Chicago Cubs
Play-off Bound ??

The Chicago Cubs were off to the worst start in there franchise history this year probably from the loss of P Frank Castillio, P Steve Traschel, P Jamie Navaroo, RF Sammy Sosa, SS Jose Hernandez, and CF Brian McRae. But the Cubs have turned it around since the all-star break making some key trades right before the break while getting all-star 3B Travis Fryman and LF Marty Cordova.

The Cubs offense at the beginning of the season, well pretty much stunk. Here is the new Cubs offense. C Chris Widger, 2B Chuck Knoblauch, 3B Fernando Tatis, 3B Travis Fryman, 3B Mike Blowers, 3B Wade Boggs, LF Marty Cordova, LF Tom Goodwin, LF Mike Greenwell, LF Matt Stairs, CF Kenny Lofton, CF Brian McRae, RF Jay Buhner, RF Tony Gwynn, LF Tony Phillips, LF Bip Roberts. Of course, they have had a big key player get injured last sim which was LF Marty Cordova and already having 1B Paul Sorrento and CF Ellis Burks out it didn't help much, but the Cubs are still on a 5 game win streak with out those guys and are only 1 game out of the division lead.

One thing about the Cubs they know how to steal as they lead the leauge right now in steals nearing the 200 mark.Most of them go to CF Kenny Lofton, LF Tom Goodwin, and 2B Chuck Knoblauch. The pitching was the problem at the beginning of the season but now it's shaped up alot as P Brett Saghberhagen is pitching some great ball lately -- as well as 12 game winner Kent Mercker who surprised everyone with his homerun and triple this year. The other starters are Dave Mclicki, 9-2 3.06 ERA Areial Preito, and sometimes I add Rookie Mike Farmer as the 5th starter. He's done a great job for a rookie. And with Hoffman and Habyan to close the games, we are in fine shape now. Hopefully, Tony Phillips (.315, 26 homers on the season) can take the spot of LF Marty Cordova.

I hope to see you all in the playoffs. Hopefully, I can beat Pittsburg but I wish you the best of luck Keith.

One of Many Offensive Leaders