Cubs Season in Review

Another year, another disappointing season for the Cubs and their fans. Except for a few bright spots, like Starlin Castro’s National League leading 207 hits, the season was a major disappointment. Although the Cubs were not expected to be a contending team, a 71 and 91 record did not reach expectations.

The Cubs set the tone for the season in their first series of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Perhaps one one the most upsetting situations for the Cubs was that they struggled against teams who finished under .500. Of the 91 loses, 46 of them were against teams with a losing record, including eight loses to the league’s worst, Houston Astros. Another major problem for the Cubs was that they struggled to win close ball games. The team lost 26 games by one run and even more games by just two runs.

The pitching staff became another disappointment for the Cubs this season. The team only had one consistent starter in Matt Garza , who was acquired from Tampa Bay last off season. Unfortunately, the young starter Andrew Cashner, who had high hopes going into the season, sustained an injury that landed him on the disabled list the majority of the season. The team’s ERA(4.33) ranked 25 in the majors. The Cubs may have a lot of changes in their rotation next year with the on-going problems of Carlos Zambrano and the expiring contract of Ryan Dempster.

The ugliest part of the Cubs season was their fielding. The Cubs led the majors with a pathetic 134 errors. Many of these errors cost the Cubs wins in close ball games.

On the bright side for the Cubs was their off season. Led by Starlin Castro and Aramis Ramires, the had the seventh highest average in the National League. Carlos Pena led the Cubs with 28 home runs and Ramirez led with 93 RBIs. However, both of those players are now free agents.

Even though the season was another disappointment, Starlin Castro continued to grow and is quickly becoming the face of the Cubs franchise. A huge off season coming up could completely turn the Cubs franchise around. All-Star’s Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are expected to test the free agency market.

1 Year Under: Matt Garza Trade

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