Cubby Blue makes further changes, look past 4-0 loss in L.A.

The new standards in the Cubs organization are still at work with changes for player development.  The decisive 4-0 result for the loss Wednesday night does more than turn heads in Chicago.  In a pro's viewpoint the leadership roles took a wrong turn with overall performance evaluation on the line.  Coaches and bench personnel have to see the true disadvantages which team management allows to form through poor franchise salary caps.  The history lesson repeats again in Wrigleyville because no matter how hard these exciting prospects deliver the rest fall short. 

Anthony Rizzo continues to prove his team value by setting new career highs in homeruns with a frustrated Starlin Castro who has emerged again with over 100 hits.  Chicago's northside has the plans in the works so to speak about renovations which do more than effect the players and fans belief about top support.  The frequency about the massive complaints which swirl there is horrible.  After all the hard work plus a undesirable system with poor decisions the fans continue to experience disappointment.  Coach Sveum decides to do the obvious by mixing players from the minor league to adjust to a slow rebuilding effort.  Fom reports the Cubs don't even utilize fresh newcomers such as Mike Olt from Texas who can't precede the talent growth from other new young talent on the roster.

Comeback strident 5-2 victory over Phillies results in 2 injuries for Chicago

  The game plan proves to be simple Wednesday night on the road: win at all costs.  Sure the 5-2 comeback shows the Cubs have a enough heart left.  Their decline with a 5-game losing streak came to an end.  Rough play on the field cost Cubbie Blue enough with a big injury to Dioneer Navarro with Chase Utley's intentional crash into him at home plate.  Another injury took place to a new outfield prospect.  With so many new faces with prospects the odds appear to be set against the Cubs.  With newcomer Junior Lake (.349 BA) and recent arrival Donnie Murphy (2 HRs, 4 RBIs in win) in the lineup hit production with run average can increase. 

  Again Dale Sveum takes a chance to mix up the lineup card.  So with a new order almost every week the hit cycle isn't in effect yet the youth movement can enable Chicago to further a rebuilding process.  Away from Wrigley the club owns a 27-30 record.  To get close to .480 mark after August gives all the players a break and confidence boost.  Management just can't run rampant with a poor enviroment at home to force a conflict with players to move.  The forseen series against their rival Cardinals won't be for the one matchup to miss.  Let's go Cubs!  

    

Cubs fine glove work unable to move streak ahead, lose 6-4 to Dodgers

Pic by David Banks

What a way to show up the Chicago crowd!  During Game 1 at historic Wrigley Field the Dodgers sneak away with a game-changing 6th to pull out a 6-4 upset.  3 homeruns from the Cubs' lineup fail to be enough.  Of course this comes after a long series on the road.  Since the trade with the new prospect acquires Cubs management once again slips up.  Not only do Mr. Hoyer among the rest in managment forget leadership yet also lack common sense to bring in veteran quality to generate the offense again. 

  Sure the fans can align the stands all they want to cheer and shout (lewd comments) with their distaste.  The real value remains on the field despite the pressure from unfavorable, care-free management with their revenue trails catching up to them.  To be this vain in a constant scuffle to push the franchise down towards the bottom is terrible.  The only big transition made is through new hopeful first baseman (Texas prospect) Mike Olt with a reason to care. 

  Nobody in baseball does anything but count the Cubs out every damn year!  For this projection the Cubby Blue way, however is not going to be shut down every day.  Still what in the world does this team need to see to catch a break?  The fear is obvious in Chi-town with the game always on the line half-way home against even the worst in the NL.  The top analysts know all the stats to rave about when the club hits a streak.  Then after that the mood swings too far in the wrong direction.  

  Anthony Rizzo makes every game a thrill to watch with his passion for the game yet the rest off the home bench can't always compete.  Too much emphasis is put after a nasty late inning.  Let's see the offense turn the corner for a while and let go with everyone's rich (crazy) expectations.  Even a poster boy for milk carton can get a shot these days in Chicago with the big L--- out from the upper front office.  When the streak hits more than 4 too many a-holes hit the floor (Selfish with time as ever).  As a result, a young movement takes over in Chicago.       

