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Chicago Cubs Thread - Playoff Push Pending

Injuries and bullpen killing the Cubs. Gonna be a tough haul to the wild card, even then, one game against Scherzer is the reward.
 
Trending out of the playoffs which isn’t too shocking given the injuries and flawed roster. The off-season will likely be eventful and I think Joe is done in Chicago.
 
Trending out of the playoffs which isn’t too shocking given the injuries and flawed roster. The off-season will likely be eventful and I think Joe is done in Chicago.

Scuttlebutt is that Maddon is definitely done unless the Cubs make a shocking run to at least an NL Pennant. Among other things, Cubs aren't happy with how much they are paying Maddon (the going rate for managers is in decline, and he is not likely to agree to a pay cut). Heard speculation that the Padres could be interested in Joe.
 
The last two cubs games I went to they went on a winning streak. I’ll be there Friday soooooo here’s hopin
 
Scuttlebutt is that Maddon is definitely done unless the Cubs make a shocking run to at least an NL Pennant. Among other things, Cubs aren't happy with how much they are paying Maddon (the going rate for managers is in decline, and he is not likely to agree to a pay cut). Heard speculation that the Padres could be interested in Joe.

Any early rumors on a possible replacement? Hopefully someone who doesn't pull pitchers in the middle of a shutout having thrown fewer than 100 pitches with a weak bullpen. Or play musical chairs with the leadoff position.
 
Rowan Wick with some drama but gets the job done.

The season isn't over. The players necessary to make the playoffs are in place if properly used. The sense of urgency has been supplied by poor performance. Play the game like it should be played or go home.

Hit Rizzo first.

If Maddon goes, I'd speculate Joe Girardi as manager.
 
At this point, the window is closing on this group - they will need an overhaul. Hamels comes off after this year, Zobrist, Strop, Morrow, Kintzler, Cishek too. But, with the new Arb numbers for KB, Baez, Schwarbs, Contreras there isnt a ton of extra money. Offense shouldnt need that much money thrown at it unless we resign Big Stick Nick, but will need at least one more starter and a whole new bullpen. The question is if this offense is good enough to win, which it does appear that it could be if we had a strong pen - starting lineup of Willy, Rizzo, KB, Baez, Happ, JHey, Schwarbs and Nick? - starters of Darvish, Q, Hendricks are going to be ok, Lester is getting older and less effective, then we need to replace Hamels too. Maybe can keep Hamels on a 2 year $25 million or something, but not sure thats worth it. Its possible to compete again next year with a couple of pieces, but not sure its a contender against the Dodgers, Yanks and Stros.

The other option is to not resign Nick, and throw everything at Rendon, move KB to RF or trade him. The haul for Bryant with 2 years left should be pretty decent - but there is a chance this would break the bank. Signing Rendon would mean everything else has to be solved through trades or piecemeal signings like last offseason. Even then, not sure this team is any more than a Wild Card team.

There are some pieces coming through that could help, but not sure there are game changers until Marquez - but he is 2 years out best case. Nico is a gap hitter, might be able to help with our leadoff problem.
 
This week unfolded exactly like it needed to in the W/L.

Brewers lost one to create space and then we closed the gap. Now we just to need to keep winning.
 
Rizzo likely finished for the regular season. There is enough experienced leadership to finish the season strong. It will require that everyone play at their best or one step above their best.
 
JHey has looked like his old self since being removed from leadoff. Schwarber is on an absolute tear for the last month+, KB was just the NL Player of the Week. They need to keep it up for 12 more games - 7 against the Cards. I like the Cards having to face the Nats right now, should allow us a little wiggle room if we drop one of the next two against the reds. Losing the next two will make it a much tougher road. Brewers are acting like its 2018 again with this late season surge and they have a cupcake remaining schedule - Pads, Pirates, Red and Rocks - its gonna be tough for them to not go 8-4 at worse. Nats have Cards for 2 more, than Marlins, Phillies and Indians - that could be a bit tougher, but assuming the Phils will be basically eliminated by that time.

My guess is the Cubs need to go 9-3 or so to guarantee a postseason. That is with 2 at home against the Reds, 4 at home against the Cards, 3 on the road against the Pirates and 3 on the road against the Cards. Hamels and Lester are complete nightmares right now, even if we make a wild card, we gotta hope it aligns for Kyle to start and pray we somehow get a home game against the Brewers.
 
Rizzo likely finished for the regular season. There is enough experienced leadership to finish the season strong. It will require that everyone play at their best or one step above their best.

Huge loss. We will see. Hopefully the other guys step up/keep stepping up.
 
Anything less than 3 of 4 from StL and the Cubs are in trouble. The Reds may be the team which keeps the Cubs out of the playoffs.
 
The offense went from the penthouse to the outhouse. A recurring theme all season.

At some point the absence of Rizzo and Baez had to take effect. Feeling the same for the Brewers without Yelich, but they play the Pirates this weekend, and the Pirates have completely quit.
 
The Cubs lack of plate discipline always returns. When they are scoring runs they limit their swings to pitches in the strike zone and appropriate to the situation. When the offense begins to click they invariably begin to chase and begin to over swing. Team slump. Zobrist and Rizzo are exceptions. Hoerner has been. Almora used to be. Baez improved when he learned to use the whole field, but he's swinging. The absence of Rizzo and Baez has hurt but the problem is in the approach. Maddon has mentioned it all season but it continues, so maybe the players have tuned him out. Front office has some work to do and they know it. Theo clearly admitted the problem at lead off is his fault. He is right. The problem at 2B is Maddon. A reckoning is coming.
 
Kimbrel activated. Rizzo hitting first and playing first base. Baez antsy so is OK to pinch hit and pinch run. Kintzler OK after a light bullpen and aiming to return for the Pirate series. Russell resumes practice and may be activated soon. Hamels scratched from his next start with left shoulder fatigue. Mills will replace him.

Leaders lead. Time to play hurt.
 
Cubs getting worked and playing sloppy. Hendricks couldn't put anyone away with 2 strikes. Likely starting tomorrow out of the playoffs hoping to play themselves back in.
 
Jack Flaherty is not who you want to see to start an important series. That dude can get it on and currently firing a 3 hitter at Cubbies through 7.
 
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