A Great Game

Somehow I just love these 1-0 throwback pitchers duels.  Last nights was a great example.  For the Cubs, Hendricks was terrific, in complete command from the start.  It's kind of a pity these guys aren't allowed or expected to pitch complete games as they were in the days of the Jentkins and Gibson duels.

As for the Cubs, they have won 5 of their last 7.  Beginning with the Cardinals game, the lights seem to have gone on for them.  Maybe Chili Davis had a meeting and/or they figured it out, but they seem like a different team since them.  They are not striking out as much, they are not trying to hit home runs in every at-bat.  All around playing well.

Not So Great

So roughly the first tenth of the season is over.  The Cubs will play their 16th game Thursday, weather permitting.  Thus far, this looks a bit like a rerun of 2017, weak and inconsistent hitting, especially situational hitting, mediocre starting pitching, a struggling leadoff hitter...

Of course, things could turn around pretty quickly and a .500 start is not the end of the world.  Still, I rather think that given the nature of the Cubs early season opponents, one supposes they expected to be more like 10-5 at this point, not 7-8.

One bright light has been the bullpen.  They have turned in solid work on most occasions, especially in view of the extra-inning games and the short starts delivered by the rotation.

A couple of thoughts.  I know Maddon is experimenting with the lineup.  However, is it really necessary to expose another top prospect, Ian Happ, who seems entirely unsuited to batting leadoff, to the same disastrous start endured by yet another young player, Kyle Schwarber, who had the same experience last year?  How stubborn can you be?

The Cubs do not have a traditional leadoff man.  Still, they could do better than Happ.  Why not try Almora in that spot against lefties and Heyward against right-handers?  Why not bat someone like Russell second so that there might be an off-chance someone is on base for Bryant, Rizzo, and Contreras?  Or Schwarber if need be.  As a final thought, think about putting Happ in the ninth spot and batting the pitcher eighth, much as they did with Russell in his first season.

Not as Advertised

I hate to say this but the Cubs are playing crappy baseball right now.  After coasting to an opening day win, the team has gone into hibernation at the plate.  This seems to be the same old story as last year.  No clutch hitting, suckers for the high fastball, no situational hitting, stymied by left-handed pitching, impatient at-bats.  Every now and again they have a good inning or two.  But 58 Ks in five games against teams projected to lose 90-100 games.  Come on.

Russell and Schwarber have been the exceptions as hitters, as have Bryant and Zobrist.  Heyward has achieved a level of mediocrity that makes him look good in comparison to everyone else.  Maddon, of course, suggests they are too good a hitting team to continue like this.  Lets hope things improve quickly, as this team now looks very complacent.

The bullpen and defense have been the two bright spots.  Also Hendricks and Chatwood turned in excellent starts.  Lester and Darvish were disappointing, as was Quintana, although the latter pitched a lot better than the bottom line reflects.  I should confess also that I have been knocking Butler for the better part of a year, but he turned in a stellar performance in relief Friday night only to lose a tough decision.  Mea culpa.

Incidentally, I really hate this batting order.  Happ and Almora have so far not delivered.  Also, have I mentioned how much I hate Bryant batting second with no one ever on base.  They need to move someone up to the two spot, especially as their leadoff hitters are having problems.  Schwarber or Russell might fill the bill.