Bleacher Bums Forum
General Category => Archives => Topic started by: Dave23 on February 23, 2019, 08:53:45 am
-
Go Cubs Go!
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 21m21 minutes ago
Cubs notes: Double-A umpire Andrew Barrett is scheduled to work home plate for today’s Brewers-Cubs game. Andrew is the son of Major League ump Ted Barrett, who will be working the bases today. MLB reports this is 1st time the father-son duo will work a pro game together.
-
Neither team is televising the game but MLBtv is offering each team's radio broadcast.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0GkIFsUUAA_Cvq.jpg:small)
-
Jim Adduci is back?
-
Is Chatwood start going to be televised?
-
Adduci is Rizzo's username
-
Is Chatwood start going to be televised?
As I understand it, no Cubs game will be telecast until March 1. I have not verified this.
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 21m21 minutes ago
Cubs notes: Double-A umpire Andrew Barrett is scheduled to work home plate for today’s Brewers-Cubs game. Andrew is the son of Major League ump Ted Barrett, who will be working the bases today. MLB reports this is 1st time the father-son duo will work a pro game together.
Gordon Wittenmyer @GDubCub 14m14 minutes ago
Correction: Today's Cubs-Brewers game is the first worked together by MLB ump Ted Barrett and his son Andrew Barrett (a class AA ump). Not necessarily the first for a father-son ump duo.
-
Bryant’s shoulder seems healthy.
-
Heyward single. Bryant home run.
World series is a lock.
-
Cubs lead 3 to 2 on a single by Descalso. Bryant taken out after home run and single.
-
Cubs lead 3 to 2 on a single by Descalso. Bryant taken out after home run and single.
Cue "Oh, no, he must have hurt his shoulder."
-
Bryant apparently is a wee bit honked off at people doubting him.
-
Bryant apparently is a wee bit honked off at people doubting him.
You may be correct.
Mark Gonzales
@MDGonzales
Bryant, on past and current criticism: "I read one thing and it just motivates me to either shut that person up or prove them wrong. I’ve been doing that my entire life, so bring it on."
Jesse Rogers@ESPNChiCubs
Bryant:"When you’re not playing you have a whole lot of time to just sit there and either go through a twitter rabbit hole and start seeing things about yourself,or seeing things about ‘trade him’ and this and that.And I’m like ‘Alright.I’m motivated, keep ‘em coming. Bring it’”
Sahadev Sharma
@sahadevsharma
Hard-hit, solid single pulled to left for Kris Bryant as he's taken out for a pinch-runner. I'm not one to care about spring stats at all, but seeing KB pull the ball with authority twice is exactly what people worried about his shoulder need to allay those fears.
-
The offensive juggernaut that is the Cubs goes into the late innings ahead of the hapless Milwaukee Brewers 8 to 2. They are attempting to establish themselves as the first place team in the Cactus League.
-
Oscar de la Cruz coming in to pitch the ninth inning. Immediately throws a fastball at 96 mph.
-
Cubs are in first place. The Cubs are in first place.
-
Oscar de la Cruz coming in to pitch the ninth inning. Immediately throws a fastball at 96 mph.
He wasn't actually throwing very fast last year, either in camp or during the season . That was part of the camp story last year. **IF** he could consistently throw really fast, he might regain some interest.
-
More from Kris Bryant, to CUBluejay's point.
Sahadev Sharma
@sahadevsharma
KB was asked if he thinks ppl forgot how good he was to start last season (1.022 OPS in first 38 gms before injury) "Totally. This game is all about “What have you done for me lately?” And boy did I get to experience that last year. So... yeah. That’s all I got to say about that"
-
More from Kris Bryant, to CUBluejay's point.
Sahadev Sharma
@sahadevsharma
KB was asked if he thinks ppl forgot how good he was to start last season (1.022 OPS in first 38 gms before injury) "Totally. This game is all about “What have you done for me lately?” And boy did I get to experience that last year. So... yeah. That’s all I got to say about that"
Maybe it will be Kris Bryant joining Bryce Harper in a few years rather than the other way around this year.
-
Maybe it will be Kris Bryant joining Bryce Harper in a few years rather than the other way around this year.
That's the spirit! Spring Training inspires hope and optimism. Or not.
-
Then dont make the mistake the Nats made and trade him in his last year.
-
Or maybe manage your payroll so you have flexibility to sign him....
-
That's the spirit! Spring Training inspires hope and optimism. Or not.
Kris Bryant being noticeably upset does not inspire much hope and optimism.
-
Then dont make the mistake the Nats made and trade him in his last year.
If they can't sign him before the start of his last year, they should trade him right then. A Boras client is not going to give a home town discount, and it is very unlikely that they will emerge as the highest bidder.
-
Maybe it will be Kris Bryant joining Bryce Harper in a few years rather than the other way around this year.
I've been thinking that for some time. Theo knows you have to keep people happy. He brought in Ross to keep Lester happy, for example.
-
I am sure that making Lester happy was one of many factors in signing Ross, but I suspect that it was one of the lesser important ones.
-
Yeah, making superstar players happy only goes so far. The White Sox brought in Machado's friend Jon Jay and brother-in-law Yonder Alonso. Didn't work out for them.
-
From Arizona Phil
For those of you who did not see the game....
Kris Bryant's first inning HR off Chase Anderson was a towering fly ball that was a bit wind-aided, but not unlike what you might see at Wrigley Field. The line single had a lot of top-spin and fell in front of the left-fielder.
Here are some of the velo readings for the Cubs pitchers:
Mike Zagurski:
FB: 89-91
SL: 81
NOTE: Nibbled too much, but he did strike out Eric Thames with FB/SL combo.
Rowan Wick
FB: 94-96
CV: 77 (he threw a number of curves)
NOTE: Worked fast and threw his FB and CV for strikes
Matt Carasiti
FB: 94-95
CT: 86-88 (swing & miss pitch)
SL: 81-82 (swing & miss pitch)
CH: 78-81
NOTE: Carasiti was VERY impressive and really mixed his considerable repertoire, keeping hitters off-balance.
Carlos Ramirez
FB: 92-93 - T-94
SL: 81-82
NOTE: Working 92-93 his FB was very hittable and his SL is just so-so
Alberto Baldonado
FB: 91-93
CV: 77-78
CH: 80-81
NOTE: Baldonado really has more of a SP repertoire and approach (mixes his pitches and works kind of slow).
Craig Brooks
FB: 92-94 (hitters squared it up consistently)
SL: 84-85 (his "out" pitch)
NOTE: The trick for Brooks is to get to two strikes so he can wipe-out the hitter with his plus-SL
Oscar de la Cruz
FB: 95-96 (easy gas)
CV: 80
NOTE: de la Cruz threw all FB except for one CV
-
Bryant is universally loved. He can gtfo with this twitter BS and proving the “haters” wrong.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0LY21QUcAEtg8s.jpg:small)
-
Then dont make the mistake the Nats made and trade him in his last year.
Or sign him now.
-
Chatwood with a 2-out walk and HR in the first. Hits one guy in the second. Cubs score 8 in the second, initially off Bumgarner, including a couple of infield singles, Bote HBP and removed from game, hope he's OK, a couple of bases-loaded walks.
-
I turned it on late, but the broadcasters say that Bote was hit in the head with a fastball. No reports so far.
-
Maples dominates his inning.
-
Chatwood career: 4.7 BB/9
Chatwood today: 4.5 BB/9
Fixed.
-
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/david-bote-cubs-hit-by-pitch
-
The report is that Bote managed to turn his head so the ball hit the back of his helmet. This is supposed to be the best way to receive a hit to the head. He will be watched and evaluated, but concussion is not expected.
-
Bryant is universally loved. He can gtfo with this twitter BS and proving the “haters” wrong.
I think maybe he was reading Chris's posts last summer.
-
I listened to parts of yesterday's game.
WEbster pitched two quick innings. The one fastball for which they reported velocity, they said 94.
Maples had a 1-2-3 inning I believe, but I think both of his K's were on full-counts with bad hitters chasing sliders. Might pitch the same inning against big-leaguers and we'd be saying "man, he's walked two out of three, he's too wild, get him out of there...."?
Len and Coomer seemed favorably impressed with Mekkes. He walked one guy, and I think went to full count on another before K'ing him. Not sure if they were more interested in him because he looked more impressive than some of the other guys; or whether perhaps they were just more interested because they'd never seen him before, combined with his fascinating stats line, plus of course being so big.
-
Mekkes may be one of those big, tall unicorn guys who employs his height, wingspan, odd delivery and drive off the mound to make a 90mph FB play like 98 (e.g. Chris Young of Padres a few years ago).
Some guys just consistently outperform their measurables for a while though, eventually, MLB hitters tend to catch up.
Mekkes may never gain enough command to really succeed at the MLB level, but he is VERY interesting, at least partly because his minor league results have been so consistently eye-popping.
-
Yeah, I'm really optimistic that he'll end up becoming an effective guy. Between Mekkes, Alzolay, maybe Lange, maybe even one of the big arm wildmen like Norwood or Maples, I'm optimistic that they can get some effective free service from some farm guys.
As with all things Cubs bullpen, control seems to be a problem for Mekkes, and command even less likely. His control isn't AS bad as Maples or Norwood, though. So we'll see how consistent he can get.
I also kind of like to see unusual guys succeed, with his size and delivery/deception. Also like to see Midwest guys succeed for the Cubs. He's from a small town outside of Grand Rapids where I went to college. (Urban growth might have now encircled Jenison by now, beats me.)
-
If I like unusual human-interest success-stories, Allen Webster would be one (**IF** he was able to have the "success" requisite!). He had a 24K/3BB ratio in Cubs minors last year. He was a top-100 prospect 3 straight winters in BA, years ago. Would be fun to have him bounce back and succeed.
I assume it's trickier/harder for that to work out than with options guys like Mekkes and Alzolay. Even **IF** Webster was to impress at Iowa, without options you can't yo-yo. Alzolay you could bring up for a couple of weeks, like what you see, but then send him back down once an injured guy is back.
-
The Cubs have split squad games today. The Padres are at Sloan Park and the other group is at LA.
The game with the Dodgers is available on MLB.tv
-
I wonder if this style of providing the lineup will replace the “scoreboard” method that was used last year.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0Wbj2GW0AEe3K_.jpg:small)
-
Darvish throws 19 pitches, 10 strikes, in the first inning. Two quick outs and then 2 walks before a deep fly to center by Souza. Hit 94-95-96 on radar gun. #Cubs
-
Darvish walks two more in the second and gets pulled with one out. So walked four of the last six batters, 4 of the 8 he faced. Cubs down 5-4 in the mid-innings.
-
He said he had trouble locating his off speed pitches, but his arm feels good and the velocity was excellent. I'll take that for a first outing in almost a year.
-
LOL. Apparently when asked why the interpreter is gone he said it was costing the club too much money. Darvish got jokes.
-
Sharma is a no-bullshit guy, so his reading on Darvish is meaningful, seems to me.
Sahadev Sharma
@sahadevsharma
Darvish done with one out in the 2nd. Walked 4, but allowed no hits. No strikeouts. He was sitting 94-95 with his fastball, touched 96. Seemed to use quite a bit of his arsenal. He wasn't disastrously wild, but clearly wasn't as sharp as he'd like. That's what the spring is for.
-
Wow, Willson Contreras crushed this homer.
https://twitter.com/ProTVSports/status/1100868127368273920?
-
Wow, Willson Contreras crushed this homer.
https://twitter.com/ProTVSports/status/1100868127368273920?
Off of Jesse Chavez
-
The Saturday game with the Brewers will be televised locally in Chicago on WGN at 2:00 P.M. MLB.tv will also offer the WGN telecast at 2:00 P.M.
MLB Network coverage starts at 3:00 P.M. Will it be on a one hour delayed basis or picked up live after the Mets/Astros game ends?
-
MLB.TV has the Arizona broadcast of today.
-
Chatwood isn't a strike thrower, but he looked a lot better in the 1 inning I saw.
Edwards is throwing with the pause in the game and is throwing strikes so far.
-
Giambrone seems like a good bet to play in the big leagues at some point.
-
Chatwood isn't a strike thrower, but he looked a lot better in the 1 inning I saw.
Three scoreless innings for Chatwood and no walks. Nice.
-
More details from Jordan Bastian.
Tyler Chatwood's line: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 45 pitches. Had 3 flyouts and 3 groundouts. Averaged 93.8 mph with 4-seam FB, topped at 96.2.
-
Chatwood looking better is certainly a positive. But it does force the vexing question of just what the heck you do with him once the season starts.
-
More details from Jordan Bastian.
Tyler Chatwood's line: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K, 45 pitches. Had 3 flyouts and 3 groundouts. Averaged 93.8 mph with 4-seam FB, topped at 96.2.
Toe tap!
-
That would be a big deal if he could be an asset this year. I guess hoping for a Chatwood turnaround is like hoping for a Heyward one, but there's a nonzero chance the light bulb might go on for him.
-
Many airplanes fly fine and then they crash.
-
Toe tap!
That was Edwards, I believe.
