This team is playing like it just doesn't care. I'd blame Dusty, but that would conflict with his history of successfully keeping underperforming teams motivated down the stretch... err... nevermind.
Games are won on run differential -- scoring more than your opponent. Runs are runs, scored or prevented they all count the same. Worry about scoring more and allowing fewer, not which positions contribute to which side of the equation or how "consistent" you are at your current level of performance.
Baker doubles to right. Second and third. Cubs by two. Two outs, fifth inning.
IBB to Soriano, loading bases.
Byrd up. Willis with a big batter here.
Wild pitch on inside pitch. Mes can't hold it. Run scores. 4-1 Cubs.
Now Byrd fouls a shot to left.
Target practice on D Train.
Liner to Stobbs ends inning five.
Garza fans Stubbs.
Votto pops up. Joey needs a day off.
Bruce takes strike three.
Bottom six. Willis still out there. Soto hits fly to left, Yonder takes charge and gets it.
LaHair up. Grounds to Janish playing near the bag at second.
Garza singles. Willis fooling nobody.
Castro flies to Stubbs.
Go to seventh, Cubs by 3.
Seventh inning.
Alonso singles. Comedy of errors for Cubs with guys slipping all over Cubs outfield. Alonso at third.
Francisco up. Fans.
Mes up. Grounds out, run scores.
Janish up. Grounds out.
4-2. Cubs, bottom seven.
Willis still out there.
Strike out, one down.
Ramirez. Walks.
Home Run Baker up. Strike out.
Soriano. Lines to Yonder.
To the eighth.
I think at this point, I'd rather Dusty just throw Frazier out there and see if he can handle the position at all. Since expansion began (1961), only 15 players have reached 350pa with an OPS+ under 40. Soft J figures to be the 16th. Just brutal.Janish up. Grounds out.
Another Cub error brings in another Reds run
Willis grounds to second.
Phillips up. Garza still has plenty of mustard on his fastball.
BP doubles to left center. 33rd double.
Stubbs. Wild pitch, Brandon to third. Stubbs. Fans looking. Unreal.
Votto grounds to short, ball misplayed, run scored. Error 6.
One run game.
Bruce up. 4-3 game. Votto on first. Bruce walks. Two on.
Garza out. Lefty Russell to face Alonso.
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |