Cubs Stars Struggling As All-Star Break Ends
By Rob Winn in News on Jul 18, 2013 5:20PM
The Cubs have hit the All-Star break during year two of Theo, Jed and the boy's rebuilding plan. This team wasn't predicted to shock anyone and they've lived up to those expectations. They are middling team hovering below .500 at 42-51. But what do you expect from a team filled with journeymen and a franchise who's main building blocks are either in the farm system or yet to be acquired? But unlike the White Sox, no expect this team to compete and they have enjoyed another year of patience from a fan base hopeful for the future.
The main reason to pay attention to Cubs is to see how the young core is playing. And for the most part, it's not been good. In his first full season in the majors, Anthony Rizzo has had a disappointing first half. His batting average is currently at a sub-par .241 but his on-base percentage sits at .328. Even though he has struggled, Rizzo leads the team in doubles and RBI. He has the look of a major league player simply going through a bit of a sophomore slump. Watch for a bounce-back second half from Rizzo.
Starlin Castro, on the other hand, is much more concerning. Going into spring training, there was a lot of talk about Castro being focused on living up to expectations. That seems far from the truth. He has regressed significantly this year, batting .243 with only 29 RBI. He continues to make poor decisions in the field and has a putrid -0.7 WAR (wins above replacement). In his third full season, Castro should be hitting his stride as a major leaguer. Instead he's looking like a young version of Aramis Ramirez: a player who gathers numbers without having a positive impact. Maybe that 8-year, $60 million deal wasn't such a wise move after all.
Travis Wood has been a bright spot on the pitching staff, earning a All-Star nod. His 2.79 ERA and 1.035 WHIP is the lowest among starters. Jeff Samardzija, however, has struggled. His record sits at 5-9 with a 4.06 ERA at the break. He can obviously dominate hitters—he leads the team with 128 strikeouts—but he hasn't been reliable. In his last start against the Angels, Samardzija only lasted 4 2/3 innings and gave up 9 runs. Samardzija will need to find consistency if he is going to be a top of the rotation pitcher in the future.
Once again the most interesting happenings with the Cubs are off the field. The renovation negotiations are still ongoing and the trade deadline rumor mill is on high alert. It appears like Matt Garza will be moved shortly. Alfonso Soriano is also a possibility while several have reported that closer Kevin Gregg is a hot commodity for teams in the playoff hunt. Once a few players are moved, especially Garza, look for a repeat of the second half of last year where the Cubs completely bottom out.
There's not a lot to look forward to in the second half for Cubs fans. The much-buzzed about future prospects Jorge Soler, Albert Almora, Javier Baez will most likely not be called up for another year. However, if they're healthy, Josh Vitters and Brett Jackson will get another look at the majors when the rosters expand. Other than a few late season call-ups the most hyped about event at Wrigley will be the Pearl Jam concert Friday.