Cubs offense

**ISUAlum2002** · 06-17-2009, 10:55 PM

**gocubs2118** · 06-17-2009, 10:58 PM

**cycloneworld** · 06-18-2009, 07:23 AM

While I agree the hitting has been worse than awful, I laugh at the people who are declaring this season over already.

The NL Central isn't exactly the best league in the division. I would bet that 88 games will win it. The Cubs have played absolutely awful and they are 4.5 games back.

While there is some reason for concern, there is no need to panic yet.

**CycloneErik** · 06-18-2009, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

And a month ago itl was too early to say the season was over. Now, its time to worry but I'm not pushing the panic button yet. You can if you want but again, its too early IMO.

This is where I'm at. It's a pretty big concern, because the offense is a mighty big flop, but there's still time to do it. Houston has shown that year after year in the 2nd half.

**Wesley** · 06-18-2009, 07:46 AM

When is Derek Lee going to hit homeruns again? Does he need more leg kick? When is the Dempster going to be more consistent? Hopefully soon as wee head towards the All Star Break.

Lots of talk that Pedro Martinez may be signed?

**TommyTalknSport** · 06-18-2009, 08:04 AM

Rumors are swirling D Lee might get traded. Hendry needs to do something, we stink. Pirates are about to have better record than us.

**TarHeelHawk** · 06-18-2009, 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Skyh13

Exactly...

Moving Soriano down would be fantastic. Even if it does absolutely nothing, at least I would feel like there's a little bit of justice in this world.

They keep him at the leadoff spot because he's "better" there, and because he completely sucked for the two games they moved him down.

And now, what is he doing? Batting horrifically!! But wait... he's in the leadoff spot! That doesn't make sense! /sarcasm

Anyways, enough of my rant.. I still don't like Aaron Miles but he did get at least ONE freaking hit, so I can't complian too much.
Hoffpauir needs to get SOME at bats, Fontenot shouldn't play against lefties, and Soto needs to get in gear or GTFO.

And put him where? Where would you like to see Soriano and his lack plate discipline in the batting order?

It's amazing that nobody complains when the guy gets hot and carries the team for weeks at a time, but when he goes into the inevitable slump - although you would think he'd have come out of this one by now - everyone thinks he needs to get moved down.

Do you really think that if Soriano got moved down to 4th or 5th that he would see anything to hit with guys on base? It'd be 3 breaking balls in the dirt, and then he'd be walking back to the dugout with his bat, and then everyone would be ******** about him getting moved down.

**TarHeelHawk** · 06-18-2009, 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by TommyTalknSport

Rumors are swirling D Lee might get traded. Hendry needs to do something, we stink. Pirates are about to have better record than us.

Right. Lee has 5/10 protection, a full no trade, and is on the books for 10 million going into next season.

Lee isn't going anywhere.

**DaddyMac** · 06-18-2009, 08:24 AM

Originally Posted by ajk4st8

I dont get why the Cubs arent winning more.. here is today's starting line up.

.225, .282, .234, .277, .217, .264, .232, .203, .100

But then again its only June 17th so its too early to worry.

Im about to officially declare it football season.

Good idea - this lineup may in fact be better at football.

**cycloneworld** · 06-18-2009, 08:39 AM

Originally Posted by Wesley

When is Derek Lee going to hit homeruns again? Does he need more leg kick? When is the Dempster going to be more consistent? Hopefully soon as wee head towards the All Star Break.

Lots of talk that Pedro Martinez may be signed?

Lee has been hitting very, very well lately...the best on the team. He was hitting around .200 for the first month of the season and now his average is .277.

I also think Dempster is doing an ok job. He is 4-4 with a 3.92 ERA...that isn't too bad. He just isn't getting the run support.

The reason I think the Cubs are losing isn't because of pitching...its because of hitting and injuries. Fontenot, Soriano, and Soto are batting .232, .225, .217. IMO, there is where the problem is.

**DaddyMac** · 06-18-2009, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by cycloneworld

Lee has been hitting very, very well lately...the best on the team. He was hitting around .200 for the first month of the season and now his average is .277.

I also think Dempster is doing an ok job. He is 4-4 with a 3.92 ERA...that isn't too bad. He just isn't getting the run support.

The reason I think the Cubs are losing isn't because of pitching...its because of hitting and injuries. Fontenot, Soriano, and Soto are batting .232, .225, .217. IMO, there is where the problem is.

Spot on.

I have to wonder if the pitchers aren't pressing more, taking a few more risks, because by now they must almost feel like they have to throw a shutout to win a ball game (looking at Randy Wells).

Probably not going out with that attitude, per se. But you know it has to be going through their head.

With the exception of a few too many bullpen meltdowns, this teams struggles are squarely at home plate.