Come to Think of it: Cubs “Rush Street Offense” Harkens Back to 1978

Bleed Cubbie Blue has a reference to an unknown person who dubbed the 1978 Cubs as having a "Rush Street Offense"—i.e., "lots of singles, no action".

That year, the Cubs remained in contention into September despite an offense that produced only 72 home runs.

Dave Kingman led the way with 28, but no one else ended in double digits (Bobby Murcer hit only 9 after having hit 27 the year prior).

As I watched the Cubs offense fall asleep during a 2-0 loss to the Braves on Monday, I was reminded that, despite the recent surge in offense, this year’s Cubs will have to struggle mightily for runs all season.

The Cubs failed to score despite having 13 base runners: 10 from singles and three being walks.

Sure, the return of Aramis Ramirez should help. But it may take him awhile to get his timing down. Also, there will be the question of just how healthy he will be for the remainder of the season.

This year’s club already has hit 72 homers, so it is much more powerful than the ’78 team. Alfonso Soriano and Derrek Lee each are on pace to hit 30 or more long balls.

The Cubs rank 27th out of 30 in runs scored (280), and 26th in batting average (.247). Interestingly, while the 2008 club led the league in on-base percentage, this year’s version ranks only 20th in OBP (.324).

In 1978, despite the woeful lack of power, that team managed to rank fifth in runs scored, with 664.

So, while last night’s game could qualify as that “Rush Street Offense”, this year’s team is more powerful, yet isn’t as adept at run production as their counterparts from 31 years ago.

Still, it was only a one game set-back.

Now the Cubs are in Detroit for a three game matchup with the first place Tigers, the Cubs' plane having landed about 1:20 AM Eastern time.

After that, it’s on to the Cell for three against the arch rival White Sox, a series that is always emotionally draining with high intensity. Every win and loss is exaggerated, and every mistake is magnified.

Let’s hope the Cubs bring the heavy lumber, come to think of it.