July 07--The Chicago Cubs' need for more offense is obvious, and manager Joe Maddon took a major step in addressing that Monday night by dropping leadoff batter Dexter Fowler to seventh against formidable John Lackey.
The Cubs need more offense to hold off a Cardinals team that leads them by 8 1/2 games in the National League Central.
Jon Lester, who is 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA against the Cardinals this season, will take the mound for the Cubs with the hope he can get more production from an offense with Fowler.
"I texted (Fowler) today," Maddon said. "We went back and forth. I told him I had a different idea for today. Until he really gets it going from the left side, when he's got it going on, he really makes good.
"Look at the numbers when he gets on base and scores a run, what our numbers look like. It's obvious there's a disconnect between the left and right-handed side regarding the numbers, the on-base percentage, etc. He was really great about it. He'll be back there (in Tuesday's doubleheader) against two left-handers."
