You could rationalize the Cubs' 8-1 loss by saying they simply faced a hot pitcher in the Mariners' Cliff Lee, and that would be true — except they did tally nine hits against him. But only Tyler Colvin's second-inning solo homer actually produced a run, as the North Siders were 1-10 with runners in scoring position. (They also committed two errors, struck out nine times, and hit into three double plays.) Randy Wells initially looked decent, but gave up four in the fourth inning and might have pitched himself out of the rotation. And so it goes.

ESPN Chicago: Lee complete game, Saunders homer carry Mariners [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Cubs' offense absent in 8-1 loss
MLB: Silent bats keep Wells winless since April

Something in the Air
Do Cubs' Woes Run Deep?
We'd like to think this season is just an aberration, that this is what happens when you have an older team that might have missed its window of opportunity. But the Sun-Times has a more dire theory: the organization simply can't nurture talent and has created an atmosphere in which winning is practically impossible. "The culture of expectations, the frustration of not meeting them and the overt bitterness of Cubs fans has created an environment that is almost unwinnable," the article theorizes. Let's hope that's wrong.

Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs can't save themselves from... themselves

One Angry Man
Critic Lets Loose on Lethargic Team
Sometimes, the Trib's Steve Rosenbloom just seems like a crank who's pissed about everything. But other times, he's simply on. Exhibit A: Yesterday's freak out about the Cubs. At first, he seemed unfocused and angry. But then he hit his stride, particularly in the part about Piniella seeming to be more concerned about his legacy (i.e., pointing out that he could end up among the top 10-winning managers of all time) rather than emphasizing how focused he is on the team. Sometimes even cranks make good points.

Rosenblog: Taking better swings than the Cubs have managed

Turn that Frown Upside-Down
Young Outfielders Might Actually Be Decent
To us, the Cubs' biggest problem is that the last impact position player they've drafted remains Mark Grace in 1985. Seriously. They've picked decent pitchers (Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, etc.), but when it comes to position players, they're as out of their league as Miley Cyrus performing Shakespeare. Thankfully, View from the Bleachers says the team has some decent outfielders in the wings, including Tyler Colvin, Brad Snyder, and Brett Jackson. Of course, there are a few contracts to get out of the way (coughAlfonsoSorianocough) before these guys can make an impact, but it's encouraging for now.

View from the Bleachers: The OF situation looks very cheery

Going Both Ways
Cubs Minor Leaguer Pitches — and Hits
Sometimes, the Cubs' front office works in mysterious ways. In 2006, 11th-round pick Chris Huseby received a record $1.3 million when he signed. (For comparison, this year's first-round pick, Hayden Simpson, signed for $1.06 million.) The 6-foot-7 Huseby is still in the minors, but turns out he's more than a pitcher. On Tuesday night in Boise, he belted a double and scored two runs. Cubs' coaches saw he was tense, so they thought hitting would loosen him up. We wonder: Can he play third base, too?

Idaho Press-Tribune: Huseby hoping hitting helps

The North Siders will honor the 50th anniversary of Ron Santo's first game as a Cub with a pregame ceremony before the Pirates game on June 28... Cubs' minor leaguers Brett Jackson and Hak-Ju Lee were chosen for the Futures Game during the All-Star festivities in July... The Cubs will be the first Chicago professional sports team to represent at the Gay Pride Parade on Sunday.

Submit your Rant on Facebook
*Don't be a Sox fan... be clever. If it's smart enough, we'll publish it here.
What's this?