The Smokies, Citi Field, New Poll, and More

Soriano's Issues
In addition the sore left knee, Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano is also being bothered be his vision according to Gordon Wittenmyer from the Chicago Sun-Times. He plans to take an eye exam by a specialist. He will also have "cleanup" surgery on his knee before the end of the season.

Lee Hits for his Kids
Before yesterday's game, Derrek Lee told his daughter Jada that he would try to hit a home run for her and his newborn son Dylan. Lee did just that going deep not once, but twice!

Caridad Back With Cubs
Right handed pitcher Esmalin Caridad joined the team today and pitcher Jeff Stevens will be called up tomorrow and join the team in Pittsburgh. Jeff Samardzija will also come up after he makes one more start for Iowa (tomorrow night).

Ron Enjoys New Mets' Park
Cubs legend, and current radio broadcaster, Ron Santo was not a fan of Shea Stadium. He says he likes the new ballpark better. Shea reminds Ronny of the 1969 collapse and of burning his hairpiece while broadcasting a game there in 2003.

Marmol to Close
Signs point to Carlos Marmol being the closer in 2010. Carlos has done a nice job in the closer's role, while Kevin Gregg has continued to struggle in middle relief.

Cubs Playing Callups
Today's game saw Bobby Scales in left, Sam Fuld in center, and Andres Blanco at short stop. I'm still puzzled by the fact the guys like Kevin Gregg continue to pitch instead of a guy that's in the plans for next year like a Justin Berg or Esmalin Caridad.

Down on the Farm
Andrew Cashner threw seven shutout inning last night as the Tennessee Smokies beat West Tenn 3-1. With a win today, the Smokies could clinch the postseason. I will have updates from todays game on my Cubs Farm Updates Twitter. Follow me!

Polls
Thinks to everyone who voted on our last poll! Here are the results:
Question: If you've in charge of the Cubs, who gets fired after this season?
1) Jim Hendry- 5 Votes
2) Nobody- 5 Votes
3) Both Jim & Lou Piniella- 3 Votes
4) Lou- 1 Vote

Please vote on our new poll!
Question- What position do the Cubs need to try to improve this winter?
A) Relief Pitching
B) Starting Pitching
C) OF
D) Middle Infield
E) Bench

I'll keep it interesting as the season winds down!