Dempster K's 12 to Lead Cubs Over Padres 4-0

Slugging catcher dealt to San Diego after brawl with staff ace

(NEWSER) - Fiery power-hitting catcher Michael Barrett is through in Chi-town, after he followed a genius 2006 campaign with a season marred by poor defense, erratic hitting, and a bloody feud with pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Cubs GM Jim Hendry denied that Barrett's off-field liveliness led to the trade, citing instead a need for defensive retooling. 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.

Rays at the head of the class—Rockies, Marlins at the back

(NEWSER) - Report card time! Here’s how the rambunctious kids of MLB are doing so far, in Yahoo Sports’ Steven Henson’s estimation. A students—Rays, Red Sox, Cubs, Angels, White Sox Particular kudos go to the Rays, the poor kid who went to the head of the class. B students—Cardinals, Brewers, Twins, Phillies, Yankees, Athletics, Marlins, Orioles The Cardinals have a slight edge in the wildcard race. The Yankees, meanwhile, barely scrape together a B. More»

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»

(NEWSER) - Ted Lilly struck out 11 in six innings to win his third straight start, and Alfonso Soriano and Geovany Soto homered to lead the Chicago Cubs over the San Diego Padres 8-5 Wednesday night. Backed by three RBIs apiece from Soriano and Soto, Lilly (4-4) allowed six hits and four runs in six innings. More»