Get out of Petecrow's way, you dummies

And no, Tommy Hottovy does not get credit for Jake Arrieta

Get out of Petecrow's way, you dummies

Get more from Andy Dolan in the Substack appAvailable for iOS and AndroidGet the app

The Cubs trade deadline moves were pretty underwhelming. Yes, they did put a much better patch on their hole at third base with the addition of Isaac Paredes and that’s not nothing, but did they really have to trade Christopher Morel to get Paredes? There was no other package that would have gotten it done? Instead they traded one of their few players with actual upside. But, I guess the Cubs had come to terms with the idea that they had no idea what to do with Morel. Seems comforting.

So the issue they will take to the offseason is one that Jed Hoyer has proven incapable so far of addressing. They have no difference makers, at least not in a good way. When you decide to shop at the bargain rack in free agency you can find average to pretty good players but you will rarely unearth a star, and stars are what make a difference.

Their minor league system is well regarded around the league, which is good. You’d much rather have it be well regarded than not, but nobody seems to think there are any real difference makes there, either.

I could be wrong, I know, I know, it’s been known to happen once and a while. I’m very skeptical of the Cubs prospects who the pervs are touting. I’ve learned over the years to only concern myself with the players once they actually show up in the big leagues.

We’ve seen Pete-Crow Armstrong for 75 games so far this year and the results are not so good. He went into last night’s game slashing an enemic .196/.243/.319. He is (except when Nico Hoerner won’t get out of his way) playing great defense and he has stolen 21 bases without being caught.

But his career batting average is .183. That’s awful, pitiful, embarrassing.

And I’m here to say that I think Petecrow is already turning into the kind of player these Cubs sorely lack.