Can Aramis Shoulder The Load?

After another dismal offensive performance against the Tigers last night, Cub fans everywhere continue to count the days until Aramis Ramirez returns. The Cubs 1 for 15 effort with runners in scoring position brought them to an impressive 1 for 29 with RISP for the road trip. With numbers like that, how much can Ramirez really help? Will he help enough to finally start taking advantage of the outstanding starting pitching that the Cubs have been getting? Will he help enough to make you forget that the back end of the bullpen, in Marmol and Gregg, is an absolute mess? Will he help enough to finally have this team takeoff and leave .500 in the rear view mirror? Are you concerned that you might not see the same Ramirez once he returns, that a shoulder injury will hamper his production?

Ramirez is reportedly expected to take batting practice for the first time tomorrow. Hopefully everything goes well and we'll have a better timetable for when he will be back on the field. We'll be holding our breath while waiting to learn that not only is his shoulder healthy enough to get back into the lineup, but that it's strong enough to carry the load into October.