 

New wave with flair hits Chicago, young movement in effect

    The tradition is Chicago is not far from realistic with the goals for the season.  Management looks to turn a new leaf.  The adjustments so far with the overall batting order is okay.  No one expects the Cubs to make a drive for 2nd place.  Too many key decisions have yet to be made.  Anthony R-i-z-z-o can't stop his adrenaline rush for a better batting season.  His improvement since joining the Cubs from the Padres is beyond satisfactory with 54 RBIs up to July (that's no lie).  Passion is not left Wrigley Field just the same.  Opposing fans have got stop the hate for this franchise. 

  Coming off a loss to their rivals, St. Louis 10-6 everything seems to be fine for a nice transition.  The memory from 1989 doesn't grow old for Cubs fan with the playoff birth.  Wait 'Til next year most loyal fans agree.  The cards don't always have to be stacked against Cubby Blue as all in Chicago knew.  The time to fight with a flair for the dramatic is fine as new trades can develop.  The arguments about renovations to the Field's front aren't plausible.  Soriano is a nice market player to receive a trade.  Such a firm decision can make the Cubs' pave the way.  In effect the Cubs have a boost in confidence. 

Cubs lose sight in rebuilding, flourish in new lineup alignment

   Since a return to Chicago in the windy city the offense has took a new reproach to capture attention from fans.  The usual slow development from the pitching staff is starting to turn around.  All through the summer Chicago needs to display a high batting average in 2-out late game clutch situations.  The overall defense is fine for what the Cubs are able to turn on the field through sharp groundballs.  So far the lineup manages a clean demeanor with a better than average outlook for July.  The runs per game at home is better now which is around 4-5 runs a game.  Anthony Rizzo looks to be the best power solution and is ready for a big offensive transition.  The first baseman needs speed with the bat to pick up the pace for runners on base.
 
  Last night the franchise with the worst history for breakdowns took a nice turn against their rivals.  St.  Louis came up empty in a 3-0 conclusion at Wrigley Field.  The big blow came from Anthony R-i-z-z-o with a clutch 3-RBI performance.  This included a homerun (13) with a new appeal.  Usual the wind comes in yet with a set way the Cubs make it through the day.  Darwin Barney with his young meekness provides a fresh fill-in the lineup.  The starter Edwin Jackson pitched a super suprise outing to defend with 7 big innings with only 3 hits to his credit.  The rest for the series looks to be a admirable rivalry!
 
      

A real dispairing series concludes in St. Louis as blunderous Cubs drop 3-of-4 games

AP Photo/Tom Gannam

  The meeting in St. Louis didn't turn out to be a big clash.  In fact the Cubs barely showed up to play in the 4-game series in which they lost 3 games.  Last night before a huge partisan crowd nothing developed again on offense and with blunders on the field (Soriano fails to snatch routine catch as seen above) the result became a disappointing 6-1 loss.   Plus only 5 total hits were tallied for the lineup with 6 LOB.  Still that's not going to cut it no matter how well the starting pitching fairs.  Scott Feldman (6-6) goes 5.1 innings to account for 5 earned runs on 6 hits and 4 walks.  A definite bad outing for him.  The previous day for Game 3 the Cubs managed just 2 hits in a 4-1 defeat. 

  To place Luis Valbuena in the lead-off spot is a mistake and proves to be useless.  The part-time third baseman is hitting a pitiful .244 through 57 games played.  The mighty struggles continue for Chicago at the plate.  With Starlin Castro's OBP down and Anthony Rizzo without a homerun in over a month a good fit has yet to be discovered for a unproductive lineup.  Due to failure to score with 2 outs where the Cubs success rate is around 13% is really hurting their chances to win.  Also, there are at least 10 games where the losses have accumulated due to 1-run differences.  Not in good faith can anybody rooting for this team get behind such crummy offensive outputs. 

