After Sunday’s 14-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first half of the season draws to a close for a Chicago Cubs team facing a lot of questions.
There’s hardly anything we can say to make fans feel better. Watching the Chicago Cubs allow 10 first-inning runs and Jon Lester walk off the hill after just two-thirds of an inning left me personally speechless.
The fact Victor Caratini racked up three hits scarcely matters when you talk about the game. Of the 10 tallies Pittsburgh pushed across in the first, just four were charged to Lester. Three walks and a critical error proved costly. One of the best defensive teams ever in 2016 now features defensive liabilities on a near-daily basis.
Hopefully, the reigning World Series champions can go into the All-Star Break ready to refocus and prepare for the second-half. Joe Maddon will be at the helm of the National League All-Star team, taking closer Wade Davis with him to Miami Tuesday.
There are two distinct crowds of Cubs fans right now. First, those who are essentially done rooting for the team and are already calling for the heads of Maddon and Theo Epstein and the outright release of guys like Lester. These people drive me insane, but that’s another story for another time.
This second group remains optimistic. Simply put, it’s hard to fathom the Cubs playing this poorly over the course of 162 games – but that remains to be seen. Guys like Kris Bryant will undoubtedly heat up down the stretch. What will role players contribute, though?
For Chicago to put a forgettable first half behind them, they need one thing. Whether it be in the form of starting pitching, defense or clutch hitting, all areas of the game have badly lacked consistency.
More stories
Lester shelled in worst start of his career – Cubbies Crib
Good things lie ahead for the North Siders – Cubbies Crib
Rockies’ Freeland loses no-no in ninth against Sox – ESPN
Yankees targeting reliever Hand? – Call to the Pen
Top five moments from the Cubs’ first half – Cubbies Crib
Next: World Series hangover not uncommon of-late
What’s Next
The 2017 Major League Baseball All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday at Marlins Park. Wade Davis represents the reigning World Series champs in the affair, which no longer decides home field advantage in the Fall Classic.