MVP

Cub MVP for the year? Very difficult choice. Obviously, Ryan Dempster is near the top of the list...as Mojo says in a comment yesterday. I also have to nominate the following: Aramis Ramirez -- clutch hitting all year with big RBI count. Ryan Theriot -- his defense has been solid, he's been on base all year and has kept his average over .300 all season. Mark DeRosa -- has had a personal career year with average, power numbers, and runs batted in. Not to mention above average defense at multiple positions. Geovany Soto -- outstanding offensive year for a catcher (not to mention a rookie) and is getting so much credit from the pitching staff for being a terrific receiver. Have to give him some of the credit for the success of the staff.

So who is the team MVP? Pretty cool that Dempster could go from closer to starter with such success. He's been just great. But he's not the MVP. Sorry. He's the team Cy Young, if there is such a thing. There should be. It isn't DeRosa or Theriot. They've been great, but their accomplishments are slightly behind those of Soto and Ramirez.

Ramirez is our horse. He's our stud in the lineup. He's the guy you want at bat in the late innings. He's played better defense this year than ever before (except for one game with 3 errors. It happens.) But he's not the MVP. Sorry, Rammy.

Geovany Soto is the MVP of this year's team. He's the rookie of the year, too. He has handled the best pitching staff in baseball all year. And he's taken control, which is unusual and very special. His offense has been amazing...considering his position -- and offense for a catcher is just icing on the cake. This day and age you either get a good defensive catcher OR a catcher who can hit. This kid is both, and he's getting better. Zambrano said that Soto pretty much called the whole no hitter. So there you have it. Our team MVP. Geo Soto.

Nice job, Cubbies, beating CC Sabathia and the Brewers. Wood does not deserve a save for that. How about giving him a "near blow?" (get your mind out of the gutter.) New stat for closers that come in with a two or more run lead and end up winning by the skin of their teeth. I really wish he'd cut that out.

I hear that Fielder gets really, really, really mad when the fans call him Cecil. Therefore, he is forever now Cecil to me. When asked about the pitch he took for strike three to end the game, he said "I'm hungry."

When Sabathia was asked about the pitch to Soriano for the homer, he said "lay off me, I'm starving."

Ned Yost watched the game with Willie Randolph.

I predict an excellent start from Jason Marquis tonight. He's been getting a little extra rest, and it has made a difference these last several starts. He's always had a tough second half...not this year thanks to the extra days off. Look for him to be solid.

Magic number is four for the division and five for home field advantage through the playoffs.

Go Cubs. Look for Fukudome to play well tonight. I have a feeling.

best to cb.

Oh, and I sent a team of thugs to Cozumel to keep Doc there until after the series.

JS