Can The Cubs Finish Strong?

Eighteen games remain in the season and a 5 game lead is down to 2 games. Will the Cubs hang on?

Do the Chicago Cubs have what it takes to cross the finish line in 18 games with a Central Division crown? Can they fly the ‘W’ flag enough to hold off Milwaukee and St. Louis?

The boys couldn’t hit their way out of a wet paper bag this past weekend and gave back three games in the Central division standings. They were outscored 20–3 as they lost ground in the standings to the Brewers and the Cardinals. If they don’t start putting the ball in play and scoring runs the off-season is going to start a lot sooner than any of us would like.

With an opportunity to put themselves in the cat bird’s seat against the Brew Crew the bats went ice cold. The top four hitters in the series were a combined 7–38. They struck out 32 times, they left 20 runners on base, and they went 2–20 with runners in scoring position. In a 15–2 drubbing on Saturday the bullpen gave up eleven runs and ten hits. The lack of offensive production wasted 2 strong starts by Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey.

This team has a penchant for swinging for the fences. When your offense is consistently doing that it creates a feast or famine result. Small ball is where their mindset needs to be. Time and time again the Cubs won’t have just 1 or 2 guys not hit on a given day; the entire lineup doesn’t hit. It has been perhaps the most maddening aspect of this team.

Eleven of the seventeen games remaining come against the Brewers and Cardinals. Seven of those games are on the road. Joe Maddon has made the declaration in the past that in order to be the best you have to beat the best. There is no doubt that the Cardinals have consistently been the class of this division. Maddon said in order for the Cubs to become the best they need to regularly beat St. Louis. They will have that chance as seven games and a two game division lead stand between them. The Cubs hold their own fate in their bats.

Joe Maddon is not a big advocate of batting practice pre-game. It is an optional activity. But after the Cubs lost 3–1 Sunday the video board in the clubhouse had a message for the team:

“Come Tuesday relievers are to throw at 3:30, pitchers are to hit at 3:45, and the full squad hits at 4.”

This team has a clubhouse full of elite hitters. Is a hitting philosophy change needed? Striking out ten times a game will not get it done. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out if you are not putting the ball in play you are not going to score.

Anthony Rizzo is the face of this franchise and more often than not the voice as well. He has put together an elite season at the plate. His defense at first base is the best in baseball. It is time for him to be the captain and lead the defending champions back to October baseball.

Joe Maddon discussed the state of the team following Sunday’s loss to Milwaukee.

The boys found their hitting shoes last night as a depleted Mets squad came limping into Wrigley Field. A three game sweep would go a long way as every game is a must win at this point. It is time to activate the playoff mentality and play every game as if it is an elimination game. This team has the experience and the talent to finish this season off on a winning streak and defend their crown in October. Let’s fly the W!

In memory of my Dad, Jay Preszler. Thanks for sharing my passion for the Cubs with me. I will never forget watching the Cubs win the 2016 World Series with you. I love you!

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