Cubs lose 5-3 to the Marlins; Inside Theo Epstein's mind; Bryan LaHair signing

The Cubs couldn't avoid being swept and lost 5-3 to the Miami Marlins today.  Jeff Samardzija had his shortest outing of the season, lasting only 3 2/3 innings, during which he gave up five runs and eight hits and issued five walks and threw three strikeouts.

Jeff Samardzija had his shortest outing of the season in Miami today (photo from cubs.com)

The only highlight of today's game was when second baseman Darwin Barney hit a three-run bases loaded triple in the 2nd inning to give the Cubs the lead.

The Cubs have started out the season by losing their first four series and have a record of 3-10.  They are also in last place in the National League Central division.

"You never want to start out poorly," Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein said. "There are a lot of things we can improve upon, and we will.  But you also don't want to read too much into one homestand and one road trip.  Certainly crystallize some areas we need to continue to strive to get better at."

Epstein said he isn't going to make any sudden moves, such as calling up Anthony Rizzo or Brett Jackson from Triple-A Iowa.  "Baseball is best understood from bigger samples and a distance sometimes," he said.  "No one wants to get off to this kind of start.  The lineup is not performing really well right now.  It's a little bit early to be thinking about those kind of moves, specifically with your better prospects."  However, Epstein did confirm that the team will make smaller moves during the season to make the Cubs more competitive while keeping the big picture in mind.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is focusing on the big picture (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Cubs' first baseman Bryan LaHair will sign autographs at Sports World, located at 3555 N. Clark Street, across from Wrigley Field after Saturday’s game against the Reds.  Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Urban Initiatives program.  Fans will have the opportunity to purchase wristbands for $10, which will serve as a donation to the charity and allow them to receive one autograph and a photo with LaHair.

The Cubs will travel home and play a six-game home stand at Wrigley Field, starting with tomorrow's game against the Cincinnati Reds at 1:20pm CST, where Chris Volstad will try to get his first win with the Cubs.