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.