Some people are writing off the Cubs wild card chances this season. I wouldn't do so yet, but they are playing lousy baseball and have been all through July. Sunday's game was the nadir. Most of the time they looked half-asleep in the outfield, misplaying too many balls to mention and generally looking as if they did not care.
I suppose this can be the case with young teams that will so often rise and fall on a crest of emotion. Friday's game did not help matters. The Cubs had it pretty much sewn up only to see it slip away with a blown save in the ninth and a bullpen meltdown in extra innings. The no-hitter didn't help much either on Saturday, but the final game was the worst.
It has to be frustrating for these guys who have by and large experienced only success, but it is getting a little tiresome watching Kris Bryant doing his best vintage Shawon Dunstan impersonation and strike out on every slider two inches above the ground and a foot outside. Similarly, Anthony Rizzo is swinging for the fences every time.
Maybe the Cubs should have pulled the trigger on trading for Hamels before he got to pitch the no-hitter Saturday. You have to remember, though, the Cubs were playing the Phillies this weekend. The Phillies are a last place team whose manager just quit and who are fielding a group of washed-up veterans and AAA players with the notable exception of Hamels and a couple of other pitchers. Being swept at home against these guys does not inspire confidence.
The Cubs finish off the homestand against another last place team, the Rockies, before traveling to Milwaukee to play the Brewers, also in last place. Things get a little sticky the following week when they have to play the Pirates and the Giants, but these are wild card rivals and they have to show they can beat them to be considered a legitimate playoff team.
Lets hope for a quick turnaround soon.
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