So, what do people think of Mateo? He's got a good ERA - THT shows him with an ERA+ of 108 - and his walk rate (3.9 BB/9) isn't terrible for a Cubs pitcher.

On the other hand, his K rate seems a bit on the low side to me (6.96 K/9) and he's averaging less than 5 innings per start. Does he deserve a shot in the Cubs rotation next year?

If I were judging right now, I'd rank Cubs starting prospects for 2007 Zambrano-Hill-Mateo-Marshall-Guzman-Marmol-etc. But I can't decide whether the break between "good enough to deserve a spot in the rotation" is between Hill and Mateo or between Mateo and Marshall. Any opinions?

He needs more seasoning. He's not ready to be a starter.

And I'll say it again: I feel sorry for Baker. I don't care for the man, but he's going to be the only one to get punished for this awful season.

We need to lose these games. The Pirates have dropped 8 straight and caught up with the Cubs for last place.

I want solo last. Looks like today's effort is a good start - down 8-0, only seeing about 11 pitches/inning.

I'm thinking this comeback falls short; I still can't fully root against the team. It's nice to see Theriot keeping this up. Highly unlikely he's a .340+ hitter, but I think he should be given serious consideration for the starting second baseman job next year.

I hadn't noticed, but Murton's got his average up to .297 and his OPS over .800. He's gone .322/.386/.533 since the All-Star Break, with 13 2B and 9 HR in around 220 PAs. On the season, he's also hit .333/.402/.524 at Wrigley.

Given that he turns 25 next week and is under their cheap control for the next 4-5 years, I'd think the Cubs would be happy with that kind of production, not scuffling around the dugout talking about how he should be hitting more HRs or he'll find himself on the bench. It seems likely he could grow into a consistent .850 OPS guy.

I'll be really disappointed if Hendry makes acquiring a corner outfielder an offseason priority. This team has enough holes - they don't need to manufacture new ones.

Well, that was an interesting ninth. And it was made possible by one of those base-clogging walks. I still sense we're primed for another trademark heartbreaking loss in extras.

And it was made possible by one of those base-clogging walks.

Murton really should have been swinging at all of that stuff. And what's Jacque Jones doing checking his swing? We take full swings on this team, buddy.

Murton is one Cub who actually knows what he's doing at the plate, and this PA in the 13th is yet another exhibition of that.

I still think he'd make a fine two-hitter while we wait for that power to fully develop.

Nice to see the Cubs upholding their long-standing tradition of refusing to win a home extra innings game with anything but a homer. Their pen's pulling a ton of Houdini acts right now; I'm not sure how much longer they can avoid allowing the Rockies to plate a run.

I wish they had just lost it in the ninth.

P.S. I hate Mabry.