Cubs Not Feeling Chipper

The Cubs‘ Tuesday loss to the Braves was perhaps their most stinging of the year.  Chicago actually had a 5-0 lead at one point, thanks largely to another terrific start by Randy Wells, but the bullpen couldn’t hold it.  And by “the bullpen” I mostly mean Kevin Gregg, who came into the game in the 9th with a 5-3 lead, and gave up a 2 out 2-run tying jack to Jeff Francoeur.  The Braves would go on to win it in the 12th on a single by Chipper Jones off Aaron Heilman.  I don’t think I need to point out that, when you’re scuffling like the Cubs have been, you can’t afford to blow 5-run leads, and you certainly can’t have your closer giving up game-tying dingers in the 9th.  You can’t afford that kind of crap even when you’re not scuffling.

As far as I’m concerned, the Cubs can start looking around for another closer.  Add that to the trade deadline shopping list which already includes another reliable bat, preferrably at second, and a starter who’s capable of staying healthy and unsuspended.