It's never easy to repeat as champions, but that West Coast trip was abominable. Especially on the heels of a 7-2 homestand. I mean, ten walks and two hit-batsmen and you score only two runs? Nine runs in six games, almost all of them on home runs? Something's wrong here.
I suppose one must realize this is not the team that won the Series last year. Theoretically, they should be pretty good. Actually they aren't. At the end of the season, the Cubs decided to pass on four free agents who were keys to their success in 2017, namely, Fowler, Wood, Chapman, and Hammel. In addition, Ross retired. I cannot second guess any of those choices. They were the right decisions. Actually, the Cubs correctly did not expect Travis Wood or Jason Hammel to duplicate their 2017 form and they have not. They probably expected Fowler to have a couple of more good years, but they were unwilling to give him the lengthy contract he desired. In reality, Fowler has been pretty mediocre for the Cards. They were definitely not going to pay Chapman the money he expected.
The problem has been that these cogs in the Cubs machine have not been replaced. Hammel, in particular, was a fifteen game winner as essentially the #5 starter. The truth is the Cubs have no #5 starter right now. Anderson was pretty bad before he got hurt. Butler does not appear to the the answer. Montgomery, who was the heir apparent before Anderson was acquired, may be the answer here. Given the struggles and inconsistencies of the remainder of the rotation, they need to find a solution quickly. The only real fix the off-season repaired was Davis in the closer role.
As far as the leadoff spot is concerned, it really is time to call the Schwarber experiment quits. Time honestly to drop this kid down a lot further in the order than second as well. Zobrist or Heyward are better choices now depending on the matchups. I honestly expect the Cubs to move some minor leaguers and young talent at the deadline for pitching, either of the rental or controllable variety, especially as what passes for genuine pitching prospects on the farm is quite a ways away.
As far as high level talent goes, I hope they hold onto Happ. He looks like a complete player and a star in the making. Candelario, for one, is effectively blocked for years to come, so he is probably expendable.
This Cardinals series is going to tell a lot.
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