In the first half of the Midwest League season, the South Bend Cubs finished with a record of 29-38. Along the way they had a 12-21 road record, lost two starting pitchers, two closers, their starting center fielder, their leading hitter by average, and their cleanup hitter, all to promotions. For most teams, these types of occurrences might cause a death spiral.
For South Bend, these are things that Manager Jimmy Gonzalez’s squad had to overcome. Players had to step it up at the plate. Relievers had to learn new roles and new starters were added to the rotation.