Ave Catuli 2004

The Cubs were officially eliminated today 8-6 by the Braves. One of the themes of the nightmare week continued as Kyle Farnsworth and Mike Remlinger let it slip away in the 8th. Sammy Sosa hit number 574 to pass Harmon Killebrew along with homers by Moises Alou and Aramis Ramirez but it wasn't enough.

It doesn't hurt as much as last year since the inconsistency of this team would have doomed it in the playoffs. Hoping Steve Stone is retained as he's one of the best in the business. Personally, I didn't think his comments as written were that bad. Dusty did make some questionable moves this week as he usually does but the failure of the team should be laid squarely at the feet of the players. The offense was non-existent the last week and half and the bullpen didn't come through.

The Cubs will have some interesting decisions in the off-season on the offensive side. Only Sosa, Michael Barrett, and Derrek Lee are signed for next season I believe. The Cubs have an option on Mark Grudzielanek and Ramirez is eligible for salary arbitration. It's likely Alou and Matt Clement will not be back which will free up some money (oops, I know the Cubs needn't be concerned about money but that's my Royals reflex kicking in). I wouldn't sign Nomar Garciapara with his injury history and for the love of all that's holy I'm pleading that Hendry refrain from signing Dusty's collection of misfits including Niefi Perez, Tom Goodwin, Calvin Murray, et. al. More than anything they need someone who can get on base...say Carlos Beltran who would then move to left field. I don't see anything coming out of the minors next season since the top prospects were traded in the Nomar deal.