Second Half Talking Points

At the very least, I think most Cubs fans expected to be over .500 and in playoff contention at the midway point of the season. It hasn't exactly worked out that way. The question marks (starting rotation, particularly Carlos Silva, long relief, outfield production) have been the least of the Cubs concerns. Those concerns have been replaced by the offensive worries of our two best hitters, the inner workings of Zambrano's mind, and beating the Pirates. Maybe you saw Zambrano's meltdown coming, but that's about it. Here's a few things I'll be watching for in the second half.

Lou Piniella's Demeanor - Lou has looked like a broken man of late. He's gone weeks without shaving, probably without bathing too. Every time he's asked a question about why the offense is struggling he doesn't have an answer. It's like a husband who just ended his 25 year marriage, can't give you an answer why, but knows he'll be happier for it. That husband is Lou when his contract expires after this year. I doubt he even wants to be back, but if he does, the Cubs need to dramatically turn it around in the second half.
Carlos Silva's Record - I know I'm not the only one thinking that first half was a fluke. Looking at the numbers it's hard to be convinced otherwise. Silva is currently leading the team in wins (9), and ERA (3.45). As a starter for a full season, Silva career high in wins is 14, with a 3.44 ERA. That tells me it's likely going downhill from. Hopefully his last start before the break (1.1 IP, 6 ER) wasn't a precursor for the second half.
Aramis Ramirez's Run Production - His batting average, currently sitting at an anemic .207, is already a lost cause. But Ramirez still can make a huge impact on this team. After returning from his thumb injury, Ramirez has been on a tear. His July numbers (.361/4/9) are a promising start for a team that will be heavily reliant on his bat in the second half.

Marlon Byrd's Approach at the Plate - Byrd has been one of the best hitters in all of baseball this year, taking a .317 BA into the second half of the season. This is all great, except he's only walked fourteen times on the season. That's who Byrd is, he's a free swinger, who often times gets himself into 0-2 or 1-2 counts. I don't expect him to draw more walks because he goes up to the plate swinging, but it would be nice. Byrd hasn't had a prolonged slump yet this season. I'm worried when he does, he will be a huge hole in the lineup.
Division Record - The NL Central has not been good to the Cubs. They're 15-25 within their division so far. The good news: they have twelve games left against the Cardinals, and six against the league leading Reds. They also have twelve games remaining with the bottom dwelling Houston Astros. The good news is also the bad news. The Cubs have the ability to get back in the division race by beating the best and the worst the division has to offer, but they haven't proven they can beat any of these teams on a consistent basis.
Home Record - The Cubs are currently 20-23 at home, which is terrible. A sub .500 record on the road is expected, but not at home. The Cubs have a chance to improve that record, as they will start the second half with a ten game homestand. Overall, they have 38 games left at home, and 35 away (they are 19-27 on the road). How the Cubs play at home will play a big part in their success. But keep in mind that it they will be playing division leaders San Diego and Atlanta at home, as well as the Phillies and Cardinals. The second half schedule looks brutal, especially the month of August.
Prediction - 74-88, 3rd in the Central.