Strengthening his bid for a bigger role, Cubs outfielder Jon Jay came through again Wednesday with a pinch-hit, game-tying, three-run home run in a 7-3 victory over the Rays.
The homer brought 39,855 fans to their feet at Wrigley Field and Jay onto the dugout steps for a curtain call befitting the Cubs' most clutch position player so far this season. So why isn't Jay leading off and playing center field regularly anyway?
"Honestly, I can't believe he doesn't play more," pitcher John Lackey told reporters.
Jay's hit was spectacularly timed, as Joe Maddon might say.
Spectacular is, of course, among Maddon's favorite words. Maddon throws the term around the way meteorologists say mild. He has used it to describe everything from the defense of Javy Baez to the dancing of David Ross to the decibels of the new sound system in his office. He probably tells waiters or waitresses on road trips that the food tastes spectacular and compliments pilots after spectacular flights. So when Maddon pulled out his go-to adjective to project what the Cubs can accomplish after the All-Star break, it would be, well, a spectacular mistake to interpret it as anything more than Joe being Joe.
"I do believe the latter part of this season, the second half of this season, we have a chance to do something really spectacular," Maddon said before Wednesday's game.
Memo to Maddon: The Cubs don't have to be spectacular until October. Suggesting the Cubs will be spectacular sooner only sets the stage for more disappointment. The Cubs simply being themselves the remainder of the regular season will suffice instead of the team that slept-walked its way through the first half.
Besides, the Cubs merely have to be better than the Brewers, who arrive Thursday at Wrigley Field for a makeup game leading the National League Central. Just get in the playoffs, where spectacular things still can happen for a Cubs team that remains the strongest team in its division. Wednesday's comeback, reminiscent of so many victories in 2016, didn't necessarily turn the season around _ Chicago has learned its lesson _ but served as a reminder of how resourceful this Cubs team can be when it gets timely hitting.
Take nothing away from the upstart Brewers, a rebuilding team forming its foundation under manager Craig Counsell quicker than expected. But the NL Central only looks like a divisional race now because the Cubs keep stubbing their toe. Milwaukee's best being good enough to put the Brewers atop the division at the halfway point was unexpected to many people in baseball, but apparently not Maddon.
"I'm not surprised," the Cubs manager insisted.
Nor is Maddon worried about the divisional leaders widening the gap with 10 games left against the Brewers. Not with the Cubs getting next to nothing yet from two Kyles: Kyle Schwarber and Kyle Hendricks, who both should be back soon. Not in early July with help on the way ideally in the form of at least one starting pitcher, a veteran bat and backup catcher. That's all, Theo Epstein.
"With all due respect to everybody, it's about how we play," Maddon said.
He's right. The Cubs have played lousy overall through 84 games, one of the most disappointing teams in baseball. Their hitters rarely come through with runners in scoring position like Jay did Wednesday and their starting pitchers lack consistency. But something about what Maddon said still rings true.
If the Cubs come closer to reaching their potential in the second half _ a reasonable expectation requiring a solid but not necessarily spectacular effort _ then the first-half struggles will go down as little more than a character builder for the playoffs, where anything can happen. Where the Cubs will benefit from their postseason experience.
So no matter how bad things has looked, the Cubs still can make a deep playoff run if they get hot at the right time. It's foolish to think otherwise. A trio of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and a starter-to-be-acquired-later would give the Cubs reason to head into the postseason with confidence. No team in the playoffs will know how to win in October like the Cubs, who need the All-Star break like a whiny toddler needs a nap.
Epstein can use the time to gauge the trade market for starting pitching.
The juiciest rumor surrounds Tigers ace Justin Verlander but, given the age and cost, is he anything but a more likable version of John Lackey? Any team that acquires the 34-year-old Verlander, 5-5 with a 4.96 earned-run average, will owe him $70 million through 2019. That's not a contract the Cubs want to control. Buyer, beware.
The most attractive option could be the most unattainable, but Rays pitcher Chris Archer sure looked comfortable Tuesday pitching at Wrigley. Archer appeared just as at home pregame Wednesday running laps inside the ballpark, exchanging fist bumps with stadium employees. The Rays left town with a better record than the Cubs, though, so might not be motivated sellers. Other acceptable options for Epstein to pursue include Johnny Cueto of the Giants, Sonny Gray of the A's and Marcus Stroman of the Blue Jays. Pick an ace, any ace.
Without Epstein bolstering the starting rotation and offense, the Cubs will stay as inconsistent as ever _ and Maddon has everyone expecting something spectacular by October.
It better not be a crash.
