The Cubs probably should have won Friday's game, but did not owing to really a lack of clutch hitting and some bullpen breakdowns by guys who have been pretty reliable recently. Saturday's game was a mess. The Cubs didn't figure to win with a call-up pitching, but their performance early in the game when they had some chances was pretty dismal. They played with a sense of desperation that is rather uncharacteristic of the team thus far. One thing I don't get is Castro's base-running when he was caught trying to score from third base in the third inning. You are supposed to get into a rundown in that situation, not give up. As a result, Baxter was thrown out at second when he was doing the right thing trying to advance. Actually, he might have been safe, but by then I suppose Maddon had just given up anyway and failed to protest.
Lots of rumors floating around about pitching trades. I sure hope they do not trade for Papilbon. The last thing they want to do is give up good prospects for a relief pitcher who is past his prime. Their real need is for another starting pitcher who can dominate for seven innings on a regular basis as Arrieta and Hammel have done. That guy, incidentally, is not Niese, whom the Cubs have been tied to on the rumor mill. Niese has an onerous contract and has never been much good. On paper, he is not a significant improvement over what they have now in the fifth starter role. The Cubs have the money and the prospects to do better. Even a rental type would help out if they don't want to give up better younger prospects.
Lets hope for some improvement tomorrow. Apparently Ramirez is going to be activated from the DL. Roach will likely be sent back down. Roach had been the most effective starter at Iowa this season, so if he is the best they have, there is not a lot of hope down on the farm, at least in the short term. I think the Cubs have really missed Soler in the lineup. Hopefully he can start a rehab assignment soon and make it back before the All-Star break.
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