-
I'm not sure how that can be a vexing question. Right now they have Lester, Darvish, Hendricks, Hamels and Quintana as starters. Almost everyone seems to feel that at LEAST one, and perhaps more will have problems, either due to injury or old age. If Chatwood has cured his control problems, either he or one of the above will replace Montgomery as the reliever/swingman. And if all six are doing well by July, one of them could bring back pretty good return in a trade. I wish the Cubs had been faced with such vexing problems over all of the 60 odd years I have followed them.
-
Chatwood looking better is certainly a positive. But it does force the vexing question of just what the heck you do with him once the season starts.
A good Chatwood would be a great asset in the pen. And there is space for him there. An effective Chatwood would be a huge boost in the pen. And I still think a guy who could sometimes extend and pitch two innings instead of just one would be pretty fun and helpful in pen.
-
I have a feeling he needs to pitch a lot to be effective. An occasional appearance out of the pen for a pitcher who can be wild can be disastrous. It seems to me that when Joe sat him for a week and then brought him, he was REALLY terrible.
-
Yeah, that's a good point, and might totally be the case. This being spring training and me being hopeful and optimistic: a flip is that if you're not in the top group of relievers, then *IF* you're pitching well, you can get a lot of work. Pitch the 6th inning of winning games, get used in games when you're losing. And you wouldn't need to sit for 5 days stressing about things, you get lots of appearances. I think sometimes easier for a reliever to stay grooved in pitching every 2nd or 3rd day than going 5 days off?
-
Right now he is insurance in case any of the 5 has an owie heading into the season. Can always happen. Up until then, he doesn't have to impress Joe or us. He has to impress some GM out there looking for a pitcher.
-
I have a feeling he needs to pitch a lot to be effective. An occasional appearance out of the pen for a pitcher who can be wild can be disastrous. It seems to me that when Joe sat him for a week and then brought him, he was REALLY terrible.
That’s essentially my concern. Even if Chatwood is fixed there’s no precedent to show he can be effective as an occasional reliever.
The attractiveness of finding a taker for him is a lot less now that all it would mean is padding the Rickettses profit margin.
-
Cubs/DBacks on MLBN right now...
Grace just told the Sutcliffe/Billy Conners story from old Riverfront Stadium...the one with the fireworks...classic
-
I still don't understand the problem. If the five starters are so good that they can't find a place in the rotation for an effective Chatwood, the Cubs are odds on favorites to win the division regardless of whether Chatwood pitches or not. How many teams are there that would view having 6 better than average starters a bad thing?
And since the Ricketts family do not take money out of the Cubs organization, the more profit they make, the better the Cubs future is.
-
Heyward has been scratched due to illness. Zagunis takes over.
Hannemann is in left, not center.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0qUqgxUcAEkFgp.jpg:small)
-
Alberta Almora with a leadoff HR and a very impressive catch in today's game.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1102736844515618818
-
Thanks, Ron, that was a blast. Not sure I'd want him to go running into walls like that during spring training....
-
Maybe he'll realign his spine or something and suddenly be able to hit RHP.
-
We can hope. Anything is possible.
-
Gordon Wittenmyer @GDubCub 3m3 minutes ago
Conteras two-run, inside-the-park home run -- but Angels scorer calls it a double and two-base error (on kick of ball as he came up short trying to catch it in the gap)
-
https://youtu.be/6AHqU3KpWzo
-
Addison Russell is crushing the baseball today.
Bote just missed a two run HR, ruled foul...though where it landed, I can't see how it could have been foul.
-
A better view of Willson Contreras' inside-the-park-homer:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1103032009243484160
-
A Trout aided inside-the-park-home-run. :o
-
Carl Edwards mostly abandoned the toe tap on his delivery today. Tried it once and almost fell down.
Another well-hit opposite field hit for Schwarber (a double) today. If he can do that this season, he’s going to hit for average compared to his recent history.
-
A Trout aided inside-the-park-home-run. :o
Scored a double for Contreras and an error on Trout.
-
Cubs win, 4-1. Strop gave up the 1 run. But Q with 3 good 1-hit innings.
Brach pitched an inning.
Chatwood finished with 3 shutout innings. 1K/0BB. Only 1 K, but only two balls hit out of the infield, one a flyout and one a single. Two groundball singles, two double plays. Seemed to have decent control (I was just listening on radio, so who knows).
Pretty happy for that guy so far, that would be such a great human interest story if he turned into a functional, useful reliever for the Cubs. Obviously a little easier to throw strikes on a relaxed March day facing KC minor-leaguers, versus facing Yelich or the Cardinals in a tight game. But so far so good.
Chatwood has the most innings pitcher for the Cubs thus far. I think that makes sense, try to get his confidence and rhythm re-established. So if there's anybody who would benefit from innings this camp, it would be him. I suppose guys like Webster and Maples might be next on that list, both of whom have also been quite busy thus far. So I like the Maddon/Hottovy thinking on that stuff thus far.
I wonder who does plan out the usage; would that be Maddon or Hottovy, I wonder?
-
Would be interesting to see how wild Chatwood was last spring. I couldn't find it anywhere.
-
It should be Hottovy for the most part, and I get the feeling that Maddon is not a micro-manager in general.
-
Would be interesting to see how wild Chatwood was last spring. I couldn't find it anywhere.
Chatwood walked 11 in 21-2/3.
-
0 BBs in 6 IP in his last 2 appearances is certainly encouraging.
-
Everything is different when the pressure is on, of course. And when it's in your mind that you've lost your radar before, I've got to think that the day location isn't clicking, that all of those doubts might perhaps instantly be waiting to spring out and take over, regardless of some spring training innings.
On the other hand, the mound is the same height and distance in Mesa as it in Wrigley. If a guy has the mechanics to keep the ball in the zone in camp, there's no real reason why he shouldn't also have the mechanics to keep the ball in the zone in season. I think that's perhaps especially true for Chatwood, given that his natural movement and wildness almost unintentionally keeps hitters guessing, and he doesn't need to have great location.
-
I think the most important aspect of fixing a mechanical flaw is if you can use it when things go awry. If it works in pressure situations when you feel a little out of sorts. Then confidence soars and those breakdowns happen less and less often.
-
Hoerner's in the starting lineup today.
-
RBI 1B from Hoerner in his first AB:
https://twitter.com/realcubsinsider/status/1103757407350448128
-
Hoerner with two singles and a triple in three at bats. Triple was off the wall.
-
Hopefully the Cubs found themselves a good player with Hoerner. It's been a few drafts since we've found a genuinely good player.
-
Hoerner and Amaya are easily the two most interesting guys in the system for me. I could see Nico making a push for a midseason promotion if the Cubs are in contention.
With a good season Roederer could be making a case to be in this conversation next spring. Lots of teasing potential there, but it’s too early to drink the Koolaid.
-
Nico Suave
-
Hopefully he progresses fast enough to remove any lingering doubts Theo has about binning Russell once and for all.
-
Before Hoerner is ready to come up, we will know if Russell can perform as originally hoped for on the field.
-
Cubs at Mariners tonight at 7:30 Central on MLB Network.
-
Giambrone can hit.
-
Trent Giambrone has a compact, rather powerful-looking stroke.
He just drilled a double to the corner in left in his first AB (bottom of 2nd). Then, he stole 3rd, but Kyle Seeger kept tag on him and when he came off the bag slightly, he was out. A good learning opportunity in a ST game. All good.
-
Rizzo just a bomb about a mile over Ichiro's head in RF (he didn't move)...WAY out!
3-2 Cubs in the 3rd.
-
The Cubs are very good at identifying and developing "second tier" position player prospects.
-
Yeah, Giambrone is a 25th rounder. Bote wasn't much until elevation swing changes turned things around for him a couple years ago.
Those kinds of guys don't make Top 100 Prospect Lists, however, they're good grinders who keep improving and help win games!
-
Hey Jeff, did you see Tseng whiff Haniger on 3 pitches right there?
*Pretty awesome 2-seamer with late break,
*a tremendous 12-6 curve and his best pitch,
*a terrific change up, easily whiffed Haniger, who made the All-Star Team last year.
Too bad Tseng hasn't had many sequences like that in the past year! Maybe he just found it...
...but not likely.
It does sort of show how good ALL the guys are who are playing on TV!
-
Giambrone got schooled by Marco Gonzalez on consecutive change ups, but hit the ball hard on 2-2 pitch to ground out and drove in a run.
Almora now has hit the ball HARD twice in 3 ABs and has a double and a single.
Cubs have 11 hits off Gonzalez in 3.2 innings and now lead 6-2. Rizzo 3-3.
-
ben, yep - it just goes to show that all professional ballplayers can dominate other professional ballplayers within short samples. What separates stars from scrubs is the frequency thereof.
-
Exactly, Jeff. Nice to see Javy with a double (his 2nd hit) and Cubs' 12th in 3.2.
Too bad Marco Gonzalez isn't still in the Cards' rotation!
-
ben, yep - it just goes to show that all professional ballplayers can dominate other professional ballplayers within short samples. What separates stars from scrubs is the frequency thereof.
My son’s coach was a journeyman who spent parts of 5 seasons in the MLB. He said he could hit $250k pitches just fine but couldn’t hit the $10M pitchers.
Big difference when you move up to the bigs.
-
That's SO true, Chgojhawk! Your son's coach was probably the best of the best at EVERY level until he got to MLB - the guys at that level are just ridiculously good!
Part of what's also tricky at the MLB level is projecting the human components for Team chemistry, too, because so many other Teams also have GREAT players. It's another reason I'm so glad we still have Theo (and we have a World Championship)! He's SO many levels downfield from the very best fans!
Not that our leaders are going to make all the right decisions - NO way - but he sure gets a lot more right than most other MLB execs. We are very lucky to still have Theo!
-
Alec Mills (back) was scratched as today's starter. I hope it is nothing long-lasting. He'd be one of the prime candidates to come up from Iowa when the need arose.
-
Hoerner is having a nice spring...just tweeted by Len Kasper:
Make it 8 consecutive times on base for Hoerner: 1B/1B/3B/HBP/BB/HR/HBP/2B.
-
Cubs win two SS games today by combined score of 19-4.
Hoerner batting .833. Homer, double, walk today.
-
Our draft team may not be all that great at a lot of things beyond this, but at the very least they're good at evaluating first round worthy hitters.
-
I'd add that Cubs may have been the ONLY team that graded Hoerner as a 1st rounder, let alone a 1st-round hitter.
Virtually all the "experts" felt Hoerner lacked power and wouldn't grow into it, so they predicted he would NOT be a 1st-round selection.
Who knows what the future will hold for Schwarber, Happ, Hoerner or others Theo/Jed/Jason have drafted R1, but they all do appear to have some serious upside as hitters.
If we add Baez, Bryant, Contreras (and, possibly, even Russell), there's an abundance of young hitting talent few teams have ever had in their systems...the early 60s Cubs had quite a bit, but not nearly as many as this group of young Cub hitters).
-
The super optimistic comp for Hoerner is Alex Bregman.
Actually, Hoerner is physically larger than Bregman.
Like Craig often points out, a very underrated component of power is the ability to make consistent, solid contact.
-
Cubs win two SS games today by combined score of 19-4.
Hoerner batting .833. Homer, double, walk today.
But can he sustain those numbers?
-
But can he sustain those numbers?
Sure, why can’t baseball have a .800 hitter?
-
They can, if he retires tomorrow.
-
I haven't checked the box scores every single day, but has Luke Hagerty pitched yet? I would love to see him make it back.
-
He has not.
-
I believe that it was ArizonaPhil speculated that he might not really pitch until extended spring training.
-
Orlando Arcia sure has a good vibe going against the Cubs. Hope that doesn't continue into the regular season.
-
Duensing throwing meatballs today.
-
As usual.
-
Not shocking, but Chatwood imploding with wildness (and his error) in the 2nd tonight.
Cubs down, 4-0, and Tyler isn't out of the 2nd yet.
Sure glad we have 5 other starters (and Monty)!
-
People get fooled easily by Spring Training stats. Chatwood has never been a good MLB pitcher, and he'll continue to be bad. 6 spring innings without a walk doesn't change that. He's always walked way too many batters to be good, and he'll continue to walk way too many batters.
Easily the worst signing of the Theo era. Walk rate is more important than spin rate.
-
"Never been a good pitcher" simply doesn't jibe with the facts, unless you totally discount Coors as a factor. He was certainly pretty good in 16-17. He's always walked too many guys, no question, but he still managed to be effective.
I also have a hard time calling a 3-year deal for less than $40 million the worst signing when we saw this winter what an albatross Heyward is around our necks.
-
Javier Baez is ready for the season to start
https://youtu.be/2O7PQs7Wxs8
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 10m10 minutes ago
looking at his right pitching hand (blister?). coming out of game.
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 11m11 minutes ago
Darvish receiving medical attention.
-
Darvish did go 4.2 innings. Cubs lead 5-2 after 5. Another game tonight.
-
Blister on his hand according to Twitter
-
Mark this day down. Two doubles for Heyward. He had two extra-base hits in a game twice all of last year.
-
"Dravish leaves with trainer" certainly led to butt-clenching across Cubdom, and a blister is a lot less scary than other possibilities. Could still be an issue for the start of the season, though.