  For any main positive change to occur the Cubs are in dire need to trade unworthy players, clogging up the roster and of course Alfonso Soriano who strikes out far more than he walks.  This is the only chance for a mediocre ball club to actual begin to improve and later showcase their best prospects after being called up. With DeJesus out on the DL for a expected month the lead-off spot looks to a serious problem area.  Somebody if not the middle of the order have to deliver at some point unless the Cubs want to falter far beyond their current 29-42 record.  More than a miracle is required to get this team back on his feet.         

Cubs open up road trip with a 6-3 victory over Mets, DeJesus injury a setback

 

AP Photo by Frank Franklin II

  Don't count out the Chicago Cubs just yet in the NL Central.  Despite winning only around 10 games against division teams the Cubs have notched 2 wins in a row.  After completing a victory at home against the Reds the Cubs marched into New York to win in a 6-3 final Friday night.  The unlikely hero of this game: David DeJesus who scorched a 3-run triple in the 2nd inning off the Mets' Shawn Marcum.  Unfortunate as bad luck surfaced as the Cubs' centerfielder crashed into the wall in center after attempting to make running catch and got injured.  This is another setback for the Chicago team which now has Matt Garza back though on the DL still are relievers Shawn Camp and Kyuji Fukijawa. 

  With a way to scrape for offense the Cubs' have not been potent against top winning percentage teams as manger Dale Sveum continues to swift around the outfield for results.  At a 27-38 record such daily changes with the lineup won't matter much because when the Cubs don't score 4 or more runs first through the 5th inning the result for them is typically a loss.  Not much offense can be accounted for besides Anthony Rizzo who leads the team with 39 RBIs.  Run production needs to come from somewhere else.  If Starlin Castro can start hitting again that will certainly be a positive factor.

  Chicago can work on developing late inning rallies by practicing offensive strategies instead of hoping for the long ball to tie or win a game.  The bench sometimes comes through by pinch hits from Ryan Sweeney, Dioneer Navarro, and Scott Hairston.  This club has to utilize their speed and try hit-and-runs more often to score runs.  The ball club needs to work around their weaknesses (Such as striking out with runners in scoring position).  They have a chance to reach up to 3 within .500 and go from there. 

  Good news for the bullpen is that the Cubs traded prospect pitcher Ian Dickson to the Nationals for right-handed reliever Henry Rodriguez.  Finally a decent move made by management.   Cubs' fans would rather see a few new big bats come over in a blockbuster deal.  Such a trade has yet to happen to swap out Alfonso Soriano remaining contract.  The Cubs schedule looks to be troublesome after leaving New York as they meet the Cardinals away for 4 games then see the Astros, Brewers, and Mariners to close out the month.  In the meantime a replacement will be needed in centerfield while DeJesus is out on the DL.  Any extra offense available is a plus for this wounded, struggling baseball franchise.          

Cubs secure comeback in extras over the Angels to prevail 8-6

 

AP Photo/ Reed Saxon

  After a decent short homestand where the Cubs won 3-of-5 games the club just completed a 2-game series in Anaheim.  Last night Chicago, still hampering with injuries and spotty offense managed to defeat the Angels in a 10-inning affair.  The 8-6 final was spurred by the bases being loaded and Anthony Rizzo delivering with a huge 3-run double.  Sure he's hitting only .259, but he's proved to be the best offense for the Cubs.  Kevin Greg came in late during the game to record his 2nd win in 1.1 innings on the mound.  He allowed a earned run on 2 hits and a walk.  The previous game in Anaheim showed the go-ahead 2-run blast by Albert Pujols was enough to beat the Cubs in a 4-3 outcome. 

  The overall progress is quite slow for the Cubs moving into June.  Claiming 4th place in the Central nothing has worked to much success besides the starting pitching.  Travis Wood so far is the team leader with 2.75 ERA and owns a 5-3 record.  He will square off with the Pirates' Francisco Liriano (3-2) on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  If a big run explosion can occur again at home (such as with Dioneer Navarro's career 3-homerun game against the Sox) in the upcoming series then the Cubs can pick up some ground in their division.  Yet without managing wins on the road nothing for the most part will change in the standings.  For coach Dale Sveum to get the most out of his flip-flop batting order he must move Starlin Castro into the lead-off spot to spring up chances for runs and getting the young shortstop out of his slump. 

