Chicago Cubs: Trade deadline looms large for Theo Epstein

Chicago Cubs: Trouble ahead for Epstein’s club?

The Cubs’ road record is a miserable 18-27. At the conclusion of this nine-game run at home, the team hits the road to take on the surging Giants, followed by the Brewers and Cardinals, two series that could make or break the season when it’s all said and done.

Can the Cubs, as they currently stand, reverse their road record trend? The signs are not good.  In their early-season winning streak from April 8 to May 12, where they won eight of ten series, they played just eight road games against 20 home games.  Between July 22 and August 18, they play 19 road games to just six home games after this Padres series concludes.

So, perhaps a move is needed after all.  My Cubbies Crib colleagues have opined about possible moves.  Martin Fenn wrote about one possible solution to the lefty shortage in the bullpen, and Ryan O’Rourke wrote about a possible solution for second base and the leadoff spot.

I don’t think the Cubs have the depth on the bench or on the farm to do both. So, which one?  Maybe that depends on the asking price, whether the Cubs have pieces the other team desires, and if Chicago is competitive enough in a strong seller’s market.  Theo will have to be at his most shrewd.  It’ll be an interesting ten days.