The Cubs were only 2-4 last week as they were outscored 21-18.  The Cubs had a lot of missed opportunites to win games last week because of their hitting.  The Cubs entered this week with a 22-26 record which had them in 2nd place in the National League Central, 5 games behind the Brewers.

22 year old switch hitting center fielder is almost ready to stick in the major leagues.  He had a rough time in his earlier audition with the Cubs as he played in 18 games and he was 11 for 49 (.224 avg, .628 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 1 homer and 4 RBIs.  But, he doesn’t have anything left to prove in the minors as he’s flat out dominating AAA pitching.  In 25 games in AAA, Pie is 37 for 97 (.381 avg, .987 OPS) with 26 runs, 2 homers, 15 RBIs and 5 stolen bases.  When the Cubs have a full-time job open in the outfield Pie will be called up and he will have a good and long major league career.

When the Cubs signed Jason Marquis to a big money contract many experts thought they were nuts!  But, the Cubs are the ones laughing right now.  In 9 starts, Marquis is 5-1 with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP so far this season.  In 58.2 innings, he has allowed 42 hits, walked 17 batters and he’s whiffed 29.  Marquis has been an anchor in the Cubs rotation and they hope he can keep it up.  Marquis also is a good hitter for a pitcher.  He is 6 for 25 (.240 avg, .709 OPS) with 6 runs scored, 1 homer and 4 RBIs. 

Neal Cotts has earned a trip to AAA after how bad he pitched for the Cubs this season.  In 16 games this season for the Cubs, Cotts was 0-1 with a 4.86 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP.  In 16.2 innings this season, he had allowed 15 hits, hit 3 batters and walked 9.  Those kind of numbers just won’t get it done in the major leagues.  Cotts will be converted into a starter in the minors, but don’t expect him to get called up unless he gets things turned around.

The Cubs were only 3-4 last week despite outscoring their opponents 43-39.  The Cubs wasted a lot of good hitting with very poor pitching.  The Cubs entered this week with a 20-22 record which had them in 3rd place in the National League Central, 6 games behind the Brewers.