The Milwaukee Brewers were brought into the National League Central to create another rival for the Chicago Cubs. They eventually found themselves starting seasons in first place with fast starts but no urgency to win the division. And since the Lou Piniella era this has been the case allowing the Cubs to work their way to the top and take the division from Milwaukee. 2018 the Cubs are playing  the role of the Brewers. This is a year where the American League is so compelling. So many teams are not only good but they make the National League look like lambs to the slaughter. Regarding the Cubs they are their own worst enemy. Their starting pitching is terrible and I can only think about what they gave up to get fill out the staff. Yu Darvish is a serious head case and had not pitched since the spring making one wonder whether the Cubs signed him to keep him from pitching for a rival but after trading for Cole Hamel he is the only capable pitcher on the staff. Had the Cubs signed Jake Arrieta things might not look so bleak. Not to mention the hitting is nothing like it was in previous years where yes they swung for the fences too often helping to change the face of a game so quickly. They play from behind so often now.

If one looks at the final weeks of the schedule the Cubs play every team in the division finishing up with the Cardinals which could quickly change their fortunes whether or not they make the playoffs.  There are still teams with losing records in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh but after looking so pedestrian against San Diego and Kansas City they might have to throw more position players as pitchers to save the bullpen. Sure there are injuries but Anthony Rizzo isn’t having anything near an all star season. And for some reason Addison Russell hasn’t been traded. Perhaps it’s because no one wants a player who strikes out as much as he does. No wonder they haven’t considered my idea of putting him at lead off. Is it possible this is the only contract Joe Maddon with all he’s done for this team and the city will sign with the Cubs?