Shades of '08 for Cubs

Entering their half of the 5th inning, the Cubs trailed 7-0. 5 innings later, they won 8-7. It definitely wasn't pretty. And a bad outing by Rich Harden is somewhat disconcerting. But the offense has apparently come back to life for a team that was in the offensive doldrums for weeks.

For the second day in a row, the Cubs were looking at a sure defeat -- and another poor offensive showing. But the late innings once again were friendly, as the Cubs scored 4 times in the 8th and once in the 9th and 10th to take the opening game against the visiting Cleveland Indians.

I wrote yesterday that coming back from a 5-1 deficit against the White Sox could be the jump start the Cubs needed, and they responded again with another late outburst. No, the slump isn't officially over, but two games in a row only builds confidence for the hitters. And there are some signs that the team has turned things around. Namely, Derrek Lee.

Lee was struggling, but he has been on fire lately, including 3 big home runs in the last two games. If Lee continues at this pace, the Cubs will be able to ride his bat until Aramis Ramirez returns. And who knows what will happen then?

At least for a day, though, reminders of the big comeback against the Rockies last year came to mind. And maybe some of the "Cubbie" swagger is coming back, too. It remains to be seen if it is here to stay.