Papa Cub

I apologize ahead of time for the “negativity.” However, is it negativity if there’s a lot of truth to it? As a fan, I can clearly see this team falling apart at the seams. I understand that the game of baseball goes in streaks - a little ebb and flow if you will. With that said, their bats are nonexistent at this point to say the least, we have a manager that seems to base ALL his decisions on righty/lefty “matchups.” Hows that going for ya? So not only are their bats not getting the job done, their bullpen is suspect and starting rotation didn’t really change either. They traded for a guy in Michael Soroka, who clearly had issues with his health for last few seasons. Now he’s on the 15-day IL, which could turn into the season or a large part of it. Oh yeah, then there’s Milwaukee! A team that addressed their needs as they needed them - they didn’t wait and try to be fancy. They just went out and got the pieces they needed. They find ways to win games - Cubs are finding ways to lose them. People can argue that their record is toward the top of the NL. Personally, I think the division is an after thought, and playoffs may be in question if they don’t get their act together between all phases of the game, as well as their management decisions. Those are my thoughts as I watch this team over the last 3-4 weeks. The chasm is growing bigger with each passing day.

Although the Cubs have the pieces they need to make a run through October, I am going to be a bit skeptical about that from what I’ve seen lately. I will explain my thoughts of what I mean. PCA, what he has done this season is extremely impressive, and as a fan I am so excited to have him a part of this team! With that being said, he seems to be very ‘boom or bust’ and shows a big lack of discipline at the plate to say the least. In my opinion, Nico Hoerner has been this team’s MVP so far this season. This is why: CONSISTENCY! Even Tucker has been up and down (by his standards), and Suzuki has fallen off the map since the break. Happ, Swanson, and others are up and down. I’m not naive - I know baseball is about streaks and players going in and out of them all the time. However, I look at players and teams that are consistent, and quite frankly the Cubs have not been that for a while now. Whether it’s the inconsistency in their pitching, hitting from some of their stars, or the relief pitchers as of late. The team is chalked full of potential and exciting players. No doubt about it, and they sit with a solid record at the moment, but I am concerned that if they continue with the inconsistent play, they may fall out of the wild card race at this point. Milwaukee, as much as it pains me, is hands down the better team at this point in the season. Do I need to say why? I believe I mentioned the word several times in this post. Chicago is plenty capable of turning the tide back in their favor (I certainly hope they do!) with the lineup they have, but they need more guys to step up and offer that consistent play. Thank you for taking the time to hear my thoughts as a fan. I welcome feedback from anyone willing to share. Go Cubs!

Well said sir

I agree with your comment. The blog did seem a bit skewed in areas for sure. However, as a Cubs fan, I have to admit that from an “all-around” perspective, I do feel the Brewers have the better team right now. Not superior, but more efficient and consistent I feel. Cubs have more needs to address than Milwaukee. That’s a fact. Cubs have the offense and base stealing and defense, but their pitching is mediocre at best right now. This isn’t being negative, it’s simply looking at the two teams and comparing where they’re at right now.

Can I like this comment twice?! totally agree 👍 Matt Shaw, Wiggins, among others are your future building blocks. 50-70 games (pending playoff games), quite frankly is not worth blowing up your farm system. They need to stick to finding some solid arms for the second half push IMO

Not sure I like it at all - our bullpen has been one of the best in MLB for a large part of the season. I would concentrate on addressing the starting pitching more than relief. Palencia has served exceptionally well as a closer, Thielbar has been a rock, but even names like Brad Keller, Pomeranz, Braiser, and Presley, although have had some shaky performances lately, they have done a solid job throughout this season cleaning up and holding games for the Cubs. Again, I personally feel that addressing the starting pitching is much more important than relief at this point. All teams want upgraded, but you should focus on one area and get better there. Just my thoughts

Call me living in 2016, but trading for Clase, reminds me of trading and going all in on Chapman. There is definitely some resemblance with that trade idea. That panned out well for the Cubs. i agree with this article, in the sense that Suarez is too pricey, and they need to see the long term gains in Matt Shaw. They have some really good, young talent in the minors, so holding onto them the best they can should pay dividends in the future. They definitely need at least a solid starting pitcher. Clase and someone like Keller would be good. Not sure of the cost. Thoughts?

I agree 💯 of giving up Brown for Kelly & Suarez! No brainer for me. Brown is young, but I’ve watched all his starts. I’ll leave that there.

Honestly, I believe any Cubs fan, their management and the front office, all know they need help with their starting pitching rotation if they want to make a push deep into October. Personally, I feel they need to be a bit cautious when looking to add or go after a starting pitcher. A pitcher like Dylan Cease, although he has great upside, you would probably have to give a top prospect or pay a great deal for him. As a fan, I believe they can find a good, adequate pitcher to fill their needs on a more affordable scale. Again, there is no mystery that they need help with their rotation, but I would hate to see them lose a top prospect or two and overpay for a pitcher that you don’t know will perform to the standard you hope. Anyway, those are my thoughts.

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