Cubs Blame Economy for Home Boos

Wednesday night in Houston, the Cubs prevailed, 6-3. During the process of the victory, they continually encountered a welcome circumstance: they were cheered the entire game by a large contingent of Cubs fans. It was definitely welcome after hearing more boos than cheers at home thus far this season, despite having an 8-6 home record and only trailing the Cardinals by 2 1/2 games -- and the fact that it's the first week of May.

Maybe the home fans need a break from the boys in blue, because the Cubs fans in the Houston area seemed to love the Cubs' every move. Alfonso Soriano has a (really lame) theory:

''I think the frustration is affecting everyone,'' Soriano said. ''Everybody in the United States -- because of the economy.''

Reed Johnson echoed the theory when presented with it, but his was an obviously tongue-in-cheek agreement.

I know Soriano's heart is in the right place, and I greatly respect him for trying to defend the indefensible, but the collective crowds at Wrigley have become a little out-of-control for my tastes when it comes to booing.

My feelings on the subject are hardly a secret, but when I sat in the crowd last Friday I was especially embarrassed -- and this is a game in which the Cubs eventually won. The booing at Wrigley Field, for every single little play that doesn't positively affect the outcome for the Cubs, is with excessive ferocity at this point. If things continue down this path, we'll be hearing boos if the first pitch of the game isn't a strike. I wish I was kidding.

Look, I understand the boos sometimes. Just because I don't want to be a part of it any longer, doesn't mean it can't be justified in certain cases -- like when Rich Harden was booed after a really awful outing. That can be justified, and even Harden understands.

''Fans have high expectations,'' said Wednesday's starter and winner, Rich Harden (3-1), who was booed by home fans for the first time in his career Friday. ''We've got a $140 million payroll. It's understandable. You're going to get some of that with any big-market team.''

It's true the expectations are part of it, and people were surely expecting the team to be in first place by a few games by now instead of trailing. I certainly did. The point, though, is that the team peaked far too early last year and it showed when they were swept out of the playoffs again. We, as fans, should all be rooting for the team to stick around in this area until hitting their stride in September. That seems to be the best formula for winning the championship these days.

When it comes to the booing, I agree with Lou Piniella.

''I can tell you this: I think it's counterproductive,'' manager Lou Piniella said of the home booing, but added, ''Look, we don't hit a little better, we don't pitch a little better, we don't play defense a little better, then cheering and booing -- none of it's going to help or hurt.''

Exactly. As I like to do in most situations where I'm compelled to act in a certain manner, I'd advise my fellow fans to ask themselves: What can be gained? When it comes to booing, do you really think it's going to force the team to play better? No. I understand the whole expressing frustration bit, but it's a waste of energy to boo an error in the third inning on May 1 -- and even helps perpetuate the stereotype that we're all stupid. Nothing can be gained from it. Nothing at all.

Settle down. It's May 7.