MLB: ***Official 2017 Chicago Cubs Season Thread***

[chuckd4735]

It does feel that way right now, doesn't it? A comedy of errors (figuratively and literally). The announcers are perplexed, so are we. We're better than the team is playing right now, but we're also playing against perhaps the best team in baseball right now. Dodgers have exceptional pitching, and their clutch hitting is impressive. Painful to watch, but impressive.

I give the Dodgers all the credit in the world, but the Cubs should be a hell of a lot more competitive here. Also, Joe usually does a great job of not making the Cubs be head cases. Hes lost this team, at least for tonight. Im just ******* shocked.

Here is my bold prediction...If the Cubs somehow win this game (LOL), they will win in 6 (LOL).

 

[BigJCy]

Mr Sunshine outlook :

2015 Swept in NLCS
2016: Won World Series
2017: Swept in NLCS
2018: ....Hoping it's a pattern here

 

[FerShizzle]

So who do you think the problem is then? Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras, Russsell, Javy, Jay? Zobrist has not hit for much this year, and Kyle is extremely inconsistent, but I'm not concerned for our hitting moving forward.

General under performance by everyone who swings a bat. Specifically... Bryant has absolutely tanked this offense this offseason. Went from a MVP to a player who looks scared. Maddon needs to reevaluate Zobrist usage. Baez has too much freedom and needs to be put on a leash.

 

[CyJack13]

So who do you think the problem is then? Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras, Russsell, Javy, Jay? Zobrist has not hit for much this year, and Kyle is extremely inconsistent, but I'm not concerned for our hitting moving forward.

Zobrist and Heyward will be a big problem moving forward if Theo can't move on from them.

 

[HoustonClone]

General under performance by everyone who swings a bat. Specifically... Bryant has absolutely tanked this offense this offseason. Went from a MVP to a player who looks scared. Maddon needs to reevaluate Zobrist usage. Baez has too much freedom and needs to be put on a leash.

So I completely agree with you, but I am also giving credit to a pitching staff (Dodgers) who is as confident (and talented) as I've seen in some time. It's a combination of both, I think. Cubs clutch hits aren't there, hard to watch, but I look up at who is pitching, and it's the same guys mowing them down. Hard time to play the Dodgers.

 

[chuckd4735]

Zobrist and Heyward will be a big problem moving forward if Theo can't move on from them.

Id be completely fine rebuilding our entire outfield.

 

[HoustonClone]

Zobrist and Heyward will be a big problem moving forward if Theo can't move on from them.

I hate the fact that Zobrist hasn't performed, as he is a professional's professional. A winner, but you are correct he is a liability this year. Will be very interested to see what Joe and Theo do with him next year. Heyward I think is a different story. Gold Glove in the outfield, and although he isn't a powerhouse at the plate, he has held his own this season (especially compare to last).

 

[HoustonClone]

Id be completely fine rebuilding our entire outfield.

How much truth is there to Harper wanting to play in Chicago?

 

[chuckd4735]

So I completely agree with you, but I am also giving credit to a pitching staff (Dodgers) who is as confident (and talented) as I've seen in some time. It's a combination of both, I think. Cubs clutch hits aren't there, hard to watch, but I look up at who is pitching, and it's the same guys mowing them down. Hard time to play the Dodgers.

Dodgers are playing at a high level, but that doesnt excuse what we have seen this series. They wont do this to the Astros or the Yankees.

 

[Cy$]

u guys want betances?

 

[Rabbuk]

Id be completely fine rebuilding our entire outfield.

I wish NL would go DH so we could play Schwarber there.

 

[HoustonClone]

Dodgers are playing at a high level, but that doesnt excuse what we have seen this series. They wont do this to the Astros or the Yankees.

Agreed that doesn't excuse how are playing, but I honestly do think the AL will struggle against the Dodgers. You could be absolutely right that the Dodgers will show themselves to be human soon, but I wouldn't bet agains them at this point. Will be interesting to watch.

 

[HoustonClone]

I wish NL would go DH so we could play Schwarber there.

It's his natural position, no doubt.

 

[FerShizzle]

I hate the fact that Zobrist hasn't performed, as he is a professional's professional. A winner, but you are correct he is a liability this year. Will be very interested to see what Joe and Theo do with him next year. Heyward I think is a different story. Gold Glove in the outfield, and although he isn't a powerhouse at the plate, he has held his own this season (especially compare to last).

I think Heyward was headed towards a great season offensively before he got injured and missed a month. Never really looked the same since coming back.

 

[chuckd4735]

I wish NL would go DH so we could play Schwarber there.

Read a story today about MLB seriously considering expanding to 32 teams. If that happens, I think the NL goes to the DH, and you see new, more regional divisions.

 

[Rabbuk]

Read a story today about MLB seriously considering expanding to 32 teams. If that happens, I think the NL goes to the DH, and you see new, more regional divisions.

What new cities?

 

[HoustonClone]

I think Heyward was headed towards a great season offensively before he got injured and missed a month. Never really looked the same since coming back.

I honestly lost track of the fact he was out. His wrist/hand from sliding, correct?

 

[FerShizzle]

So I completely agree with you, but I am also giving credit to a pitching staff (Dodgers) who is as confident (and talented) as I've seen in some time. It's a combination of both, I think. Cubs clutch hits aren't there, hard to watch, but I look up at who is pitching, and it's the same guys mowing them down. Hard time to play the Dodgers.

Ya. Bad time to face one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.

 

[chuckd4735]

Agreed that doesn't excuse how are playing, but I honestly do think the AL will struggle against the Dodgers. You could be absolutely right that the Dodgers will show themselves to be human soon, but I wouldn't bet agains them at this point. Will be interesting to watch.

I think the Dodgers win the WS, but they wont do it by the Yankees or Astros scoring 2, 1 and 1 runs.

 

[FerShizzle]

I honestly lost track of the fact he was out. His wrist/hand from sliding, correct?

Ya. Sounds right. He was hitting the ball hard and elevating it a bit more. Just never got back to comfortable at the plate. I like him for the same reasons you like Zo. He's a pros pro.