  With the two series for the return homestand the Cubs have got to churn out production and not allow the bullpen to have brief laspes or too many frequent Carlos Marmol appearances.  The familiar scenery can help back at home yet the Cubs better bring the offense against the hot Pirates before seeing the Reds who are no slouches on run production either.  Ryan Sweeney looks to be a viable candidate to get good starts in the outfield and can hit for a bit of power.  Other than Schierholtz the rest of the outfield platoon sure is a total waste of energy and time.  Even calling them 'juggernauts' fails to do justice to their absence timely hitting.  Plus the next time Jeff Samardzija gets a start the lineup must manage to give good run support (at least 4 runs).  If not a long, hot crummy summer continues in Chicago.         

Cubs swept in Pittsburgh, continue to scuffle for effective offense

  The offense came up dry for the most part in a 3-game series against the Pirates on the road.  Thursday the Cubs lost 4-2 after the Cubs lineup again came up short to deliver clutch hits with the game on the line.  The previous back-back games in Pittsburgh the club got defeated by one run each time.  Yesterday the Cubs lost due to Edwin Jackson (1-7) only going 3 innings and the lineup leaving 8 runners on base.  That isn't going to lead to good run scoring ratios. 

 Chicago is struggling in May to win on the road as they slip to 18-28 with new players such as Sweeney and Ransom not able to lift the offense on their own.  Rizzo along with Castro must step up big for the Cubs to get out of their 4-game slump.  With the Reds up next it doesn't look to get easy for the uncertain Chicago franchise.  Only maintaining around 2.5- 3 runs a game won't get it done.  What a lousy season this is shaping up to be for the Cubs.  It's past time to make deals happen for the Wrigleyville faithful to have a reason to truly cheer. 

Tough 3-2 loss concludes Game 1 against Mets as Cubs look for new offense

AP/Photo- Charles Rex Arbogast

  The progress continues to be gradual for the underdeveloped Cubs. After taking a glance at the standings this team is not looking to change it's structure much at 17-24, creeping back to 9 games out of first place in the Central. Sure new pickups in outfielders Julio Borbon and Ryan Sweeney provide depth off the bench yet fails to solve the declining offensive run average (Only around 4 per game at home).   With a good series away in Washington last week the Cubs took 2-of-3 games as they experienced good breaks to drive in runs. This followed another decent series against Colorado on a return trip back home. 

   The Cubs lost another close game Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field to the Mets, 3-2. Pitcher Matt Harvey just didn't leave the door open for many run scoring opportunties and had sharp command on the mound.  On the flip side, Edwin Jackson wasn't able to hold the Mets' lineup in check long enough as he slumps to 1-6.  He goes 6.2 innings to yield 3 earned runs off 7 hits and a walk.  A single from David Dejesus almost scored a run in the 8th inning to force a tie game, but the runner from third got tagged out a couple feet near home plate. So far the Cubs have yet to utilize their speed still stranding plenty runners on base.

  Far from potent the Cubs still attempt to find a reputable fill-in at third, using Cody Ransom to give Luis Valbuena games off here and there. Judging by the standstill management again in Chicago the club appears to be wait until July make any key market trades. What a waste to not bring up worthy prospect candidates who give at least develop and push along the rebuilding process more steadily.  With the offense sure to continue the scuffle new additions (Borbon, Sweeney, and Ransom) have to deliver to aid in run support.  If not the Cubs will have to send them on their way to another team or back to the minors.  Next up for Chicago after the Mets for the upcoming road schedule are the Pirates and Reds.  Let's at least expect for the starting pitchers to get enough offensive support for those series.      

