Bleacher Bums Forum

I was listening to the Cubs Related podcast.  One of the two guys that does the podcast had an unpaid internship in the Yankees FO during the time Girardi was the manager there.  Girardi didn't get along with the FO and didn't use the analytics that the Yanks were giving him.  He also didn't have a good relationship with the young players, in addition to the questionable line ups and bullpen management.   This was also reported in the NY media apparently, so I doubt that Girardi was much of a shot.

One guy that they mentioned outside of Ross, Lorreta, etc.. was Carlos Beltran.  I think if Ross can keep the culture that the Cubs have cultivated in addition to being able to bringing some intensity he could be really interesting if he is paired with a veteran bench coach.  Maybe they can bring Lackey back as the Intensity coach.

I've kept meaning to ask this of those of you have seen Strop pitch in recent weeks. Just going by his pitching line, he seems to have been effective.  How has he looked to those who've seen him pitch?  Has his slider been working well and how has his velocity been? 

I sure would like to believe that his streak of ineffectiveness was a blip and that he could be an important piece of the bullpen next year if the Cubs bring him back.

I didn't watch but his last 2 games he averaged 94.5ish and topped out at 95.5ish on his fastball, which is the hardest he had thrown since May.  On a cheap enough deal he might be worth bringing back just for his affect on Javy and then hope the fastball returns with some better health.