Cubs say Tyler Chatwood made progress despite seven more walks

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon could have stated the obvious -- that, yes, the team is concerned about a starting pitcher who has walked 56 batters in 58 \u2153 innings. Instead, Maddon doubled down on backing righty Tyler Chatwood, who walked seven in 4 \u2154 innings in a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Thursday.

"He was better," Maddon stated after the game. "I know that's weird, but that was better. He had better pace. ... Overall there is a lot to build off of."

That's quite the statement considering Chatwood leads all of baseball in free passes by a wide margin. In fact, going into Thursday evening, he had 17 more walks issued than the next pitcher, Lucas Giolito.…