While Cubs lose, Bulls ineptitude glows

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Well, we knew it had to end. I'm talking about the Cubs winning streak, not the White Sox losing streak. That White Sox streak might last until 2019.The Cubs bullpen experienced a nuclear grade meltdown in route to an 11-4 loss to the Cardinals. Though it's not my forte, there were some things I found encouraging.

The Good

Jake Arrieita went 6 innings and gave up only two runs on five hits. Jake had zero walks while striking out five. Arrieta seems to be finding a middle ground between Baltimore Jake and Super Jake. This middle ground Jake looks like a good guy to have around. Willson Contreras also had continued his hot streak with a two run homer. Pedro Strop came on in the 7^th and pitched a scoreless frame, even though it was against the Cardinals. Now, about the rest of the pen.

The bad

Carl Edwards Jr came on in 8^th and the result was disastrous. Edwards gave up a hit and two walks while not recording an out. He was followed by Hector Rondon who gave up two hits and two walks and also not recording an out. Justin Grimm came on and managed to go two innings, but gave up three hits and three walks and two earned runs in the process. When the smoke cleared, the Cardinals had scored 9 runs in the 8^th.

The ugly

Carl Edwards Jr. was lights out earlier in the season but hasn't been as effective recently. I thought Rondon was coming along, but today's outing raises doubts. Justin Grimm's performance isn't out of line with my expectations for him. Look for Justin to be enjoying Iowa's scenery soon.

I thought the Cubs might go for a rental starter before the trade deadline but maybe another setup guy is in order.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland...

There's been some interesting news from the NBA. CBS Sports has reported that Kyrie Irving had demanded a trade next week. Either Kyrie has tired of the sites of Cleveland or tired of playing with LeBron James. Since Cleveland has the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame is nearby, it must be that playing with Lebron thing. Irving reportedly wants to be the center piece of a franchise. That's all well and good and Kyrie is an excellent player, but as long as LeBron and Kevin Durant are in the league, Kyrie is unlikely to be the center piece of a title winner.

Or maybe it's the Riverwalk

One potential landing spot for Irving was listed as San Antonio. With Pau Gasol and Manu Ginobli resigning with the Spurs, I can see why he'd rather play there instead of with LeBron.

But in Chicago.....

Another place mentioned was, get this, Chicago. Of course that was before Gar/Pax traded Jimmy Butler. It seems that the allure of playing with Cameron Payne isn't that great for Kyrie. The clown show that is the Bulls front office continues.

More next time.