David Pinto worked for ten years as the chief researcher for ESPN’s Baseball Tonight. Starting in 2002, David brought his research and insights to a wider audience through his blog, Baseball Musings.

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Showing entries for Category: Aramis-Ramirez

Collapsing Cubs?

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July 23, 8:43 AM

by David Pinto, Baseball Examiner

18 July 2008: Aramis Ramirez flies out to center field during a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros.
Photo: Icon SMI

The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Chicago Cubs Tuesday night 9-2. That takes the Cubs record since the All-Star break to 1-4. They've scored 13 runs in those five games, but only four in the four losses. What happened to the offense?

One thing is that the team appears to be a bit less selective. The leading team in the NL in walks drawn took only nine base on balls in the last five games. They seemed to be getting that back last night, however, as they did collect five against the Diamondbacks.

The biggest factor, however, appears to be a slump by the middle of the lineup. The table setters, the 1-2 hitters, are getting on base quite well. So far there's little offense behind them, however. The 3-4-5- hitters have combined for seven hits in 60 at bats with one double and one home run. This resulted in just five RBI despite the 1-2 hitters reaching 20 times in the five games.

The biggest culprit is Aramis Ramirez in an 0 for 20 slump, but Lee and Soto are also not delivering. Should Cubs fans be worried? Probably not. These are not hitters who have been playing over their heads crashing to earth. These are good hitters going through a slump at the same time. It won't last, but while it does, the NL Central turns into an exciting pennant race.

The Brewers won another from the Cardinals on Tuesday night, moving them just a game behind the Cubs, while the St. Louis remains two back. It's any team's division right now.

For more info: Baseball Musings.

Topics: Baseball , Offense , Cubs , Division Races , Aramis Ramirez

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Chicago Sweep

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June 23, 7:53 AM

The Chicago Cubs took game three against the White Sox last night 7-1, sweeping their cross town rivals. The Cubs won by neutralizing a strength of the White Sox pitching staff, the ability to keep the ball in the park. In their first 73 games, the White... Read More
Topics: Baseball , Pitchers , Interleague , Cubs , White Sox , Division Races , Aramis Ramirez

David Pinto