Chicago Cubs Scapegoats: 1 to fire, 1 to put on the hot seat, 1 to be patient with

1 Chicago Cubs' Scapegoat to be patient with - Matt Mervis

The numbers would suggest that it has been a disappointing start to a Major League career for Chicago Cubs first baseman Matt Mervis. Mervis is slashing .188/.268/.297 through his first 71 plate appearances this season with a strikeout rate of 33.8%. Still, there is no reason to be concerned with the long-term outcome for Mervis.

When Mervis is making contact, he is hitting the ball hard as he has a hard-hit percentage of 42.5% this season. The issue is that Mervis is hitting the ball on the ground more than ever. At the Major League level, Mervis has a groundball percentage of 52.5% this season.

The correction for Mervis will be to elevate the ball more when he is making contact. Of course, that is tied to pitch selection and making sure that Mervis can identify the right pitches to attack and elevate. That is something he was terrific at during his minor-league ascension and there is no reason to believe that adjustment won't occur at the Major League level.

More Chicago Cubs News