Jon Lester didn't always have his best stuff in 2018, but he pitched his heart out almost every time this year for the Cubs. That included Tuesday night in the Wild Card Game, when Lester tossed six innings, while allowing only one run in what ended up as a 2-1 loss to the Rockies in 13 innings.
The Cubs had plenty of chances to wrap up the division, but they didn't and were caught in September. The Brewers were better and then they beat the Cubs in the division tie-breaker. Even with that loss the Cubs were one win away from the NLDS and couldn't do shit against the Rockies.
If it wasn't for Lester and the rest of the pitching staff the Cubs may not have even reached the postseason. The fatigue set in and the offense shut down during the final month of the season. Even if they could've gotten through to the NLDS chances are they wouldn't be in good shape against the Brewers anyway, especially with the offense looking as bad as it did and a bullpen running on fumes.
Anyway, you can expect changes in the offseason. You can't just replace most of your lineup. Chili Davis is going to be the fall guy and well he does deserve some of the blame. We'll probably see a few trades and you bet the Cubs are going to be in talks with Manny Machado and Bryce Harper in free agency.
Anyway, after Tuesday's crushing defeat at Wrigley Field, Jon Lester put a bow on the 2018 Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs just won 95 games. Finished the regular season with the best record in the NL and this season absolutely sucked aside from a few individual performances. The Cubs have been knocked down, but you'd be a fool to think they're window is closing. Nights like tonight really do make you appreciate the previous success. These guys will still be hungry and they'll have a few new faces to help them get back to the top next year.
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