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.