On Momentum

Anybody else think this has been a bizarre season so far? The Cubs have been as streaky as Tyrus Thomas’ jump shot this summer. Split 2 and 4-game series, winning and then losing 2 out of 3 in consecutive series. An awesome 4-game comeback-infused winning streak bookended by a couple of 3-game dives. All those good and bad performances resulted in a .500 record (38-38) before this afternoon. However, when Jake Fox drew a game-winning walk to beat the Brew Crew for the 2nd straight day at Wrigley, I feel like getting ready for something bigger and better.

Maybe it’s the grandeur and mystery of a perfectly grilled pork chop, or maybe the curiosity of a small town fireworks display, or perhaps it’s the fact that Mark DeRosa still doesn’t have a hit as a St. Louis Cardinal. Whatever it is, I’m feeling really good right now as a Cubs fan.

Part of it is that walk. We all know that when the Cubs are patient at the plate, they are consistently rewarded with runs and ultimately wins. At the outset of this season, the Cubs scored a handful of runs via the bases-loaded walk, but it didn’t take. When the rookie from Iowa does it in the 10th inning with 2 outs and 2 strikes, I pray it does take. Mind you, after the other rookie from Iowa scalded a line-drive ticketed for his living room mantle until it was snagged and used to complete a double play in the 9th.

But seriously, what rookie takes that walk? And why on Earth is Sam Fuld averaging 5 pitches per at-bat? Who taught these guys patience, the thinking man statue? It’s truly amazing, and so unexpected.

These kids can play, and without wanting to jinx anyone or anything, it looks to me like Lou Piniella is getting into a groove when it comes to getting guys like Fox, Fuld, Blanco, and Hoffpauir playing time. Benching Soriano for two days was genius, because it says more than any open or closed door meeting with Soriano or any player. It certainly speaks to Soriano, and certainly to Sam Fuld. Hit the ball hard and you’ll find yourself being added to thousands of fantasy teams. Go 0-for and you’ll be dropped — down in the lineup or from thousands of fantasy leagues or (gulp) All-Star ballots.

I mentioned in today’s episode (mp3) that if I were Lou Piniella, I would bench Soriano until the Cubs lose. We’ve received similar sentiments from several listeners in the last few weeks.

That didn’t happen today and Soriano went 0-5, but at the same time it’ll do a world of good for Soriano to see what is winning these ballgames. If he sees it hopefully it’ll light a spark under him. If he doesn’t, Sam Fuld is going to swipe some more plate appearances from him.

Sounds like a win-win to me.

Congrats to these Cubs on their good play in this Brewers series so far. Keep it up and Go Cubs!