Buttermaker
Well-known member
Hendrix another good outing without much run support.
Keeping Almora's bat on the bench would mean an outfield of Schwarber, Heyward and Castellenos. Defensively you go from averaqe, gold glove, gold glove to average, average and poor. Almora's bat has been disappointing, but his defense is outstanding. Castellenos bat is a good option in left/right against LHP, but there is a real downside to his defense.
Cubs lack of depth really hurting. No solid bench players with numerous starters not able to hit. The bullpen is similar with a couple reliable arms and then a huge fall off.
The Cubs holding in the off season with no progression from Russell, Happ, Almora, and Schwarber really hurt. Combine that with the negative WAR of Descalso and you have no options at the bottom of the order.
I’m not sure what I’d do as there are so many holes to plug.
Happ is likely coming soon, unless he is traded. Cubs need an RP, OF and MIF.
Schwarber is slugging .759 in the last 10 games - he is an above average hitter. Russell, Almora, Descalso and Maldonado are not good at the plate right now.
Schwarber is hitting around .225, where it seems he has been most of the season. He has power, but he is king of the solo home run. 22 HR/47 RBI. I like him, but I'd like to see him in the 5-6 spot and increase his RBIs. Agree on Almora - he is close to an automatic out right now.
Schwarber has produced 56 runs in 54 games hitting first, the best rate since his rookie season. He has produced 19 runs in 41 games hitting elsewhere in the line up.
Interesting stats. Thanks. I'd like to see someone with more speed at the top of the lineup. Someone who can put some pressure on the opposing pitcher and D, steal a base, go from first to third, score from second on a single or first on a double, etc. Old school thinking I guess. Given where everyone wants to hit and Schwarber doing a reasonable job getting on base, despite his weak BA, and lack of an alternative leadoff guy, it appears the Cubs will live or die offensively with Schwarber leading off the remainder of the season.
Hopefully it’s not Bryant to the DL
Right, no chance that package would get Merrifield. You are likely looking at something around one of our top 3 guys (Nico, Amaya or Marquez), with Happ and likely another top 5-10 prospect. My guess is they can find no takers for Addy anywhere, probably wont cut him, but might not offer him a contract next year.
Nice win in a bullpen game with Lester sick. Bryant leaving early isn't a good thing, hoping it was just precautionary, he has been on fire.