Chicago Cubs News: Maddon likely to make changes before Game 3

The Chicago Cubs offense has sputtered, and Joe Maddon can’t wait for players to break out like he did during the regular season. With a focus on pitching and defense, a few small changes could help spark the offense.

Almost every Chicago Cubs fan is wondering what has happened to the offense. It’s like that stretch before the All-Star break all over again. But this time, there isn’t 80+ games to follow. The Cubs need to get some of their top hitters going again, and soon. The good news is they hopefully aren’t going to see Clayton Kershaw until Game 6–unless they can push the Dodgers to the brink of elimination.

The Cubs have placed an emphasis on pitching and defense. And that has worked very well for them most of the season. But with the offense not scoring runs as easily in the postseason, there are a few changes that Maddon can make without sacrificing defense–at least too much. With Kershaw out of the way, the series will be less pitcher’s duels and potentially higher-scoring, at least on paper. It might be time for the Cubs to expect a higher scoring contest instead of counting on just pitching and defense.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Cubs’ catching coach Mike Borzello has been a huge part of the team’s successful pitching staff. Coincidentally, he’s also been a tremendous part of the Dodgers as well. Borzello was the Dodgers bullpen catcher in 2010. He was there when Kenley Jansen was making his way to where he is now. And Borzello had seen another cut fastball like Jansen’s. That’s while he was in New York. That of course, was the cutter of the Mariano Rivera. Funny how everything intersects in the game of baseball.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs need to get it together, and quick’ – Cubbies Crib

‘An offensive fix without hurting the defense?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cut above: Cubs coach links Jansen, Mariano Rivera’– MLB.com

‘Three takeaways from another Indians win’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Cubs Zobrist denies stealing signs’ – ESPN

#Cubs on Twitter

We’ll have lots of Cubs coverage throughout the day, leading up to tonight’s Game 3 against the Dodgers. Be sure to check back for all your Cubs news throughout the day!