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

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7 Slump Busters for the Cubs — 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)

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.

(Read more MLB stories.)

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