Cubs Defeat Last-Place Astros, 4-2

The Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros on Friday 4-2. The win is being touted at least by Cubs manager Mike Quade as one as a result of "intensity." I think it is important to remember we have the fifth-place team beating the last-place team.

Sam Zuba has posted an article at the MLB.com website titled "Zambrano walks tightrope early, tops Astros."

Zuba is referring to the second and third innings of the game when Cubs' starter Carlos Zambrano, (7-5, ERA 4.70) escaped bases-loaded situations both with no outs. This game was Zambrano's second game since coming back from the disabled list. The first game he was clobbered with eight runs in less than five innings.

The Cubs got home runs from Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez in the fifth inning for the win.

As a Cubs fan I am happy to get the win, however I think we have to be honest with ourselves. While Quade preached more "intensity" a couple of days ago I don't think that had a lot to do with the win. After all while the Cubs are 40-60, 20 games under .500, the Houston Astros are 33-66, 33 games under .500.

When a team starts a season if they are going to have a successful year they must defeat the teams they are expected to beat. The Cubs were not able to do that and in addition to their injuries that has capped their season in a negative way.

However I'm not sure the Cubs had the talent needed to have a good year.

Much of the positive thinking was based on what happened last year. When Mike Quade took over for Lou Piniella he was able to post a 24-13 record in the last 37 games with many non-starters. That same magic hasn't occurred this year.

Today Randy Wells will represent the Cubs on the mound against Houston. Wells has gone nine games without a win. Part of the problem is his pitching but part of the problem has also been the woeful offense he has been given by the club.

While this game will not decide a pennant, season turnarounds have to start somewhere.

References:

MLB.com Website, Sam Zuba, "Zambrano walks tightrope early, tops Astros"

MLB.com Website, "Carlos Zambrano Statistics"