It needs to stop.
Again, just like the time I wrote about Albert Almora Jr. starting against righties, I hate being the angry Cubs fan complaining about the lineup, but this is another head scratcher from Joe Maddon.
So, after a disastrous weekend against the Washington Nationals that included a postponed game on Sunday, a double header sweep on Saturday and about a billion hours in rain delays, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field with a two-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Big series, probably bigger than it should be at this point, but it’s fine. Anyway, for Monday’s game Addison Russell is once again starting at shortstop.
Here is tonight's #Cubs starting lineup against the Brewers. #EverybodyIn
Stream on @YouTubeTV: https://t.co/t4XvcdoeJc pic.twitter.com/SQfHFNd78T
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 10, 2018
Here’s what Russell’s done since coming back from the disabled list on Sept. 1.
Addison Russell since returning from the DL (16 PAs)
.188/.188/.188 (-5 wRC+)
Sure, keep plugging him in there
— FullCountTommy (@FullCountTommy) September 10, 2018
That’s three singles in 16 at-bats, no walks and one RBI. Simply not good enough. And yes, you’re correct, David Bote’s really hit a wall on offense and in only two fewer plate appearances also only has three hits so far this month.
However, Bote at least provides somewhat of a threat at the plate. His three hits in September have been doubles and it’s not like a Bote-Baez defense up the middle is too big of a difference from Baez-Russell at second and shortstop. But of course then you still have Daniel Murphy at second, so that complicates the lineup too. But again, if Murphy’s bat needs to be in there, just have Bote in at third base, where he’s been spectacular and then start Baez at short, while Kris Bryant moves to the outfield.
It really doesn’t matter who moves around, but right now the point remains that Addison Russell should not be getting as many starts as he has been, especially not now when the division race is getting tighter.
Last thing, Russell hasn’t hit a home run since June 29. He’s slugging .352 overall this season. Nope, can’t really justify the playing time he’s receiving in September.