-
Blister on his hand according to Twitter
right ring finger
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2DjSxXVYAA3YxQ.jpg:small)
-
OK I didn't need to see that.
-
He also needs to quit chewing his nails and get a manicure.
-
Which one of his mates will volunteer to pee on it for him?
-
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 13m13 minutes ago
Yu said med staff will use laser treatment and cream to help blister healing process. Added that teammates suggested peeing on it. Yu: "They told me... I'm not sure I can say it here. Pee on it. I'm not sure that's a good thing or not. I'm not going to do that. I don't want to."
-
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 13m13 minutes ago
"They told me... I'm not sure I can say it here. Pee on it. I'm not sure that's a good thing or not. I'm not going to do that. I don't want to."
I'm glad he's getting more comfortable doing interviews. That's one truly great quote.
-
I think he wants a callous to form and pee would soften it. Lac Hydrin is a prescription moisturizer that would have the urea that pee does without having to pee on yourself.
-
He could really use Trump’s Rolodex right about now.
-
Sure hope Hamels is "working on some things" tonight!
Dodgers have hit him HARD in the 1st and 2nd.
Yikes!
-
Great piece of hitting there by Contreras...hitting smart!
-
Through 4 innings, Cubs have been a mess tonight.
Hamels getting hit hard - a bunch of XBHs - while we are just pounding it in the ground and making multiple defensive and base-running miscues. Sure glad the season isn't starting tonight!
-
Listening to the Dodger announcers is about as much fun as watching paint dry or grass grow
-
Listening to the Dodger announcers is about as much fun as watching paint dry or grass grow
Well, they had fun with Nolan Long pitching to Zach Short.
-
Brach not looking great.
-
Cubs are bumping their team spring offensive stats. Leading Padres 24-6 in the 7th inning, with 26 hits accumulated. They even hit a HR.
-
Cristhian Adames doing more to validate how irrelevant spring training results are than anyone I can remember.
-
Cubs are 18-27 with RISP today.
-
If performance in spring really mattered, no way Brach would make the team.
-
Cubs are bumping their team spring offensive stats. Leading Padres 24-6 in the 7th inning, with 26 hits accumulated. They even hit a HR.
Mick Gillispie's scorebook after four
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2dGWprUcAAUyOX.jpg:small)
-
If performance in spring really mattered, no way Brach would make the team.
Brach had a 1.80 spring ERA before today. Way too early to tell about him.
Duensing didn’t look good all spring, on top of last season.
This being baseball, possible that Duensing accepts an outright, gets his act together, and is a factor this season.
-
Fun with scoring:
Padres' Cal Quantrill (Paul's son) - 2/3rds of an inning, four hits, two walks, seven runs, no earned runs.
-
Brach had a 1.80 spring ERA before today. Way too early to tell about him.
And throwing in the high 80s.
-
I thought JD said he was up to 92 today. His location was more the issue today.
-
The Cubs play the Boston Red Sox today in the final exhibition game of 2019. The Red Sox, who train in Fort Myers, Florida, are on their way to Seattle for their opening game on Thursday.
The game starts one hour earlier than normal (2:00 P.M. in Chicago) and will be on the MLB network an hour later. Since the game is at Sloan Park, maybe we’ll get to hear Len and JD.
-
Leading off the game, Carl Edwards, Jr retired Andrew Benintendi on a fly to Ben Zobrist in right field. He now has a hesitation move that he used on the first and fifth pitches while the second and third pitches were Pedro Strop like quick pitches.
-
https://youtu.be/az-Y08P9iQA
-
From the spring games I’ve seen, Schwarber has been working on hitting certain pitches to the opposite field all spring. But, without hitting with power overall, which isn’t a great tradeoff. So, nice to see the opposite field homer today—-and off a tough lefty too.
Will be interesting to see how this plays out during the season. Would be nice to see Schwarber hit .260+ and with the usual power.
-
Thanks for Schwarber observations, reb. Agree that without a lot of HR's Schwarber isn't going to be good, and if adjustments come at the expense of HR's, I'm not sure how that's going to pay off. HR's are hits, too; given what a low-average hitter he is, he can't really afford to give away too many hits of any kind, HR's included.
But sometimes just getting solid hits and getting some confidence back can set a guy up, and pull-side HR's will come in due time, too. As you say, if he could magically boost his average over .260 while hitting as many or more HR's, that would be very welcome.
But yeah, opposite field doesn't always help. We've seen Russell get all sold out on opposite field, but he just gave up the pull-side in the process, so he still wasn't "using the whole field". And in the process he gave up the only thing he was good at. Bad news if that story plays out for Schwarber.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2t6OjxU0AAPb4P.jpg)
-
Chelsea Janes
@chelsea_janes
Happy Opening Day everyone! Remember you’re allowed to, and supposed to, enjoy this. Remember that a few bad days don’t foretell bad seasons. And remember that beat writers don’t make pitching changes.
-
If they don't win today, they may not win a game all year...
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2wgqptX4AIFQ6j.jpg:small)
-
So DirecTV only has the Rangers feed today, as far as I can see...
-
So DirecTV only has the Rangers feed today, as far as I can see...
I've spent more than a half hour on the phone with DirecTV. They claim technical difficulties that they will try to fix before game time. It helps if you speak to some whose primary language is English and does not think MLB is football.
-
This happened last year almost every time the game was on WGN. 2020 should be better.
-
Guess I'll be watching on my free mlb.tv if DirecTV doesn't get the feed...
-
Guess I'll be watching on my free mlb.tv if DirecTV doesn't get the feed...
I'll sync the MLB.tv sound with the Rangers telecast. I can't watch MLB.tv on my TV because they made some technical changes that are not compatible with LG TVs and a couple others (Roku?).
-
Umpires:
HP--Kellogg
1B--O'Nora
2B--Hoye
3B--Ripperger
-
The Chicago Cubs are on the air!
-
I have a feeling I will never be comfortable during a Lester start.
-
How’s Lester’s velocity?
-
Ugh, never mind. Gamecast with the grim details.
-
Who you got for first Cub HR of the year?
Zagunis
Baez
-
Well, they're not swinging and missing, so far....
-
Jayson Heyward is definitely the guy I thought would get the first hit of the year.
-
Cubs pounding the ball into the ground against a fly ball pitcher so far.
-
Is Kyle S hurt?
-
Double, HR has the Rangers on top 2-0...
-
Is Kyle S hurt?
Lefty on the mound
-
Kyle had a 847 ops against lefties this spring... It's opening day... Run with your horse. Joe will cute himself out of a job this year.
-
Baez!!!!
-
Baez finally puts the ball in the air for the Cubs and they score a run.
-
Runners at the corners, 0 out.
Heyward up though...
-
Sharp grounder up the middle is booted. Everybody safe!
-
Nice hustle double by Zagunis to knock in the go ahead run.
-
Zagunis comes through with a hustle double. Scores 1. 3-2 Cubbies
-
Still nobody out, runners 2nd and 3rd. Top of the order up.
-
Bryant fouls a cookie
-
Ground ball scores another run
-
Rizzo walks.
Javi up with 2 on.
Stand and Deliver coming in to face him.
-
MVP!!!!!
-
7-2 Cubs
-
Pretty good opener for Baez so far.
-
Cubs have batted around this inning.
-
Javy continues to almost single-handedly make it all worthwhile.
-
Contreras thrown out trying to steal to end the inning...?
-
Contreras throws out DeShiels to end the inning
Ahh...symmetry...
-
Aaron Rodgers hanging with Jed in the booth, for some reason...
-
Javi coming up with the bases loaded
-
He Ks on 3 pitches.
He got screwed by the ump on pitch #2
-
He Ks. 9-2
The pitch was in the dirt but the catcher stepped on the plate for a force out.
-
Lester is throwing 93 and 94 this inning.
-
Another scoring opportunity here for Zobrist.
-
Strangest move of the game - Rangers bring in lefty Kyle Bird to make his major league debut against Anthony Rizzo with the bases loaded. The results were predictable - a four pitch walk.
-
Bases loaded, no outs.
Heyward hits his usual for a double play.
-
Heyward's exhausting.
-
Rosario in to pitch.
-
Bryant hit a 2 run dinger. Cubs might be able to hold this lead.
-
Not a great day at the plate for Contreras. Has anyone noticed if his framing looked any better today?
-
Brach is making his Cubs debut. He's number 29, so I guess Z is gone?
Beautiful grab by Heyward on a fly that just kept drifting into the right field corner
-
Quick clean inning from Brach. His fastball was 92-93 mph, which is down slightly from where he usually is. But he was high-80s early in Spring Training, so maybe he's getting back to where he should be.
Getting the 2015-17 version of Brach this year would be pretty huge for the Cubs.
-
Strop was all set to finish things up, but Hunter Pence hits a single to center and Maddon is making yet another pitching change.
-
Mazara homer, 12-4.
It's scary to have Montgomery as the top lefty in the pen. Just doesn't have the bat-missing stuff that relievers really need to be successful right now.
-
(http://mlb.mlb.com/assets/images/7/1/4/201585714/091516_cubs_flag_med_3_fqqoz3ho.gif)
-
Nice win. Do that about 105 more times this year.
-
Javy is getting better at English but still needs to learn his Cubs history, particularly about people who had monster Opening Days back in the '90s.
-
#Cubs with multi-HR game in season opener
2019 Javier Báez
2003 Corey Patterson
1994 Tuffy Rhodes (3 HR)
1969 Ernie Banks
1950 Andy Pafko
1936 Frank Demaree
1927 Earl Webb
-
https://youtu.be/7HSo2WuJE6s
-
CUBS WIN!!!
-
I think the Cubs have found a way to mitigate concerns about the bullpen.
-
Way to bring home the win, guys! Cubs are undefeated, Lester had some good velocity, Brach had some velocity, Cubs hit HR's. Great start!
-
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian
Kris Bryant: "I think that was, offensively, better than any game we had last year."
The Cubs had not had a game with 8+ walks, 12+ runs and 25+ total bases since Sept. 13, 2017.
-
That was a nice game in that all the hard-hit groundballs went through. The same sharp grounders up the middle on another day, and they're all outs or double-plays.
Lester right up there at 98 pitches. Nice game for him. But I hope Maddon doesn't push him too hard early.
Huge wind. Lester did well to not allow more wind-blown HR's.
-
So much has been made about a "sense of urgency" this spring...I noticed it on the base paths yesterday.
Getting good reads on base hits into the outfield, going first to third without hesitation, taking the extra base as Zagunis did on his hustle double...all little things that add up...
Sometimes a 25-man roster needs guys like Bote and Zagunis to bring that urgency...guys who are fired up to be in that clubhouse, and damn sure don't want to leave.
-
Good point. Heh heh, who would have ever guessed 15 months ago that Mark Zagunis and David Bote would both be in the opening day starting lineup for 2019. Or that Rosario would be pitching a nice quick 1-2-3 inning on opening day? Or that Bote would be starting at 2B and Zagunis in LF while Happ was down at Iowa?
-
Maybe Joe knew what he was doing putting Zagunis instead of Schwarber.
Here's my favorite quote from yesterday:
“You look at the first four innings and things, offensively, we weren’t going good,” Bryant said. “It could have been very easy after (Andrus’ third-inning) two-run homer and said, ‘Whatever, it’s just one game.’ But we flipped the switch. It’s amazing what this team can do when we’re all clicking. When we’re all pulling for each other and going in the same direction. It’s exactly what you saw today.”
-
What's tonight's lineup going to look like?
Zobrist
Bryant
Rizzo
Baez
Schwarber
Contreras
Descalso
Heyward
Almora
Something like that?
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D27gPcMWoAIQDzh.jpg:small)
-
Would've thought this was a logical spot for Descalso.
-
The old war horse Volquez is back after missing 2018 with Tommy John surgery. His once prolific strikeout rate has fallen in recent years. His changeup is still very effective on right-handed hitters. It's hard to know what the 35-year old hurler will have in the tank after not pitching in a meaningful game in over a year.
-
It sounds like there are more Cubs fans in the park than Ranger fans.
-
Cubs up three runs with one out in the first.
-
Zobrist fly out. Brant with a double. Rizzo walk. Baez single. Schwarber single. Contraras single. Heyward double play.
-
Darvish squeezed against Andrus. At least two of those balls could've been called strikes.
Pitch count already pushing 20 after 3 batters.
-
Pace of play is excruciatingly slow here in the first inning.
Darvish has walked two in a row. He's at 25 pitches. Same story as last year...nibbling way too much. He has great stuff, challenge some of these guys.
-
Walk #3. The game is 35 minutes old and there are still only 2 outs in the bottom of the first.
-
Worst contract: Heyward or Darvish?
-
3 Ks, 3 BB, 34 pitches for Darvish in the first.
Lots of bullpen innings tonight. Hopefully the Cubs can score a lot of runs before that.
-
Chatwood!
-
This ump has a very tight top of the strike zone.
-
Another walk. He's doing nothing but nibbling, and this umpire is calling nothing on the corners. It's time to adjust the game plan.
43 pitches with no outs in the second. The Cubs will be lucky to get 4 out of him tonight.
