Cubs’ Passivity is Baffling

Another day, another loss for the Chicago Cubs. That knocks the Cubs’ record down to 31-34, and frankly makes me wonder what Jed Hoyer is getting paid for. The Cubs lack of urgency is stunning, and seemingly perennial. Last year they went into a September swoon and missed the playoffs by one game. The Cubs came into this season with obvious needs that were not met.

And about Craig Counsell…

I thought hiring Craig was a master stroke. I’m not so sure now. I wonder if Craig looked smart because he was managing against David Ross. Okay, that was a cheap shot on Ross, but it’s possible that the Brewers were just better than the Cubs.

Counsell is an intelligent, articulate guy. He explains away Cubs’ losses while maintaining an even keel. But some of his decisions are confusing. Like batting Patrick Wisdom leadoff. Or his patience with Kyle Hendricks. Or dogged determination to play Chris Morel at third. For $8 million a year I expected more.

When will Jed Hoyer ever take a big swing on a deal?

I really can’t think of the last time the Cubs made a trade for an impactful player. Last season they needed bullpen help at the trade deadline and Hoyer added Jose Cuas. The deal may have moved the needle the wrong way.

Jed seems intent on not making a big move prematurely. It’s a variation of that old Bartles and James ad: “They will win no division before it’s time.” So, when do the Cubs actually try to win? If not this year, will they be in any better position next year?

The Cubs have done a great job of managing fans’ expectations by winning a championship every 108 years. And despite having the most assets in the division, they seem disinclined to use them.

The conundrum

If the Cubs farm system is so good, why aren’t we seeing young guys with the big team struggling? If the “stars” in Chicago are so good, why is the team three games below .500?

The Cubs are hamstrung by guys with no trade contracts. So, when I hear fans call for a fire sale, who goes? And frankly, who wants the bloated salaries of some of these Cubs? It seems all they are doing is blocking young, cheaper players who may actually be better than the vets.

Some of these guys may be overrated

If you listen to Cubs’ telecasts you will hear that the Cubs think Seiya “My Whatever Hurts” Suzuki is their most talented player. Nearly two and a half years into Seiya’s five-year contract Suzuki has shown only brief flashes of the ability the Cubs had hoped for. And he does seem to be injured an inordinate amount of time. Is it fair to hold that against him?

Nico Hoerner had an excellent season in 2023, but 2024 has been an injury plagued season. And Hoerner has had a history of injuries in other seasons.

Christopher Morel is an intriguing player. He currently has a WAR of 0.1. That’s not intriguing. The Cub should have done so much more to address their third base issue. Matt Chapman leaps to mind.

So, if the Cubs have so much depth, why have guys like Patrick Wisdom, Nick Madrigal, Yan Gomes and Miles Mastrobuoni seen so much playing time?

Parting thought

Jed Hoyer has indicated trading markets are still forming. Well, if Hoyer waits much longer, the trade market will be irrelevant, and Jed won’t feel the need to do anything, just like seemingly every year.

When is it time to do something, Jed? At least act like the franchise cares about winning.

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