Bruce Miles' game story of last night's snoozer in Philadelphia has an interesting observation and an interesting speculation:

Cubs batters failed to draw a walk as they managed just 5 hits while striking out 11 times.

Piniella had more to say to reporters after the game, perhaps even sending a message to general manager Jim Hendry.

"We're challenged offensively," Piniella said. "You don't score runs, you don't win no matter how good you pitch. I'll tell you what. We might need a couple of hitters at the (trade) deadline."

The lack of walks is all on Von Joshua, no? That could NEVER have happened under Gerald Perry, right?

But the "message" to Jim Hendry doesn't make much sense. Hendry may sign contracts worse than anything Tom Hicks ever authorized, and in greater volumes, but Hendry knows this team can't hit and he knows Bradley hasn't worked out. This feels more like Lou Piniella laying more ground work for him to retire at the end of the year.

"We were strapped for cash because of the ownership situation and unable to make the moves we needed to make. I'm too old and too tired to deal with this. The Cubs need some money back? Take my 2010 salary," Lou could say.

Given that next year's opening day outfield is nearly a lock to be Soriano in left, Fukudome in center and Bradley in left (unless he is on the DL), the opportunity to improve this team's offense is very narrow. It gets harder and harder to see why Lou would even want to come back.