Sox Swept Away
By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 25, 2007 2:12PM
The Cubs held the White Sox to just two runs over three games, as they swept this weekend's series and ended up winning five of six overall in the crosstown showdown.
Carlos Zambrano out dueled Mark Buehrle in Friday's game, limiting the Sox to one run and three hits as the Cubs won 5-1. The Sox bullpen let any chance for a comeback slip away by letting up three ninth inning runs.
On Saturday, the Cubs won 2-1 after Ryan Theriot laid down a perfect squeeze bunt in the ninth inning that scored Angel Pagan, and handed the weekend series to the Cubs.
Sunday's game started out as another pitchers' duel before the Cubs added single runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings -- including Alfonso Soriano's third home run of the series. Ozzie Guillen got tossed for arguing after a wierd play reversed double play. The Cubs took the final game 3-0, ensuring the sweep.
Over a week ago, we told Sox GM Kenny Williams it was time to wave the white flag and start rebuilding. At the time, he decided to hold off in hopes of the team showing some life as injured players returned to the lineup. But after this weekend's sweep by the Cubs, Kenny agrees it time to blow the team up. If they can't show the slightest bit of life in the heated crosstown rivalry against the Cubs, there's no life left in them.
Something's got to happen. I'm tired of watching this. Change needs to happen and change is going to happen. When that happens, I don't know.
And that was before Sunday's 3-0 loss! Chicagoist can now expect to be busy posting on the numerous trades we expect to see in the next few weeks. Have we truly seen the last of Mark Buehrle in a Sox uniform? Will Tadahito Iguchi land elsewhere, as well?
Unfortunately for a GM who clearly wants to make moves, many of the guys he wants to move are damaged goods the moment. Crede's, a free agent at season's end, is already likely done for the season. Between his stellar 2006 season and Josh Fields' development, he was at the top of the list to shop before his back gave out. Jermaine Dye missed time this weekend due to an injured quad and might be headed to the disabled list. Darin Erstad came of the DL on Friday, only to return on Saturday after reinjuring his foot injury. Scott Podsednik came off the DL early when Erstad went back on, but can he stay healthy?
Meanwhile, the Cubs now sit four games under .500. They remain 7 1/2 back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the weak NL Central. Do they have a shot at making a run for the division still? They also sit just seven back in the Wild Card hunt. With more than a month before the trading deadline, the Cubs can sit tight for a while and see whether they're able to carry this weekend's momentum through the next few series and climb into the thick of the hunt. Otherwise, they'll join the crosstown brethren in waiting for next year.
Photo by AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh