Well that was fun. The Cubs had an offensive explosion on Tuesday night at Wrigley defeating the Reds 20-9, and it wasn’t really that close. Seven home runs! Hopefully this isn’t just a one and done, but more like a sign of things to come. The Cubs will enter Wednesday evening’s tilt with the Reds 4 games back of first place.
Nice return for Candy Man too. He was 4-4 before flying out in the 8th inning. Adding another bat to this lineup was a very smart thing to do. While this offense has had its share of outbursts, the consistency isn’t always there. Stretching this lineup out a bit, adding some depth with another solid hitter, should lead to some positive results. One for one on that thought. Sure, the Reds didn’t exactly run out Jose Rijo, but that’s not our problem. Whoever takes the mound for the opposition, we need to dig in, take some good ABs, and find ways to score consistently. On Tuesday night it was the long ball; there may be other games where we need to manufacture. We need to be able to score runs a variety of ways to be successful.
Justin Steele was solid; I think it’s a little easier to pitch with a big lead. Unlike Stroman, he has continued his All Star first half. He has become the clear ace of this pitching staff, among the leaders, if not THE ERA leader in the NL; he’s especially potent at home in Wrigley. He’s lined up to pitch Sunday vs the Braves at the Friendly Confines next btw; not worried about Justin. However, with Marcus struggling like he is, that is a concern. Sure, we have Kyle, Mr. Steady, but after those three… although it feels like Jameson Taillon is turning things around; that would be a great thing. Meanwhile, Smyly and maybe Wesneski and maybe someone else (?) will take that 5th turn in the rotation. I was hoping we could snag another starter. It didn’t have to be Max or Justin from the Mets, but somebody… Oh well, can’t always get what you want.
Do the Cubs have enough for a serious run? They’re already on a serious run, but can they keep it up? Can they get into the playoffs THIS year? Honestly, I’m happily surprised that I’m seriously considering this question; I haven’t been exactly high on the boys this year, thinking it was just another rebuild/sell year… I’m so happy I was wrong. The Cubs ARE in the discussion for the postseason; their best chance may actually be winning the division; the Cubs should be in THAT conversation on an annual basis. Besides the Reds cooking on offense at times, and some of the Brewers’ starting pitching getting hot, there are really no other concerns within our division. Why not us? Yeah, why not us…
OK, we’ll keep this Cubs train moving down the tracks; they better at least do good for one more night. We’ll be back in the house on Wednesday night at Wrigley, where we’re 0-3 this year. I apologize in advance if I bring home another L, but… since my feelings on the season have changed, I think the end result we’ll see in person will follow. Let’s get some more runs… Go Cubs!!!
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