You would think the Cubs would focus on issues such as Carlos Zambrano’s inability to calm the masses with an overwhelming win against the Reds, leaving men in scoring position on base, or just being able to hold a non-contending team early in the game instead of having to win in the ninth inning. Unfortunately, with a billy goat, Sox Fans, and Steve Bartman, the Cubs need something to bank on in case this whole thing and late season rally becomes yet another pipe dream.

Shift to the Houston Astros. Funny how this team once again makes their appearance in an internal Cubs media scuffle. In year’s past its about another NL team beating the Astros so they don’t make the playoffs. This year the scene reverses roles as the Cubs eye the playoffs and the Astros plan off-season vacations in a few weeks. Unfortunately, Houston doesn’t appreciate any accusations. The columnist seems to be doing a bit of whining himself, but as a Cubs fan, I have to say I agree with him.

Wasn’t it all but 3 years ago that Dusty Baker and players such as Moises Alou and Kent Mercker were furious with Steve Stone and Chip Caray for being “overly critical” of their performance? Didn’t Alou even demand Stone not be brought on the charter flight to away games? Wasn’t Mercker upset that Stone praised Astros’ starter Roy Oswalt? Stone and Caray are not around for this debacle, but the Astros are still in the mix.

Apparently the Cubs are not all that happy about Astros manager, Cecil Cooper, starting 3 rookies against a vaunted Brewers lineup, especially after the Cubs faced good matchups against Brandon Backe, Matt Albers, and Woody Williams. The Brewers get a nice nice matchup in the series while only facing Albers (4-9) and then facing two rookies.

The Astros were done last week and have slid 2.5 games further behind Milwaukee and Chicago. Keep in mind that Cooper was still somewhat new (and still is) when the Cubs opened the series on 9/11/07 and even he wanted to see what he was left with after Phil Gardner’s departure. It could be that Cooper and the Astros would much rather see the Brewers take the NL Central than the Cubs. Who really knows?

Whatever the reason, this bickering by the Cubs and Jim Hendry is ridiculous. Here you are with 10 games left and worrying about who the Astros start against your contender. I’m sorry, but this happens in every sport, not just baseball. The Cubs should worry about Zambrano’s issues, especially when the home crowd sarcastically performs a standing ovation after his early departure last night. How about Ryan Dempster or even the nice downslide of SS Ryan Theriot and the inability of Jason Kendall to throw out a runner stealing? You know, it would be nice to actually win the first series IF THEY DO actually win the division. How about just putting a team away early and sweeping series against Pittsburgh, Florida, and a rematch on the road in Cincinnati? I’d really appreciate it, seeing as I could avoid any nitro glycerin when Dempster gets the ball.

The Cubs need to just play baseball and worry about who is on the field during the game they are playing. In fact, I’d ask both Florida and Cincinnati to not even display the Brewers score in the last two series. The best thing for the Cubs could be the fact that they are on the road when it all matters and avoid the distractions of Wrigley Field and the fans. Let’s just get it done and avoid blaming the lowly Astros when we should be worried about our own performance.

Besides, I’m tired of hearing Len Kasper’s voice crack on any unnecessary comeback wins in the ninth inning…

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