Wells' Bells
Unpredictable Hurler Throws Awesome Game

Jerry Lai/US PRESSWIRE

It's hard to figure out Randy Wells. In June, he gave up at least five runs three times. But he looked like a friggin' ace last night, striking out six and shutting out the playoff-contending Giants in the 2-0 victory. So will the real Randy Wells please stand up? Meanwhile, the Cubs didn't help Wells with much offense, but he didn't need it. Kosuke Fukudome hit a solo homer, and Koyie Hill scored on a wild pitch and a throwing error by catcher Buster Posey. Carlos Marmol was downright nasty, getting all four outs on strikeouts for the save.

ESPN Chicago: Randy Wells helps Cubs shut out Giants, who fall out... [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Wells has another excellent outing in 2-0 victory...
Daily Herald: Wells, like Cubs, trying to finish strong
MLB: Wells shines in shutting down Giants [+ video]

Can't Trust it
Should We Get Seduced by Zambrano's Recent Success?
Fact: Carlos Zambrano is 6-0 with a 1.24 ERA since he underwent anger-management counseling. So it's probably tempting for the Cubs to cross their fingers, abandon efforts to trade him, and hope he's discovered the fountain of awesomeness. Screw that, says the Sun-Times. The paper notes Z wears down over the season and needs rest. To wit: In 2008, he was 1-1 with a 8.03 over his last five starts. He had one strong effort — a no-hitter — and that came on 11 days rest. In other words: Trade him, the paper advises.

Chicago Sun-Times: Carlos Zambrano is more effective with rest
Another Cubs Blog: Is Carlos Zambrano "back"?

True Confessions
Ramirez Admits He Was Injured Early in Season
So the truth finally comes out. Aramis Ramirez has said "I confess" and admitted he was injured for the early part of this season. "I'm not going to say specifically what it was, but I wasn't healthy,'' said Ramirez, who eventually spent several weeks on the disabled list with a bruised thumb. He was hitting just .177 with six home runs at the All-Star break, but since then he's got 17 homers and 53 RBI. A healthy Ramirez is a crucial key next year, so let's hope he's fully healed.

Chicago Sun-Times: Time for a confession

Catch This!
Question: Why Is Koyie Hill Playing?
So the Cubs are going young, and Geovany Soto is out for the rest of the year. So the Cubs' catcher lately has been... Koyie Hill? Tales from Aisle 424 has a question: "Who does Koyie Hill have naked pictures of?" The blog points out Hill's likely 2011 replacement, Welington Castillo, already has as many homers (one) in a fraction of Hill's at-bats and is likely much better at defense. "Why the hell isn't Castillo playing more now that Soto is done for the year?" the blog asks. And we have no answer.

Tales from Aisle 424: Who does Koyie Hill have naked pictures of?

Please, Mr. Postman
Quade's Dilemma, Next Year's First Baseman, and More
Mike Quade is in a tight spot, according to Paul Sullivan's mailbag. If he tries to win, he'd need to play the veterans. But then the Cubs' brass might say, "You didn't help us with the youth movement and play the kids." Plus, he'd probably win fewer games with youth. Quite a conundrum, no? Sullivan also thinks Aramis Ramirez is simply having a "mediocre year all around," and he could bounce back. Also, he thinks the Cubs will either sign Adam Dunn or a one-year fix like Aubrey Huff until there's more payroll flexibility.

Chicago Tribune: Paul Sullivan's Cub mailbag

Jim Hendry formally interviewed Ryne Sandberg for the Cubs' managerial job, but it looks like the Toronto Blue Jays might also be interested in his services... Hendry will also interview former Mariners skipper Don Wakamatsu... The Cubs better look out: Another team wants to hire Greg Maddux, who's currently Jim Hendry's special assistant... Tyler Colvin was released after four days in a Miami hospital... You're invited to drink too much beer with us tonight at the Newport Bar and Grill.

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