Homestand ends with a close 5-4 loss to Cardinals as Schierholtz double not enough

 

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

  Another series at Wrigley Field concludes with the Cubs having a chance to win 3 in a row.  After being sweep by the Reds the homestand looked to be bleak.  After dusting off the Rangers in a 9-2 make-up game then the Cardinals 2-1 in a tight contested pitching duel the club leaves the Friendly Confines with a 4-6 stretch (bad breaks, untimely hitting).  For the final game before going back on the road the Cubs lost another 1-run nail-biter to St. Louis, 5-4 Wednesday.  Anthony Rizzo went 3-for-4 collecting a double and a run scored.  The main offense came in the form of a 2-run double from Nate Schierholtz and a RBI groundout by Dioneer Navarro.  The other run came from a throwing error which allowed Luis Valbuena to score from third base.  Carlos Villaneavu receives a no-decision in the game after lasting 6.2 innings to rank up 3 earned runs on 7 hits and 3 walks.

  The season begins to show the Cubs' inexperience as a group with their lack of execution.  Nothing is working fast enough for this tired franchise who embarks on another road trip this weekend in Washington D.C.  Coach Dale Sveum is going with his set game plan, relying on a day-to-day lineup which can't manage to close out tight games with clutch hits.  Beyond the youth there is nobody who is going to deliver as veteran (forget about Soriano) or full-time leader.  Sveum must need plenty aspirins in the clubhouse because he's got headaches for the long season schedule.  Distractions about home field renovations don't affect the overall performance level and have become a higher priority than trade value for players to move. 

At a 13-21 record the Cubs aren't showing they have the zeal to flourish anywhere.  Such remains to be seen.  As for the Nationals series Friday a wipeout may occur if the offense comes up clueless and empty before returning home to face two winning teams in the Rockies and Mets.  Chicago needs to avoid getting swept again and refrain from allowing too much bullpen usage over the next 3 days.  Today at least the team gets a day off and can rest to look at video in the clubhouse to see mistakes on the field and work on hitting strategies.  A rebuilding process is what Cubs' fans have to put up with and the expected slumps at times in 2013.  Hopefully the Cubs can make a decent turnaround to finish May near third place in the Central. 

Hairston's long ball not enough to save game, Cubs split series against Padres

AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

 
  Well, the series back at Wrigley Field was short of amazing.  The Cubs sure made a good outcome close for Game 4 against the Padres.  Travis Wood pitched excellent until the 8th, where he must got maxed out on the pitch count to give up 3 earned runs with 4 totals hits for the game.  Scott Hairston smacked a 2-run shot in the 7th, placing the Cubs on the scoreboard with a small cushion for support.  That obviously dimished quick.  A 11-17 record now can't be how the season moves along for this understaffed club.  Sure the talent is missing too yet what's going to work half the time: starting pitching or random offense?  The Cubs' prime opportunity to progress slips away by their unability to sweep San Diego.  If management can't smell a trade by now then they've got their nostrils around too much revenue or mindsets' on goat head reminders which ruins their time for good decisions. 

  With performance evaluations not being handed out just yet and the team's progression sliding by at a snail's pace the odds appear to still be stacked high against the franchise.  Sure the quality innings are being ranked up by starters: Samardzija, Wood, and Villaneuva with a good combined team ERA at .371.  Then on the flip side, the lineup's overall batting average through just over a month is a meager .237.  Nothing really so far is appealing about the Cubs (except Anthony Rizzo's 8 homeruns).  There must be a resolution in Wrigley Field beyond the high cost renovations (with a potential move) planned for later in the off-season if not next year.  Dave Suevm will try to switch the outfield around and strategize with the bullpen and manage defensive replacements, but everyone knows the offense is just not there. 

  Following up on the trade possibilities from a week ago, anyone who can hit for a top average or power is a plus.  Another good firearm to add in the bullpen is fine too.  Otherwise the Cubs might as well not get rid of rising prospects such as Jorge Soler and Javier Baez to fill a mere position which becomes unproductive again.  The Cubs might as well get their money's worth for Soriano until he's willing to depart Chicago.  Up next on the schedule is the Reds as they come to town then a make-up game follows with the Rangers before the Cubs end their homestand in a short series with the Cardinals.  The only matchup worth watching is the last series of course.  Depending on the starters the matchup shapes up to be another classic confrontation.       