-
Walk #5 on pitch #48. Time to get Montgomery up.
-
After the Cubs get a break and Guzman gets caught stealing, walk #6.
-
This is brutal. He can't command anything.
-
His command isn't great, but it's not like Chatwood last year where pitches are all over the place. Most of his pitches are ending up right on the edge of the zone, and the umpire isn't calling anything.
-
Chatwood Part Deux
-
3-1 on an Odor single with 2 outs.
-
Baez leads off the third with an infield hit.
This game is on pace to last almost 5 hours, by the way.
-
Contreras double knocks in Baez, 4-1.
-
I'm a bit baseball starved, so I won't complain.
So long as the Cubs win...
-
Contreras double knocks in Baez, 4-1.
Thanks for actually sharing the score.
-
Bote has a bit of an issue with curveballs, eh?
-
Walk #7 to lead off the 3rd. Almost every AB is a full count.
Is the bullpen still not up? You've got two long guys out there in Montgomery and Chatwood, use them.
-
I think this is at least as much mental as it is lack of command for Darvish tonight. He's been mostly around the zone--no wild pitches, and very few balls anywhere close to the middle of the zone. A lot of pitches that could be called by a more generous ump. If he was just wild, he'd be all over the place. Some pitches would be nowhere close; others would miss right in the middle of the zone.
That's worse than if he just had terrible command, by the way.
Cabrera 2 run HR, 4-3. Joe needs to wake up and get Darvish out of this game.
-
The bullpen is finally up.
-
I think Darvish's is the worse of the two contracts, mostly because he's 1/5th of a staff. At least you can kinda hide Heyward.
-
Joe pulls Darvish with 2 outs in the 3rd after a grounder back to the mound. Cishek coming in.
-
SMFH...
I wont say a word.
-
Darvish has now pitched 42-2/3 as a Cub. He's allowed 27 runs for a 5.27 ERA and walked 28 batters.
But Deeg loves him so he's got that going for him.
-
It really is amazing how poorly the Heyward and Darvish signings have gone for the Cubs. Both were the right move at the time, and both have resulted in pretty much the worst possible outcome.
-
We better be careful or we might hurt Yu's feelings telling the truth about him.
-
Quintana warming in the pen.
-
BTW, this game is over an hour and a half old and still in the 3rd.
Those changes MLB made are really paying off again.
-
Cishek K to end the inning.
Let's say Quintana comes in for the 4th...is it allowed for him to get both a win and a save? If he goes 6 innings, he'd be the most effective pitcher on the night, and he'd deserve the win. By the rules, he'd also qualify for the save--came in with the lead, also went at least three innings.
-
No. A pitcher can not be awarded both a win and a save in the same game.
-
According to ESPN Stats and Information, Yu Darvish is only the 2nd pitcher (Carlos Martinez) in the last 5 seasons to walk 6 hitters in the first 2 innings.
-
Yu Darvish walked 3 in each of the first 2 innings of this start. That's something that Tyler Chatwood did NOT do last season.
-
Quintana coming in for the 4th inning. Hopefully he's better at rebounding from a disappointing 2018 in his first appearance than Darvish was.
-
Quintana picks off Odor.
-
Schwarber!
-
Two doubles for Contreras tonight.
-
Heyward sac fly gets Contreras home, 6-3.
-
Kyle punished that ball
-
Quintana walks Mazara on 4 pitches to start the 5th.
Not to take away from the terrible command the Cubs pitchers have had tonight...but this umpire is terrible. He's called a lot of balls on pitches that really should've been called strikes.
Quickly 2-0 to Gallo. Cubs make their 4th mound visit already. 2-1.
-
Kyle punished that ball
So how did he punish it? What happened?
-
Two and a half hours, and the 5th inning is still going. This has a shot at being the longest 9 inning game ever.
-
Kyle punished that ball
Sit in a corner.... or to bed without any supper?
-
That's what Schwarber did:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1112175555376570371
-
Shin-Soo Choo Ks for the fourth time tonight.
-
This umpire hasn't called a borderline pitch for either side tonight. He's the biggest reason that this game is almost 3 hours old in the 6th inning.
-
Jeffrey Springs gets two quick outs to start the Cubs 7th. The game is suddenly moving too fast, so the Rangers make a completely unnecessary pitching change to slow the game back down.
-
Cubs pitchers have thrown 144 pitches in 6 innings.
-
Rangers quickly have 2nd and 3rd, no outs in the 7th. On day 2, this is probably going to end up being the least fun game to watch all year.
-
Q has done a great job so far but is in trouble as the Rangers string together an infield hit and a double to the LF corner.
-
That's what Schwarber did:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1112175555376570371
Thanks
-
Kiner-Falefa takes a borderline pitch for strike 2, and Q puts strike 3 right on the inside part of the plate and he doesn't swing.
One out.
-
Another called strikeout for Q, and that brings up Choo who has done nothing but strike out today, which probably means he'll hit a homer.
-
Or a two-run single that brings the Rangers to within a run.
-
Choo two out, two run single. 6-5. This is a terrible game.
-
If it was possible for both teams to lose a game, this game is what that would look like.
-
Almora thrown out on a stupid slide into first base when he probably would've been safe if he'd just run through the base.
-
Edwards in to face the 3-4-5 hitters with an umpire who has a small strike zone. This isn't ideal.
-
Almora and Baez both have walks this game. Were either of them encouraging walks, or simply AB where nothing was even remotely close enough to allow them to avoid a walk?
-
Andrus barely makes contact on 0-2, but dribbles a ball right up the middle for a hit.
-
Welp.
-
Hasn’t Edwards had enough chances?
-
Hands up if you didn't see that coming.....
-
Edwards is the worst. I can't wait until he's gone. 8-6 Rangers.
-
Schwarber bunts against the shift with 2 outs in the 9th, Contreras is the tying run.
-
Schwarber places the most perfect bunt imaginable to defeat the Rangers' shift, but Contreras files out to end it.
-
Cubs lose.
Edwards is the one of the worst high leverage relievers I can remember. He blows up so often in critical situations. I'd love to see them trade him to the Cardinals or Brewers.
-
Obviously Darvish sucked, but if he’s truly healthy he’ll figure it out and be a good pitcher this season. The bullpen, by contrast, has every chance of being a long term dumpster fire.
-
I was out till the 3rd inning, and then just gamecast incompletely. The handful of 3rd-inning velocities for Darvish, in the small ones I checked, were in the 89-91 range, including for what listed as 4-seam fastball.
Was he that slow earlier on too? Or having been extended beyond two innings, was he just tiring by that time, or maybe throwing nothing but off-speed because he knew he can't throw strikes with the hard stuff?
I admit it kind of gave memories of last year: Maddon hyping in camp the fastball carry; once the season starts, the velocity being a liability between the crummy location and pedestrian velocity.
-
It was a cold day and he had thrown a ton of pitches in the third. Earlier he was pretty consistently 93.
Was the velocity dip do to cold and fatigue? Injury? Trying to throw a strike? No clue. He was just missing outside on a lot of his pitches so he wasn’t wild. It could have been do to the cold or blister. I’m less confident in Darvish than Deeg, it this start isn’t the end of Darvish being productive. It is concerning.
Edwards has a bad game. He looked good in spring training so I guess we’re just going to have to see. Kintzler had a nice inning relieving him so that is encouraging.
-
This is where the money situation hurts. If the Cubs signed Kimbrel then Strop is pitching the 8th and Edwards possibly never sees that game. I have zero confidence in Edwards. He has the arm, but I don't think he has the head to pitch in critical situations. Does he have options? Because if he does and continues to struggle a AAA stint might help him reset his mental issues.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2_793eX0AAoscj.jpg:small)
-
I hate how Edwards force's Maddon to use him in critical situations
-
I have a fear that Edwards is broken. Shades of Marmol
-
Schwarber!!!!!
Nice hat catch by Rosario in the bullpen.
-
First Heyward f-bomb of the year?
And yeah that was cookie he popped up...
-
Caratini is a great backup, isn't he, br?
-
Almora single, Caratini double, Zo single has the Cubs up 2-0.
KB up with runners at the corners, no outs.
-
Single.
3-0
-
Caratini slammed the back of his head on the ground earlier in the game. He was down for a bit. I'm surprised he stayed in.
Depth at Catcher is probably not a bad idea.
-
Heyward got a hit with a runner on!
-
Caratini slammed the back of his head on the ground earlier in the game. He was down for a bit. I'm surprised he stayed in.
Depth at Catcher is probably not a bad idea.
Caratini is goc
-
Fergie Jenkins was interviewed on the Rangers Fox sports affiliate bottom 3rd. Talked about his offseason with the Globetrotters, pitching 7 innings on 2 days rest, 4 man rotations, 267 complete games, never had a sore arm during his 19 seasons.
-
DeShields grand slam, 5-4 Rangers.
This team just refuses to attack hitters. They're going to nibble around the edges to everyone, and they're going to end up walking way too many batters. No excuse for walking Jeff Mathis before the grand slam.
-
Hanels to the DL tomorrow?....Walk the fucker
-
We'll always have 2016.
-
Would you believe I was trying to decide between DeShields and Goodwin for my fantasy team today? Crap
-
There have been 2,419 hitters to have at least 2,000 career plate appearances since 1900. Jeff Mathis has a wRC+ of 50, which ranks 2,412th. He's arguably the worst hitting position player ever. You don't have to be scared of attacking the zone when he's up.
I just don't get continuing to try to hit the edge of the zone that the umpire clearly wasn't giving him. Just trust your stuff and throw the ball in the middle of the strike zone.
-
Easier said than done, I guess.
-
Heybrist making it happen! Hamels owes them each a steak....Demilno de(f'ing ) Shields...WT*?
-
Cubs score 4 in the 6th and now lead 8-5.
Chatwood was warming up, so he's probably coming in.
-
Fergie Jenkins was interviewed on the Rangers Fox sports affiliate bottom 3rd. Talked about his offseason with the Globetrotters, pitching 7 innings on 2 days rest, 4 man rotations, 267 complete games, never had a sore arm during his 19 seasons.
But he DID have a sore arm in his last season with the Cubs, both reported that way roughly at the time (or shortly after the season), and one of the few ways to explain his dip that year immediately followed the next season with a complete recovery.
-
Maybe that's why we pitched around Jeff Mathis...
-
Grounder, grounder, Mathis homer, grounder with Chatwood pitching. 8-6 going to the 7th.
-
There have been 2,419 hitters to have at least 2,000 career plate appearances since 1900. Jeff Mathis has a wRC+ of 50, which ranks 2,412th. He's arguably the worst hitting position player ever. You don't have to be scared of attacking the zone when he's up.
I just don't get continuing to try to hit the edge of the zone that the umpire clearly wasn't giving him. Just trust your stuff and throw the ball in the middle of the strike zone.
Maybe not.
-
Well, Chatwood got through without a walk at least. If we're going to contend I don't think Joe is going to be able to treat him like a Rule 5 guy - Chatwood probably has to be given a chance to be a useful bullpen guy and seize it.
-
This bullpen is going to be a major problem, tie game.
-
10-8 Rangers. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
-
Not so sure we don't cut or demote more capable guys because Monty and Chatwood make too much to DFA.
-
Montgomery looks awful.
-
Rizzo makes it 10-9.
-
Bullpen...
(https://media.giphy.com/media/l0IynvPneUpb7SnBe/giphy.gif)
-
Baez single, steal, Schwarber rung up on pitches the umpire hasn't called all day, then Descalso single ties the game.
Gallo throws very wild, so Descalso moves to second.
-
Heyward pop behind second base on the first pitch.
-
Bote pinch running, Leclerc in the game. Wild pitch moves Bote to third.
-
1-2-3 inning for Cishek.
I'm afraid Cishek is going to end up wearing down this year even sooner than he did last year. Cishek and Strop both may have their arms fall off by June.
-
Strop in for the 9th.
-
Gallo off the wall to lead off the 9th. Winning run at second.
I can't believe the Cubs are going to score 28 runs in 3 games against the Rangers and still lose the series.
-
Choo grounder to second, winning run on third.
-
Wild pitch ends the game. Just awful.
-
I think the Cubs have found a way to mitigate concerns about the bullpen.
-
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
At least we're not getting shut out.
-
Tony Andracki @TonyAndracki23
The Cubs slashed .342/.430/.570 in the 3 games in Texas, scoring 28 runs on 39 hits with almost as many walks (18) as strikeouts (21).
That's a 1.000 OPS *as a team* and only 1 victory to show for it.
Really ugly start. I'm really dreading this season.
-
Joe Maddon: "Nervous?"
Cubs fan: "Yeah"
Joe Maddon: "Don't worry about it. We'll figure it out."
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3FmHXzXcCAwJaQ.jpg:small)
-
Not a great start...Zagunis drops a pop up in foul territory, then Inciarte homers on the next pitch. Cubs already down.
-
Donaldson singles. Hendricks was ahead 0-2 and 1-2 in these ABs.
-
And that miserable chop crap is back.
-
Freeman flies to just in front of the track in CF.
Hendricks was really bad in the first inning last year if I remember correctly, and it’s started the same way this year.
