Chicago Cubs: Team drops dud in Cincinnati, looking ahead to free agency

Coming off a pair of high-leverage wins against the Dodgers, the Chicago Cubs fell flat on their faces against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday night.

Well, let’s not dwell on that one. The Chicago Cubs managed just two runs and Kyle Hendricks ran into trouble in a big way in a 5-2 series-opening loss. The lone bright spot on the night? Jason Heyward.

The scorching hot Chicago right fielder tallied four of the team’s eight hits on the night, including three singles and a double. The Cubs went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and Twitter had plenty of takes regarding Hendricks’ sixth inning implosion. I’ll let you hash it out amongst yourselves as far as who you want to blame.

But, I digress.

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It was a disappointing performance for the team and it’s better left in the past. Moving forward, we took a way-too-early look at the upcoming offseason and some names that might make sense. Chicago has picked up some big name pieces in recent years. Will this winter bring more of the same?

Such moves have changed fans. But for the better or worse? Are we past the point where we need concern ourselves with regular season standings and should instead assume postseason play is a lock? More than a few folks (including our own Paul Seifert) feel this way. Start thinking like the Yankees?

I could get used to that.

And, in case you missed it, I chatted with former fan favorite David Ross last weekend. He paired up with Modelo and Landon Donovan ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Why? Once again, it’s all about breaking curses. Given he’s such a bona fide expert, it makes sense.

But, really. We talked about what went into the 2016 championship run, how he helped mentor that core and much more. He even touched on the opportunities being a curse-breaker has afforded him now that his playing days have come to a close.

Here’s more to get your Friday started.

More from the dark depths of Twitter

These and other stories you may have missed…

Will the Cubs go big again this offseason? – Cubbies Crib

From pariah to beloved team leader – the remarkable story of Tommy La Stella – The Athletic

Some relievers the Cubs might pick up ahead of the deadline – Cubbies Crib

Reds roll past Cubs in opener in Cincinnati – MLB.com

David Ross talks curses, championships and life after baseball – Cubbies Crib

Next: Baez, Contreras are Cubs' best shot at ASG nods

What’s Next

The Cubs continue their weekend series against the Reds at the Great American Ballpark on Friday. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and rumors by following us on Twitter and Facebook.