PAUSE. Something is different. This team battles through at bats. Rizzo and Castro are maturing and leading. Starting pitching has been top notch. Are the winds of change finally here?
The record may not show it, but there has been better baseball of late up on the North side. It may not be immediately obvious, but this team does the little things well. Unfortunately, these team is lacking the true offensive talent to take a step in the division.
That brings me to my point. I love Bonifacio, Valbuenca 1-2 in the lineup. Castro in the 4 is working, just look at the numbers since the change. The thing I am challenged to understand is this: Why not Olt and Lake everyday?
Renteria has preached fundamentals and teaching opportunities, but I am BEYOND confused on why Lake and Olt do not get regular at bats at this level. Mike Olt is coming off a season in which he was plagued with vision issues. Junior Lake was a surprise after he was called up mid last year. Both of these guys have some holes in the swing, but bring the promise of upside. With a team that is not built to win now, it is worth playing them to find out how they fit into "the plan." Junior Lake had a solid day at the plate Saturday, only to ride pine last night. Mike Olt has struggled of late, but it is hard to work through issues without regular playing time. If Olt was not to play regularly, the Cubs did him a disservice by calling him up. He would have benefited from regular at bats in Triple A.
This team has been promising of late. There is a really solid staff and an emerging power bullpen. The question remains: why do the best players not play?
CC
