Chicago Cubs News: Zobrist’s value; Jay becoming a trade candidate

The Chicago Cubs might have found their leadoff hitter, they just need the rest of the team to follow suit. And Jon Jay may be working his way into a solid trade candidate.

The Chicago Cubs and Joe Maddon have tweaked and played with the lineup as much as they can. If anything has come from all the moves, it may be the Cubs have found their leadoff hitter. Ben Zobrist has found a home at the top, using his patience to find his way on base to help lead the Cubs. Now they just need the rest of the lineup to find a way to follow his lead and score some runs.

When the Cubs signed Jon Jay to a one-year deal, they did it as a security blanket for Albert Almora. With Jay proving to be a solid reserve and pinch-hitter, the Cubs could consider looking to trade him for a prospect if there’s a team in need as the deadline nears. Moving him on his one-year deal could prove to be valuable for the Cubs as they try to turn things around in the second half.

The Cubs can look at a plethora of things that have hampered their success this year. Some look at the inconsistent starting pitching, but it may come down to the lack of clutch at-bats by Cubs’ hitters. The Cubs have been dreadful with RISP, and until that changes, the winning isn’t going to come. There’s still time, but the Cubs need to turn that around now.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Zobrist proving his worth at the top of the order’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Jay becoming a solid trade candidate’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pujols hit’s HR No. 599’ – MLB.com

‘Winning won’t happen until clutch AB’s return’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Arrieta happy to see two teams ‘getting after it’ – ESPN

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