The Boston series was widely hyped as potentially a World Series preview. It did not disappoint in terms of close, tense, hard-fought games. The Cubs came out on the short end mainly because of two innings, the first inning of Arrieta's start and the eighth inning of Sunday night's game when the team uncharacteristically disintegrated after a botched play by Uehara covering first.
Actually, neither the Red Sox nor the Cubs are playing great baseball these days, though the potential is certainly there for a Series rematch.
On the subject of the Cubs, Maddon insists he has no worries and he is very satisfied, every season is different, the starting pitching will settle down, the hitters will produce. I suppose he is right. Almost certainly he is right about the hitting.
Really the only player in the long run who may not right the ship is Baez. Baez continues to just play in swing mode all the time. It is possible the Cubs will just get used to that version of things. However, should Baez continue along these lines, he is effectively limiting himself to his current role. He also becomes increasingly expendable given the progress of other prospects in the farm system. Ian Happ, to make the obvious connection. Happ is beginning to look like Zobrist raised to a higher power.
I'm a little more hesitant to second Maddon's opinion about the starting pitching returning to the dominance they exerted last year. Lester and Hendricks and probably Arrieta for sure. Maybe Lackey, who will at least give you six innings in the first half of the year that keep you close.
Anderson, not so much confidence. His performance last night was terrible, especially when you contrast it with Montgomery's relief innings. It is clear that, objectively, Montgomery is the reliable starter who completes the rotation. Montgomery is only relegated to the bullpen because of his versatility and because the Cubs do not have a reliable left-handed option in the pen right now.
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