Lucky Number 7
Pair of Three-Run Homers Gives Cubs 7-6 Win

Jerry Lai/US PRESSWIRE

Things looked bleak early yesterday when the Cubs spotted the Mets three runs in the first inning, but three-run homers by Alfonso Soriano and Blake DeWitt gave the North Siders the win. The Mets actually outhomered the Cubs with three jacks (two by David Wright), but thankfully two of them were solo shots. On the negative side, Randy Wells continued his mediocre season, giving up four runs over 5 2/3 innings. Which only makes us even more unsure about next year's starting rotation, but hey, that's still a ways off.

ESPN Chicago: Soriano, DeWitt power Cubs' rally over Mets [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Russell notches 1st major league victory
Daily Herald: Wells, DeWitt audition for 2011 in Cubs win vs. Mets
CSN Chicago: In 'rollercoaster' Cubs year, Russell gets first win [+ video]
MLB: Two big jacks make Cubs 7-3 under Quade [+ video]

Eyes Wide Shut
Is the Cubs' Answer at Manager Right in Front of Them?
As we mentioned earlier this week, Fredi Gonzalez has suddenly become a top name in the Cubs' managerial search. But the Daily Herald's Bruce Miles says the Cubs' choice should be someone right in front of them: Mike Quade or Ryne Sandberg. The Cubs are 7-3 under Quade, and Miles says there's a "lighter feel around the clubhouse" these days. As for Sandberg, he was just named Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year, his team is 81-60, and they recently mounted a stunning nine-run comeback. Sometimes the right answer is the easiest one.

Daily Herald: Cubs can make statement by hiring from within
Chicago Tribune: Two known manager candidates impress
Call to the Pen: End of an era in managing shows value in loyalty

Statues and Limitations
Are Cubs Going a Little Tribute Crazy?
So the Cubs moved Harry Caray's statue over by the bleachers, and on Tuesday they'll replace it with one of Cub great Billy Williams. Which is awesome, but some are wondering: Are we going a little overboard with the ceremonies lately? A League of Her Own asks, "do we really need to be holding a string of endless ceremonies to honor noodles (yes, there was a ceremony for that, too) and moving hardware down the block?" A fair point, but if the team were winning, we're thinking no one would care.

Daily Herald: Cubs to dedicate Billy Williams statue Tuesday
A League of Her Own: Cubs announce "We came up with more ceremonies!"...

Us vs. Them
Cubs and Mets Are Far Too Similar
It pains us to write this, but it's true: the Cubs and Mets are pretty similar this year. Cubs' GM Jim Hendry and Mets' GM Omar Minaya have outlandishly high payrolls, and both are under .500. Both have signed several expensive stiffs, such as Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome for the North Siders, and Carlos Beltran and Jason Bay for the Mets. And both will likely have new managers next year. But at least the Cubs have Wrigley Field, while the Mets play in a town called Flushing. 'Nuff said.

Chicago Sun-Times: Small bang theory for Cubs and Mets
And Counting: Ten reasons I hate the Mets
Tales from Aisle 424: Am I a bad Cubs fan for not hating the Mets anymore?

Faraway, So Close
A Look at Milt Pappas' Brush with Perfection
Man does not live by Cubs news alone. So every now and then, we'll run a story that's worth reading on its own. Today's Good Read is Agony & Ivy's painful look at Milt Pappas' near perfect game in 1972. You might already know how it turns out, but if not, we won't give it away here. Suffice it to say that you'll undoubtedly despise the eminently despisable Bruce Froemming even more after reading it.

Agony & Ivy: Almost perfect

The North Siders called up reserve catcher Welington Castillo... Carlos Silva might take the hill on Monday or Tuesday... Mark Prior has signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

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