Chicago Cleanup

Pretty disappointing to say the least. This fall will mark five years since the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series. A feat hadn't seen since 1908 at that time. That game 7 is one of the greatest games ever played. For me, it doesn't top Super Bowl 42. The way the Cubs were, they should have won at least another World Series. And last week's trades signal a bitter end to players that were catalysts to ending the drought.

Closer Craig Kimbrel was sent close by to the White Sox. That will help bolster the bullpen on the other side of Chicago. Kris Bryant goes to San Francisco. It adds another good bat to a team that has gotten out of a slump the last couple of seasons. Javy Baez goes to the New York Mets. Anything for run support to help compliment their pitching. Anthony Rizzo goes to the New York Yankees. A left handed batter could mean the difference for making the playoffs this year. I know Bryant wanted to get paid, but the Cubs weren't going to. Been a good player since coming into the league, but enough for a big contract? Something the team may regret.

Kimbrel has been lights out this year after a couple disappointing years. The Sox have a strikeout machine that can help bolster their lead in the AL Central. Rizzo has been a consistent player in hits and power. He's a free agent next year. Maybe the Cubs weren't confident in having him return. The Yankees could scoop him up for next year. First base has been a problem for at least eight years. Baez has show his potential for four seasons prior to last year. He still has something to show in terms of power. But I question whether he will fizz out during this time with the Mets. That team always has a knack for ruining stars that come from other clubs.

I think the Cubs are looking to rebuild. Not a good year for them. The NL West has the leading wild card teams and they are far behind first place Milwaukee. I don't know what their payroll is, but it's probably not enough to support all four of those players. Start fresh for 2022. See how David Ross handles the new batch of players. Washington is doing the same thing a little bit. Definitely will talk about that story as well in another blog. You do wonder about the dynasty that could have been. That question, we will never know.