Improving

There was a lot to be excited about during last night’s Cubs win against the arch-rival St. Louis Cardinals.

First, Jason Marquis, ex-Cardinal, pitched another great game and earned his second straight win against his former teammates. There was a lot of concern by Cubs fans when Marquis was signed, but things appear to be working out fine with the youngster. He was earned three wins in his first five starts with an ERA of 2.35. He is a different style of pitcher compared to Ted Lilly, Rich Hill and Carlos Zambrano, but that is good. Having a variety of styles in the starting rotation is as important as having a mix of righthanders and lefthanders. It keeps the other team from getting into a stride.

Another bit of excitement comes from the defensive play of Alfonzo Soriano. Soriano threw out Edmonds at the plate last night, which featured a good effort from Barrett as well. Edmonds is no longer as fleet as Ryan Theriot, but it was still fun to watch.

Soriano is still not hitting like the Soriano we expected, but he will. Just as D-Lee and Ramirez has awoken, so will Soriano.

Then there is Felix Pie who struck the first of what we hope will be many home runs. It came at a good time, increasing the lead from 2 to 1 to 4 to 1. He had a chance to be a hitting star in the ninth as he came to the plate with one out and Matt Murton on third. Instead of a single, deep fly ball or a squeeze play, Pie squibbed one back to the pitcher.
Just when it looked like another lost opportunity, Cesar Izturis (yes, he still plays for the Cubs) came up with the big single to score an insurance run in the top of the ninth.

That last run gave Ryan Dempster breathing room. He was able to shut down the Cardinals in the ninth, after bailing out Michael Wuertz and Neal Cotts who loaded the bases with one out in the eighth. Dempster picked up his fourth save this year, having gone ages without a save opportunity. Many worried about whether he could return to 2005 form. So far, he is working out fine.

The final note of hope comes from Thursday night as Angel Guzman made his second start for Iowa. He was shelled for five runs in three innings in his first outing. This type he made it two the fifth inning, only allowing two runs and gathering five K’s. The Cubs are committed to him starting on May 1st and he may be ready to do battle.

Speaking of the minors, last year’s rookie Sean Marshall pitched well in Daytona Wednesday and was promoted to Iowa. He has endured shoulder “fatigue” this spring. We may see him contribute to this Cubs season yet.

All that and the Cubs have another winning streak started. This afternoon Carlos Zambrano hopes to make it three.

The sun is bright this morning. Life is grand!