Craig Counsell's response to heartbreaking loss should have fans begging for answers

Vidal Brujan's gaffe at third base during the Chicago Cubs' loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday night has been the talk of Cubs' social media on Monday morning.

However, if we're being honest, pointing to Bruján as the reason why the Cubs' lost on Sunday would be fans just admitting they are casuals. The real reason for the loss, beyond the fact that the Cubs only mustered three hits, was that Julian Merryweather couldn't find the strike zone in the 10th inning. Merryweather walked three hitters during his outing on Sunday, adding to the issue the bullpen has had all season with their command.

After the game, Cubs manager Craig Counsell echoed the social media sentiment, with what Bruján should have done on the infield single hit by Trea Turner in extra innings.

There is no question, Bruján misplayed the ball hit by Turner but again, that isn't the reason why the Cubs' lost the game. The finger shouldn't be pointed at Bruján. However, Counsell's direct assessment after the game is a sign of the added expectations that are following the Cubs this season. It's the same reason why Counsell wasted no time in challenging Ben Brown after his struggles this weekend.

But here is the thing: Fans should be begging Counsell for answers regarding his mistakes. For as quick as Counsell was to ask better of Bruján and Brown, it can't be overlooked that he is giving struggling veteran Justin Turner every excuse under the sun. Counsell has suggested now isn't the time for the Cubs to be worried about the veteran's 41 wRC+ on he season, but that just isn't acceptable. Especially when you consider that Counsell still insists on sitting Michael Busch against left-handed starting pitchers,

We're all for the Cubs taking an aggressive approach with their roster, but that needs to be matched with Counsell's decisions. If Turner's struggles continue through May, and Counsell is still defending him, there will need to be a much larger asked if the Cubs' payroll numbers are giving some players undeserved preferential treatment over others.