Three years ago I attended the MLB All-Star game in Miami. (See Post #174). It was the first time that I watched current White Sox infielder Yoan Moncada #10 in the Future’s Game. The only Cub player was Wade Davis who gave up a rare home run as the losing pitcher. Last year, the Cubs placed Javier Baez, Willson Contreras, and Jon Lester on the National League team, while this year Lester is out and Kris Bryant is in. It shows that Cub pitching has been a problem, especially Yu Darvish, who hasn’t won a game since April 27. Their latest acquisition, former Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, has not lived up to expectations after recording a shaky save followed by a blown opportunity to salvage the Pirates series. As it was, the Pirates prevailed. 

It’s remarkable that the Cubs are still tied in the Central Division race with the Brewers as two games remain against the cross-town Sox before going into the All-Star break. The listless Cubbies are 3-7 down the stretch, losing 3 of 4 against the Pirates, 2 of 3 versus the bottom dwelling Reds, and barely salvaging a 2-2 split against the Braves. To make matters worse, they’ve lost all three series to Cincinnati this year and have gone an embarrassing 17-26 on the road. We can only hope that things improve in the second half of the season. 

It’s been a roller-coaster adventure following them so far this year. The Cubs have gotten series victories over the Cardinals, Brewers, and even the Rockies but were swept by the Braves. The Cardinals then swept them in St. Louis, but the Cubs returned the favor in Chicago. The Dodgers took 3 out of 4 in L.A., while the lowly Mets matched them at Wrigley. Not only is pitching a problem, but also getting hits with runners on base. There is plenty of power, but not in key situations. Fortunately, no one has been able to take command of the Central Division, with bottom to top separated by only 3.5 games. The White Sox will pose a problem over the next couple days at Guaranteed Rate, so the Cubs are in danger of slipping behind the Brewers, Cardinals, and Pirates before the break on Monday. Then again, they could climb their way back to the lead. I’m glad that they are taking a break because I certainly need one!