Sports / MLB 7 Slump Busters for the Cubs Tribune identifies players who can reverse a midseason swoon By Lev Weinstein, Newser Staff Posted Jul 8, 2008 12:09 PM CDT Copied Chicago Cubs' Jason Marquis pitches to the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 1, 2008. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Despite a National League-best 53-36 record, all is not well in Wrigleyville, Paul Sullivan writes in the Chicago Tribune. The Cubs need these seven guys to step up and insure that Sweet Lou’s “100-year thing” doesn’t become a 101-year thing: Sean Marshall: Lefty pitcher needs to keep up his current quality to help the team, and stay on it. Henry Blanco: With a backup this good, rookie catcher Geovany Soto needs to sit more to insure his longevity. Jim Edmonds: His offensive resurgence needs to carry over into the second half. Carlos Marmol: The reliever needs to get over his "phase" quick. Daryle Ward: Can the defensively hapless slugger find success after his inter-league stint at DH? Jason Marquis: Can the starter learn second-half consistency? Ryan Theriot: Needs to continue his success at short. (More MLB stories.) Report an error