Chicago Cubs: Lackluster effort embarrassing; team can learn from Texas

The Chicago Cubs turned in their worst defensive day in well over a decade on Monday night in Atlanta, dropping their third consecutive contest.

Anyone looking for the Chicago Cubs to turn the page on a disappointing Opening Weekend series and get off on the right foot in Atlanta is now sorely disappointed. Joe Maddon‘s club looked lost on both sides of the ball in Monday night’s opener at SunTrust Park, committing six errors in the loss.

Chicago (1-3) committed the most errors since Sept. 2006 – and that effort came in 11 innings. Monday’s embarrassing effort marks the first time the Cubs committed at least six errors in a nine-inning game since 1982. Really, that’s what you need to know about this matchup against the Braves, a team in a similar position to the North Siders heading into the year.

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Both teams seem to be regarded by many as underdogs, despite winning 90 or more games just last season. Why? Division rivals in both the NL East and NL Central turned in busy offseasons, stealing headlines and adding star power. Neither the Cubs nor the Braves really made any major splashes this winter, leaving fans with an empty feeling and more than a bit of concern.

Atlanta (1-3) grabbed its first win of the season – and pretty early on, you knew how this one was going to go. The Braves hung four runs on Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks in the bottom of the first after his defense hung him out to dry multiple times in the frame. Offensively, where Chicago had been so strong in its first three games, the team fell flat, with only David Bote recording more than one hit on the night.

The Cubs turn to their veteran ace Jon Lester on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s off-day. Really, I’m not sure if I’m of the mindset the team needs a day off to get yesterday off the brain or if I’d rather they dove right back into action. But, regardless, we know another effort like we saw Monday won’t get the job done.

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