We here at Merkle's Boner are all about Ryan (Ricky) Dempster. We hated him as a closer, but love him as a starter. We love his glove flip before each pitch. We love that when we google his name this picture comes up. Yes. That's Ryan (Ricky) Dempster in an AC/DC shirt with a feather boa and a rubber chicken. Why? Who knows. All I know is that the Cubbies are better off with him than without him.

After the late game heroics of the Brewers in game 4, game 5 goes to the Cubbies 6-5! Alfonso Soriano hit home run number three in the top of the ninth to win the game for the Cubs. Kevin Gregg was kept out of the game and Carlos Marmol took the save. Aaron Heilman got the win, as Big Z gave up three in six innings. Big win for the boys.

Game 6 saw another win for our boys from the north side, as the Cubs win the series against the Brewers. 8-5 was the final score. Alfonso Soriano continued his early season tear by hitting the very first pitch out of the park. Milton Bradley, the $30 million dollar nothing, got hurt and was replaced by Reed Johnson. This was important as Reed Johnson made a spectacular catch, robbing Big Fat Fatty of a grand slam. Ryan (Ricky) Dempster got his first win of the season.

Game 7 brought baseball to Wrigley for the first time this season as the Cubs beat the Rockies 4-0. Ted Lilly and the bullpen brought their A-game as they allowed 1 hit (1!) all game. When Lilly is on, he's on. He's probably the most consistent pitcher the Cubbies have. Mr. Spring, Kosuke Fukudome, had a late RBI and is batting .417 in seven games. We'll keep you updated as it swan dives every month.

So, game #4 goes to the Brewers 4-3.  Milton finally got a hit, which was good.  Koyie Hill had a nice home run to give us the lead, but our wonderful new closer, Kevin Gregg, loses the game for us.  I miss Kerry Wood so much right now it's not even funny.  I don't know how they thought this would be an upgrade.  He's struggled in each of his appearances this year, and has given up game winning hits in two out of his three appearances.  Marmol needs to become our closer ASAP.  Oh, and from here on out, Prince Fielder shall be referred to as Big Fat Fatty.  Have you seen this guy run?  It looks like a film of a water balloon in slow motion.  If Zambrano takes a close game into late innings today PLEASE keep Gregg far, far away.  Thnks plz.

Three games into the season and the Cubbies look like gold.

Game #1 - Beautiful game. On the second pitch of the game, Soriano cranked a home run. An omen of things to come? The Cubs went on to win game 1 by a score of 4-2. Zambrano gave up 5 hits and one run over 6 innings, looking very strong and controlled. Kevin Gregg got the save after a shaky start, allowing the other run. I'm not too happy with him so far.

Game #2 - The Cubs lost in extra innings to the Astros. Ryan (Ricky) Dempster gave up 2 runs and 6 hits over 6 innings worked. That's not a bad outing for him, and would have been enough had the Cubs had their bats working for them. Soriano hit home run #2 and Kevin Gregg allowed a hit to score the run for Houston. Would Kerry Wood have done that? I don't think so.

Game #3 - Cubs win 11-6. Ted Lilly had an 8 run cushion at one point, but allowed 5 runs on 4 home runs over 5 innings. Not a good start for Lilly, but he'll bounce back. Fukudome begins his April dominance with a 4-5 game, having two singles, a double, and a HR. Mike Fontenot, replacing my favorite Cub Mark DeRosa is having a fine year so far (3 games in, but still...), driving in 4 and hitting a homer. Milton Bradley has yet to get a hit this season, but drew 3 walks last night. Hopefully he'll start living up to his 3 yr/$30 million contract.

I'll try to update this semi-regularly for those who care. I'd like to follow every game this year if possible.

Also, I want to comment on the passing of Nick Adenhart. I got to watch him pitch a little last night against the A's and for a rookie he was handling himself really well. He got out of a heck of a jam in the 5th inning with 2 guys on with Jason Giambi at the plate. He had poise for only being 22. My thoughts go out to his family.

Man, I love Lost. Did you realize that Ben and John Locke's moms have the same name??? What could it mean??