When it comes to the Cubs, I'm a definite outsider, but I can't help but notice how poorly they are playing.  Getting your brains beat in 12-0 twice in three weeks ought to signal to team owner Tom Ricketts that this just isn't working out and that the new Cubs ownership and Cubs fans should have higher expectations.

I think it's time they show Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella the door and start over with Ryne Sandberg and a new GM.  I think there are enough bad contracts, enough bad plays and enough bad attitude on this team to realize that there needs to be a change.  It seems watching them the team has quit and Lou, to a certain degree has quit.  It seems like he has lost his fire and is ready to sail off into the sunset and relax on a beach somewhere.  Sure, he'd like to end his managerial career on a higher note, but somebody needs to get these guys to play a lot harder.

Whoever takes over Hendry would have to deal with some pretty bad contracts.  Zambrano. Soriano.  Fukudome.  Unless the Cubs are willing to part with major amounts of cash, these guys will be hanging around awhile.  And there's not a whole lot they are going to be able to do about it.

I don't know if you can fault Hendry for going out and signing players he believed would help the team win, but he obviously bet on the wrong horses.  Or, the horses need a new jockey.  In any case, the Cubs need some new blood, some new energy and a different direction. 

When there are empty seats at Wrigley Field, you know the time has come.