8-2 Road Trip

The Cubs won again this afternoon to finish off their 8-2 road trip. It is kind of amazing because before that the Cubs were 3-6 on a homestand. Ryan Dempster saved seven of the eight games on the trip if I am correct. Dempster has been THE brightspot in the Cubs bullpen this season. After the Hawkins experiement part II, failed again, Dempster was moved to the closer spot and has flourished there. One can even argue that his two blown saves this season created two of the most exciting Cub victories this season (Lee walk-off and the Neifi grandslam). Next year he deserves to come back in the same role and have some form of a raise. He is striking out about 8 per nine innings while walking 5. Any pitcher would like to have that strikeout total and the walk total is okay for a closer. His personality seems to fit well with the Cubs and all of the "pressure" that is on them. Face it, Kerry Wood is coming back to start next year, and I believe he should. Dempster is the best option right now for closer for 2006, something that the Cubs have lacked going into the season in a long time.

Bears
I didn't get to see much of the game today. If the defense can continue to allow 9-17 points a game, I think the Bears have the potential to make the playoffs. Orton and Benson will get better with more playing time and will face less dangerous defenses, than Washington's was today. The key thing is to take care of business at home. That starts next week with Detroit.