Cody Bellinger needs to be a consistent force if Cubs are going to exceed expectations this season, writes JDietzSports.
For one thing, roster turnover would be an absolute nightmare.Succeed every year and you're handsomely rewarded. Stink it up for two or three seasons and your career is all but over.
Ever since, the magic has disappeared. Much of the blame -- according to agent Scott Boras -- revolves around a dislocated shoulder Bellinger suffered while celebrating a home run during the 2020 NLCS. The 27-year-old finally made his presence felt Monday night in Cincinnati by belting a 3-run HR in the first inning. It was a welcome sight for manager David Ross, but Bellinger proceeded to fail in two critical situations, and the visiting Cubs fell to 1-3 after dropping a 7-6 decision.
The Cubs had two chances to catch up, but Yan Gomes struck out with loaded bases in the seventh, and Miles Mastrobuoni lined out to first with runners on first and second in the ninth."There was just a lot of weak contact that was going for hits," Smyly said."Then I kind of got in a groove in the middle innings, got staked to another lead in the fifth and I was one pitch away. ...
• Meekly popped out to shortstop with runners on second and third in the fifth. The Cubs did score three times in the frame to take a 6-4 lead, but if Bellinger singles, perhaps it's game over.
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