training was not a fluke.
5. The Cubs starting pitching survived without Ted Lilly. They have been as good as anybody in baseball.
Now let's see if this all adds up to a big month of May on the Northside!