All or Nothing

The Cubs are about to split a double-header with the Marlins. They got shutout again for the second game in a row in the opener 7-0 by Carl Pavano. In the second game they're winning 11-2 in the 9th. The Cubs lineup starting the second game was not very encouraging for a team that had just been shutout for 18 innings:

Patterson CF
Perez (yes, Niefi) SS
Alou LF
Ramirez 3B
Lee 1B
Grudzielanek 2B
Macias RF
Bako C

Ouch. Why not Walker? Why not Dubois? Why not Sosa? Why not Garciapara? I know Sosa and Nomar are beat up but with only 25 games to go? So what happens? With homers by Alou and Ramirez and a 4 for 4 from Perez the Cubs rolled against a rookie making his major league debut for the Marlins. I can't figure it out.

Although behind in the wild card race now the Cubs are still tied with the Marlins where it counts - the fewest losses at 63. Looking to take the final two games this weekend although it appears that Matt Clement will not start on Sunday against A.J. Burnett.

On another note, the Cubs are now carrying Tom Goodwin, Calvin Murray, Niefi Perez, and Paul Bako. A weaker collection of bench hitters I've not seen.