This team needs a psychologist.

The Chicago Cubs fired their hitting coach this morning. And hired a new one. I would rather the Cubs hired a psychologist. To delve into the heads of the Cubs' lacklustre hitters. Baseball is a game of skill. But also, a game of the mind. One has to play with confidence. If hitters, and players in general, begin to doubt themselves, they are in big trouble. That has happened to Cubs hitters. Last season they led the league in batting average. And in runs scored. This season, they rank 13th. Pathetic. They have players with essentially the same level of skills as last season. But the hitters are in a funk because they lack confidence. They're pressing. They're uptight. Their minds aren't in the game. Yesterday, the Cubs rightfielder caught a ball for the second out of the inning. But he thought it was the third out. So he tossed the ball to a fan in the stands. Meanwhile, the two base runners advanced. On the error. One scored. Yes, it was a bonehead play. Because the outfielder didn't have his mind in the game. Today, when the Cubs were in the field, a runner stole third base. The third baseman didn't notice, so he didn't cover third base to take a throw. Again, his mind wasn't in the game. It's typical of the Cubs play all season. The Cubs were the pre-season favorite to win their division handily. But the Cubs are trailing two or three other teams. And if they don't get their heads straight, they'll continue to flounder. For a Cubs fan, it's maddening. Especially since a new hitting coach won't make much of a difference. Not with these players. Unless he's also a superb psychologist. --Jim Broede