 The next night, the Cubs jumped out 2–0 on a home run by rookie catcher Geovany Soto, but Lilly, who was 9–1 following Cub losses, was touched for six runs.In the finale at home, the offense again squandered numerous opportunities, stranding 12 runners and falling victim to four double plays en route to another abrupt end to a once promising season.Just before Christmas in 2007, Sam Zell closed the sale of the Tribune and promised the team would be sold prior to the season (which ultimately didn't happen), leading many to question whether the Cubs would be major players in the free-agent market.