07/07 Pirates (Burnett) @ Cubs (Villanueva) 1:20 PM WGN/720

[Little Slide Rooter]

As I've said before, if this team had an average pen, we are squarely in the wild card hunt. It really raises the question as to how far are the Cubs really away from contending? A good pen?

 

Eh. They play pretty well at home and against bad teams, but they go through some serious offensive droughts a little too often. That said, your point stands - they'd be in the hunt if they had even half as many blown saves.

 

10 games under and with an average pen, they're a .500 team right in the thick of a playoff spot. I know this team is rebuilding and the goal is much more than just contend for a wild cars spot. That said, that's the reality of this season.

 

Yeah, well, if you improve most teams weakest spots they would be better.

 

But this is a pretty big discrepancy. Convert half of our 18 blown saves, and we're 47-39.

[jersey cubs fan]

But this is a pretty big discrepancy. Convert half of our 18 blown saves, and we're 47-39.

 

That is a pointless exercise.

Not all blown saves result in a loss. They just won one yesterday despite a blown save.

 

The Cubs have an awful bullpen therefore their relievers often fail at their jobs. If they were better they would win more games. But that is the case for any team. And the fact is, they suck.