Ryan's Song
Dempster's 9 K's, Soriano's 2 HRs Spark 5-2 Win

Jody Gomez/US PRESSWIRE

So the Cubs seem to be getting revenge for 1984. By beating the Padres again, the Cubs knocked the former NL West leaders 1.5 games out in the Wild Card race. Alfonso Soriano drove in three with two homers, and the Cubs scored their other runs on two San Diego errors. Ryan Dempster struck out nine in seven innings and allowed only two runs on a Nick Hundley homer. So that's great, but we're a little conflicted — as we note below, there are some reasons to hope the Padres take the World Series this year.

ESPN Chicago: Alfonso Soriano homers twice for Cubs... [+ video]
Chicago Breaking Sports: Cubs beat Padres 5-2 on pair of Soriano HRs
CSN Chicago: Dempster endorses Quade for next season
MLB: Soriano's homers back Dempster's 15th win [+ video]

It's Good to Be King
Carlos Marmol Is on Pace to Be a Record Breaker
According to the numbers, Carlos Marmol would be the greatest strikeout pitcher of all time if he were a starter. Yep, Marmol — that guy with the huge ears who just about gives you a coronary every time he comes in the game — would strike out 16 men per game. (Well, that's if he went a whole nine innings, but you get the point.) SI writer Joe Posnanski points out that Marmol's numbers are a full strikeout better than the guy coming in at number two, Eric Gagne in 2003. Impressive.

Joe Blogs: Missing Marmol
Chicago Tribune: Marmol does it again

Talk Talk
Ricketts Says Cubs Are Listening to Fans
Now that this unfortunate season is almost over, Tom Ricketts is making the rounds. He talked to Ed Sherman from Crain's, revealing that management is collecting input on Wrigley's future from fans."We've tried to be just one big giant ear to our fans," he says. [Editor's note: One huge ear? gross.] "Hopefully, when we accumulate some of the knowledge we've gained, we'll come up with some great off-season moves." He specifically mentions improving lines and food options at the Friendly Confines. Here's one vote for garlic fries.

Crain's: Disappointing 'Year One' comes to an end for Ricketts, pt. II

Ramirez Heading East?
Aramis Could End up with Boston, Levine Says
ESPN's Bruce Levine always has interesting info in his chats, and yesterday's was no exception. The Boston Red Sox have "a lot of interest" in Aramis Ramirez, Levine says. And although Ramirez has a full no-trade clause (surprise!), Levine notes Boston's spring training facility in Florida is only an hour away from Ramirez's native Dominican Republic. The Cubs probably can't afford Carl Crawford since 8-10 teams will try to land him, Levine says, and he also calls Padres fans "lame" and says Adam Dunn remains a "top priority" for the Cubs.

ESPN Chicago: Chat with Bruce Levine

Who's Your Padre?
Here's a Reason to Cheer for San Diego
As we noted yesterday, San Diego stud first baseman Adrian Gonzalez likes Chicago. "There's definitely a lot of positives about Chicago that if they made an offer, I would be interested," he said. Which is why you should root for the Padres, the blog And Counting theorizes. "The last time a small-market, low-budget team with a can't-miss first baseman and a cavernous home park broke open the champagne at the end of October: they dealt him to the Cubs for Hee Seop Choi," the blog says. So let's hope history repeats itself. Go Padres!

And Counting: Why I hope the Padres win it all
Cubbies Crib: Adrian Gonzalez to the Cubs in 2012?

Casey Coleman will get the start over Jeff Samardzija against Houston on Friday... Want to play football on the Wrigley Field turf?... What's better than drunks dancing on Clark Street? Not much.

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