Current state of the Chicago Cubs...
For too many realists, it's hard to admit. But for optimistic people like myself, I see things turning around on the north side of Chicago. It's not happening at a rapid rate like all the die-hard Cubs fans would like, but it is in fact happening.
This weekend's first series back from the All-Star break was a big first step in the right direction. The Cubs swept the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-1, 4-1 and 3-1 Friday through Sunday to give itself a 3 game cushion between themselves (36-52) and Houston (33-55), last place in the NL Central. With a 12-4 record since starting their home series with the Mets, the Cubs have caught the eyes of everyone in the rest of the league.
They're getting contributions from everyone in the lineup and intrical parts off the bench. Reed Johnson has started some games in CF in place of David DeJesus because of pitching matchups. Tony Campana gets into a game and steals at least one base, if not more, being one of the fastest in the league. Steve Clevenger gives Geovany Soto a day off here and there or if he's a better bat against a particular pitcher. Jeff Baker is another situational substitution, no matter where it is on the diamond. He's been on a hot streak lately when he appears in the lineup. Since June 25th, Baker is 9-for-25 (.360) with two home runs, six RBI's, four doubles and five runs scored. Luis Valbuena might be what the Cubs need at third base with Ian Stewart on the DL for at least another six weeks and the fact that there have been questions at the hot corner all season. Joe Mather has had streaks of promise and has contributed as expected, a bench type player.
President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer are putting together what they think will be a winner. Building around players like Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo, Darwin Barney and Bryan LaHair is probably a good thing. None of those players are going anywhere, no matter what rumors have circulated during this 2012 season.
Pitchers Ryan Dempster (5-3, 1.68 ERA this season) and Matt Garza (5-7, 4.02 ERA) are both rumored to be the talks of possibly being traded. It's hard telling which of these two will be sent to another squad for prospects, yes I said prospects. In the end, the Cubs normally wind up trading any prospects that they receive in a trade. There are a few exceptions, like Anthony Rizzo. He's a keeper for quite a while at first base.
For the time being, Dale Sveum has figured out a starting lineup that is working pretty darn well.
CF: David DeJesus (or Reed Johnson)
SS: Starlin Castro
1B: Anthony Rizzo (or Jeff Baker)
LF: Alfonso Soriano
RF: Bryan LaHair
C: Geovany Soto (or Steve Clevenger)
2B: Darwin Barney
3B: Luis Valbuena
SP: Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Travis Wood, Jeff Samardzija, Paul Maholm
The bullpen is really becoming a dependable asset to this ball club. James Russell, Shawn Camp, Jairo Ascencio, Manny Corpas, Scott Maine and believe it or not, Carlos Marmol are beginning to gel with each other and compliment the starting rotation like a bullpen should do.
Yes indeed, things are looking up for the Chicago Cubs. Through 88 games, they're 36-52 (.409) but are playing the best baseball in the major leagues. They are 13.5 games behind the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central on July 15th. There are 74 games left in the regular season and there is plenty of room for much needed improvement throughout the rest of 2012.
We know the middle infield (Castro and Barney) aren't going anywhere. Rizzo should be a Cub for as long as he's got the ability to be on the field everyday. Soto really hasn't had a great season since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2008. Valbuena is at third for the time being and he's producing like he was brought in to do. He's a spark plug for Sveum's crew and you never know exactly when his bat will show up for a multi-hit game. David DeJesus and/or Reed Johnson can platoon center field, as far as I'm concerned. Play them situationally with the opposing pitcher and they'll both be great in the field with their stellar defensive play. LaHair has made a comfortable transition from first base to right field with ease. He's hitting well still and when Rizzo was called up for his bat, LaHair welcomed him to play first and he gladly took up right field. Alfonso Soriano is now hitting with a lighter bat and leading the Cubs hitting attack.
The second half could bring surprises and it could turn out good for our beloved Cubs. They could overtake Milwaukee to at least finish in fourth place in the Central. That wouldn't be a bad thing in year one of the Epstein/Hoyer era. After all, they didn't help guide the Boston Red Sox to a World Series title their first season...
This may not have the star-powered names that the Yankees, Cardinals, Red Sox and other teams that have recently won World Series titles, but they're playing great as of late. These guys are doing what it takes to win ball games at any cost.
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