Multi-homeruns by Rizzo propels Cubs past Marlins 4-2 after leaving Cincinnati lackluster

Mike Ehrmann/ Getty Images

 
  Again, the game came down to the long ball plus the team which scored first to take the lead.  The Cubs brush past the Marlins Friday night thanks to their only offense, Anthony Rizzo, who creamed two homeruns.  He accounted for all the team's 4 runs.  Although the lineup produced 10 total hits the first baseman proved to be the hero, tallying his 7th and 8th homerun.  Such a performance is good for the morale in the clubhouse.  Also, the starting pitching finally got a win in the decision too.  Scott Feldman (1-3) went 6.2 IP to yield 2 ER, 7 H, and 2 BB while striking out 2 batters.  The combined bullpen: Camp, Russell, and Gregg pitched good too, giving up just 2 hits.  That is a far change from the previous week in Cincinnati and Milwaukee. 

  From reports in baseball news there are rumors going around about Alfonso Soriano being traded among other players.  This isn't a suprise at all.  The Cubs need to replace basically the entire outfield unless Schierholtz maintains his worth and can be used as a fill-in and hitter off the bench.  Before July is the time to shop around by Cubs management.  Soriano, Stewart, Marmol, and a couple extra young relievers can go!  Too much money has already got wasted relying on unproductive (often injured) long-term contract players.  Add a power stick in left or right field, a legitmate proven catcher and everything will be set to be fall in order for the offense to develop.  If a trade is immiment in Wrigleyville soon it should be interesting to see what the Cubs do to freshen up the atmosphere for baseball. 

   The way the bullpen has proven to be ineffective several times already the Cubs are fortunate their record isn't the worst in baseball. Well, at least not yet anyway. Every outing Carlos Marmol gets in relief makes fans want to cringe. He's not the prime choice to be the closer any longer. Shawn Camp's appeal is lowering as well. Just allowing enough hits to let close games slip away. As the Cubs played back-to-back extra inning games in Cincinnatti it was evident the Cubs' starting lineup can't be relied upon to pad a lead nor deliver clutch hits.

   It's no surprise the club is once again dealing with a struggle to produce big results. This is with the exception of the starting pitching which holds the 4th lowest ERA allowed coming into the final week to complete the first month for the season. That's not what irks Cubs' fans. The unbelievable amount of runners LOB and failure to score with the game in jeopardy plus the appearance of Carlos Marmol mainly causes the reaction. While Chicago sits at last place in the Central the rest of the NL just bides their time and cashes on the Cubs' lack of execution and confidence.

    To the Cubs credit though Thursday they grabbed a win over the low-ranked Marlins for Game 1 in a 4-3 final. This series seemed to be a toss-up with two last place teams squaring off.  Chicago has now won at least two games.  Nate Schierholtz cranked a homerun in Game 1 as did Luis Valbuena to cap the victory. What is an absolute blunder so far is how starter, Jeff Samardzija (1-4) can't even buy a win now. Complete lack of run support for poor Jeff. Hopefully, with any success in 2013 he will have a big turnaround in the second half. Either Chicago finds a way to drag themselves into third place or they continue discourage fans with a sluggish start.


  

Behind Samardzija Cubs fall to Brewers 4-3 after split series at Wrigley Field

Photo by Mike McGinnis- Getty Images

  Through just over 2 weeks the Cubs continue to show why they're still rebuilding at a 5-10 record.  Friday night to start up another road trip the subpar exhibition was no different.  With Jeff Samardzija going for his 4th start a turnaround looked to be in order.  That wasn't the case as he pitched 7 innings to give up 4 earned runs on 6 hits and a walk.  The two homeruns yielded hurt his chances of getting a win so he drops to 1-3 on the season.  There has to be a balance at a point where the Cubs can hang on long enough with effective starting pitching or decisive offense.  Last night the club hit 3 homeruns (DeJesus 2, Vilbuena 2, and Rizzo 5).  Still the efforts weren't enough to seal a victory. 

