7 Slump Busters for the Cubs

Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon
Posted Jul 8, 2008 12:09 PM CDT
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:

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

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

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