Chicago Cubs: Living on a Prayer

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Defense

The Cubs need to get back to basics. At least some players do. Milton Bradley is possibly the worst fielder on this team.

I went to a game on July 3, and I was fortunate enough to see him drop a fly ball in the outfield. Someone has to take him and Alfonso to work on shading their eyes from the sun to catch fly balls.

This is getting ridiculous. They're major league ball players for a reason. They should know how to shade their eyes from the sun.

Pitching

The pitching has actually been enjoyable to watch. Zambrano did lose to the Braves last night (July 7), but he only gave up two runs. The pitching has always been one of the bright spots, and it continues to be.

As a team, their stats aren't that bad. They have a team ERA of 3.83 and 629 strikeouts. I'll take that.

Ted Lilly has been the best starter on the team. He is 8-6 with a 3.32 ERA and 97 strikeouts. He is more than deserving of his All-Star selection.

The inconsistency of the bullpen scares me. I never know what I will see.

Will I see the Carlos Marmol who throws a nasty slider and can strike out the best hitters in baseball, or will I see the Marmol who can't find the plate?

What about Kevin Gregg? Will I see the Gregg that will blow another save or will I see a Gregg that can pitch two scoreless innings in a row?

This bullpen has the potential to be great. If the starters can give six strong innings, they will win every game with a consistent bullpen.

The Cubs will just need to go Marshall or Guzman, Marmol, then Gregg. Easier said than done, right?

Young Guns

The young guys on the team have been so much fun to watch. Jake Fox especially.

Jake Fox, while filling in for the injured Aramis Ramirez, was hitting .310 with four home runs and 20 RBI in 26 games.

Sam Fuld has played well during the six games he’s played in. He has hit .364 with a .462 OBP. Obviously the more he plays the lower the numbers will be.

I have seen him play in the few games; he started for Soriano and he looked good. He ran well, played left field well, and hit well.

Randy Wells has been an absolute stud in the pitching rotation. For his first few starts, Wells didn't get a win. He had a few tough losses and a couple no-decisions due to bullpen struggles about a month ago.

Wells is 4-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 11 starts. I say Wells is the second best starter in this rotation. He is consistent and gives a quality start every fifth day. I'll take him as the Cubs fifth starter.

Final Thoughts/Prediction

The Chicago Cubs will be okay. Through all the frustration and struggles, I think they will win their third division crown in a row. Lou Piniella is one of the best managers ever in the game of baseball. He is a smart guy and will get this team rolling.

For the Cubs to be where they are through all the injuries is amazing to me. If they can be three games out all while not having Ramirez for two months, and juggling the roster with all the 15-day DL stints, I think they will be okay.

If they stay a little healthier and can get Aramis back to 100 percent, they will win this division hands down.

Final record: 88-74

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?