Jon Lester continues in the throws of a slump

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The Cubs got steamrolled by the Tampa Bay Rays last night by a score of 8-1. Most disturbing is the way Jon Lester continues to be ineffective. Lester lasted only 4.1 innings while giving up 7 runs on 8 hits. Lester also waked 3 and hit a batter. In addition, Lester's problem throwing to bases was on full display. The Rays Steven Souza forced Lester to make a throw to a base twice on a trip around the bases. The results were painful to watch.

Lester is trying to get the feeling again

Lester hasn't been right since he came off the disabled list. In addition, he hasn't been getting any better. Right now here's how I'd roll out Cubs starters in the playoffs: Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta and Jose Quintana. If the Cubs needed a fourth starter, I'd go with Mike Montgomery. I doubt, however, that Joe Maddon will do that.

To not start Jon Lester would be a bold move. Also, for some reason Maddon doesn't seem to have as much confidence in Hendicks as Hendricks' past performance would merit. As for Quintana, if Quintana can't be trusted with a playoff start, the Cubs overpaid for him.

And while I'm at it, I'd like to see Albert Almora get more playing time.

Sox Sheilds can't stand up to Astros bats

James Shields started for the White Sox against the Houston Astros with predictable results. The Sox lost 4-3. In fairness to Shields, he wasn't that bad, though you couldn't really say he was good, either. Yoan Moncada had a two run homer in the Sox losing effort. The Sox really seem to have something with Moncada.

He'll fit right in

The Bulls have hired former Bulls head coach, Doug Collins. As he seemingly battled through a bout with narcolepsy, he said he could match wits with anyone. The fact he's signed on with the Bulls invalidates that claim.

A Brandon Marshall riddle

Former Bears and former almost every team in the league receiver, Brandon Marshall, had a rough game Sunday. Marshall dropped a couple of passes and then played defense on Twitter afterwards. So, why is Marshall so good at tweeting and dropping passes? He's all thumbs. I suspect his record of not appearing in a playoff game will continue.

And tonight's barnburner......

Tonight's Thursday night NFL game features the L. A. Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Kudos to the NFL schedule makers for giving fans this spectacular in prime time. For what it's worth, I like the Rams in this one. It turns out Brian Hoyer hasn't been effective as the 49ers quarterback. It seems that leading the Bears to close losses isn't necessarily an indicator of future success in the NFL.

More next time.