Double-Live Gorzo: Crafty Lefty Rocks, Offense Rolls in 10-5 Laugher

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Tom Gorzelanny may not look like a pitching rock star, what with his not-exactly-svelte physique and awww shucks demeanor. But the savvy southpaw went all Motor City Madman on the D-Backs, leaving them paralyzed at the plate, tallying 10 K's and giving the Cubs a 3-1 series win. The Cubs offense put a stranglehold on this one early, scoring seven runs in an offensive free-for-all over the first three innings. But the team's MVP might be new hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, who's helped Alfonso Soriano scratch out hits like a feverish cat. The formerly embattled left fielder hit two homers, giving him four over the last three games. Wango Tango, indeed.

ESPN Chicago: Longball backs Gorzelanny as Cubs take 3 of 4... [+ video]
Chicago Sun-Times: It's about Tom
MLB: Red-hot Cubs' offense corrals D-Backs [+ video]
Daily Herald: Power surge turns jeers into cheers for lightning rod Soriano

Grab Some Bench: A-Ram Takes a Seat
It seems everyone on the Cubs has been on a tear lately — everyone, that is, except for Aramis Ramirez. The team's batting average is .278, which is good enough for third in the majors. But the Cubs' third baseman has been scuffling along with a .155 average, three homers, and 14 RBIs. Even worse, he's been striking out a whopping 26 percent of the time. Don't despair, though: As this Trib article notes, Ramirez hit .197 with four homers and 10 RBIs in April 2006. By the end of the season, he had career highs in homers (38) and RBIs (119).

Chicago Tribune: Ramirez hopes extra day of rest sparks rebound at plate

Sori Seems to be the Hottest Word: Alfonso Going Apesh*t Lately
Alfonso Soriano has been going nutso recently with four homers and 10 RBIs in the last three games. We hate to rain on anyone's parade, but let's face it: We've seen this before. But Another Cubs Blog looks at the numbers and says he might actually be putting it together. The key stat: He's swinging at 48.3 percent of the pitches he's seeing, down from his average of 54.8 percent. And unless we were hallucinating — a distinct possibility, to be sure — we even saw him walk in a run on Friday. Cross your fingers that this is for real.

Another Cubs Blog: The curious case of Alfonso's atypical April

Soto Puts down the Weed, Finds His Swing
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto had a huge sophomore slump after his 2008 Rookie of the Year season. His stats went down, his weight went up, and he got busted smoking mary jane. But the now-trim backstop is absolutely tearing it up this year. His OBP is a stunning .487, meaning he gets on base almost HALF the time he comes to the plate. That's tops in the National League among players with more than 50 at bats. Looks like good things happen when you stop listening to Phish and instead head to the batting cage.

Chicago Sun-Times: To Lou's delight, Soto looking more like his rookie self

Hold the Ketchup: A Review of the Bison Hot Dog
You've likely heard that the Cubs are selling bison hot dogs at Wrigley, but have you actually tried one? Agony & Ivy sampled one, and their verdict was solid, if not spectacular. "The High Plains bison hot dog, which set me back $5.25, did not rock my world. It wasn't any better than the standard dog," they say. The Ricketts family might concede that point, but they would likely point out that the bison dog is a healthier option. And if it's about the same, why not go for healthy? Our two cents.

Agony & Ivy: Concession review no. 2: High Plains bison hot dog

Today's Report by Joel Reese

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