Cubs Keep on Trucking White Sox Keep on Losing

August 10, 2018

Facing two last- place  teams, the Cubs had a chance to put some space between themselves and their challengers. In the four games against the San Diego Padres, the Cubs only managed a split. They beat the Kansas City Royals in the first two games. Winning game three would have redeemed their poor showing against the Padres. However, in what has become a recurring theme, the Cub bats went silent and they were shut-out] by Royals rookie Heath Fillmyer. The Cubs, who used to feast on these types of teams,] went a disappointing 4-3.

You would think they may miss the playoffs if they keep underachieving. There is no chance of this happening. Before the series started, the Cubs were up 1 1/2 games, three in the loss column. As it stands right now they are 2 games ahead, four in the loss column. Their closest competitors, the Milwaukee Brewers, do not seem capable of consistently winning games.  The Cubs have a better chance of putting together a winning streak, despite how they are currently playing. Come September,  Kris Bryant and closer Brandon Morrow should be back. With a month under their belts they should ready for the postseason.

I can go on and on about how bad the White Sox are. They were playing a little better, but then the Yankees came to town and beat them three straight, with only one game being close. In game two, Reynaldo Lopez went seven innings giving up one run. As usual the bullpen faltered in the 10th  inning, giving up two runs. However, with two outs in the bottom of the inning, red -hot] Jose Abreu tied the game with a   two- run  homer. With one out in the 11th inning, Sox manager, Ricky Renteria changes pitchers for a lefty vs. lefty match up. Problem is, he walks the batter and the next two hitters are righties. Yankees score the winning run.

During the series, White Sox center fielder  Adam Engle made two outstanding catches on balls that would have been home runs. I’m thinking, he would be a real good fourth or fifth outfielder as a defensive replacement. The Sox have to find someone who hits over .215, preferably with some power. There still are reasons to watch. Jose Abreu is possibly the hottest hitter. Since the all-star break he has a 1.144 OPS. Not all prospects turn out to be good players. It will be interesting to see if Yoan Moncada improves. Speaking of prospects, where are Eloy Jimenez and Michael Kopech?

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