What can one say?

At least they scored tonight.  Otherwise, another excellent start from Sean Marshall down the tubes.  Marshall was flashing a wicked curve ball tonight and even though he got behind a number of hitters, he only walked three while striking out six.  Ramirez provided the only scoring with a homer in the 4th.  Meanwhile, the Cubs had eight other hits, including a triple by Barrett, plus three base on balls and five stolen bases, and were unable to push across a run of any kind.  Juan Pierre hit the softest line-drive to Josh Barfield I can remember seeing and was generally helpless at the plate, as was Jacque Jones who left four runners on base while striking out four times.  It’s a bit surreal to watch.  There is almost a sense that baserunners are meaningless - that the five stolen bases were done more for show than for any strategic advantage.  Even a suicide squeeze attempt to get Barrett home seemed perfunctory.  There is no cohesion with this offense and everyone seems to be hitting in isolation.  I really think it’s time to give Restovich some opportunities at 1B and move Walker back to 2B, as this team needs some offensive pop desperately.

Angel Guzman goes tomorrow against Woody Williams.  I have a feeling the Cubs will break through with five or six runs, but I certainly wouldn’t bet my last dime on it.