The numbers weren't pretty for the Cubs in April -- a sub-.500 record of 10-11 reflecting deficiencies in all aspects of the game. It paled compared to last season's 17-10 April, though wasn't as bad as April 2007, when they finished 10-14.
Manager Lou Piniella doesn't need the numbers to know the team's problems. ''I like to go by what I see on the field,'' he said. ''When we started the season with our regular lineup, we got off to a very respectable start. As we started to lose players [to injuries], it put a strain on us.''
The team has played short-handed because at least five players have been hobbled enough to miss games but not enough to go on the disabled list.
Last season, Piniella had the luxury of Mark DeRosa being able to play as many as five positions. He also had pitcher Jason Marquis, who was a respectable pinch hitter and pinch runner.
Piniella still stresses offense as the key to curing the team's woes.
''I played this game, and I know no one is immune from struggling,'' Piniella said. ''But we're making it a little tougher on ourselves. We have to start swinging the bats better. It's not like we're buried but, at the same time, we need to step up some and put a few more runs on the board.''
PATCHED-UP LEATHER
While the offense has sputtered, the defense also has had its troubles. The Cubs are in the bottom third of the league defensively, and that has compounded problems for the pitching.
The Cubs are 11-3 when playing without an error, but 0-8 when committing at least one.
''Our defense hasn't been good,'' Piniella said. ''We get sloppy at times and it's not fun to watch. It all starts with good defensive play because invariably it will help your pitching. You're going to have to score runs, too.''
Piniella was blunt when he was told that first baseman Derrek Lee felt badly after Thursday's game for a throw he made leading to Ryan Theriot being charged with an error.
''He should,'' Piniella said. ''I know he's struggled [offensively], but it's still a team game. This isn't golf, where you control your own destiny. You win as a team and lose as a team.''
BULLPEN BOUNCES
Don't be alarmed if Carlos Marmol starts bouncing his warm-up pitches in the bullpen. Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild think it might help him correct a problem of under-throwing.
''He has a tendency when he comes in to come under the ball [throwing],'' Piniella said. ''I asked Larry about it. We'll ask him in the bullpen to bounce a few breaking balls. Seriously. It makes you think 'down' and getting on top of the ball.''
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