GREGG LOSES JOB AS CUBS CLOSER

The Chicago Cubs season needs to turn around quickly if they want to make the postseason. A little shake up at the end of the bullpen might help.

Manager Lou Piniella announced after Monday's 4-1 loss to the Padres that Kevin Gregg will no longer be the closer. Carlos Marmol or Angel Guzman will get the save opportunities for now. Gregg, who has struggled mightily of late, blew the Cubs latest game , giving up a 1-0 lead.

Acquired from the Florida Marlins in the offseason, Gregg battled Marmol for the closer's role in spring training and won the job. He was injured in the beginning of the season, but came back to save games for Chicago. However, he has not lived up to the hype after his successful season a year ago in Miami.

A year ago, long-time Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was the closer and Marmol was a very good setup man. However, Wood signed with the Indians in the offseason and the Cubs had to figure out who would close their games. I guess they were not totally convinced that Marmol could handle the job, and as a result, signed Gregg.

I will admit that Gregg has pitched terribly. However, the Cubs have not swung the bats well at all. They are near the bottom of the national league in many offensive categories and you can't expect to win if that is the case. Yes, you must have good pitching to win. But you can't rely on it to be good all the time. If Alfonso Soriano and the rest of these hitters from the North Side do not start producing, Piniella and friends will be watching the Cardinals and a more deserving wild-card team in October.

Shawn Marosek