The Cubs are "luvable losers" again.

Brewers' fans find the Cubs particularly luvable since their favorites swept them at Wrigley Field for the first time in history over the weekend.

Jimmy Haynes started the sweep by matching Cubs' ace Kerry Wood pitch-for-pitch Friday. James Mouton's infield single in the top of the ninth drove in Richie Sexson for a 2-1 win.

Jamey Wright pitched even better than Haynes on Saturday, blanking the Cubs for eight innings in a 4-0 win. Sexson provided all the scoring Wright needed with a three-run home run in the first inning.

The Brewers completed the sweep with a 6-3 win Sunday. Ben Sheets won his third straight against the Cubs and fifth straight overall to improve his record to 9-4. The rookie could be the Brewers' All Star rep if he keeps it up.

Jeromy Burnitz, Jose Hernandez and Tyler Houston homered for the Brewers, who beat former teammate Jason Bere.

The sweep moved the Brewers to 38-34 and within 4 _ games of the first place Cubs in the National League Central.

It shouldn't surprise anybody that the Cubs are sliding. With the exceptions of Sammy Sosa and Rondell White, their lineup is weak. Matt Stairs and Ron Coomer are part-time players being asked to play fulltime. Stairs hit two homers Sunday but is not a legitimate cleanup hitter.

The Cubs have been winning primarily with their pitching, but Kevin Tapani, Jason Bere, Julian Tavarez and several relievers have been pitching over their heads. They are coming back down to earth. Wood and Jon Lieber are solid pitchers.

Meanwhile, the Brewers' pitchers are stepping up after learning that Jeff D'Amico will be out for a while longer, if not for the season, with his compressed nerve problem. Paul Rigdon is scheduled to return to the rotation Tuesday.

Sexson has started to hit like he did for the Brewers last season. Geoff Jenkins' hand is mending. Tyler Houston and Jose Hernandez continue to play well on the left side of the infield and hit. Mark Loretta plays well wherever manager Davey Lopes puts him. Devon White continues to play better than Jeffrey Hammonds while filling in for the injured centerfielder.

After playing much of June on the road, and becoming much better road warriors, the Brewers will play a lot more at Miller Park next month. So, it looks like they could hang in the thick of things, especially if the Cubs just keep getting more luvable by losing.

Milwaukee area native Lance Painter was designated for assignment by the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. If he refuses the assignment, he can be released and sign with any team.

The Brewers should give him a chance, not only because he is a hometown product, but because he is a lefthander. Ray King is the only lefty on the staff and will undoubtedly wear down as the season goes on. Plus, having only one southpaw limits Lopes' moves in the bullpen.

Sign Painter and give him a chance in middle relief. He struggled with Toronto, but has a big league track record.

There is no truth to the rumor that the Brewers made a serious bid for John Rocker before the Braves dealt him to the Indians. Lefties like that the Brewers don't need.

Does anybody out there find it ironic that perhaps the most politically-incorrect player in baseball gets traded from one team with a Native American nickname to another? He also will now be pitching in a town that has a Hall of Fame which honors rockers.

The Brewers play four games at Pittsburgh before returning to Miller Park on Friday to face the Houston Astros. Allen Levrault, Jimmy Haynes and Jamey Wright will start three of the games.

The team will have to make a roster move before Rigdon starts on Tuesday. Outfielder Alex Sanchez and pitcher Mike Buddie are the leading candidates to be sent to the minors. If the Brewers would pick up Painter, they could send the survivor of the Rigdon move down to make room.