-
Acuna walk. Hendricks flirting with getting blown out early.
-
Freeman flies to just in front of the track in CF.
Hendricks was really bad in the first inning last year if I remember correctly, and it’s started the same way this year.
Kyle's first inning ERA in 2018 was 6.82. Then it dropped to 2.45 and 1.38 in the second and third.
-
Javy throws the ball away on a DP attempt that he had no chance of turning. 2-0. Just awful.
-
Just absolute slop. Brutal, 3-0.
-
Clown car.
Break out the draft threads
-
Oh wait, Acuna didn’t score. That’s a break.
Never mind, 4-0. This is going to be a long season.
-
4-0
-
Zagunis with another bad play when he didn't call Javy off that short pop.
-
This should’ve been an easy scoreless inning. Just embarrassing for the defense.
-
Brutal
-
Who's long relief? Chatwood and Montgomery both pitched Sunday.
-
Always good to give up on the team after 4 games. This one has been brutal so far.
-
28 pitches in the first
More bullpen! That's what this team needs.
-
Does it matter who pitches in long relief? Whoever it is, they’ll probably be bad because the Cubs sat out the offseason despite the obvious holes in the pen.
-
Always good to give up on the team after 4 games. This one has been brutal so far.
I think I made it clear long before game 4 that I have very little confidence in the 2019 version of this team.
-
Good start Willson
-
Yeah cause the starters have been so excellent so far.
-
Yeah cause the starters have been so excellent so far.
Jon Lester was decent in the season opener.
-
Heyward lmao
-
br, I'll give you $500 if you promise (and live up to it) not to post here any more for the 2019 season. I'm serious.
-
Double-Playward strikes again.
-
Heyward's swing is back to looking like he is trying to sweep the ball off the plate instead of hitting it.
-
Nice inning for Hendricks. Now get some runs!
-
Freeman flies to just in front of the track in CF.
Hendricks was really bad in the first inning last year if I remember correctly, and it’s started the same way this year.
Christopher Kamka @ckamka 35m35 minutes ago
A first inning home run allowed by Hendricks
2018:
First inning: 10 HR in 33.0 IP
Rest of game: 12 HR in 166.0 IP
-
Maybe Joe Maddon should use an "opener" when it is Kyle Hendricks' turn to pitch.
-
Bases loaded for Bote.
This Braves pitcher is allergic to the strike zone. Gotta make him pay.
-
Bah!
-
No doubter for Acuna
-
First earned run of the game. 5-0 ATL
-
Almora saves Hendricks.
Hendricks throwing 84-86 this inning.
-
Great play by Almora to cut Markakis down going for a double.
-
Heyward with a diving catch on a liner.
-
Another unearned run coming up...
-
Jon Lester was decent in the season opener.
Lester K/9 was 4.5/9 and BB/9 of 3. He had a good result, but if those numbers continue it will be ugly
Rizzo with 2 errors on a weak grounder. Runner on second.
-
Think there was catcher's interference on that Heyward single
-
Cubs managed to get through the inning without an error. Making progress.
-
Lead off single for Rizzo.
Braves changing pitchers. Shame they couldn't get something done against that ham & egger...
-
Baez dp..:(
-
4IP 6H 4BB 0R for Newcomb
-
Hendricks buzzes Acuna's tower to start the 5th
-
He also dusted Donaldson earlier...
-
Bases loaded. 1 out with Swanson up.
-
JEEEEZUS!!!!!!!!
-
Cannot imagine what he was thinking there!!!!
-
Deflected off Hendricks glove (would have been a double play) and then Bote pulls a bone headed play trying to throw the ball to second. 7-0, 5 errors on the day and here comes Kintzler.
-
Obviously being 2 under after 4 games is no big deal. But there’s such an air of negativity surrounding the way last year ended and the offseason inactivity, plus the perception that Joe is on the hot seat, that things could break down really quickly.
-
Kintzler with 2 Ks to end the inning. Best pitcher so far?
This game has been a **** show, but I think people are making too much out of it.
-
Zagunis makes Schwarber look like a Gold Glover
-
Freeman with a double on a ball that seemed it should have been caught.
-
How many errors are we going to commit tonight???
-
Bryant for error number 6 tonight. Cubs have 6 hits.
-
If Jim Boylen was coaching he pull all the players and put the pitchers in the field.
-
Kintzler and Rosario have been striking guys out so far, it would be nice if that could continue.
-
According to JD, the league informed Edwards his new toe tap is not legal.
He was doing it early in camp, couldn't they have told him that a month ago?
-
I hope we can somehow get through next inning without an error. I remember the Mets making seven errors in a game and the TV and newspapers wouldn't stop mocking them. I think it was right at the point where it became clear that that team wasn't going to be very good.
-
I think he was making contact with the mound again after starting his delivery. Kershaw and Jensen do the same thing as Carl, put they don’t touch the mound again. Twitter was saying in spring trading he wasn’t touching the mound twice, hence it was legal. Roster resource says he has 1 option left, can he be sent down without his permission?
Carl manages to walk 1 batter and not implode and they Cubs made it through the inning without any errors. It is the small things in life.
-
Double-Playward!!!!
-
Swanson took exception to Bote's slide on the dp, but he didn't really come anywhere close to him.
-
Acuna gets another one up and in...
-
Fun Heyward facts.
He has 78 GDP in his career.
In 3 seasons + 4 games in his career with the Cubs it is 31.
He ground into 7 DP last year and has 4 already this year.
I believe the Cubs as a team have ground into 6 DP this year, last year it was 107.
-
Brewers suck.
-
Zaggunis with a baserunning error to end this abomination.
-
BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Zagunis might have a one way ticket to Iowa in his locker after this one.
-
Today is the first day of the rest of the season
70° - partly cloudy - very light breeze in from left center - no chance of rain
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3P-NbqWAAAFxrx.jpg:small)
-
The Brewers sucked again today.
-
Zobrist leads off with a single. The Cubs turnaround is underway.
-
Typical Millennial. Bote signs a contract that sets him up for life, and immediately takes the day off.
-
Rizzo walks with one out and Baez lines into a DP.
-
The error parade starting early.
-
Cubs turn a double play and get out of it without a run.
-
Lester pitches out of a first and third with no outs jam with a K and a DP.
-
Consecutive leadoff hits as Schwarber singles to start the second and gets tossed out trying to steal.
-
Contreras reaches on a ball off the 3B's glove.
Descalso goes to 2-2, fouls off a pitch, takes a ball, and singles Contreras to third.
Too bad Schwarber tried to steal.
-
Lester singles in Contreras.
1-0 Cubs
Heyward up.
-
Heyward pops right behind the plate. Watching him has become painful.
-
What is really frustrating about that pop up is that it was a 3-1 pitch. But, at least Lester came through.
-
Zobrist ends the top of the second by taking strike three.
-
Actually, Heyward should play only against LHP. For some peculiar reason, he has good plate appearances against lefties.
-
I thought the Cubs run being driven in by their pitcher might generate a post from br. He must be at the game.
Braves don't score in the bottom of the second.
-
Dansby Swanson hits a homer to tie it up.
-
And Ozzie Albies hits another homer to give the Braves the lead.
-
With two outs in the fourth, Descalso and Lester work out walks. Let's see if Heyward can tie this game up.
...nope, he pops up to third to end the inning.
-
He didn't hit it that far...he popped up to just in front of the pitcher's mound. It was just caught by the 3Bman.
He probably has 3x as much height on his hits tonight as distance.
-
WILLY!!!!!!!
-
Cubs lead 3-2
-
Unlike Willson, who just hit a bomb to CF.
452 feet. Cubs lead 3-2, top 6.
-
Johnny Venters in to pitch for the Braves.
Schwarber leads off with a walk, and Contreras homers to give the Cubs the lead! 3-2, Cubs!
Now Descalso strikes out. And Lester walks again. Heyward with a chance to redeem himself.
-
Ha!
We all know what's about to happen...
-
Bryant smh.
-
Rizzo singles, Baez pops out to right, Schwarber Ks, Contreras singles Rizzo to 3rd
Rizzo scores on a pitch in the dirt!
-
Contreras has 3 hits tonight
-
Bad baserunning by Contreras there.
Descalso hit a weird one hopper that Albies couldn't handle, but he recovered in time to catch Contreras off third. Ball never left the infield.
-
Double-Playward strikes again!
-
Kintzler seems to be ahead of Brach in the order of merit for now.
-
Cishek throws 7 straight balls to start the 8th
-
Acuna bailed him out on #8, but walks on #9
-
...here we go again...
-
walks the bases loaded, nobody out
-
Rosario comes in and gives up a bases clearing double to the first guy he faces
-
Cubs down 5-4
-
Welp
-
loooooooonnnnnnng fuggin' season
-
This team really sucks. Blow it up.
-
The blowpen strikes again. These losses demoralize a team if they keep happening over and over again. With good relief pitching the Cubs would be on their way to their 4th victory in 5 games. Instead they are staring at 1-4 without a comeback tonight.
-
Lolol
-
6-4
-
5 games in, and three absolute meltdowns already. This bullpen is a dumpster fire, and the Ricketts are going to get what they deserve for sitting out an offseason in the middle of their competitive window.
-
What a fkn waste.
-
millions of dollars from a consistently sold out Wriglely?
-
walk #5 of the inning, bases loaded again
-
let's get CJ in there!!!
It's Montgomery
-
Freeman grounds out to end the hsit show
-
Schwarber is our last hope as Rizzo, who had walked, takes second on fielders' indifference.
-
4 in a row
-
Wait, it's "fielder's indifference", not "fielders' indifference". Even though presumably all the opposing fielders are being indifferent about this meaningless run.
-
And Schwarber K's and we lose yet again.
This bullpen is so horrible. Time to either let Lester, Hamels, and Hendricks finish their games, going to a six-man rotation if necessary, or violate tradition and have "opener" pitchers that pitch the first two innings before the above three go the last seven innings.
-
Hey! At least we have Darvish to look forward to tomorrow....
-
Joe should have probably went to Kimbrel late.
Pecota's looking pretty good right now huh?
-
I like Cishek, but tonight he was clueless. I've seen high school pitchers who had a better idea where the ball was going to go. If the rubber got moved back like they've discussed, most of his pitches would have gone to the screen.
-
You know what would fix this bullpen problem? Sense of urgency.
-
Will that fix the rotation too?
-
The bullpen melted down, but don't forget that the Cubs also played some really sloppy baseball tonight. Heyward's error in the first, Schwarber getting thrown out on a dumb SB attempt in the second (which cost them at least one run, and maybe a big inning that could've won the game), Contreras rounding third base too far on a ball that didn't leave the infield...it wasn't as sloppy as Monday, but it was pretty bad.
Also, from watching in person in the second deck near third base, Bryant looked bad. He was consistently late on Teheran's 90 mph fastball. Two month long DL stints didn't fix his shoulder last year, and tonight didn't give me much confidence that having October off helped him. Hopefully I just caught him on an off night where he just wasn't picking up Teheran's pitches.
-
Using a small size of 1 is jumping the gun a bit. Bryant has an ISO > .200 so far this year.
He will have slumps and bad games. It doesn’t mean his shoulder is bad.
-
You know what would fix this bullpen problem? Sense of urgency.
Craig Kimbrel's agent I'm sure has an answer to that too, although his email's and texts have been going straight to the Cubs' spam folder for a while.
-
Craig Kimbrel's agent I'm sure has an answer to that too, although his email's and texts have been going straight to the Cubs' spam folder for a while.
One guy isn't fixing the current mess. It might be all small sample size, but outside of Kintzler/Rosario (minus yesterday) everyone has less than stellar. I was driving into work and thinking I'd almost rather have Iowa's bullpen in Chicago.
-
Decent chance of rain starting around gametime. Forecasts vary between light and becoming heavy. The last thing the Cubs need is a lengthy delay and getting into Milwaukee around 5:00 A.M.
br?
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/wgcl/weather/se_satrad.gif)
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3VEFVtW4AAH30Q.jpg:small)
-
Glad that we're rewarding performance this year.
-
Rain is unpredictable in Atlanta this time of year. No telling if it'll rain or not.
And it's been weirdly localized at least twice with the Cubs in town since the Braves moved to the new ballpark. I can remember two Cubs games in the last two years that were either delayed for a long time or postponed where I got little to no rain at my house 20-25 minutes northeast of the ballpark.
-
Zagunis in RF? Yikes!
-
Letting Schwarber face a lefty. Nice.
I’ll take Zagunis and hope he doesn’t flop on defense vs Heywards offense.
-
The rain in the forecast has been pushed back until closer to the end of the game, so it looks like they'll be able to play tonight.
-
Ok now, let's not get negative just because we're going to get our asses kicked.
-
I had a dream. Cubs pitchers only walked 5 guys.
-
Len says the Braves announcers expect the rain to start about an hour into the game.
-
Len says the Braves announcers expect the rain to start about an hour into the game.
So it should start when we have our 4th pitcher on the hill?
-
So the end on the 2nd inning?
-
Len says the Braves announcers expect the rain to start about an hour into the game.
