Chicago Cubs: Five players that must step up in second half

The first half is done, and most of the Chicago Cubs are on a much-needed break. When play resumes on Friday, key players must step up.

(Slowly waves hand at television) This is not the Chicago Cubs we are looking for. Dang it. That didn’t work.

Anyone have a magic lamp? I could really use one of Genie’s wishes right now.

The feelings we as fans of the Chicago Cubs are experiencing are nothing new. We know about teams not performing up to expectations. How many times did we witness the team just collapse? More times than we ever want.

The only difference between then and now is the two seasons of extraordinary success that preceded this year. And, the team is relatively the same from last year to this year. Sure, there are a few changes, but nothing so drastic that the Cubs should play this poorly.

Trades will be discussed. Twitter is already blowing up with speculation of trades with the Detroit Tigers. Word to the wise: never listen to rumors, especially from certain sources. Especially if those rumors are from someone with the name of “Jim Bowden.”

However, the talent of this team is too great and should be relied on more than any acquisition. Sure, getting Aroldis Chapman helped last season, but that was a dire need. This team just needs to step it up.

And it starts with five players.

Zobrist must find groove

Every one is due a down year. It is bound to happen. But, did anyone expect it to happen to Ben Zobrist? If you did, good call. Or bad call. The Chicago Cubs need Zobrist to find his groove.

An injury has not helped. During the first half of the season, Zobrist only started 53 games. He played in just 60. Most of the games missed are due to a lingering wrist injury. Of course, this is crucial when hitting.

By the numbers, Zobrist is slumping like the Cubs are as a whole. With a .214/.307/.367 slash-line, and more strikeouts than walks, it is not a season we expect from the veteran. And, that experience is what makes him valuable.

Not only is Zobrist aware of situations, he typically executes in a positive manner as needed. Whether it is a bunt to more a runner over, or a clutch single to the opposite field to drive in a run, Zobrist as the acumen and ability to produce.

Just not this year. So far. He is on pace for more double plays and fewer runs that his yearly averages. And the gap will be wide.

The Chicago Cubs need Zobrist to be the wise veteran, just like they had with David Ross.

Want a new contract, Jake?

It is a contract year, and Jake Arrieta is costing himself money. Tons of it. After winning the Cy Young in 2015, Arrieta was on-pace to sign a $200 million dollar contract. Now, that number as dwindled.

And it is all mechanics. It has to be. We all know this cross-body motion is not ideal for a pitcher. Just listen to the announcers on ESPN talk about it when they broadcast his games. Whether that is the cause or not, there is something not right with Arrieta.

Need stats to support that? Okay. Here is one. Last season, Arrieta lead the National League in one statical area. Not wins or ERA, or even stikeouts. It was wild pitches. You could take all his wild pitches in the three previous season and not equal the 16 he threw in 2016. Currently, Arrieta leads the National League in…

Wild pitches. With 13 in the first half alone.

Hits per nine innings? Up to 8.6. Home runs per nine? His highest since 2012. Runs? Most since 2012 as well. Already more than 2015.

So, whatever it is, Arrieta needs to fix it. He is costing himself money, and the Cubs wins.

Russell must focus

Addison Russell. What can I say? We all know the issue. It exploded in our news feeds. And while the Chicago Cubs removed him for a few days, there is something still not right with him.

Now, let me say this and be absolutely clear: No one but Russell and his wife know what really is going on. While a friend posted comments to their social media, we all know that cannot be the only source of information. MLB is doing an investigation, and until that is concluded, Russell should play baseball.

No, I do not condone the actions of domestic violence, but until facts are clear, we should not judge. That is not our job. All we heard were allegations.

Still, Russell needs to play ball. Really. Can you play, Russell? Because no one really knows what you are capable of on the diamond. Your numbers are not drastically off from last year, but something is not right.

What I find odd is that you hit far better on the road (.284) than at home (.163). Until you can get the bat on the ball consistently, pitchers will not fear you. And if you keep coming up with players like Anthony Rizzo and Ian Happ on base, opponents will relax and not worry if you can get them in.

Which is sad. You are a better ball player than that.

More of Lester

Just when you thought Jon Lester turned the corner on the season, he allowed 10 runs in just two-thirds of an inning. It was not all his fault, given the errors made by teammates, but the results is just a microcosm of his season.

The first inning is Lester’s Achilles Heel, so to speak. So far this season, he allowed 22 runs in the opening frame, including six home runs. Opponents are hitting .338 against him in the first inning.

Get him to the fifth inning, and his ERA drops to 1.06 for that one inning. However, the fourth inning is almost as bad as the first.

Traditionally, the first inning has been Lester’s worst in his career. The last time he posted a cumulative ERA above four was the 4.82 of 2011. While he only allowed 21 runs in that inning all season, batters hit .309 against him. Also, the fourth inning was the worst for him that season, with an ERA of 6.75.

What is causing the issue? The pressure to repeat? Possibly. Feeling the need to carry the rotation? I can see that.

Whatever it is, we need more of Jon Lester and less of what we have seen this season.