Dateline

May 28, 2005: LaTroy Hawkins plays his last game in a Cubs' uniform.

Cubs proceed to win 5 in a row, and 7 out of their next 8.

July 7, 2005: Corey Patterson plays his last game in a Cubs' uniform.

Cubs proceed to win 3 in a row.

Coincidence? I think not. This team was happy to be rid of LaTroy. Jerry Hairston told WSCR yesterday that the team had a players only meeting after Corey and Jason DuBois were optioned to Iowa.

You think they were just clearing the air?

They were telling each other that now it was time to get serious. There would be no more excuses. Upper management had just eliminated a big place to point their collective finger.

And, speaking of a collective finger, ain't it interesting that Dusty et al weren't allowed to be in the meeting?

While the parrot stays until this team gets to at least 7 games over .500 (a new high water mark), there is a chance. The first 8 games after the break are Pitt and Cinci. Take all 8 and I'm a believer again.

Until then, believers are just dumb.