GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20: Vidal Bruján #17 of the Chicago Cubs looks on at Camelback Ranch during a against the Los Angeles Dodgers on February 20, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images)
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
This year, after 46 games, we are 22-24.
Last year, after 46 games, we were 21-25.
So…..improvement?
It feels like Groundhog Day.
The good part is that last year, we were last in the AL East, 10.5 games back of the Yankees. This year, we are third and 5.0 games back.
We are just as bad as last year, but luckily, the rest of the division is bad too.
Last year, we were waiting for Bo Bichette, Justin Turner, George Springer, and Kevin Kiermaier to start hitting and for Vlad to unleash some power.
This year, we are waiting for Anthony Santander to start hitting and for Vlad to unleash some power.
The offense was terrible last year. It has been mediocre this year, but it seems to be trending in the right direction.
Last year, the starting pitching was terrific. This year, it has been decidedly average (or slightly better). There have been good bits and bad. And we are searching for a fifth starter, while dreading another starter getting hurt, with anyone who appears to be a good candidate to be a replacement starter is hurt.
Last year, our bullpen was terrible. Our closer was injured, and our setup guys were having trouble. This year, the bullpen has been quite good, other than our closer having more blowup innings than you would like.
Last year, we were waiting for a winning streak to bring us to the division’s top. This year? Well, I’m resigned to the idea that we aren’t going to go on a winning streak that will significantly change things. If one comes along, I’ll be glad to be wrong.
Last year, we tried to get by with many aging bats. This year, we are trying some of the young guys. Not all of them are succeeding, but at least they are more exciting to watch.
Last year, our big free agent signings were Kevin Kiermaier, Justin Turner, Yariel Rodriguez, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa. None of them moved the needle; Turner was good.
Our big free agent signings this year were Yimi Garcia, Jeff Hoffman, Anthony Santander and Max Scherzer. Garcia’s been great. Hoffman……well, the jury is still out. Scherzer is hurt, and Santander has been nothing short of a disaster.
