Chicago Cubs: A slow start for Anthony Rizzo means danger for league

 With the first month of the 2018 campaign coming to a close, the Chicago Cubs are a game above .500. Despite the record and a few struggling bats, this offense has started to pick up as of late.

Danger, Major League Baseball. That little opener was for those who are currently enjoying or have enjoyed the Netflix reboot of ‘Lost in Space’. Excellent show. Right now, the Chicago Cubs are slowly, but surely, finding their way.

Although, some fans, not to mention any names, decided to abandon ship early rather than pushing on. Whatever. Sitting at 10-9 on the year, the Cubs sit in the fourth slot in the division.

Just ahead of the Cincinnati Reds and yet only trailing the first place Cardinals by two games for the Central lead. Over the weekend, Joe Maddon and company began a brief road trip starting with the Colorado Rockies.

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A few familiar faces including Bryan Shaw and Wade Davis welcomed them with open arms while the Cubs took two of three. Davis spent one big year with the Cubs in 2017 while Shaw picked up a Game 7 loss in the World Series two years ago.

Redemption was not in the cards for Shaw over the weekend.

For first baseman Anthony Rizzo, it is taking quite a bit of time to find a rhythm even after a stint on the disabled list.

Not too bad for Rizzo considering where we are at in the season but it’s not great for the rest of the league.

No. 44 through 48 at-bats

Leading up to tomorrow’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians, Anthony’s batting average sits at .146. His highest mark thus far was around .250 back on Opening Day in Miami. Since then the veteran has only recorded six hits and four RBI.

Again, he spent 10 days on the disabled list with a back issue. Around the time I predicted he would ignite the offense in Chicago’s first road trip to Milwaukee. Didn’t quite work out but Javier Baez picked up the slack.

Also, hat tip to Javier for putting this team on his back and becoming one of the top hitters in the league. Well done.

A sleeping giant will wake

I believe that sooner, rather than later, Rizzo is going to wake up and begin a hot streak. Remember, he has hit a combined 64 home runs with 218 RBI between 2016 and 2017.

For those who refuse to look up numbers, he hit 32 bombs while driving in 109 (both career-highs) in back-to-back seasons. Something he could very well do for the third straight year or even possibly surpass.

Next: Baez punishing breaking pitches

Be warned. Rizzo is coming.