Cubs….Long Road Back?

Still miles to go for the Cubs but at least for one night (Thursday) they actually looked like a good club in  defeating the Phillies 12-6. Hitting has been the big problem for the Cubs all season but this night they looked potent banging out 16 hits. Alfonso Soriano and Starlin Castro each had 3 of those hits with Soriano, Derrek Lee and Geovani Soto all hitting home runs and Castro also became the first Cub in 14 years to pull off a steal of home.

Perhaps the best news offensively though was the continued resurgence of Aramis Ramirez. The Cub's third baseman had 2 more hits while driving in 4 runs as his bat has finally come alive after being dormant for the first half of the season. Ryan Dempster lasted into the 7th inning to pick up his 8th win as the Cubs pick up a half game in the standings and now trail first place Cincinnati by 9 games.

Prior to the game Jim Hendry would not reveal what, if any, trade discussions he has had but did reveal that Carlos Zambrano reported out to Mesa to begin his come back. Zambrano threw 25 pitches and will stay out in Arizona for about a week before heading to a minor league spot for a few outings. Those outings will take place out of the bullpen where he will stay until further notice.