Sosa homers as Cubs give game to Texas

For those of you think that the Cubs are actually trying, all you have to do is analyze Wednesday's loss against the Rangers. Those of you that claim to think that the Cubs are trying, I understand why you have to say that -- you have to justify why you continue to watch the team. But, you and I both know in our hearts that Lou's boys don't care. And if you honestly believe that the Cubs are trying, you know nothing about the game.

The Rangers did everything they possibly could to hand the Cubs the second game of the series. Not only did they go 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position but they committed a clutch error and Gerald Laird showed an effort in baserunning that was the worst that I had ever seen. And that's saying a lot.

The Cubs lost because they went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and comitted three errors. That's not a lack of effort, but a lack of talent, you might say...

How about Jason Marquis who keeps pawing at the dirt after walking batters? How does that help? (You wonder why the defense was struggling.) If the mound is bothering you, get it fixed! If the mound is going to bother you every time the opposing pitcher is five inches taller than you, you're not a Major League pitcher.

Need even more proof? In the 3rd inning, Mike Fontenot long hops Derrek Lee while attempting to turn a double play on Sosa. Fontenot didn't have to rush the throw; Michael Young peeled off after he was retired at second base and Sosa was still several paces away from first base.

What else? Not a single argument from the Cubs after Michael Young reached on an infield hit in the third inning. That play wasn't even close and James Hoye blew the call...yet no one bothered to plead their case. Fine, Lee has an appeal pending, but that doesn't mean that he should roll over when the umpires blow a call as clearly as Hoye did.

Need even more? Pagan is smiling after striking out for the second out in the ninth inning and Ryan Theriot doesn't so much as flinch when he is called out on a check swing appeal to end the game.