I have to say I am somewhat shocked by the offensive production the Cubs have generated in the last two games, both easy wins, 8-0 over the Brewers and 9-5 to wreck the Cardinals home opener. Good solid ABs from most of the team. They are seeing a lot more pitches and swinging less at pitcher's pitches.
All in all, a good sign that maybe holds some hope for the future. Soto and Byrd continue to stink, however. Clevenger, on the other hand, has been pretty impressive as a hitter, and also as a catcher. He was the receiver in both the near complete game performances of Samardzija and Garza respectively. Too early maybe to discern a trend, but I have never liked the way Soto calls a game, so maybe the Cubs have a better all around player in their backup catcher than they bargained for when they brought him up.
The top three in the rotation continue to shine, though Samardzija got careless with a 9-0 lead and was lucky to get through the fifth inning to claim the win. He seemed to lose his focus and edge there and started getting the ball up and failing to change speeds. Probably a lesson he needs to learn if he is to reach the higher echelon of pitchers this year.
Volstad is up on Saturday and Maholm Sunday. So far these are the weaker links, so don't expect a sweep this weekend.
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