Six in a Row

The Cubs notched their sixth straight win and seventh in eight games following the awful Phillies series.  They are back in the second slot for the wild card and have actually picked up ground on the Pirates for the first slot, though they are still three games out.  The Giants series coming up this weekend will tell a lot, but right now they are rolling along, and that despite Bryant's being mired in a terrible slump.

There was a lot of talk about playing stupid, which seems to translate into playing as if you were better than you were expected to be.  The thought has some merit.  This team has its weaknesses, as do all the contenders right now, but it is pretty good all the same.  I'd like to see this team make a run at the Pirates for sure.  Pittsburgh is dealing with a lot of injuries now, both position players and pitching, so there is every chance they will start to come back a bit.

There was a weird rumor the Cubs were interested in acquiring Chase Utley from the Phils.  Lets hope not as this guy has been pretty brutal lately.  Utley's skills peaked a few years ago and even though he put up decent numbers as late as last year, one has to figure the handwriting is on the wall for him.  Besides, who would he replace?  I suppose you can make a case that he slots in as a replacement for Herrera, but it's not like he is Mr. Versatility.  Basically he plays second base.

Another impending roster move is activating Montero.  Maddon has made it pretty clear he wants to keep Schwarber on the major league roster, so that does leave a bit of a problem.  The obvious move is to send down Szczur.  I'm not that much in love with Szczur as a fifth outfielder, but the Cubs could use that spot for another bat in addition to Montero.  I've always felt that carrying thirteen pitchers is wrong.  Now that the team has added Hunter and straightened out the rotation with Haren, I honestly think they can gain some flexibility by dropping a bullpen guy.  The guy who has not pitched that well is obviously Soriano.  It is possible he will turn it around, but it might take a while to do so and the odds are against him.  Also, when you think about it, he doesn't really have a role right now.