Baez launches 2019 MVP campaign while White Sox live down to expectations

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When it comes to the Cubs 2019 season, so far so good.  It’s easy to see lots of good stuff in a 12-4 win.  Javy Baez got his 2019 MVP campaign off to a good start with two home runs and four RBIs.  Kris Bryant also added a two run homer.  Not only was the fact Bryant homered encouraging, the fact he hit it to right center is even more encouraging.  In addition the Cubs drew eight walks.  Unfortunately I’m afraid that a lot of that is the function of bad Rangers pitching.

Remember the competition 

As for the Cubs pitching, they got a quality start from Jon Lester, who went six innings, giving two runs on an Elvis Andrus homer.  Lester walked two, and allowed four hits while striking out three.  While it was a nice win for the Cubs, it looks like it will be a long year for the Rangers.

Minor reflects major Rangers pitching problems

The Rangers used Mike Minor as their opening day starter.  I don’t want to slam Minor, but if he’s your opening day starter, you’ve got pitching issues.  And remember Jesse Chavez?  Remember how good he was for the Cubs last season?  Well, he was that bad pitching against them.  Jesse lasted 0.2 innings and gave up three runs on two hits and two walks.

Same song, new verse

While it looks to be a long season for the Rangers, the same can be said for the White Sox. They lost their season opener to the Kansas City Royals be a score of 5-3.  Sox starter, Carlos Rodon, took the loss.  Rodon wasn’t terrible, going 5.1 innings, giving up three runs, two of which were earned.  The Sox defense accounted for three errors.  Sound familiar?

Sometimes mediocrity is a choice

What’s so frustrating about the Sox is that could have been better but made a deliberate choice not to be.  There are still unsigned players who could help the Sox, but they continue to sit on their hands.  They did bring Ozzie Guillen back as a pregame and postgame analyst.  Ozzie can give insight to how the Sox lose games and at the same time let Sox fans chew on the carcass of the 2005 championship.

Ricky's Boys don't quit, but Ozzie does

There’s a certain irony about the Sox bringing Guillen back.  The White Sox motto last year was, ‘Ricky’s Boys Don’t Quit”, however that’s exactly what Ozzie did.  Maybe the Sox new slogan should be, “Take the Money and Run”.  That seems to be what motivates Jerry Reinsdorf.  Putting a winner on the field doesn’t seem to be the objective on the South Side.  It would seem the best they can aspire to at this point is mediocrity.