Ted Lilly and Derrek Lee are at it Again

For the third time in a row Ted Lilly has had a start assisted by a Derrek Lee homer. It was Ted's 12th win of the season and another brilliant Wrigley Field effort for the best pitcher in the history of the world. Ted's ERA is now down to 3.05 on the season which is right behind Randy Wells 2.94 for the team lead. For Derrek it was his 32nd homer and his 97th RBI. He is having a very good season and remains the lone bright spot on an offense that quite frankly sucks. Had Derrek had this season in 2007 or 2008 he would have won the NL MVP award, oh well perhaps he can steal a vote or two anyway.

Most of the rest of the offense is in 2010 audition mode. The audition is really being aced by light-hitting Andres Blanco whose defense alone should earn him a spot on the team, but his bat showed up today making me hope it becomes more of a trend. Blanco had three hits and two RBI today while playing more solid defense at shortstop. I think that it's safe to say Blanco will be backup infielder next season, his bat isn't close to good enough to start at second or short which is too bad because the upgrade over Theriot on defense would be awesome.

Koyie Hill is also cinching his spot on the team next season, Geovany Soto has been improving lately and is the starter, but Hill is a very capable backup. I think he should go back to Sunday duty instead of splitting time this season, but I doubt Lou does that simply as a way to reward Koyie for his strong play.

One bullpen guy who is looking more and more like a 2010 guy is Esmilian Caridad. So much so that I have to learn how to spell his first name. Caridad had another solid inning of relief today allowing only one hit in his inning. Cardid is a control pitcher, which would be a welcome sight for the Cubs walk-heavy pen. Kevin Gregg had a perfect inning with two strikeouts, but hopefully he will not be part of the 2010 bullpen.

The Cubs and Reds are done playing this season now, the Cubs won the season series 10-5. The Reds have a number of good young players and pitchers, but as long as rusty Dusty is in charge it isn't going to work out. Next up is a home series against the Brewers, look for the preview tomorrow morning.