Chicago Cubs: 3 early season observations on this up-and-down team

3 early season Cubs observations – #2. Inconsistencies rehash bad memories

Though the offense has produced quality numbers to this point, I’ve personally been irked by the lack of consistency when it comes to filling out the lineup card – a trademark of Joe Maddon’s time on the North Side. Players have routines. There needs to be a consistent approach each and every day for players to find rhythm and not be pressured more one day and not so much the next.

Take Hoerner, for example. During Saturday’s onslaught, Hoerner had a career best 4-for-5 outing with 3 RBI. The next day, he was on the bench before a day off anyway on Monday. Jonathan Villar took his spot at shortstop and ultimately allowed the game-winning run for the Pirates after his fourth-inning throwing error that seemed like it would have been routine for Hoerner.

A steady everyday lineup will help to build consistency offensively. At this point, Hoerner should be an everyday player as well as Alfonso Rivas. Sliding Villar into the DH spot and Rivas to the outfield keeps Hoerner, Rivas, Villar and Schwindel in the lineup. I really don’t understand what’s so difficult about this.