Chicago Cubs Go 15-13 in May 2009
Alfonso Soriano in left at Wrigley Field, photo by orange.plastic
Chicago Cubs in May 2009
The Cubs finished May 2008 with a 15-13 record, to post a 25-24 record overall, only good enough for fourth place in the NL Central 4 1/2 games behind first place Brewers, with the Cardinals in second place and the Reds in third place. Fourth place behind Dusty Baker’s Reds is definitely not what Cubs fans expected going into the season. They also started May with a 11- 3 record, so it seemed like the Cubs were finally playing great. Then they followed that up by finishing the month 10-11.
First, lets start with a comparison. How did May 2009 record compare with the Cubs own record in the last two division winning seasons?
May 2007 = 22 wins, 29 losses
May 2008 = 35 wins, 21 losses
May 2009 = 25 wins, 24 losses
The Cubs were nowhere near last years 2009 record, but ahead of the April 2007’s pace and they still won the division that year. So I’m hoping that some of you can take yourselves of the ledge, because the season isn’t over yet. Remember everyone, the division is not decided in May. It’s not decided at the All Star break either or even in August. The old expression “baseball is a marathon, not a race” is still true.
What will you remember about May 2009 if you are a Cubs fan? It’s been some kind of month alright, definitely interesting, not quite successful… not a total disaster. Looking back, I’m actually surprised that Cubs went 15-13 in May, it seemed a lot worse than that for sure. To a fan that was becoming accustomed to winning, it kind of seemed like everything went wrong.
What Went Wrong
Aramis Ramirez dislocates his shoulder. This hurt the Cubs more than anything this mont.
Carlos Zambrano goes on DL after trying to bunt for a hit.
Carlos Zambrano Ejected, then Suspended.
Bullpen blows four run lead and costs Randy Wells’ his first major league win in his first major league start, then fail to score more more than one run in his next two starts.
Cubs lose eight games in a row, including a sweep by the Cardinals. Ouch!
Nobody can get a hit except Fukudome and sometimes Theriot. Soriano starts the month hot before going into a slump. Mike Fontenot, Geovany Soto, Milton Bradley and Derrek Lee all struggle just to hit .225
What Went Right
Cubs retire #31 for Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux
Bobby Scales gets his first major league hit and home run in the same week.
Randy Wells called up from minors and gives up five runs total in four starts.
Ryan Theriot hits five home runs in May after hitting only one in all of 2008.
Cubs trade Joey Gathright, send Neil Cotts to the minors.
The bullpen starts to get it together a bit.
Cubs starters overall pitch very well and string together multiple quality starts.
Cubs manage to somehow stay only four games back out of first even after a terrible, terrible month.
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Lets hope June is the month that the Cubs begin to run on all cylinders. It ain’t over till it’s over Cubs fans!
Related Stories
Cubs finish April 2008 with 10-11 record – Delusional Cubs Fan
Cubs end May on down note, lose to Dodgers – Chicago Tribune
Cubs upbeat despite trying two months – Cubs.com
Ramirez could need surgery after season – Cubs.com
