Pete Crow-Armstrong (Creative Commons: Minda Haas Kuhlmann)
Pete Crow-Armstrong had the day of his young career Sunday, hitting two home runs to go along with a walk and a stolen base. While PCA is hitting only .203, his lack of power has been puzzling. In the minors, Pete had shown pretty good power. In 2022 he clouted 20 homers and followed that up with 14 in 2023.
Crow-Armstrong seems like a guy who should at least be good for double digit home runs in the majors. If he just shows a little bit with the bat, he’s a valuable guy. He has stolen 17 bases without getting caught, plus his defensive prowess is well known. I think he’s turning the corner.
And there were other reasons for optimism Sunday
Christopher Morel finished off a miserable first half of the season by hammering two home runs in Sunday’s game. The two home runs ran Morel’s count up to 18 but his OPS is still only .690. While PCA has value beyond his bat, the same can’t be said for Morel. If Morel isn’t hitting, there really isn’t a place for him on the roster.
Even Chicago Cubs‘ catcher, Tomas Nido homered Sunday. This comes on the heels of the other Cubs’ catcher, Miguel Amaya, homering Saturday. Still, improvement is needed.
The Cubs need to add on
There is some question of what will do at the trade deadline. The Cubs missed the playoffs by one game last season. They can’t let that happen because of a lackadaisical approach this season. I doubt the Cubs will move Cody Bellinger, in part because of his finger injury and also because of his contract.
If the Cubs keep Bellinger, he could play right field while PCA plays center. Seiya Suzuki could spend some time at DH. An upgrade behind the plate is still needed. In addition, a better bench player than Patrick Wisdom would be nice.
The Cubs looked to have a riches of starting pitchers when the season began. Injuries have torn through the staff. The Cubs Big Three of Justin Steele, Shota Imanaga and surprisingly Jameson Taillon have anchored the team thus far this season. Kyle Hendricks has, on occasion, looked like the Kyle Hendricks of old. On other occasions, he has looked like the old Kyle Hendricks.
Javier Assad has been sketchy in recent starts and Hayden Wisneski has alternated between being good and terrible. Adding a starter wouldn’t be a bad idea. The Cubs also have a seemingly never-ending need for a closer. It would be nice if they went out and got one.
If the Cubs really do have a great farm system, now’s the time to put some of it to use in a trade.
Enjoy sports trivia? Then check this out: Yesterday’s Heroes Sports Quizzes: Sports Trivia for Baby Boomers by Larry Lambert | Goodreads
