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7 Slump Busters for the Cubs

Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon

By Lev Weinstein, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 8, 2008 12:09 PM CDT

(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:

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

Henry Blanco: With a backup this good, rookie catcher Geovany Soto needs to sit more to insure his longevity.
Jim Edmonds: His offensive resurgence needs to carry over into the second half.
Carlos Marmol: The reliever needs to get over his "phase" quick.
Daryle Ward: Can the defensively hapless slugger find success after his inter-league stint at DH?
Jason Marquis: Can the starter learn second-half consistency?
Ryan Theriot: Needs to continue his success at short.

Chicago Cubs' Jason Marquis pitches to the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Chicago Cubs' Ryan Theriot follows through on an RBI single in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, July 5, in St. Louis. Mark DeRosa scored on the hit. (AP Photo/Kyle Ericson)

Chicago Cubs' Jim Edmonds rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 12, 2008 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

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7 Slump Busters for the Cubs

Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon

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Angels Land Albert Pujols for $250M

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Induction comes roughly a year after his death

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Verlander and Co. can't get it done in rain-delayed game

Red Sox Miss Playoffs After 'Worst Collapse Ever'

Last-day losses cap miserable month for Red Sox, Braves

Baseball Should Ban Arguments With Umps

They cheapen the game: Bill Plaschke

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7 Slump Busters for the Cubs

Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

MLB • Chicago Cubs • baseball • Ryan Theriot • Jason Marquis • Daryle Ward • Carlos Marmol • Jim Edmonds

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Angels Land Albert Pujols for $250M

Deal is for 10 years, $250 million

Cubs' Santo Wins Hall of Fame Nod

Induction comes roughly a year after his death

Rangers Tame Tigers 3-2 in ALCS Opener

Verlander and Co. can't get it done in rain-delayed game

Red Sox Miss Playoffs After 'Worst Collapse Ever'

Last-day losses cap miserable month for Red Sox, Braves

Baseball Should Ban Arguments With Umps

They cheapen the game: Bill Plaschke

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?