Chicago Cubs: Should John Lackey be upset or embarrassed by his performance?

Following the Chicago Cubs 7-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, starter John Lackey sounded off on his performance. Well, he sounded off at least. Is he doing enough and not getting the support, or does he have work to do?

The Chicago Cubs have some very outspoken pitchers on this team. John Lackey is one that’s never been the guy to hide what’s on his mind. And after the game, he’s not going to hold back in that situation either. It was clear that Lackey felt he pitched better than the numbers will be, but should that be enough? You hear the term “gamer,” or that he’s gritty. He “battles.” That’s great in theory, but is it time for him to simply pitcher better than he has?

Personally, I like Lackey. I like his fire and how he will wear his emotions on his sleeve. There’s no hiding it from his teammates, his opponent or the umpires. Make a bad play; he’ll let you know it. But I like that fire to go along with strong performances. And as of late, it feels like we’re making “excuses” for his outings–or at the least trying to justify that he went five or six innings–while giving up four or five runs. Don’t get me started on the “quality start” stat. Three runs in six innings? That’s a 4.50 ERA–far from quality.

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Now, Lackey does have the innate ability to survive a poor first couple of innings and stick around to eat up as many as he can. This does help with the bullpen, especially as of late where the Cubs aren’t getting strong starts and have relied on–and survived–thanks to the relievers performances. So where does the onus fall here?

Lackey’s performances so far have been a mixed bag. He won his opener against the Cardinals while allowing three runs (four earned) in six innings. In his following start, he dropped a 2-0 decision to the Dodgers where he struck out 10 but got ZERO support from the offense. Since then he’s allowed 11 runs (9 earned) while allowing four home runs in two losses.

In his case, it seems to be a double-edged sword. Lackey has been around awhile and has a lot of pride. He never wants to give in to a hitter. That why he throws a fastball or some variation of it almost 82% of the time. But that pride has allowed him to give up home runs that could have been avoided had he only pitched around a hitter. This doesn’t happen all the time, but I’ve seen my fair share of it in his time in Chicago.

Miguel Montero, who’s done most of the catching for Lackey in Chicago, feels it’s on the team more so than him.

"“I know he’s frustrated because they work their butt off for four days until they make the start, and they expect everything is going to go right, and we let him down.” h/t Mark Gonzales, Chicago Tribune"

And what about the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo? He does not deny responsibility for the loss, but he’s not taking the blame either.

"“It was a topspin ball by a guy who doesn’t do that,” Rizzo said. “Should I have had it? Yes, but was it an easy play? No. I think every ball I can get to I should have. But was it a routine play? Not at all. But it’s part of the game.”"

Next: Cubs go down fighting, leave with 1st place

There isn’t going to be much animosity this early in the year, even with the Cubs poor play through 18 games. They’re in first, and everyone is happy with that. But you can only “show your ass” so many times before people–especially teammates–will grow tired of it. If you’re winning, nobody seems to care. Let’s hope it stays that way.