Mark Prior struggled again to have a good start off the DL. He went 3.1 innings and gave up 4 runs and only struck out 2. Glendon Rucsh, Roberto Novoa, Will Ohman and Scott Eyre combined to only allow 3 hits and no runs through 4 innings. Bob Howry gave up 3 runs to the Nationals for the Cubs to lose in a heart breaker 7 to 6. Aramis Ramirez and John Mabry both hit home runs off of Pedro Astacio. The Cubs had a 6 to 4 lead until the 8th inning when the Cubs found more work that needs to be done with the bull pen.
The Cubs are starting to come together and are getting more from the bats. The pitching is still struggling while the middle relief has shined.
There are a lot of rumors about the Cubs putting players on the trading block but as you can see the healthier the team the better they get. As of right now Scott Williamson is the only one that is going to be sure trade bait. There will probably be a deal done before the Cubs head to New York to play the Mets.
The Cubs don't need to shed any salaries because they can afford to add even more to their budget. If they make a trade it is going to have to work for the team. I know of a third baseman that is having some problems hitting over there in New York. He even can play a good shortstop since that was once his original position.
I know! I know! Keep Dreaming!