Chicago Cubs Get Swept in Miami, Lose Fifth Game in a Row

The Cubs held a brief lead against the Miami Marlins as they tried to avoid the sweep, but you can't stop the inevitable as the team lost 5-3, dropping to 3-10 on the year.

The night is darkest just before the dawn, but for the Cubs, we may never even see dawn.

Here's what we learned from today's loss.

Welcome Back Jeff Samardzija:

It was bound to happen eventually as all good things come to an end.

Samardzija's electrifying fastball helped him survive his first two outings this season, but in his outing against the Marlins, everything seemed to come back to norm.  

The former reliever's command was off as he issued five walks and he gave up five runs on eight hits. He lasted only 3.2 innings, providing zero relief for an already taxed bullpen.  

At times, it appeared Samardzija was just throwing the ball and not pitching it.

For the last several seasons, the Cubs tried to use him as a relief pitcher. This year, they are trying to see if he can work it mechanically as a starting pitcher.

If this new direction of Samardzija's career does not pan out, where does he fit on the Cubs' roster?

Lack of Respect to Runners on Base: 

The Cubs looked foolish out there, allowing the Marlins to swipe four bases today, including two from Emilio Bonifacio.  

It was either the pitcher having total disregard to the runner on base or the Cubs having zero respect towards the Marlins' baserunning capabilities.

Geovany Soto, whose offense has some pulling hairs, looked like he threw the ball in slow motion because of how easily the runners beat his throws.

Marlon Byrd Will Be Hard to Trade Away:  

Do you hear that?

That's the sound of nothing, which is exactly what the Cubs would get in return if they were to trade away Marlon Byrd. 

His dreadful, early-season struggles continued today as he was unsurprisingly inserted into the eighth hole in the lineup.  

It will be hard for Byrd to grab the attention of any possible contender and the only way the Cubs would be able to trade him is if the team were willing to eat up the majority of his contract.