CUBS: Soriano Heating Up

Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano is 5-for-9 in his past two games with two homers, a stolen base and five runs scored, according to the Chicago Cubs official web site.

BOTTOM LINE: The Cubs are going to need Soriano on top of his game as that division may come down to the wire. Soriano needs to keep hacking and getting on base.

CUBS: Harden Struck With Tough Luck

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Rich Harden was the tough-luck loser Monday, allowing just one run on one hit while striking out 10 Diamondbacks in a 1-0 loss.

BOTTOM LINE: Randy Johnson was just better on this night. Harden has been awesome for the Cubs thus far, and as long as he can remain healthy, the talented rightie should remain a quality pitcher down the stretch.

CUBS: Soriano No All Star

Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano will not be healthy enough to play in the All-Star game, according to the Cubs Official Site.

BOTTOM LINE: Soriano shouldn’t risk further injury for the spectacle of Yankee Stadium. Look for Soriano to have a big second half, and for Corey Hart or Patt Burrell to replace him.

RED SOX: Cubs Want Crisp

Boston Red Sox outfielder Coco Crisp is currently being scouted by the Chicago Cubs. With the Red Sox slew of injuries, we wouldn’t be surprised if they aren’t as eager to deal him as they once were.

BOTTOM LINE: The only way the Red Sox will budge is if they get a multiple-player offer that includes Rich Hill. Although Hill has struggled this season, he still has major upside.

CUBS: Zambrano to Undergo MRI

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his sore shoulder. He apparently felt something when he threw his last pitch on Wednesday night.

BOTTOM LINE: The Cubs are crossing their fingers, and rightfully so. The loss of Zambrano would be a huge blow. We will report more on this as the results come in.