  For the past week Chicago has lost 4 games by only a run.  They split the series back at home against the Rangers after a postponed rainout before leaving for Milwaukee.  The offense is showing life again, but what a lousy waste of leads thrown away by the bullpen.  With Shawn Camp, Fukijawa (15-DL), or Marmol it's hard to tell what's going to be problematic with the game on the line.  Already the pen has came out shaky with no good reliablity.  Carlos Villanueva so far has the best ERA at 1.29.  The team needs to be moves made to get rid of some relievers and bench players in order for some darn good results. 

  The only main offensive attack guy now is Nate Schierholtz who is maintaining a surprise .988 OPS and a .326 batting average.  To not build on this is a mistake.  With limited run production the road schedule will only get more tough for the Cubs.  At best to utilize speed on the bases with several hit-and-runs can be the answer for a short while.  Since there is such little power in the lineup Chicago must play at smart, not have 10 or more LOB per game by being persistent with runners in scoring position when they manage such.  Coming up on the schedule as the Cubs try to avoid major letdowns and mediocrity are the Reds and the Marlins on the road.  The bats have to produce or else it's time to ship players away after they hit the showers.           

Cubs routed 7-6 by Giants, lineup evolves with capability as Rizzo homers

Photo- John Biever SI

  Small ball with efficient starting pitching leads to okay homestand except for the loss yesterday, 7-6 seems unfathomable.  The Cubs held a 5-0 lead into the 5th inning against the Giants only to allow such a extra cushion to slip away after that.  Early on Anthony Rizzo smashes his 3rd homerun off Ryan Vogelsong to put Chicago ahead.  Starlin Castro scored a run in the second inning as he went 2-for-5.  Everything appeared to turning around for the offense as 17 total runs have accounted for during the homestand.  Although the Cubs were outhit 12-9 Thursday the lineup is overall taking shape.  Nick Schierholtz is the team leader in batting average at .370 so far, managed 3 hits in the loss. 

  Scott Feldman (0-2) went just 4.1 innings allowing 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks.  A few errors though were made in the game on routine plays which also impacted the final score.  With better days ahead most favoring the Cubs want to see a permanent starting roation as some point.  The Matt Garza (injury) situation is still unclear on whether or not he's going to be traded.  Management is in dire consequences later this season if they don't find suitable replacements in the outfield for at least two spots.  Without a potent lift there nothing will change much with the expected team record.  Now the Cubs are 3-6 and have won only 1-of-3 at Wrigley Field.

  The previous games this week showed the Cubs getting past the Brewers 6-3 in Game 2 after the disappointing 7-4 outcome on April 8.  Then the game was postponed Wednesday due to rain.  For who the Cubs' have right now on field and those on the injured list the performance is okay.  Another strong or reliable bat off the bench sure could help.  At least to switch around at third base or the outfield.  Other than such soluble options Chicago must trod along and find ways for improved production in the coming weeks. 

  Today Carlos Villaneauva (0-0) takes the mound against the Giants' Matt Cain (0-1).  This shapes up to be a tough game for Chicago.  Don't expect the Cubs to score much today as the Giants' hurler probably will have good command and maintain a quality pitch count.  It may take an near equal pitching display on the Cubs' end to come close.    

Cubs claim 2013 opening series in Pittsburgh, avoid near meltdown late in Game 3

AP Photo- Gene J. Puskar

  Thanks to homeruns from Anthony Rizzo in Game 1 (3-1 win) and a significant one from newcomer Nate Schierholtz in Game 3 late the Cubs managed to win 2-of-3 from the Pirates to kick the season off right.  Starlin Castro knocked in a run with a single in yesterday's 3-2 victory also to help the cause.  Let's not forget about the starting pitching either which rendered 2 total runs for the series.  Fine outings by Jeff Samardzija (7 innings: 2 H, 0 ER, 9 K's) on opening day and then Travis Wood (1-0, allowed one hit in 6 IP) Thursday allows Chicago to earn a 2-1 record to start the season.  The only loss came the previous day with a 3-0 shutout with basically no offensive production. 

