Kevin Gregg Is Not The Problem

Let’s not get overly critical of Kevin Gregg.

Despite leading the NL in blown saves last season, he’s pitch well with Chicago.

Prior to Ryan Raburn’s walk-off job, Gregg had strung together nearly 10 innings of scoreless baseball.

He’s held opponents scoreless in 20 of his last 23 outings, converted 11 of 14 save opportunities (78 percent), including seven-straight from May 1-29.

At the very least, he’s still on pace for Woody’s All Star season from a year ago (34 saves).

Of course the blown save hurts, they always do, but that’s part of the job. It’s up to Gregg to bounce back, and I think he will.

Micah Hoffpauir is the ideal designated hitter–left-handed with power. I also think he’s a better hitter when not having to concentrate on playing the field, just a theory.

Unfortunately, if Lou uses the DH as a partial off day for other players it comes at the expense of Hoffpauir playing defense.

Gregg’s blown save again magnifies the Cubs lack of clutch hitting on the road. Chicago went 0-for-8 with RISP.

Doesn’t get any easier Wednesday night when the Cubs face up and comer Rick Porcello (8-4, 3.54 ERA).

Worse, not a single Cub has ever faced the right-hander at the MLB level: advantage Porcello.

I feared this road trip through Detroit could get scary. Better leave a light on.

• The Cubs (34-33) are in third place.

• Chicago and Detroit have not met in interleague play since 2006.

• The Tigers have won the last five games between the two.

• The Cubs are 13-20 on the road.

• Including Zambrano’s start, the Cubs still lead the major in quality starts (44).

• In 18 games this month, the Cubs have played in seven extra inning games.