CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- With a playoff berth secured and their magic number to win the NL Central sitting at three entering Friday, the Cubs have one big item to focus on straightening out in their three-game series against the White Sox to end the regular season.
That would be sparking their slumping offense. The Cubs have scored a combined nine runs in their past six games, losing five of those contests.
"We have a hitter rally we do every series," manager David Ross said. "I talked to the coaching staff about some things we can do. They hear from me too much. So sometimes I will poke my head in there and say a few things."
The Cubs are 19-22 after their hot 13-3 start. The offense has been the main culprit for their average play for the past six weeks or so. The Cubs are 23rd in MLB in averaging 4.21 runs per game, and their .697 OPS ranks 25th.
Third baseman Kris Bryant has had a woeful season, hitting .195 with two homers, five RBIs and a .583 OPS while dealing with various ailments that have zapped his power. Outfielder Ian Happ has had a strong season but has slowed lately while being hobbled by a sore ankle. Shortstop Javier Baez is hitting .196 with seven homers, 22 RBIs and a .579 OPS in 56 games.
Ross has maintained his faith in his players, knowing their track record, while also moving them around the lineup a bit to offer a new look.
You can talk," Ross said. "You can work, but these guys have to believe in themselves. I believe in them. I have seen them do special things in this game for a long time. I have confidence in them."
After producing a lot of power over the past several years, the Cubs have hit 65 homers in 57 games this season. The 65 homers are tied for the 18th-most in MLB.
"We're in a very cold stretch right now," second baseman Jason Kipnis said. "We are all looking to turn it around. We know it can be better."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
