Racy Casey
Rookie Shuts Down 'Stros, B-Team Wins 2-0

Brett Davis/US PRESSWIRE

If the Cubs make the World Series next year (hey, we can dream), it probably won't be with the lineup that won last night's game. No offense, Sam Fuld, Brad Snyder, and Darwin Barney, but.... Nevertheless, baby-faced rookie (dude, that facial hair isn't fooling anybody) Casey Coleman went seven innings and gave up zero runs while striking out only two. His stuff isn't overpowering, but it works. As for offense, perpetual minor leaguer Bobby Scales walked three times and scored both runs. Coleman even drove in one with a double. Nice.

ESPN Chicago: Casey Coleman picks up Cubs as Astros drop five of six [+ video]
Daily Herald: Coleman continues to open eyes in 2-0 win over Astros
CSN Chicago: Coleman's made a strong pitch for next job [+ Coleman video]
MLB: Coleman does it on hill, at plate to top Astros [+ video]

Yes But No But Yes...
A Pro/Con Look at Mike Quade
You can't argue with the record Mike Quade has compiled as interim manager of the Cubs... or can you? Cubbie Doctor's Examiner (an awkward name for a great blog) does a pro/con look at hiring Quade. Some examples include:

Pro: The team has gone 23-12 for him.
Con: September is a bad time to accurately judge a team.

Pro: He had no problem benching Starlin Castro after a few mental errors.
Con: He benched our best player!

Pro: Ryan Dempster wants Quade back.
Con: Koyie Hill wants Quade back.

Cubbie Doctor's Examiner: Arguments for and against Mike Quade

Carlos in Charge
Looks Like Zambrano Is Here to Stay
So you know how people were excited that Zambrano's renaissance meant the Cubs could trade him this off-season? Yeah, that's not going to happen. Big Z told ESPN's Bruce Levine he would use his no-trade clause if it came to that. "I'm on a mission, and until I accomplish this mission, I'll be right here," he said. That mission? The one that would make you weep like a little girl who learns there is no Princess Ariel who lives under the sea: Winning the World Series for the Cubs.

ESPN Chicago: Carlos Zambrano won't approve trade
Chicago Tribune: Confidence man Zambrano shooting for 8th in a row

Jagged Wedge
Former Indians' Manager Skipper Still in the Mix
Everyone has pretty much narrowed down the Cubs managerial job to Quade, Joe Girardi, or Ryne Sandberg. Everyone, that is, except Jim Hendry. The Cubs' GM is still looking longingly at former Cleveland manager Eric Wedge, according to ESPN. "Wedge is still an A-list candidate for the Cubs job," Bruce Levine says, citing a "baseball source." Wedge won two Manager of the Year awards in the minors and one with the Indians in 2007, Levine notes. Our thought: Cubs fans just want to win, but we can't imagine a Wedge hiring going over too well....

ESPN Chicago: Wedge still among leaders for Cubs job

What Off Season?
Cubs Fan Report Keeps on Rockin'!
The season's almost over, but we're not calling it a day. Cubs Fan Report will keep sending updates this offseason — expect one or two emails per week of Cub-related goodness. It's our first offseason, so we're a little nervous, a little excited. Kind of like the first time... never mind. We'll definitely publish when there are big events — the announcement of the new manager, Cubs Convention, Carlos Zambrano winning Humanitarian of the Year. So stick around, spread the word, and cross your fingers for some big offseason moves. Go Cubs!

Anyone a basketball fan...? (more on this next week)

Alfonso Soriano makes more money this season than the eight players who joined him in the lineup last night combined... Oddly enough, last night was the Cubs' 14th shutout during this bizarre season. It's the most since 2003, and the third in the past five games for Cubs' pitchers... Kosuke Fukudome, who sprained his knee Wednesday, might play today after all.

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?