Cubs win, Melkman gets a new route

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The Cubs went into their weekend series with the Milwaukee Brewers with a 1.5 game lead over the Brew Crew. Three days later, they leave with a 2.5 game lead. Sunday's 4-2 win had a number of positives. John Lackey was effective again, allowing only a 2 run home run to Domingo Santana. Lackey went six innings, striking out 7 while walking 2 and allowing 5 hits. The Cubs weren't robust in their offense, but got enough to win.

Help from the new guy

Victor Caratini had the game winning hit, a solo home run in the 7^th. Kris Bryant added a solo homer in the 8^th to account fro the final score. The Cubs first two runs were driven in by Addison Russell and Willson Contreras.

And the old guys are looking good

Justin Grimm, Hector Rondon and Wade Davis each pitched a scoreless inning to close things out. Wade picked up his 22^nd save. Justin Grimm seems to be pulling himself together after a rough patch. The same could be said for Hector Rondon. The pen seems to be jelling.

The same could be said of the starting rotation. The Cubs have gotten consistently good starting pitching since the all star break. Though he took the loss, Jose Quintana was effective again Friday night. Perhaps even more encouraging was Kyle Hendricks' outing Saturday. Kyle went 5 innings, giving up only a run in the first inning. More importantly, he looked like the Kyle Hendricks of last season. His command was better and his velocity was also improved. If those developments hold, you have an effective playoff starter.

I'll play these

John Lackey has surprised in a good way. It seems like he has regrouped enough to be an effective 5th starter. If Lackey had struggled in his last couple of starts, I think the Cubs might have been more active in their pursuit of Justin Verlander. I doubt they'll make a move on him now. Even if they do, Lackey's recent performance means the Cubs are working from a position of strength.

Though the Cubs have been rumored to be looking at a defense first catcher, I'd like to see them roll with Victor Caratini. Sunday's home run might help that happen. His versatility is also a plus.

He gone

The White Sox sold off another part Sunday. They traded Melky Cabrera to the Kansas City Royals. They picked up a couple of decent pitching prospects in return. I think they've traded off pretty much all the parts they're going to. Of course, I could be wrong. I really don't think they'll move Jose Abreu, but who knows?

A silver lining

The Sox won for only the second time since the all star break. Carlos Rondon pitched 6.2 innings allowing only one run. He still didn't pick up the win. Carlos is really the only starter in the Sox rotation that matters. He could actually be around when the Sox are good. Carlos has great stuff. He stuck out 9 while walking two and allowing 6 hits. I think he's capable of that on a regular basis.

Welcome back

The Sox offense was also provided by a couple of guys who could be around in 2019. Leury Garcia, back from a long stint on the DL, homered in his first game back. Matt Davidson hit a walk off two run homer. I'd like to say Matt was a three outcome guy, but at this point, he's more of a two outcome guy, strikeout and home run. As time goes on he'll hopefully add more walks to his resume. His power does grab your attention.

A little help here

Tyler Clippard pitched a scoreless 9^th to pick up the win. Jake Petricka also pitched 1.1 scoreless innings. The Sox bullpen might not be the disaster area it has been. Clippard has been a decent reliever in the past. Petricka has also had some success in years gone by. It's not a lot, but it's a little for Ricky Renteria to work with.

More next time.