First Star: Ronny Paulino (.312 WPA)
Second Star: Alfonso Soriano(.234 WPA)
Third Star: Cody Ross (.182 WPA)
Obviously I’m kidding about the title of the post, but his errors and other garbage play has made it hard to watch Cubs baseball. That was the gist of 4 different e-mails I received from people I communicate with fairly regularly. My guess is that it’s a common feeling among all Cub fans at this point. I know for me, I go into the game expecting to lose rather than win. Something came to mind when I contemplated that concept. If we’re losing confidence to this magnitude this early in the year, what does that mean for the players confidence. Obviously they have a lot more fair in their own ability than we do, but how much more? Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee look visibly frustrated with their play to date. My guess is that this team is shaken a little right now when it comes to confidence and needs things to start going right. That’s all it takes. A few breaks go our way and suddenly things feel better. The problem has been that those breaks have come consistently enough for this team to get on a run enough to begin to turn the tide.
Why We Lost
Starlin Castro – The kid single-handedly won the game in his debut and probably lost the game for us last night with his play on the field. He’s going to make mistakes and he’s probably going to make them on a grand scale considering the stage in which he’s performing on. Last night that was the case. It was painfully evident that Castro is still a kid with very little professional experience but loads of talent. He made mental errors in the field by trying to force plays that weren’t there and letting his guard down on a ball that got off his glove. He’s a kid. He’s going to make mistakes, but mental errors need to be fix quickly. That was the bulk of his mistake last night and that can be fixed. On the night, he was charged with three errors, but probably should have had four if you charge a mental error on the fact that he let Ramirez take 2nd on his lazy play.
Offense – It’s just not there and I can’t help but wonder why Lou has not taken my suggestion yet and move both Soriano and Soto into the 3-5 area instead of the 6-8 area in the lineup. If they’re you’re two hottest and most productive hitters right now, they should be in the run producing spots in the order. There’s a reason why we’re not scoring runs consistently. Our two best hitters are hitting 3 and 5 and are not producing. Offense continues to be the issue, which gives me a little bit of encouragement because I believe these guys will hit and hit big before the year is out.
Why We Could Have Won
Ted Lilly – After a terrible start in his last outing, Lilly’s command looked much improved this time around. He took a no hitter into the 6th inning (quietly) and essentially held Hanley Ramirez, who had been hot coming in, at bay. It’s an encouragement to see imrpovement from Lilly and it gives me hope that he’ll be returning to form and dominating very very soon.
Alfonso Soriano and Geo Soto – These two were basically left for dead last year in Cub fans mind and yet if it wasn’t for the play of both at the plate, this season may not feature a win. Geo in an on base machine this year and Soriano continued to hit and even show off that arm we know he has. These two guys are hot right now and my fear is that right around the time Lee and Ramirez start hitting with regularity, these two will stop. Until then, let’s ride the wave and move these guys up in the order.
Random Notes
- I love seeing guys run through stop signs at third only to get their butts gunned down. If you’re arrogant enough to think you know more than a guy who is paid to coach that situation and has watched the entire play setup, you deserve to have your butt handed to you. Hanley Ramirez ran through the sign and Sori made him pay for it.
- We have moved the Beat the Streak competition form to the nav bar below the VFTB logo. It can be found here. If you’ve never played, head over there, read the rules and get involved. You never know when a prize might be handed out at random.
- Have you taken some time to vote in the roster approval rating vote? Voter turnout is down this week. It’s time to get the word out to all these young people and rock the vote. Take a minute, please, and cast your vote for which members of the roster you approve of. VOTE HERE
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