Or should I say "Fugly" We talked about the last 3 weeks or so being the first difficult stretch for the Cubs. Take a gander at 7/18 though 7/31.

@ Houston for 3 18-20th

@ Arizonia for 3 21-23

VS. Florida for 4 24th-27th

@ Milwaukee for 4 28th-31st.

This looks like it could easily be tough stretch for the Cubs. And why its very important for Soriano to forget about the All-Star game, yeah he was voted in woohoo Im happy for him. And focus on getting back to the Cubs team that will desprately need him during this stretch especially against Milwaukee.

Historically the Cubs seem to have a terrible time with Florida (No 2003 mentions please) and while we did sweep 'Zona earlier in the year, Chase Field is really no fun place either. Then theres Milwaukee. Stretches like this make me glad to see that Marmol was not put in the All-Star Game, reason specifically was what ever hitch he was having as of late gets resolved because he will most certainlly be needed during this ugly stretch. Unless we go on a 14- 0 Run :)