Why the Cubs Have Done so Badly in 2010.

[drednot57]

Just look at this expanded W-L record:

overall -- 44-53, day games -- 23-27, night games -- 31-26, one run games -- 12-21.

The Pirates, by comparison, are 14-16 in one run games. The Cubs probably have the worst record in one run games; this points to lack of execution in all phases of the game. Particularly, getting sacrifice hits and productive outs are a big factor, the Cubs just do not sacrifice well with either fly balls, or bunts. Middle relief is also a big issue. Marmol hasn't been great, but he hasn't been the worst either. I remember when the Cubs won the NL Central, their execution was very good and scored a lot of runs with sacrifices and productive outs; things they're not doing this year.

[rworkman83]

Cubs are 1-5 in one-run games against the Pirates alone.

[DaddyMac]

What's the team batting average and average with runners in scoring position?

That will probably tell you all you need to know. They aren't putting runs on the board with any sort of consistency.

I haven't followed religiously - but it seems when I check in the Cubs are putting up 1, 2, 2, 1, 13, 1, 3, 2, 2, 11.

Very helter-skelter.

[delt4cy]

should have let that damned goat in........

[hawkeyeh8r]

they are kinda like the mets...its a bunch of overpaid players that are average at best. sure they have some decent players but they usually under perform. and theres always the curse or steve bartman to blame it on. theres always next year (and the year after that, and the century after that) haha

[drednot57]

What's the team batting average and average with runners in scoring position?

That will probably tell you all you need to know. They aren't putting runs on the board with any sort of consistency.

I haven't followed religiously - but it seems when I check in the Cubs are putting up 1, 2, 2, 1, 13, 1, 3, 2, 2, 11.

Very helter-skelter.

Here's the team stats:

BA -- .259, MLB rank 16; OBP -- .325, MLB rank T18; SLG -- .410, MLB rank 14; OPS -- .736, MLB rank 17
They also rank T22 in runs scored, and 20 in RBI.

I think the last two stats are quite indicative of the Cubs' poor record so far this year.

[asmosis]

Because they are the Cubs.

[DaddyMac]

Here's the team stats:

BA -- .259, MLB rank 16; OBP -- .325, MLB rank T18; SLG -- .410, MLB rank 14; OPS -- .736, MLB rank 17
They also rank T22 in runs scored, and 20 in RBI.

I think the last two stats are quite indicative of the Cubs' poor record so far this year.

Well, it doesn't really prove my point. But it doesn't hurt it much either. Like I said, consistency.

Alot of their average is they explode in a single game. Unfortunately, they can't carry over those runs and it only counts for one. Then the next two or three they are anemic. And then it gets back to what you said - they lose close ones because they can't grind out wins.

[Cyclones9712]

at least we won today

[geburgess]

Because they are the Cubs.

This.

[cyclonenate]

Ugh... when will they just win one?

[Bobber]

I think part of it's just Pinella just needs to hang it up. Great coach and he's done great things, but I think the fire in his belly has subsided.

Bring on Rhino....

[2020cy]

Because they are the Cubs.

I know I'm a royals fan, but the Cubs have so many diehard fans for no reason. The management just signs players without developement and are just guaranteed a full crowd no matter what their record is. There is no real fire with this organization or team concept. Look at last night, virtually a sell out crowd crowd to see Z at I-cubs, a hot head over paid player and the Cubby fans go nuts for him. Just a lot of misguided loyalty to this team, mainly because they used to be on WGN every day.

[rworkman83]

I think part of it's just Pinella just needs to hang it up. Great coach and he's done great things, but I think the fire in his belly has subsided.

Bring on Rhino....

You do know that Sweet Lou announced his retirement, right?

[deadeyededric]

According to the Cubs fans I talked to at Wrigley, "who cares, we still have fun." Nothing like having standards. A 40000 seat tavern.