Ugly, Ugly, Ugly

There isn't much to say about last night that hasn't already been rehashed about 1,000 times, but I will look at our favorite Cub to hate, Jim Edmonds.

Emdonds singled in the second inning (a gift by the scorer, since a healthy Furcal could jump 2 feet higher), before scoring on the Mark DeRosa HR.

After that, Edmonds contributions were nothing. He was charged with an error on a ball he couldn't handle off the wall. Then, for a man that plays a shallow CF, he couldn't come up with a blopper to center.

Like I said, he would come back to hurt us. Our only hope is that Big Good Z steps up tonight to even the series. Anyway, the Jim Edmonds Magic Number is down to:

18

Next Game: Game 2 of NLDS vs. L.A. Dodgers

@ Wrigley Field 9:30 EST

Edmonds stats for the NLDS:

1 for 4. 1 run, 1 error, 2 LOB, 1 K

Jim Edmonds Magic Number

We here at the CJE just couldn't stand by and post a Magic Number of 11 for the Cubs. I understand that the Cubs need 11 wins to World Championship, but I wanted a number that really meant something.

So, the Loather and I are posting a number of 19. That is the Maxium possible games that Jim Edmonds will be allowed to put on a uniform for the Chicago Cubs anymore, because heaven forbid that Jim Hendry sign the "Hot Dog" for more time. Look for commentary throughout the playoffs and much more. And here it is........

19

Game 1 of the NLDS

6:30 p.m. EST

@ Wrigley Field

against L.A. Dodgers

No Spin Zone

I've finally come to the point where I can't spin something about Jim Edmonds. On the day the Cubs clinch the NL Central, Jim Edmonds caught the final out against the St. Louis Cardinals. I mean come on, couldn't it have been a grounder to third or something. Nevertheless, I will try and counteract the bad karma we keep recieving as Jim stays on this roster.

Well, at least sit back and relax this week. Enjoy watching the Brewers and Mets try and give away a playoff spot.

This is a how you play defense

(AP)

While the city of Houston recovers from Ike, I just want wanted to post a photo of the game-saving catch from Fukudome. He might not be hitting lick, but with plays like that it doesn't matter. Now, Jim Edmonds just needs to take some lessons.

There have been a few people saying that Felix Pie might get a few more starts at CF. I'm all for it, he brings speed and good defense. Hopefully, we will have baseball tomorrow, but we will see.

The Devil Makes a House Call

(AP)

Well, I hate to say it....but....We told you so! I've broken just about every journalism rule I know to write that last sentence, but it had to done. Jim Edmonds had a nice little run in June/July, but he is officially out of gas and killing this team. Whatever deal he made with the devil has come due, because he isn't even making any more diving catches that he could made standing up. Now balls are just dropping in front of him and past him.

Since July, the Anti-Christ is 14-for-67 (.209 AVG) with 4 HR and 8 RBI. That is just sick, and he is still playing bad defense. I'm sure "The Loather" might be able to pull up some zone ratings and stuff, but I didn't have time to do it. His feel good story is now over and its time for Felix Pie to get a shot. At least he can hit .209 and play great defense, while ranging for a few more balls. I'm not saying Pie is going to be great, but I would take defense at this point.

There is not much to say, the Cubs are trying to give the Division away, along with home field, but the Brewers don't want it either, so I think we are safe to get into the playoffs. I just pray that Jim and Lou come to their senses and leave Jim at home for October. I still think he is a Cardinal spy, and I wonder what he has in store for us tonight. Maybe a dropped fly ball or a 6-4-3 double play. Just stop the Madness and Cut Jim Edmonds.

38 to go, Edmonds still here

(AP Photo)

I was ready for a lot of things this season, but this photo wasn't in the plans. Here we have Jim Edmonds getting a curtain call after his two home runs agains the Cardinals last week. Does that sound right?

Many Cub fans have said alot of about Jim, good and bad, but lets look at the overall numbers for the newlywed (remember he got married over the All-Star Break).

Since the trade, Edmonds starts are:

63 Games, 187 ABs

.267/.376/.969 (Avg/OBP/OPS) with 15 HR and 42 RBI.

Overall:

89 Games, 277 ABs

.248/.341/.818 with 16 HR and 48 RBI

After a fantastic June, Jim was ok in July and has been less than stellar in August. He has hit .219 with 3 HR and 9 RBI, while Reed Johnson is killing the ball. Johnson is hitting .314 with 45 RBI. One thing that is working is the platoon. The two combined have 87 RBI, which would lead the team.

We are at the CJE are ready to welcome Edmonds, but aside from his consistent hot-dogging on defense, he has played well at times. We can only hope that the Jim doesn't cost us in the postseason.

No Jim = Cubs Win!

You don't get many better titles than that. In the top of the 9th, Lou had a chance to bring in Jim to pinch hit with a runner at first.

But much to the JOY of the CJE, Lou made the move for Mike "Clutch" Fontenot. Instead of Jim striking out, Mike drew a walk, which led to Derek Lee's RBI single.

Tomorrow's night match up is pretty special. Carlos Zambrano and Ben Sheets take the ball for their respected clubs.

The Cubs could really send a message against with a second-straight victory, which would put the Cubs up 3 games heading to the final two games of the series.

Until tomorrow, GO CUBS!!