  Less hitting for the most part revolved around the first series on the road.  Chicago must work to achieve a 4-run average each game. That is a decent goal to start with for the lineup.  The worst issue to notice though came in the 9th inning for Game 3 with Carlos Marmol again, who came in close and caused a near diaster.  He pitched uncertain to yield 2 runs across the plate.  Other than pitching to Andrew McClutchen the reliever should've had nothing to worry about.  He is a lost cause for the team with several bad closing appearances in 2012.  As luck went the Cubs way they managed to get a double play to end the game, 3-2. 

  As far as the outfield goes for now there needs to be another tremendous bat added in either left or right field.  Judging from the marginal hits in 3 games Cubs management can work to pull off at least one big trade.  Third base needs a good replacement when the time comes later this year.  If anything the team can go out and pick up more than a ulility player to cover the spots Chicago lacks offense the most.  Why not look for someone like Raul Ibanez, Corey Hart, or even a Jose Bautista caliber type position player?  The starting pitching won't be able to endure all the time so it's worth making an early move.  So far the club looks okay to play small ball behind effective starters.  Still management needs to ship Marmol, DeJesus, and possibly Soriano somewhere to get any good value before it's too late.  The Cubs match-up with Atlanta for a 3-game series starting Friday where the bats may come up in short supply.         

The Cubs’ new additions with the projected effect in 2013

   With the season set to get underway the Cubs have found a couple decent acquisitions for 2013. Still there is bad news to report. Though he was signed in the off-season, pitcher Scott Baker will miss ample months (the season perhaps) due to Tommy John injury. The lack of another good starter will put a small damper on the rotation. To push some kind of spark into the lineup offensively Chicago has outfielder Scott Hairston and catcher Dioneer Navarro (17 RBIs in 22 games for Spring Training). To add depth off the bench the Cubs also have outfielder/infielder Brent Lillibridge. He’s decent though won’t put up good enough offensive numbers. Yet without a power bat at least at third base the Cubs presumably will scuffle again at the plate. 

  Having nobody known yet for proper consistency hitting except for Starlin Castro (.323 on base percentage- 2012) the Cubs seem destined to strand many runners or fail to drive them in with scoring opportunities. Possibly having Castro who managed 183 hits in 2012 as the lead-off might open up better chances for run production. If there is a positive growing development then it has to Anthony Rizzo who finished 2012 with 15 homeruns plus 48 RBI while taking over duties at first base. For the Cubs to sit back and rely on starting pitching again is another big mistake. This one-minded approach will rule them out in the NL Central. Ultimately, it will lead to big disappointing losses in an unfavorable season.  Such a disparity bothers the true Cubs’ fans out there who know the, “Let’s get some runs” line during the 7th inning stretch doesn't happen near enough.

   The wheels need to turn well in the ownership and GM obligations part for the franchise. Management has to consider better options in 2013. With lack of depth and health there will be other ways to drive in runs. Of course, Dale Sveum will return for his second season and looks to push the club past a sub-par record, around a .425
winning percentage if not better. He’ll likely be able to switch the lineup around and rotate outfielders throughout the season schedule.

   Winning, anyone would think now is essential after such a terrible finish in back-to-back seasons. Still the effective components for success as a gradual contender just aren’t there. Plus there is still a big void at third base with Ian Stewart out again on the DL to start the season. By not seriously going out to pick up a guy who’s proven at the plate such as Ryan Zimmerman or Alex Gordon the batting average within the lineup for runners in scoring position will be low for Chicago. This club can hope all they want with chemistry as starter Jeff Samardzija (9-13, 3.81) kicks off the season opener Monday at Pittsburgh.