Soriano Sparks Cubbies' Rally

Both win easily, with Tampa star a unanimous choice in AL

(NEWSER) - Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto and Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria were named the rookies of the year today in the National and American leagues, respectively. Soto, 25, was voted an All-Star Game starter and finished the season with a .285 batting average, 23 home runs, and 86 RBI, the Tribune reports. He easily beat out Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto. More»

Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon

(NEWSER) - Despite a National League-best 53-36 record, all is not well in Wrigleyville, Paul Sullivan writes in the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs need these seven guys to step up and insure that Sweet Lou’s “100-year thing” doesn’t become a 101-year thing:

1. Sean Marshall: Lefty pitcher needs to keep up his current quality to help the team, and stay on it.

Lovable losers are on pace for record 62 home wins

(NEWSER) - Shhh, don't jinx it: The Chicago Cubs not only lead the National League, they're playing better at home than on the road. The lovable losers are 26-8 at Wrigley Field, a record they last held before going to (and losing) the World Series in 1918. Now they're on pace for 62 home wins, a first for the team that some say is cursed. More»

Soto, DeRosa add big flies as well

(NEWSER) - Alfonso Soriano homered in his first two at-bats, Geovany Soto and Mark DeRosa also homered and the surging Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-4 Friday for their seventh win in eight games. Soriano connected on the first pitch from Tom Gorzelanny for his third leadoff homer in four games and launched a three-run shot in the second inning, making it 6-0. More»

(NEWSER) - Khalil Greene hit a three-run home run to help Shawn Estes earn his first victory since 2005 with the San Diego Padres' 4-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. Estes pitched 5 1-3 innings and the Padres' bullpen secured the win with 3 2-3 innings of hitless relief. Trevor Hoffman pitched a scoreless ninth for his seventh save in nine chances. More»