SAN DIEGO — The Cubs are checking both the National League Central and the Wild Card standings these days, and at this point, it doesn’t matter which one they finish on top of.
They close their three-game series in San Diego on Wednesday in need of a win before heading up Interstate 5 to face the West-leading Dodgers. Chicago is six games back in the Central, and five games back in the Wild Card standings.
“I don’t think you need to separate either of the two,” Lou Piniella said, when asked if the team needed to win one or the other.
“Obviously, the Cardinals are playing as well as anybody,” Piniella said. “If you’re playing well in one, you’ll be competing in the other.”
Playing well is the key. Wednesday continues the Cubs swing through a tough 24-day stretch which began on July 31 and finds them on the road for 17 of the 22 games. They’re batting .268 at Wrigley Field, averaging five runs per game, and have a 35-22 record. On the road, the Cubs are hitting .242 and they’re 25-35.
“What we need to do is win some baseball games and we need to put a streak together,” Piniella said. “We haven’t had one in a long, long time. Are we capable of it? Yeah, we’re capable of it. We can’t continue to lose these games that seemingly are won. We’ll see what happens.”
He was referring to Monday’s game, which the Cubs lost 4-1, as the Padres scored four runs in the ninth off Kevin Gregg. That prompted Piniella to name Carlos Marmol as the new closer, replacing Gregg.
“We needed to try a different approach,” Piniella said. “We’ve been very patient, if you want to use that word. We’ve lost some tough, tough ballgames. Marmol deserves an opportunity, so we’re going to give him that chance.”
|
Money Clip Barlow Scrimshaw Baseball Hinged Holder NIB
$23.99 |
|
STEELY DAN! THINK FAST TOUR TAN BASEBALL HAT CAP NEW
$14.99 |
|
Easton youth baseball bat BCN14 20oz -9 w/ 2 5/8 barr.
$51.00 |
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
|
New Balance 1500 LK Mens Baseball Cleats Shoes NB1500LK
$74.95 |
|
NWT,BEATLES POP ROCK VINTAGE BAND BASEBALL RED T-SHIRT
$8.85 |
|
49 Baseball Cards - 1988 to 1993 (very good condition)
$5.00 |
|
New TORONTO BLUEJAYS BASEBALL CREW SOCKS sz 10-13
$9.33 |
|
1934 newspaper Baseball player Photo RABBIT MARANVILLE
$17.99 |
|
1934 newspapers Minor League BALTIMORE ORIOLES baseball
$44.99 |
|
B1018 BALL CAP BASEBALL TRUCKER VISOR MEN WOMEN SUN HAT
$8.99 |
|
Major League Baseball 2K7 (PlayStation Portable, 2007)
$0.99 |
|
CapRack 36 (Black) (60 H x 4 W x 4.5 D)
$19.99 Display a total of 36 caps on this versatile over-the-door cap rack! The 5-foot cord allows multiple placement options, while the innovative clips can be spaced anywhere along the cord, for unlimited display options. This hat rack may be hung over a door, on a wall, looped over a closet rod, and even hung from the ceiling. Use it in the living room, bedroom, den, or garage - it's also perfect f... |
|
CapRack18 - Baseball Cap Holder (Black) (76.5H x 1W x 0.2D)
$10.29 The CapRack18 is the ideal way to store a multitude of baseball and sport caps. The ingenious two row style CapRack 18 holds 18 caps. Each hook holds one cap. The caps face front, so you can show your pride in your home team - even when you're not at the game. The CapRack 18 prevents caps from getting crushed, or losing their shape. Each row of the CapRack 18 can be hung over a door (it fits both ... |
|
NEW YORK YANKEES METAL LIGHT SWITCH PLATE COVER
$2.99 This is for a single throw light switch. We carry only the Highest Quality Embossed Aluminum METAL Light Plate Switch Covers that are Manufactured today! Lightweight and Durable these fun designs can be put on any outlet switch! Each is individually shrink wrapped w/drilled holes for quick and easy mounting! All items we stock are licensed in accordance with trademark and copyright requirements. ... |
|
Baseball the Ripken Way DVD 3-Pack
$31.79 Studio: Arts Alliance America Release Date: 01/06/2009... |
|
Play Ball!: Basic Hitting
$2.93 The "Play Ball! Basic Hitting" DVD with Ray Romano and Reggie Smith is an authentic Little League? baseball guide that teaches basic hitting techniques, strategies, tips, practice drills, and safety. It's hosted by Ray Romano from TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond".... |