The Cubs lost two of three in San Francisco this week. I figured they would lose the Bumgarner game, but the middle game loss was a tough one. That one has to be on the defense and not really on Hendricks who pitched quite well after the first inning. I suppose that is what comes of playing guys out of position, but Denorfia really screwed up the leadoff triple which was a clean single that he should have played on the hop. Coghlan then took a bad route to Posey's flyball, turning what should have been an out into a double. Anyway, the Cubs are comfortably ensconced in second place in the wild card race, though they have to be frustrated to be playing so well and not gaining ground. The Pirates and the Cards never seem to play any solid opponents these days.
The Cubs picked up Fernando Rodney from the Mariners for cash considerations. They seem bent on a never-ending quest to resurrect any closer who ever pitched for Joe Maddon in the past. Rodney is getting a little long in the tooth, though he still throws hard. He was quite a force last year, but, this year, as they say, not so much. Well, the good news is we won't be seeing Schlitter again, nor Rosscup until the September callups.
With Ross off on family leave and Soler and Fowler hurt, the Cubs backup issues are rather exposed. The improvised lineup on Thursday looked pretty much like a concession to me. Likely September cannot come any too soon for this team.
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