Lester Bangs

More fun with the EXACTLY .500 CUBS

I think by this point in the season we've discovered the problem. The lineup is just nowhere near as good as it was last year. The only person hitting over .300 is Jon Jay, and he's the backup outfielder. Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Addison Russell...even Ian Happ, who they just brought up, are all kinda struggling to stay above average. Yes, Rizzo's hitting really well in the leadoff spot, and yes, it's nice to have Happ back, but the lineup is just a shell of its former self.

The rotation...again, while not 2016 levels, is still pretty good. Jon Lester's throwing really well, still posting great strikeout numbers and posting some impressive skill. Jake Arrieta's still not up to his usual standard, but he's doing well enough. Hell, the addition of Eddie Butler to the fold has given a fresh face that can definitely win games. But Kyle Hendricks is injured and John Lackey is showing his age. While good things are indeed happening, the progress is being halted a bit.

Plus, a new breakout has come along, and it's the Brewers. Right now, the Cubs are 2 games out, but the Brewers do have a bit more going for them. By the All Star Break, they're gonna need to figure out how hard they're going to try for October.

Coming Tomorrow- Another one of the many rookie Mariners making headway.