Chicago Cubs’ Highs And Lows Of The First Half

Jun 3, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) looks on from the dugout during the sixth inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Underachieving Offense 

Going into the season, many figured the offense would be a strength of the team. There were some questions about the pitching, so the offense was going to have to win some games.

Well, here is a surprise — it’s the PITCHING that has been carrying the team, especially of late. The pitching staff is fifth in the major leagues in ERA, just 0.01 behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (the Cubs have a 3.31 ERA and the Dodgers 3.30).

The Cubs batting average, however, has been less than stellar. They rank 27th in batting average, hitting just .239. The last 18 games have been worse, as they are hitting just .218 in that stretch.

This offense is threatening to derail a possibly great season.

One of the biggest disappointments this season has been Starlin Castro.

Castro has been a hitting machine since he came up. He is 25 and is already approaching one thousand hits.

In his five seasons with the Cubs, Castro hasn’t been on any winning team. The thought was that playing on a winning team, and in a lineup with Rizzo, Bryant and even Montero, would bring out even more in Castro.

That has not been the case.

At the All Star break, Castro is hitting just .247/.283/.321, all way below his career .280/.321/.401 averages. Add to that the fact that his defense is still not up to par, and it has not been a season Castro or the Cubs are loving.

It could be that all the trade talk swirling around him has affected Castro. That talk will not change as the trade deadline approaches. With his team-friendly contract, he could be the bait for the Cubs to land a big pitcher or a big bat.

Many see the Cubs dealing for pitching before the trade deadline. What they really are in dire need of is a big bat. Yes, getting another starter or a closer (or both) is important, but a big bat could be a game-changer for this season. A bat like Justin Upton could fit very well in the Cubs’ lineup. Just saying…

Next: Those $#@&% Cardinals