Theometer: Week 2

We’re back again with your Theometer update for the week! Since we last updated the Theometer, the Cubs have gone 3-6. Throughout that stretch, our North Siders were swept by the Marlins in Miami (and have yet to secure a win in baseball’s newest park), dropped 2 of 3 to the Reds at home, and won two games against St. Louis in walkoff fashion. Additionally, the Cubs moved Marlon Byrd (and cash) to the Red Sox in return for relief pitching prospect Michael Bowden. So, what does the past week do for the Theometer? Well, let’s see…

What Could Cause the Meter to Increase

The Marlon Byrd Trade. Ever since Theo & Co. arrived in Chicago, they’ve made it clear that the status quo under Jim Hendry is no longer the way things are run in Chicago. Moving the 34 year old Byrd for a young prospect (even if they did have to fork over some cash) is just another one of those culture-changing moves. We here at TCARS liked Byrd’s attitude and his effort in every game, but it was clear his days were numbered at Wrigley. This trade continues to prove that Theo will not be overpaying for mediocre veteran talent, just to “win now”. Moving Byrd for a prospect continues to prove that the Cubs under Theo will continue his efforts to replenish the farm system. And who knows, maybe this Bowden character will turn out to be something. This move also opens up the path for Brett Jackson, but he is still working a few things out in AAA. Expect to see him in June, and enjoy the blazing speed and .230 batting average of Tony Campana in the meantime.

Anthony Rizzo in AAA. This kid is tearing it up. In 19 games at AAA Iowa, Rizzo is hitting .373 with 7 HRs and 19 RBIs. His 7 HRs are more than the entire Cubs roster (6 HR) has combined. For a team lacking serious firepower right now, Rizzo could be just the bat the Cubs need. However, don’t hold your breath about Rizzo’s callup in the near future. Theo & Co. has made it clear that the Cubs will not be rushing anyone to the majors. Expect his callup later in May, at the earliest. However, we just might have a power bat for the future.

Bryan LaHair’s Recent Power. LaHair has provided HRs in each of the past two games for the Cubs. His HR Tuesday night couldn’t have come at a better time, with the Cubs trailing by one to start the 9th. LaHair’s mini power burst has been promising, as the Cubs have been lacking any power whatsoever. Hopefully, LaHair will continue to provide a solid bat in the middle of the lineup. Who knows, but a LaHair/Rizzo three/four punch sounds pretty good with the way these two guys are swinging the bat at the moment. It’s a tad killer that both Rizzo and LaHair primarily play the same position, but the Cubs can always stick Bryan in LF. It’s not like the defense there can get any worse.



What Could Cause the Meter to Decrease

The Offense. It appears that currently, the Cubs think they are playing baseball circa 1910. The Cubs are trying to single other teams to death, lacking any sort of power. Maybe this is a conscientious move by the coaching staff to get the Cubs back to the way they played when they were successful… in 1908. The current offensive attack just looks pitiful, and the Cubs are leaving FAR too many players on base to be productive. Over their past 9 games, the Cubbies have left 9 runners on base in five of those games and have averaged around 8 LOB over that stretch. Plus, over that 9 game stretch, the Cubs have scored 3 runs or less in 7 or more of those games. Unfortunately, 3 runs just won’t get it done consistently no matter how good your pitching is (reference: Philadelphia Phillies). What Has No Effect on the Theometer

Two Walkoff Wins in a Row. Yes, the Cubs did win 2 in a row! And yes, they were exciting walkoff wins. Heck, they were even against the Cardinals, making the wins all the sweeter. However, this means nothing. Sure, the games were exciting, but don’t think for a second that this is some sort of momentum springboard that will propel the Cubs to a monumental 18/20 run or something like that. It’s not. The Cubs just don’t have the talent to do it. So, without further ado, we reveal the current State of the Theometer: Overall, the Cubs made some very positive moves in the past week. The Byrd trade alone was enough to boost the Theometer rating in the range above “Hendry’s Cubs”. As the team continues to evolve and move away from the Hendry model, expect the Theometer rating to increase. Yes, the on-the-field product is currently a little scary, but the front office moves are showing some signs of hope.