Wrap-Up: Chicago Cubs Vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (5/26/2012)

11. The Chicago Cubs losing streak now stands at 11 consecutive games. Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer have preached patience, and for the most part, the Cubs fans still have overwhelming trust in the Cubs new regime. But what if…

What if Anthony Rizzo is not the player that the Cubs’ front office is expecting him to be?

What if top prospect center fielder Brett Jackson is Felix Pie 2.0?

What if the recent of failures of the Boston Red Sox is a symbol for what Theo Epstein has become as opposed to years that Epstein constructed World Series winning teams?

One thing is for certain. This is not the off-season anymore. Epstein and Hoyer are starting to realize. Reporters such as Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune have started to question the moves that the new regime has made during the off-season. A direct contradiction from the thought that Epstein and Hoyer could do nothing wrong in the moves that they made during the off-season.

I still to think that this is not the appropriate time to begin to criticize Epstein and Hoyer. The pair of executives told us all during the off-season that the focus is not on the 2012 season. For that reason, the Cubs will likely be a vulnerable Major League team this season. Nearly two months into the season and what are the Cubs? The Cubs are a vulnerable Major League team that has a sight out for future as opposed to the present time.

Nonetheless, efforts like the Cubs gave in Saturday’s 3 to 2 loss have Cubs fans growing more and more frustrated by the minute. Here is a look at the game notes.

What Went Right: A tip of the cap the Chicago Cubs bullpen on Saturday. After Starting pitcher Paul Maholm allowed two runs in five innings of work, the likes of Casey Coleman and Shawn Camp kept the Pirates scoreless for the next three innings. Camp has been an effective reliever for the Cubs this season as the veteran has an ERA of 2.84.

What Went Wrong: Where do you want to start? The Cubs offense collected only six hits in a total of 32 at bats while leaving 6 on base and going 1 for 4 with runners in scoring position. First baseman Bryan LaHair continued his struggles on Saturday night as LaHair went 1 for 4 on the night. LaHair’s line is now down to .299/.394/584 and the first baseman is hitting .133/.235/.133 these past 7 days. Rafael Dolis struggled once again in the ninth inning as the reliever gave up the walk off run on a hit by pitch. In total, Dolis walked two batters while giving up a hit and of course the game winning run.

What Was Interesting: Since being anointed as the team’s closer, Rafael Dolis has struggled. Struggled to the point where many have suggested that Carlos Marmol be re-inserted as the team’s closer once he is activated off the disabled list. To be honest, that may be the best option for the Cubs. The Cubs need to showcase Marmol in order for Epstein and Hoyer to trade him before the July 31 trade deadline.