Ten runs in three games, but the Cubs managed to take only their second series in like forever against the Brewers. This was mainly on the strength of their pitching, superior starts from Jackson (surprise) and Wood. They might have at least contended for a sweep had they been able to catch and throw the ball in the first inning of Samardzija's start on Friday.
Anyway, the last series kind of underscores what a wasted season this has become. Contrary to popular belief at the end of last season, the NL Central has returned to its accustomed status as a weak division. The Brewers got off to a sensational start, but have returned to earth with a big thud. The Cardinals miss Beltran and are not the same team. The Pirates, as we predicted, have proved so far a flash in the pan.
The point of this is that the Cubs missed an opportunity to at least demonstrate a level of mediocrity not attained since 2009. So it goes.
Jesse Rogers has an interesting piece that confirms our earlier observations on the sad state of the Cubs outfield and the seeming unwillingness of Cubs brass to do anything about it. The arrival of the much vaunted and much hyped outfield saviors, Soler and Amora, is likely three or four years off. Rogers suggests moving players who are blocked or who would supplant acceptable current starters to the outfield right now, prospects like Bryant and Baez. Not a bad idea. I'd put Vogelbach in this mix as well.
Another idea, as in wait till next year, is to pick up an aging veteran with some pop. Guys like this are always available in the free agent market and could supply some much needed stability and veteran presence to a team lacking both. Someone to carry the weight until the future "stars" arrive. And I do not mean placeholders like Schierholtz either.
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