![Jon Lester isn't looking great [Image via Arturo Pardavila III/Wikimedia Commons]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2019/3/24/660x290/b_502x220x82/jon-lester-isnt-looking-great-image-via-arturo-pardavila-iiiwikimedia-commons_2233979.jpg "Jon Lester isn't looking great [Image via Arturo Pardavila III/Wikimedia Commons]")
Jon Lester's line vs. Rockies: 4 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 1 BB, 4 K, 1 HBP, 72 pitches (44 strikes). Averaged 89.5 mph with his 4-seamer (topped at 91.7). Seven swings and misses.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 24, 2019
Jon Lester has had a terrible spring and it got worse in the Cubs 11-6 loss on Saturday. Not only was he getting hit left and right, but he was topping out at 90 MPH. That's about 2-3 MPH less than a season ago. The Cubs opening day starter cannot succeed if he continues to pitch like he has this spring.
Almora keeps rolling
On the same day Almora found out his likely platoon partner in the center, Ian Happ was sent down, he went 2-for-4 and scored a run against Colorado. Almora is up to .388 this spring.
The Cubs platoon system in center field will not work in 2019. Albert Almora needs to step up and become an everyday starter. Via @CubbiesCrib #Cubs #Almora #CubbiesCrib https://t.co/8tQk8vVXZh
— Brian Thomas (@TheRealBEarley) March 19, 2019
Kris Bryant struggling at the wrong time
After a hot start to the spring, Kris Bryant's slide continued on Saturday as he went 0-for-4. That means his spring average has slipped to .211. The slide couldn't come at a worse time when it's become quite clear the Cubs are going to need lots of offense this season.
What is a reasonable expectation for Kris Bryant Comeback SZN?@TonyAndracki23 + @KingsleyEllis
— Cubs Talk (@NBCSCubs) March 22, 2019
discuss:https://t.co/KwPTYgvn04
Rizzo having himself a spring
While Bryant has been struggling, Rizzo has not. He had another two hits in four at-bats on Saturday night and is now hitting .349 this spring. He had a slow start last season, and it looks as though he's ready to hit the ground running when the regular season kicks off in four days.
Baez is hitting blasts
He got off to a slow start this spring but he's been especially good the last two days. On Saturday he went 2-for-4 and had three RBI. He's got seven RBI in the last two games. He looks like he's getting ready for the regular season in a big way.
Cishek's performance concerning
The Cubs bullpen is a bit of a mess. The team is going to need the established relievers to pitch well. Last night Steve Cishek did the opposite of that. He allowed five hits, a walk, and five runs in just a third of an inning.
