My review of the first big chunk of the season:

The Cubs have played well in spite of many factors. Injuries have played their part, and hopefully the Cubs will weather the storm. Houston has played really well, but I don't know how long they will be able to hold out. Here are some of my musings:

Surprises:

Michael Barrett. His defensive prowess behind the plate has been terriffic, but no one expected his bat to come alive so quickly.

Derrek Lee. We all know he is going to hit eventually, but this guy is a human vacuum cleaner at first base. I would say right now we have won two games because of his glove at first base.

Todd Walker. The guy is as gritty as it gets. I love how he has playoff stubble all year long.

Disappointments:

Ramon Martinez: There has got to be someone better than him in the minors. I cringe at the idea of him playing shortstop for the next 6 weeks while Alex Gonzalez gets healthy from a broken wrist.

Corey Patterson: This guy swings at EVERYTHING. I have kids in coach-pitch who have a better hitting eye than he does. Gary Matthews better get his act together and teach some plate discipline.

The six game win streak was a great time. Bus since then, the Cubs have seemed to be on a win one, lose one pace, and that just doesn't win the division. They start a pretty tough west-coast road trip tonight against the Dodgers and the Padres. Are the Padres that good, or does their park play a big part in their pitcher's "success"? That remains to be seen. I do like the Cubs' passion. Their heart seems to be in the right place to make the drive. I just hope that their bats are up for the challenge.

  ¶ 10:23 AM