Chicago Cubs: Last chance to impress Theo Epstein before deadline

The Chicago Cubs are playing their big rival, the Milwaukee Brewers this weekend. This could be the final outing for some players as the trade deadline nears. What will the Cubs do?

If you haven’t noticed the heartfelt play by the Chicago Cubs since the All-Star game, maybe we should check your heart and your vision. Without a doubt, the Cubs stepped up their play knowing two things: the trade deadline was July 31, and they had roughly three weeks before Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein had to make a decision about their fate.

Epstein immediately began analyzing the team, coaches, players and of course, gameplay. As suspected, most of Epstein’s horseman: Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Willson Contreras, Victor Caratini,  and Jason Heyward came through for him and helped shine a light of poor performances.

Additionally, Epstein couldn’t help but be impressed by the hitting performance of utility player and overnight sensation, Robel Garcia. While his hitting has been better than his fieldwork, Garcia’s real contribution is shedding light on the poor, inconsistent play.

The “good guys” got really good, which made it easier for Epstein to see who wasn’t performing or just playing average ball. Take for instance Pitcher Pedro Strop, who had a beacon shining on him as he threw away the first game to the San Francisco Giants this past week, basically putting the loss squarely on his shoulders. Remember, every game counts! Let’s take a look at who hasn’t been all-Cub.

On the chopping block

I’m sorry folks, but I hope you know how intense the last few weeks have been for the Cubs. The air is so thick with nervous energy; you could cut it with a knife.  It’s so intense that some Cubs did not even make it to the printing of this article.

Pitcher Mike Montgomery – traded (Cubs pick up catcher Martin Maldonado), Pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. – sent to Triple-A Iowa (Pitcher Rowan Wick picked up), Pitcher Randy Rosario – sent to Triple-A Iowa, Pitcher Alec Mills – sent to Triple-A Iowa (Pitcher Tim Collins optioned/now recalled) and Pitcher Adbert Alzolay – sent to Triple-A Iowa. Epstein was not playing around. He was beginning to get his house in order and is continuing to do so.

All the great play of some of the Cubs shined a light on poor performances. Some of the worst performances on offense or defense came from  Addison Russell,  Albert Almora Jr., Daniel Descalso and David Bote. These guys are not cutting it or are just performing marginally. If Epstein is looking for a good showing, these four guys should be doing it all and even making hot dogs and serving beer if they have time. With their backsides against the wall, some of these guys need to come out a hero against the Brewers.

Outfielder Kyle Schwarber had just about run his good-will out on the Northside, and then he hits a walk-off home run.  The walk-off dinger was the first of Schwarber’s career. Talk about separating yourself from the pack!

This is why it’s so hard to get rid of this kid. Schwarber is like Northside Junkyard Dog, that won’t go away. However, has his intense play only sweetened the pot for Epstein and enabled him to get a better deal for Schwarber? We’ll have to wait and see.

July 31 is only the Trade deadline in MLB. Players can still be placed and claimed on outright waivers after July 31, but trades will no longer be allowed after that date.

Without a doubt, the intense rivalry between the Cubs and Brewers will be on full display this weekend. Fans can expect three days filled with great Cubs pitching, defense, and power-hitting.  It wouldn’t surprise me if we swept the Brew-Crew this weekend with the intensity the Cubs are feeling right now.

Epstein keeps adjusting the Cubs, trying to find the right recipe for an October run. One thing’s for sure: when he finds it – we’ll be champions again.