In my last blog I wrote that this team was on the verge of being really good and that so far, 29 games in, the rollercoaster ride that is the MLB season was a very happy one. Boy was I wrong. This team over the last 24 games is 7-17 losing in embarrassing fashion on many occasions. This was just capped off by a sweep against the Reds at home on a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend. I'm up at my lake house writing this blog when I should be enjoying the Summer but instead I'm filled with rage at the complete underachievement that is going on in Chicago. So who or what is to blame for this team falling to that last spot in the NL?
Relief Pitching
The Cubs relief pitching has STUNK. They are 26th in bullpen ERA and 24th in WHIP amongst those same relievers. They are 29th (there are 30 MLB teams) in opposing batting average in late/close games. They need to find guys somewhere in Iowa who can replace the dead weight sitting out there under the bleachers. It's pathetic. Hopefully Codi Heuer can give this team some life once he finishes his rehab stint but that's simply not enough.
The cubs ERA in the month of May as a team only trails the Athletics at 5.19...the Oakland fucking Athletics. Figure it out.
Clutch Hitting
The cubs are 25th (or 5th most) in runners left in scoring position per game at 3.8/game. This is one of those stats that you just knew by watching these games. How do you fix this? No clue. Manipulate the batting order so you have more clutch hitters behind your on-base guys. Be a professional hitter and understand your role when you're at the plate. STOP playing Mastrobouni, Barnfart, and Tauchman. There's no reason Tauchman should EVER be batting in the 3 spot on a team with plenty of Major League talent. Unexceptable.
Roster Moves
They are slowly trimming the fat on this roster and but still not playing the best 9 available on a consistent basis. I would do the following:
Call up Miguel Amaya - Tucker Barnhart is useless. At least Amaya is young and hits the ball hard. He's proven to be as good as Barnhart on the defensive side of the game so what's the point in having him down in Iowa
Send down Mastrobouni/Tauchman - Pick one and send them down and replace them with Nelson Velazquez. Velazquez has cooled down a bit in Iowa but he's still a better option than these bums.
Call Up Heuer and Brendan Little - Send Merryweather and Fulmer packing and find some arms in Iowa. Brendan Little has been fairly consistent in Iowa and it's worth giving the former 1st round draft pick a shot at the next level. What is there to lose? If Heuer is ready, bring him up ASAP.
Find someone to construct a lineup on a daily basis that doesn't have fans scratching their heads in confusion. Is it David Ross's fault that some of these guys are utterly useless? No. But is it his fault they are starting and slotting into the meaty part of the lineup? Yes.
This is what May has looked like for the last place Chicago Cubs...
Hitting:
Avg. - 24th
SLG. - 22nd
OBP. - 16th
Runs - 24th
Full Year -
Pitching:
ERA. - 28th
WHIP - 22nd
Opposing Avg. - 29th
Full Year -
Remember that fun run differential stat? The Cubs were leading the league in that not too long ago. Well now its down to +4 and they currently sit in DEAD last in the National League. If this team doesn't figure it out fast they'll once again be sellers at the deadline. And that sell off will come with a firing of the once beloved manager, David Ross.
Sports are an amazing thing that we have here on earth. Many people in our society down play the importance and value of this. We're able to connect with people and build a community through a shared love of the same team. However, that deep love that you build for something comes at the expense of immense heart break and anger much like normal relationships. The Cubs have given me so many unbelievable memories and friendships over the years. But the 2023 Cubs are breaking me. I'm ready to be in a relationship that isn't abusive. I'm ready to win again.
Here's to hoping June looks a lot different.