The Cubs are finally home after a June from hell. They managed a league best ERA of 3.18 during the month which translated into an 11-14 record. The pitchers on this team shouldn't have to ever buy a drink again this season because the offense owes them big time.
The Cubs batted a third-worst .233 in June which seemed even worse since they couldn't buy a hit with runners in scoring position. I can't even fathom that there were two teams that somehow managed to perform worse offensively than the Cubs.
The end result is a return home after a 3-7 road trip that has dropped them a game under .500, but inexplicably still within 3 1/2 games of first place. Of course, the other side to that coin is they are only 2 1/2 games out of last place.
The Cubs also return with a new diminutive conquering hero in Sam Fuld, who has replaced Alfonso Soriano as the the leadoff man and left fielder in many fans' hearts. There have been numerous calls on Twitter for Soriano to remain on the bench in favor of Fuld.
I'm hoping that people don't fall in love with Fuld too much because I don't think he is going to be on the roster for long.
The Cubs have traded for Jeff Baker and designated Ryan Freel and his pal, Farney for assignment. I can't imagine anyone giving the Cubs anything for him, so he is most likely either going to be released or he'll accept a trip to the minors. But the acquisition means that there is one less candidate to be removed from the roster when Ramirez comes back.
If I had my way, it would be Aaron Miles who is the next to disappear, but even if I get my wish, Reed Johnson will be returning soon as well. Assuming Fuld survives the return of Ramirez, there is almost no way that he survives the return of Johnson.
The Cubs may play a little roster roulette by placing Soriano or Bradley on the DL with a trumped up injury (Soriano's knee has reportedly been giving him trouble), but that will only serve as another 15-day stay of execution.
Unless we want to see a defense of corner outfielders in the middle infield, the roster is heavy with outfielders, and Fuld has the least seniority. So love him while he is here, but be prepared for a tear-filled goodbye at some point.
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