Chicago Cubs News: Things are starting to take on a different look

The conversations have turned away from the Chicago Cubs being defending champs and more “what if.” What if they’re out of contention?  Maybe they should give this guy a look? It seems we had a lot of that yesterday following the loss to the Pirates.

For a little bit, the Chicago Cubs were the team of last year. Jake Arrieta was pitching well, and he hit a two-run home run to tie things up. But after that, it got away. And one of the biggest concerns is that all of the Cubs runs came on home runs again. This was after I praised the comeback on Friday for the opposite field hits and NO home runs. The talent is there for this team to win, as they are by no means out of it. But the Cubs’ front office needs to be working hard to figure out what to do about the pitching.

Our Andrew Colvert asked a question that many never thought would need to be asked. What if the Cubs are out of it by the All-Star break? That seemed to be unfathomable, but it’s at least worth asking. While the Cubs aren’t going to sell the house of all the young talent, there are pieces there they could move. It’s not a conversation we like to have, but it’s something to think about.

While there is plenty of concern for this team, there is the occasional reminder of what this team could be. The rally in Pittsburgh the other night is a perfect example of that. The Cubs didn’t try to win it with home runs, but with station to station play. It’s in there somewhere, and we’re ready for that team to break out. When we talk about the  2015 or 2016 teams, people like to tell me “this isn’t the same team.” Well, did you know then the 2015 team would go from mediocrity in June to 90+ wins? No. So why can’t this team do the same?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs lose again as Pirates hold on’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Moves to make if things go bad by the All-Star break’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Glimpses of a good team are still there’ – Cubbies Crib

‘What a Davis extension might look like’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs should give La Stella and extended look’ – Cubbies Crib

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