Even

As I write this I am listening to the Cubs play the Brewers. Baker just hit a 3 run homer to give the Cubs a 5-2 lead. I'm pretty excited. I realized that I needed to write and I figured, what a better time than this. Until this game is over the Cubs are at and even .500. Their record is 3-3. So how was the first full week? Not bad, but not good either. It could've been worse. We could've lost more games, but on the same hand we could've won more. We're not leading our division and that's what matters. We're trailing the Reds and the Pirates. The Reds have been very impressive this first week. The Cubs have shown that they can play, but we haven't seen the leaders that we expected.

We expected a lot from our pitching rotation. We have a strong top three. The bad thing is that currently none of our top three have a W. The good thing is that the young starters on the back end showed great poise. Wells, and Cashner both got W's in their starts and that gave Cubs fans some room for hope until a couple days ago. A few days ago reports came out that the only two winning pitchers that we have are both going on the DL at the same time. Hopefully for a short time, but we'll have to wait and see. Carlos Pena who was supposed to be a great leader on the team missed half of the first week. Carlos Zambrano left his first game with a hurt thumb.

It could've been better. Our strong veterans could've shown up a little more and been a little stronger and maybe we could've pulled out a few more W's. We could've had a first week with no injuries and maybe that would've helped.

It could've been a lot worse. These injuries could've been season ending, like some that the Cardinals have seen so far. So I guess we should be thankful.

The benefit is that we have some more young pitchers who can step up and fill in a little bit in the starting role, specifically Coleman.

The Cubs have shown that they can contend and that if they can stay healthy and everyone can bring their best to the table they can easily be a playoff team. The Cardinals are not showing to be a great team this year, but it's just the first week. The Reds are bringing back memories of the Big Red Machine which would make things difficult for the Cubs. The fact is that it's the first week. I don't want to get my hopes up too high. Being even isn't bad, but it still leaves room for improvement.

I have no doubt that our veteran players will step up and show us what their made of and stand tall and strong. Our rookies have already shown a good attitude and resiliency. I have no doubt that they will continue to do that and bring a fresh energy to the team. I have every hope that this is a great team and that we'll see a good season.

If only our American League counterparts could have something to be optimistic about.

Go Cubs Go!