How 'Bout Those Bears?

After yesterday's heart-ripper-outer of a game, the Cubs have lost 7 of 8 for the first time since last June. They still have a 4 game division lead and an 84.5% chance of winning the division, thanks to the Brewers losing five of their last seven, so things are not actually as bleak as they may seem. Still, with Zambrano and Harden in various levels of gimpitude, the collective angst here in Chicago is not unfounded. Harden is scheduled to pitch on Thursday, and Zambrano on Saturday, so we'll know more (and know just how freaked out to be) in a week or so.

In the meantime, maybe WXRT's Lin Brehmer is right and the Cubs are suffering under The Curse Of Jon Bon Jovi. Apparently the Cubs are playing "Living on a Prayer" during pitching changes. "Living on a Prayer"? Seriously?

It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not.
We've got each other and that's a lot for love
We'll give it a shot.
Whoah, we're half way there
Whoah, livin' on a prayer

I don't think "it doesn't make a difference if we make it or not" adequately captures the feelings of Cubs fans (not to mention players and management). The Cubs aren't "living on a prayer," either; they're living on strong pitching, solid defense, and the best offense in the National League.

And that doesn't touch on how crappy a band Bon Jovi is, or the fact that "Living on a Prayer" is a twenty-year old song. I wish I had a viable, recent, higher-quality alternative, because I'm all about solutions, but alas the last few weeks have reduced my brain's capacity for that sort of critical thinking to almost nil.

So instead of suggesting what should be played, I will merely add my voice to Lin Brehmer's: no more Jovi at Wrigley. Not now, not ever.