So this is the night we'll jump out to a 10-0 lead and play flawless baseball through the top of the 4th before it gets rained out, huh?
-
No score after two.
Darvish has walked two to raise the Cubs total to 37 in 43.1 innings.
-
Zagunis in RF? Yikes!
The offense has been fine so far (against bad pitching) but even though it's overshadowed by the bullpen fiasco we're still one startlng-caliber OF (at least) short of where we need to be.
-
That cutter is filthy.
I think Yu is having the same problem good pitchers in the low minors have - his pitches break so much umpires can't track them. But location is also a problem - two hits here on pitches he left right down the middle when they were supposed to be high or inside.
-
Another 2-strike fastball right down the middle.
-
On top of that, Fried has a no-hitter through 4.
-
Nice catch by Kyle, the Cubs one starting-caliber OF and the one who's been platooned until today.
First time seeing Darvish this year and a couple of things are clear:
- The movement is vintage Darvish and he's using all his pitches including the splitter. If he elbow was bothering him he wouldn't be throwing that pitch.
- Velocity is 93-95 on the four-seamer, right where it's always been when he's healthy. Vintage Darvish.
- Command is terrible. He makes guys look bad and then leaves a pitch right down the middle, over and over.
- Whether it's a lot of shake-offs or what I don't know, but Darvish and Contreras are not on the same page. Pitch selection is goofy.
-
This half inning might be the game. I don’t think it’s that likely that they’ll be able to restart if the game gets delayed.
-
So it should start when we have our 4th pitcher on the hill?
BORIS SIGHTING!!!!!
Can VBRETT be far behind?
-
Gordon Wittenmyer
@GDubCub
Kyle "the anti-Zagunis" Schwarber with a diving catch just foul of the left-field line for the third out.
Kind of have to give a rare tip of the hat to Wittenmyer for that one.
-
Wow, 97 from Freid.
-
Offense looks a lot like last year tonight.
-
Freid looks like Whitey Ford.
-
McCann and Contreras make quite the contrast as receivers.
-
Great, here comes Edwards in the rain. That should result in a lot of strikes thrown.
-
Bringing in Edwards to relieve Darvish reminds me of the old Three Stooges bit.
"Would you rather have your head chopped off or be burned at the stake?"
"Why, have my head chopped off, of course."
"Not me."
"No? Why?"
"Because a hot steak is better than a cold chop."
-
I can’t remember a pitcher I hated to see come in to a close game more than Edwards.
-
This seems like a bad choice by Joe, not that their is currently a good choice.
Darvish sucks.
-
And just a brutal move by Joe to bring Edwards in conditions where Maddux would have trouble throwing the ball where he wanted it to go.
-
It's time for the Theo era to end. Appreciate the WS Championship more than words can say, but, as an executive, he's jumped the shark.
-
Edwards needs to be sent down. Bring up Albertos. He probably has better control at this point.
-
Now Chatwood. Is Joe trying to get fired?
-
Hey at least Chatwood didn’t walk Him...
-
This bullpen needs a good curb stomping
-
I'd say they're getting one.
-
Oh for the halcyon days of Felix Heredia and Antonio Alfonseca!
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_asNhzXq72w
-
Edwards needs to be released!
-
I came in mid inning. Did he come into the game with the bases loaded? or did he load them?
-
Just call the game
-
Edwards loaded them, Chatwood emptied them.
-
Edwards came in with 2 on and the proceeded to Edwards.
-
Its even worse...I have to listen to Chip Carey call
the game.
-
Zagunis got a hit, so at least we're spared that humiliation.
-
Clean inning by Chatwood
-
Zagunis got a hit, so at least we're spared that humiliation.
We need that humiliation. I was crushed when Zagunis broke up the no-hitter. This team needs to be degraded.
-
Chatwood may be the closer by next week.
-
Almora!
7-0
-
Baseball seems like such an easy game for the other team...
-
At 55 years old, I have seen some very bad Cubs baseball. I have never seen anything like this. Theo has assembled the worst Cubs team of my lifetime. And at the highest cost. Make him go away. New leadership, please.
-
I stepped away. Rizzo hit a 2-run HR?
-
And Baez followed with another homer. 9-3.
-
Maybe Theo can trade for this Braves pitcher to "fix" the bullpen
-
Bases loaded, 1 out. The catcher's interference that extended the inning and resulted in 2 more runs scored in the top of the 9th is actually meaningful now--this would be the tying run without that.
-
Zagunis knocks in a run with a grounder, then Almora Ks to end it.
-
Maybe Theo can trade for this Braves pitcher to "fix" the bullpen
Is he related to Charlie Brown’s favorite player?
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3aUdGAW0AI6LY9.jpg:small)
-
Looks like a decent lineup.
-
I like the Brewer catcher's chest protector.
-
Baez looked so overmatched there.
-
Is it possible that the Cubs win fewer than 70 games this year?
-
Who would be a better defensive CF - Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, DaveP, or CurtOne?
Think very carefully before you answer.
-
#wearenotgood
-
Schwarber, Curt, Dave, Heyward.
-
Do you think that the 2019 version of the Cubs keeps Theo out of the HOF?
-
That Jimenez/Cease trade is just looking better by the day.
-
Schwarber, Curt, Dave, Heyward.
I know we’re struggling but we really should stop it with the ridiculous hyperbole.
After all, we all know DaveP would knock the socks off of CurtOne if it came to that.
-
Eloy is rocking an impressive .398 OPS....
-
That Jimenez/Cease trade is just looking better by the day.
Yeah to me that’s the deal that looks genuinely bad today. At least Heyward and Darvish seemed like very good moves at the time. The Quintana deal looked at least very questionable right from the start and certainly looks bad now.
-
#allin
-
It might be the best thing for everybody if the Brewers bury us this weekend.
-
There a 2020 draft thread yet?
-
Garbage! Absolutely stinking garbage!
-
Braun makes the Cubs his **** yet again.
-
I hate Braun. Is that thing he does where he holds his back arm up to signal that he wants time out even legal? Can't the pitcher just throw the ball if he's in the batter's box?
-
At least we can stop pretending the pen is THE issue. There are enough to go around.
-
Time for more exit interviews.
-
Since things have started badly, let's hope for a 100 loss season and the #1 overall draft pick.
-
What kind of prospect package could Bryant fetch?
-
Not a good one.
-
Take it
-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_worst_Major_League_Baseball_season_records
-
Enjoy. I didn't do it.
-
Descalso
-
Teaser rally beginning!
-
Good too see one of our young stars getting us on the board....
-
The worst Cubs team of my lifetime and it's not even close.
-
If we released Heyward and someone signed him for the ML minimum (not a given, I know) we'd have that deducted from what we owe him, right?
-
Contreras!
-
Willy puts one over the left field wall, and it's 8-5. Watch out, Brew Crew!
-
Edwards warming in the pen, just in case the Cubs manage to pull any closer...
-
Why wouldn't you just let Edwards start the inning? Bringing him in with a guy on just increases the pressure.
-
Joe with a big "**** you, Theo!"
-
Per mlb.tv, Edwards ERA is 40.50
-
Carl seems like a nice kid. I'm not even upset any more. This is just sad. He's clearly lost his confidence. He needs to go down and figure it out in AAA for a while. If Ian Happ is down there then Carl should join him.
-
Hard to remember Edwards was as tough to hit and take deep as anyone in the game.
-
Descalso gets on and Heyward hits a bomb to make it 13-7. It's like they're teasing the possibility of a teaser rally.
-
Losing one's confidence seems to happen to a lot of Joe's pitchers. JMO
-
Heyward homers down 8 runs in the 8th. Perfect.
-
Pretty swing by Almora
13-8
-
13-10.
Cubs have scored 10 runs in 3 games and have 1 win.
-
Not often a 13-10 game, in which you are outhit 15-12, feels like a blowout.
-
46 runs in 7 games at 1-6, twice in 7 scoring double-digits and losing. That almost doesn’t seem possible.
-
I hate Braun. Is that thing he does where he holds his back arm up to signal that he wants time out even legal? Can't the pitcher just throw the ball if he's in the batter's box?
ARod started that and Braun and a few others picked up on it. I've always hoped that some umpire will see him make that motion and call time. When he steps back in and makes the motion again, the ump calls time again. That happens until he has no choice but to stop doing it.
-
Here we go again. Cain homer to lead off the game.
-
Heyward! 2 run homer in the second, Cubs lead 2-1.
-
Is there a pitcher on this staff who can miss bats? Brewers load the bases after Burnes fouls off a bunch of pitches and eventually single, then Cain sac fly.
-
The Brewers have made nothing but hard contact against Hamels through 2 innings, and Hamels has already thrown 51 pitches. Looks like another night where the bullpen is going to cover a lot of the game.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3gjx1RX4AApshz.jpg:small)
-
Yeah, but three swinging strikes against Yelich—which is impressive.
-
Hamels back at Texas velocity is not a good thing. Hopefully it's just a matter of getting stronger as the season progresses.
In the unlikely event Heyward is "fixed" enough to be serviceable, the main benefit would be if it finally convinces Joe that Almora is in no way, shape or form an everyday player. Cause you know, he's not.
-
Then he got Braun on strikes to start the 3rd...hopefully he's settling in.
-
Much better 12 pitch, 1-2-3 third inning. Still high exit velocity for Aguilar and Shaw, though Shaw's was hit at a high enough launch angle where exit velocity doesn't really matter.
-
Weak infield hit from Arcia and sac bunt by Burnes means Cain gets to hit with runners on second and third, 2 outs in the 4th.
-
Hamels gets Cain swinging on a 3-2 changeup, and the Cubs are out of the inning.
-
CARATINI! 4-2 Cubs.
-
Nice 1-2-3 inning from Hamels followed by a Javy homer, 5-2.
-
Schwarber walk and SB.
-
Almora RBI single, 6-2.
-
Cubs are running wild on Grandal tonight. Heyward just stole his second tonight, and Schwarber and Almora also have SBs.
-
Caratini walks to load the bases with no outs in the 6th. Hamels will hit for himself.
-
Sac fly, 7-2.
-
Where is Hamels at, pitch count wise? How much of an opportunity will the bullpen get to blow this?
-
I think Hamels is around 90 pitches--he has recovered well from a rough first two innings. But the bullpen is still probably going to get 3 innings unless he's really, really efficient in the 6th.
-
The similarities between Bryant's career and Prior's is remarkable.
-
100 pitches already. Gonna have to roll the dice here pretty soon.
-
Hamels gets through the 6th at 110 pitches. Seems unlikely he'll go any further. Hopefully Cishek and Strop are both on tonight.
-
Kyle Ryan pitching the 7th.
-
Ryan gets ahead of Arcia 0-2, then throws three balls and gives up a hit.
-
Gamel K.
Now Ryan vs. Cain and Yelich...these don't seem like great match ups for the Cubs.
-
Cain grounder, 2 outs.
Ryan has gotten ahead 0-2 to all three hitters he's faced. I'd be shocked if that wasn't the first time a Cubs pitcher has done that this year.
-
Either Caratini is doing a great job framing some of these pitches tonight, or this umpire has been pretty bad. That 2-1 pitch to Yelich was not close to a strike.
-
Yelich walk. 2 on, 2 out, and Webster is coming in.
-
Braun homer, 7-5. Unbelievable.
-
Aguilar flies out.
Need to get a couple runs back here. Heyward/Caratini/Zobrist due; Heyward and Caratini have done a lot of damage tonight.
-
HEYWARD! 2 homer night, 3 in 2 days. 8-5 Cubs.
-
Caratini single. Bottom of the lineup is killing it tonight.
-
Zobrist single. Two on for the top of the lineup...but the top of the lineup is 0 for 11 tonight.
-
Descalso walk. Bases loaded, no outs. A huge 10 run inning would be nice.
-
Maybe Caratini catching and Willy in left against righties is an answer? Of course, then you have to play the Schwarbler in right...
Caratini seems to clearly be a better receiver than Contreras. Low bar of course.
-
Bryant K on four pitches. Fourth K of the night. Not great.
This has to be Heyward's best night as a Cub, right? 3 for 3, 2 HR, 1 BB, 2 SB.
-
Still very early and very small sample size...but Bryant still looks like second half Bryant so far.
-
This umpire is missing a ton of pitches on the first base side of the plate. It's happening for both teams.
-
A nice bit of symmetry after that Braun HR - now both Ryan and Webster have 27.0 ERAs.
-
RIZZO! 2 run double, and the Cubs have the 3 runs back.
-
Rizzo!!!! What a great piece of hitting!
I love that guy!
-
RIZZO! 2 run double, and the Cubs have the 3 runs back.
And they’ll likely need every one of them.
-
Baez walk. Loaded for Bote, who apparently must have come into the game at some point that I missed.
-
I wasn't paying close enough attention...I had assumed the Cubs double switched Almora out of the game last inning because he was the last one to hit, but it was actually Schwarber. So Bote is pinch hitting in the pitcher's spot.
-
With the Rizzo double, the Cubs have scored at least 10 runs four times this season now, and they only have one win for at least another 30 minutes or so. This is really an all time ugly start to a season.
-
Bote doubles!
-
Clears the bases, 13-5!!!!
