The Cubs dropped the Reds series two games to one, a pretty ugly scene and one that is hard to understand given just how bad a team the Reds have become these days. Wednesday's loss was especially brutal given that Bryant had just tied the game on a two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth only to open the floodgates with an error in the top of the ninth. Rondon was really unlucky there giving up the scratch hit and then the error with two outs. Not to second guess Maddon again, but you have to wonder why they are giving Votto, possibly the hottest hitter in baseball since the All-Star break, anything to hit in that situation, especially going 2-0 to start him out.
As far as the last minute pickups go, Austin Jackson has been pretty solid thus far and Fernando Rodney has looked pretty good as well. Javier Baez looks a lot slimmer than last year, but the jury still has to be out on him. Granted he has been a little more under control so far, but his swing still seems a little too big and a lot more violent than it needs to be. I suppose he has more potential now than Castro who has really worn out his welcome fast.
Arizona comes to town Friday. This is another mediocre team the Cubs need to sweep if only to demonstrate they are legitimate contenders, especially with the pitching matchups that are likely for the series.
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