Chicago Cubs: Carl Edwards Jr. should not be on any postseason roster

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
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This won’t be a popular take given the lack of Chicago Cubs bullpen depth. But there’s no way Carl Edwards Jr. deserves a spot on any postseason roster.

Why don’t you all just say it? We live in this politically correct society where everyone is afraid to tell sometimes uncomfortable truths. With all due respect, the simple fact is Carl Edwards Jr. is not good enough to warrant a postseason spot on the Chicago Cubs roster.

When he’s taken the field, he’s hurt this team more than he’s helped – at least in the last month or so. Okay, go ahead and get the drama over with. His teammates run to his side to console him.“Don’t listen to that, Carl,” or “You can do it, just believe in yourself,” or “You are a great pitcher and belong here.”

Good for you guys, coming to the side of your comrade. Get used to it. You’re gonna be covering  for him all postseason if he’s on your roster.

It’s total crap and everyone knows it. Stop being a friend and be a professional. Enough with the drama and the pump-up speeches. We have to face the fact Edwards is not reliable. Sorry to offend but the truth hurts and yet we keep giving him chances to our detriment. We need the reliability and consistency of a shutdown reliever – which is what Edwards could be. Everyone has confidence in guys like Josh Hader or Jeremy Jeffress because they are reliable. Edwards is no elite arm, and yet we act like he is.

Next. Is there mind control at work in the dugout?. dark

(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: Alien mind rays zap the Chicago Cubs

It’s like one of those alien rays you see in science fiction movies came down out of nowhere and zapped everyone’s mind. They can’t seem to tell the guy doesn’t belong here. I’m beginning to suspect that Edwards recent injury was really a hush-hush benching for inconsistent play.

Perhaps, the Cubs opted to keep him on the big league roster just to help Edwards save face. Anytime he starts throwing in the bullpen, I look at the score to see if there’s enough runs to cushion the blow he’ll inevitably serve up (or self-inflict). Lately, even a six-run lead isn’t enough cushion for me to feel even remotely comfortable.

The one person that has been most affected by the alien mind rays is manager Joe Maddon. I want to scream every time he coddles Edwards or makes excuses for him. Lately he has turned to justifying Edwards play.

“I can’t even imagine doing well in October without him. So you gotta get the guy right,” Maddon said. “You don’t run away from that kind of talent.”

Why Joe? Come on, you are a professional manager. Sometimes a guy just doesn’t have it; doesn’t have the goods to make it in the big leagues. You are not making any type of point, just exercising poor judgement when it comes to Edwards.

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: Despite his ERA, Edwards has been bad

I can display all of Edwards stats here or talk about the walks – but I don’t need to. You might glance at his 2.60 ERA and think I’m overreacting. But anyone who’s watched him pitch lately knows Edwards keeps folding under the pressure. It is disaster most times he comes in the game and that’s being nice.

Sure I love the ‘idea’ of Edwards, the ’String Bean Slinger’ battling all these beastly guys like Milwaukee’s Jesus Aguilar or the Cardinals’ Jedd Gyorko. You almost feel sorry for Edwards with his dopey deer in the headlight look or when he wallows in self pity after messing up. Sometimes if he’s really sorry, we might get some tears. It was believable last season; however, we don’t buy it anymore.

Next. Is Schwarber the key to the Cubs' offense in October?. dark

You need a long break away from the Cubs. Maybe someday you’ll be more consistent and reliable.

Maybe.

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