-
BOTE! 3 run double, 13-5. Another 5 runs, and we can feel comfortable the bullpen will be able to hold it.
-
Cubs bat around, Heyward up again.
-
Heyward walk. 3 for 3, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 SB. First Cub with 2 HR and 2 SB in a game since 1906 according to the Fox broadcast.
Caratini also having a great night. RBI single, 14-5.
-
Whoohooo!!!!
I like this team. Can we get them for tomorrow's game too?
-
Rosario has come in to pitch.
I see that we couldn't find a non-Spring-Training number for Webster despite it being the first month of the season. Disappointing.
-
Who knew that Double Playward would become Say Heyward when the Cubs got to Wrigley North?
-
After getting one quick out, Rosario has walked two in a row. A 9 run game with 5 outs to go isn't over yet with this bullpen.
-
Passed ball, runners on the corners.
-
Thames 3 run homer, 14-8. This is the worst pitching staff I've ever seen.
-
Cain double. Really, really awful that the Ricketts family cut off the money to address this dumpster fire this offseason.
-
Bullpen's ERA has managed to increase tonight.
-
Wild pitch, Cain to third. And Rosario is now the *best* lefty in this pen by a wide margin.
-
Cain double; wild pitch moves him to third.
-
8 games in, the Cubs have 6 relievers with double-digit ERAs. How is that even possible?
-
Maybe Caratini catching and Willy in left against righties is an answer? Of course, then you have to play the Schwarbler in right...
Caratini seems to clearly be a better receiver than Contreras. Low bar of course.
Clearly? I’m not seeing that at all.
-
Yelich grounds out, and somehow fails to get a hit against this pitching staff. That's even more unlikely than Heyward and Caratini reaching base 10 times combined tonight.
-
I was surprised when Zagunis came up in Bryant's spot. I can't believe Bryant was double switched out of a game when the Cubs are 1-6. He's supposed to be their superstar...in this situation, you keep him in the game no matter what.
His performance is similar to second half 2018 so far. Like I said a few days ago, his bat looked really slow against Teheran's mediocre 90 mph fastball in person--I don't have any scouting abilities, but it was really noticeable. I'm really starting to wonder if his shoulder is hurting again.
-
Cishek gets two quick outs in the 9th. 6 run lead with 1 out to go...even the Cubs can hold this...right?
-
CUBS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
I was surprised when Zagunis came up in Bryant's spot. I can't believe Bryant was double switched out of a game when the Cubs are 1-6. He's supposed to be their superstar...in this situation, you keep him in the game no matter what.
His performance is similar to second half 2018 so far. Like I said a few days ago, his bat looked really slow against Teheran's mediocre 90 mph fastball in person--I don't have any scouting abilities, but it was really noticeable. I'm really starting to wonder if his shoulder is hurting again.
Just like Prior, they'll have to fish for injuries to explain his decline. Eventually, they'll just send him off for surgery, just to get him off the field for a while. And just like Prior, he'll never again be as good as he started.
-
Cubs win!
-
Either the Cubs were lying about it being a bone bruise, or there was something else going on in there. There’s no reason a bone bruise shouldn’t heal in an entire offseason of rest.
-
Jason Heyward in an honest moment, when informed that Joe Maddon said its the best the manager has seen him hit the ball as a Cub: "That's not hard to say."
Have to say this for Heyward, as bad as he’s hit he hasn’t tried to blame anyone else or pretend everything in fine. He’s handled sucking about as well as you could ask anyone to handle it.
-
This pitching staff might be historically bad. Two batters in, Cubs trail 2-0.
-
87 mph fastball right down the middle to Yelich.
-
87 mph fastball right down the middle to Yelich.
As fat a pitch as you will ever see.
-
Hendricks gets the next three quickly after the Yelich homer.
-
Joe Sheehan @joe_sheehan
With that Yelich home run, #Cubs pitchers have allowed runs in 30 of 68 frames this season, and in 14 of their last 22.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3kf_lmWwAAUYtW.png)
-
Joe Sheehan @joe_sheehan
The #Cubs have yet to get through four innings of a game without allowing a run. Their longest shutout streak, including across consecutive games, is five innings.
-
After Zobrist singled to start the game, Davies has retired 9 in a row. He has dominated the Cubs since the start of last season while being generally horrible against the rest of the league.
-
Cain with another single.
-
Yelich single, Cain to third. Cubs really screwed up by letting the Brewers get both those guys last offseason.
-
Shaw single, 3-0. Cubs pitching is so bad.
-
Kyle pitching down the middle leads to bad results.
The difference between Davies and Kyle is so far Davies is hitting his spots.
-
Two on, one out for Schwarber and Contreras.
Schwarber with an easy fly ball on the first pitch. Cubs are getting themselves out on the first pitch a lot today.
-
Cubs waste the chance to score some runs.
-
Hendricks gives up his 7th hit of the day leading off the 4th. He has given up 17 hits in 7 1/3 IP so far this year.
-
And now a walk to the #8 hitter. So Cain and Yelich are probably going to get a chance to bat with two runners on. Game may be out of reach soon.
-
Bryant wide throw on a sac bunt pulls Descalso off the base. The defense has been so sloppy so far.
-
Infield pop from Cain. What a gift.
-
Yelich sac fly, 4-0. Bryant's inability to throw the ball to first costs them a run (the bunt was called an infield hit, but the ball beat Davies by 5-10 feet).
-
Shaw Ks.
Well, I guess only giving up 1 run there is a small victory. Still, this team doesn't look like it's going to figure out Davies today.
-
Bote pinch hitting for Hendricks with one out in the 5th.
-
I'm surprised they'd use Bote over Almora or Zagunis there. Seems like you'd want to save Bote to face Hader.
-
Zobrist with a 2 out hit.
At least the Cubs have made Davies work a little this inning. Maybe they can get him out of the game a little earlier so the Cubs get an inning against someone other than Davies or Hader.
-
Bryant--another first pitch out. At least the 5th or 6th hitter who has made a weak out on the first pitch today.
-
Chatwood: BB, K swinging on what would've been ball 4, BB.
-
Wild pitch on strike 3 with 2 outs. Arcia called out initially, but they're appealing.
Call overturned. Didn't think there was going to be enough evidence to overturn.
-
I am exhausted by high walk pitchers...DFA everyone who can’t throw a strike.
-
Rizzo reaches on an error, then Baez has a swinging bunt single. Two on, nobody out for Schwarber.
-
Schwarber got a pitch to hit on 1-0, but only fouls it back.
-
Schwarber GIDP. This team.
-
The Quintana trade really was a poor choice. The Heyward contract was/is a monstrous failure. Darvish has been even worse. I wonder if Theo bails on this team and leaves them in a mess like he did Boston. Does Madden suffer the same inglorious end that Tito did?
-
WILLSON! 4-2. He appears to be back.
-
Gleybor, Eloy, and Dylan Cease.
Great teams usually hold on to their top prospects and move their middle tier (such as Ian Happ).
-
I still think the Quintana trade was the right move. He was on pace for a 4 fWAR season when the Cubs got him. In his previous four years, he had posted fWARs of 3.5, 5.0, 4.3, and 5.0. He was 28, durable, and had 3 1/2 years left on a cheap contract. He was an established strong #2/borderline ace, and the Cubs paid a fair price to get him.
-
Zobrist is still such a good hitter. Runners at the corners, 1 out.
Hader coming in to face Bryant and Rizzo.
-
Weak pop by Bryant, 2 outs. He is not good right now.
-
Good AB by Rizzo, but he Ks.
They really needed Bryant to make enough contact to get that run home. Going to be tough to get 2 against Hader.
-
Contreras just misses his second homer of the day.
4-2 going to the 9th.
-
IBB to Yelich with 2 outs, nobody on because Hader is on deck. Hader hitting for himself.
-
Cubs lose again.
-
The forecast for the home opener looks pretty good. Wednesday and Thursday: not so good.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3otvZDX4AUMIOZ.jpg:small)
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3ooCQEWwAEEZ5f.jpg:small)
-
The forecast for the home opener looks pretty good. Wednesday and Thursday: not so good.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D3otvZDX4AUMIOZ.jpg:small)
With partly cloudy skies, light wind and temps in the low 60s, this may be the best weather for an opening day in a long time.
-
With partly cloudy skies, light wind and temps in the low 60s, this may be the best weather for an opening day in a long time.
Wednesday and Thursday could both be washouts. Too bad they can't move Wednesday night up to Tuesday.
-
Second inning, Cubs ahead 3 - 0. Lester with a 2 out single to drive in a run, and Zobrist with a single to drive in 2.
-
Still second inning. Cubs up 6 - 0. Pirates playing like the Cubs did a few games ago.
-
What happened to Lester?
-
Lester taken out in the third with an unknown injury. Speculation is that it is his back.
-
Reports are Lester had a "tightened Hamstring" according to Len. Cubs up 10 - 0 and counting at the end of 4.
-
Break up the Cubs!
-
Brach looked decent.
-
10-0 lead and Kris Bryant still runs hard down to first to prevent a DP.
-
Nice to see us break out today! Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
-
Weird that the bullpen looks decent when they aren’t walking a batter an inning.
-
Great interview with Lee Smith in the top of the seventh. He's had a lot of interesting things to say.
The stretch was sung by Smith, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Andre Dawson, and Ryne Sandberg. When the song ended it looked like Ryno was going to toss his jersey down to the crowd.
-
Cubs have now outscored their opponents this season.
72-71.
-
So is this Chatwood with a shot to start, then? You would assume it won't be Montgomery at this point.
-
Cubs 40 man options would include Underwood on extra rest or Steele. Clifton would be regular rest, but somebody would have to be DFA’d. They could also do a bullpen day.
-
I would guess that if Lester has to miss a start, it would be Chatwood that comes in, but on a very short leash that might result in a bull pen day regardless.
-
Cubs 40 man options would include Underwood on extra rest or Steele. Clifton would be regular rest, but somebody would have to be DFA’d. They could also do a bullpen day.
Considering none of the options are exactly enticing anyway, I think it’s worth the risk to give Chatwood a shot and maybe have him surprise. He actually hasn’t been terrible so far, and it could be a nice confidence boost for him.
-
31 with wind chill for tonight's game - that's more like it
-
The rain may not end entirely until late Thursday evening.
(https://s.w-x.co/staticmaps/wu/wxtype/none/usa/animate.png)
-
Now snowing in Chicago
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D30EPh9WAAIL8zm.jpg:small)
-
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 8m 8 minutes ago
After rain and sleet, tarp is coming off. Going to be very cold and windy, and that just in the press box.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D30LXjmX4AIwZuR.jpg:small)
-
Current forecast for this evening is for temps in the low 40's ("real feel" low 30's), but not rain (or snow).
-
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 15m15 minutes ago
Inside the TV booth.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D300OOgXkAUMceq.jpg:small)
-
Perhaps sending Yu Darvish out in this kind of cold would not be best.
-
Might be hard to hit though too.
-
Is the game delayed?
-
No, it's going. 1-0, top 2nd. Cervelli homered in the 1st.
-
I can’t believe Cervelli is “only” hitting .291/.367/.463 in his career against the Cubs. It feels like he has about a 1.400 OPS against them.
-
Evan Altman @DEvanAltman
In 198 PAs against Cubs (including HR in 1st PA), Cervelli's slashing .296/.369/.483 with 8 HRs and 38 RBI. In 2,431 career PAs, he's slashing .272/.362/.383 with 35 HRs and 256 RBI. That's 107 more OPS points, 23% of his HRs, and 15% of his RBI in 8% of PAs.
Marte 2 run homer, 3-0 Pirates.
-
Darvish is horrible. Any chance he retires in embarrassment?
-
Heyward has been really good so far. 110 mph exit velocity on his single this inning.
-
Descalso Ks with runners on second and third, 1 out, and Bryant pops weakly on the first pitch to end the inning. He looks awful right now.
-
Except for the two home runs (and the pitcher HBP that ended up scoring), Darvish looks as good as he has as a Cub tonight. He’s throwing strikes and getting some swings-and-misses.
-
Heyward homers. 3-1
-
What has gotten into Jason Heyward?
-
Where would we be without Heyward? Hard to believe I just said that, but there you go.
-
Tied for the team lead at 4
-
0 BBs and 3 hits on 65 pitches thru 5 - that's encouraging. Too bad about the HRs.
-
Where would we be without Heyward? Hard to believe I just said that, but there you go.
3-7, maybe 2-8?
-
I hate pitch to contact pitchers as much as I hate Darvish. 5.1 IP 5 ER and counting with a 20 mph wind blowing in is encouraging.
-
Darvish ERA after some help from Ryan: 8.25
-
But he didn’t walk anyone. Encouraging.
-
Try him with Caratini back there. Nothing to lose at this point.
-
Lolololollollllooolll
-
Wasn't Webster supposed to be throwing 98?
-
In 40 degree weather?
Whatever Heyward is doing to hit the ball in air can he pass it on to Almora? Rizzo is just as bad as Bryant right now too.
-
Chatwood's 5 BBs in 6 IP represent an improvement in walk rate...
-
Cubs have been terrible with runners on third with less than 2 outs tonight. That's a multi-year theme for them.
-
Heyward with 3 hits tonight, and the 4th AB was a line out. He's as locked in as he's been as a Cub.
-
Almora, on the other hand, has been bad.
-
Vasquez does that to people.
-
Zagunis hacks at ball 4 a foot outside.
-
Cubs lose again.
This is not a good team, and it's not helping that Bryant, Rizzo, and Baez are all in slumps.
-
The least amount of runs the Cubs have given up in a loss is 4 runs.
Cubs starters have a 6.52 ERA and a 7.63 RA/9. They are averaging 4 1/3 IP per start. The pitching sucks.
-
Bullpen up to 15.2 scoreless innings.
I truly expected our SP to be good and our offense and bullpen to suck but what do I know?
-
Almora, on the other hand, has been bad.
For his whole career against RHP.
Baez isn't especially in a slump - he has 4 HRs and his OPS is in the mid 800's. But it only made sense we weren't going to sustain the offensive output we had for the first week.
-
Almora .742 vs righties this year. .192 vs lefties.
-
.
For his whole career against RHP.
Almora was great against RHP six years ago in low A ball. He's going to break out any day now.
-
Book it.
-
The Cubs are moving the start time of tonight's game up by 30 minutes to try to beat the rain.
-
Might be worth trying that on days Hendricks starts, only don't tell the opposition.
-
Give Darvish an hour
-
Quintana is looking strong through 2 innings: 4 K, 1 BB, a weak fly ball and a weak grounder to Rizzo.
-
Quintana is looking strong through 2 innings: 4 K, 1 BB, a weak fly ball and a weak grounder to Rizzo.
Shhhhh...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
It's sad when 2 strong innings by our starter is noteworthy.
-
Quintana works around Musgrove teaching on a K and then getting to thrid with one out.
-
Caratini doubles off the wall, improving on his .545 average.
How’s Maldonado hitting?
-
Caratini continues to make me look bad—breaks up the no hitter with a double that was almost a homer.
-
Caratini doubles off the wall, improving on his .545 average.
How’s Maldonado hitting?
I hope it continues. But last year at this time, people were posting “Almora can’t hit righties” every time he got a hit. Didn’t hear that much after his BABIP vs. RHP fell below .400 and it became clear he still couldn’t hit RHP.
That said, Caratini has looked different in his small sample so far. He’s hitting the ball hard, which he never did last year.
-
Give Darvish an hour
As easy as it is to mock Darvish - and considering he's been injured most of his tenure and pretty bad most of the rest of it - he didn't pitch badly at all yesterday. He was cruising, in fact, and Maddon pulled him after two infield hits and 77 pitches, and Ryan let both runners score. Dumb decision, the latest of many.
-
Bryant robbed of extra bases by Cabrera in RF...great catch...
-
6 straight Ks for Schwarber. All swinging.
-
This is the Quintana they thought they were getting for Jimenez. 3 1/2 years of this guy in a championship window is worth low minors Jimenez at the time of the trade.
-
That's gotta be a new way to fail.
-
As easy as it is to mock Darvish - and considering he's been injured most of his tenure and pretty bad most of the rest of it - he didn't pitch badly at all yesterday. He was cruising, in fact, and Maddon pulled him after two infield hits and 77 pitches, and Ryan let both runners score. Dumb decision, the latest of many.
He's been injured or horrible since joining the Cubs. His highest game score with the Cubs is 69. For reference Tyler Chatwood highest is 74, Alec Mills is 67. He has great stuff, but the Cubs are sure treating him like he is mentally weak.
Horrible play by Baez, who has made so great plays.
Quintana is dealing.
-
Cubs scored a run.
Heyward blooper bounces off 3 pirates in short left.
Descalso double drives him in.
1-0
-
Caratini with another double! 2-0.
-
Caratini gapper drives in Descalso!
2-0
-
Bote pinch hitting for Quintana. You'd think they'd try to go Cishek/Strop to finish this one.
-
When your best players through 13 games have been Heyward, Descalso, and Caratini it might signal a problem.
-
It's been almost a full calendar year since Bryant had anything resembling a hot streak. It would be really encouraging if he could go off for a week or two.
-
Rain delay. Hopefully they call it.
-
Quintana with a terrific game, the best by any starter this season.
-
He's been injured or horrible since joining the Cubs. His highest game score with the Cubs is 69. For reference Tyler Chatwood highest is 74, Alec Mills is 67. He has great stuff, but the Cubs are sure treating him like he is mentally weak.
Joe is treating him like he's mentally weak, yes. That's part of the problem. If he's not hurt you have to let him pitch out of that situation yesterday, when he hadn't given up a hard hit ball for 4 innings and he was under 80 pitches.
Is that coming from Theo, or is it Joe making that call on his own? Who knows at this point, but they rarely seem to be on the same page any more.
-
I know Quintana was really bad in his last start...but he K'd 8 in 4 innings in that first relief appearance, and he looked much better tonight than he ever looked last year. His start to the season has been pretty encouraging despite the disaster in Milwaukee.
-
Game will resume at about 10:00 CT.
-
One of the main reasons the Cubs are 3-8:
Tony Andracki @TonyAndracki23
In April, the heart of the Cubs order (Bryant-Rizzo-Javy) have combined to slash .189/.271/.311 with 3 HR and 11 RBI (thru the 7th inning Thurs night).
They've also struck out 39 times vs. 9 BBs in 9 games.
-
Game returns, Cishek pitching.
-
K, 1 out.
-
Another K, 2 outs.
-
Cervelli hits a fly ball against the Cubs, and it surprisingly stays in the ballpark. 3 outs to go, Cubs lead 2-0.
-
Rizzo/Baez/Schwarber continue to do nothing, 2-0 heading to the 9th. Strop coming in for the save.
-
It's raining, so bad conditions for Strop.
-
Fly out to Heyward.
-
According to the Cubs broadcast...among Cubs relievers who have thrown at least 300 innings for them, Strop has the second best ERA behind only Bruce Sutter, and ahead of Lee Smith. Between two Hall of Famers, he's one of the all time best Cubs relievers.
-
K, 2 outs.
-
Cubs win! Quintana/Cishek/Strop with what is probably the Cubs' best pitched game since the 2017 season.
-
Nice win.
-
Better.
-
We needed a game like this one.
-
Mostly sunny - high near 50° - wind out to center at 27 mph
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D39hgxTWwAI1NzF.jpg:small)
-
No Trout
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D39d0pCWkAA5ixQ.jpg:small)
-
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2019/04/04/mlb-has-to-discipline-umpire-ron-kulpa-incident-astros-aj-hinch/
Kulpa is at 2B today so he'll be behind the plate on Sunday.
1-2-3 for Hamels in the top of the first.
-
RIZZO! 2-0.
-
After a Bryant single, Rizzo goes yard to make it 2-0.
-
Nobody beats the Riz!!!
-
Before today, Bryant, Rizzo, and Schwarber were hitting a combined .210
-
Rizzo's homer went 472 feet.
-
Mike Trout won't appear in this series.
The forecast looks really bad for Sunday. I don't know why they schedule west coast teams to come to Chicago in April. You're just asking for a difficult-to-reschedule rain out.
-
CONTRERAS! 3-0.
-
Willy!!!
-
CONTRERAS! 3-0.
Onto Waveland
-
"Only" 460 feet on the Contreras homer. Both Rizzo and Contreras crushed their homers.
-
Bryaint just swung thru 2 real meatballs, back to back.
-
Botay!!!
-
WILLSON AGAIN! He’s fixed, I think.
-
Contreras is already halfway to last year’s home run total. He didn’t hit his fifth homer last year until June 23.
-
Just in time to run him into the ground again.
-
I'm telling you all...he got married, he took it easy this offseason, he's fresh...
-
I was pretty dehydrated the first year...
-
93 pitches through 7 innings for Hamels. Is he done for the day?
-
Prior to Schwarber’s bunt single, he had struck out 8 times in previous 9 ABs.
-
Hamels hitting for himself.
-
Hamels through 8 on 105 pitches. Could they let him finish it?
-
Contreras infield single, 3 hit day for him.
-
Kintzler will pitch the 9th.
-
Cubs win! A winning streak!!
-
Today’s win and yesterday’s win played in 2:29 and 2:38 respectively.
-
Another fine win. Hamels was awesome.
-
Are teams allowed to proactively schedule double headers to avoid an almost certain postponement the next day? Right now, it looks like there is next to no chance the Cubs will be able to play on Sunday. And if by some chance they do play, the conditions will be about like they were in that game against the Braves last year where it was obvious they shouldn't have played.
This early in the season when the players aren't run down and they've had extra off days because of home openers, it seems like both teams would prefer to just go on and play two tomorrow. Otherwise, they're either playing in what really should be non-playable conditions on Sunday, or they have to give up a mutual off day later in the season when the extra rest is more valuable.
-
Rizzo's homer and both of Contreras'
https://youtu.be/gHw-zS0x9m0
-
Are teams allowed to proactively schedule double headers to avoid an almost certain postponement the next day? Right now, it looks like there is next to no chance the Cubs will be able to play on Sunday. And if by some chance they do play, the conditions will be about like they were in that game against the Braves last year where it was obvious they shouldn't have played.
This early in the season when the players aren't run down and they've had extra off days because of home openers, it seems like both teams would prefer to just go on and play two tomorrow. Otherwise, they're either playing in what really should be non-playable conditions on Sunday, or they have to give up a mutual off day later in the season when the extra rest is more valuable.
I thg hink fans holding tickets for Sunday might have a problem with that plan.
-
Well, they’re probably not going to be able to use the tickets Sunday anyway. If they do play Sunday, I’ll guess that a lot of them will stay home anyway instead of sitting outside in 35 degree wet and windy weather.
Let them come to the second game tomorrow or trade their tickets in for a future game.
-
Well, they’re probably not going to be able to use the tickets Sunday anyway. If they do play Sunday, I’ll guess that a lot of them will stay home anyway instead of sitting outside in 35 degree wet and windy weather.
Let them come to the second game tomorrow or trade their tickets in for a future game.
What if the broadcaster(s) cannot re-schedule the game on short notice and you are therefore unable to watch the game on your tv/tablet/computer? Still think it’s a good idea?
-
A move like that would often mean a pitcher going on one day less rest.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4CjL58WkAEch25.jpg:small)
-
Noteworthy that Bryant is being given the day off.
-
Prescheduled day off according to Madden.
-
The Angels just loaded the bases with no outs in the second, it's already 1-0 Angels. La Stella reached on catcher's interference. Fourth time already this year a Cubs catcher has been called for that.
Cozart with his second hit of the year makes it 2-0. Hendricks has been bad so far this year.
-
GIDP by the pitcher makes it 3-0.
-
Much better third inning for Hendricks.
-
Much better third inning for Hendricks.
let's sign him to an extension!
-
Javy with a bloop double, run scores. 3-1, runners at 2nd and 3rd for Heyward.
-
Four pitch walk to Heyward, Contreras up.
-
Contreras K, Cubs leave the bases loaded.
-
On The switch hitter question being discussed, didn't Theriot try it?
-
Descalso singles to lead off the 5th. On a 3-1 count, the umpire calls a strike on obvious ball 4. Next pitch, Zobrist swings through on a hit and run attempt, and Descalso is thrown out at second. So a missed call by the umpire leads to nobody on with 2 out instead of 2 on with nobody out.
-
Now Rizzo walks. So the umpire has really changed this inning with one bad call.
-
Javy double makes it 3-2.
-
Someday the Cubs are going to add a reliever who can throw strikes, right? Brach walks in a run, 4-2.
-
3 walks and a hit given up by Brach in his appearance.
Now Rosario goes full on Calhoun.
-
Ball 4, 5-2. Just brutal.
-
Webster finally gets them out of the inning.
4 walks and a hit for the Angels that inning. Cubs pitching just can’t stop beating themselves.
-
Tommy La Stella has reached base 4 times today: 3 times on walks, and once on catcher's interference.
Three hits from Cozart today. He had one hit on the season before today. First and third, no outs in the 8th already down 5-2.
-
Bases loaded, 2 outs for the Cubs in the bottom of the 8th. Zagunis pinch hitting.
Bryant hasn't hit, so I'm skeptical today is really just a "scheduled day off" for him. No chance you let a rookie take this AB with the guy who is supposed to be your superstar available off the bench.
-
Zagunis quickly down 0-2.
-
Zagunis battling...
-
Base hit! 6-4!! Nice AB Zagunis, especially after falling behind 0-2.
-
Lead off walk to start the Angels’ 9th immediately after the Cubs get back in the game.
-
Cody Allen had to come in to get the last out last inning, so now he has to hit for himself with 2 on, 2 out.
-
Allen works a full count then Ks.
Zobrist/Rizzo/Baez due in the 9th with Heyward and Contreras behind them.
-
Rizzo 1 out walk.
-
Baez single, then takes second with some good baserunning. Tying run at second, 1 out.
-
Goodwin drops the ball on a sliding catch attempt!! 6-5, runners still on second and third, 1 out.
-
Contreras quickly down 0-2....
-
K, ugh. It’s up to Schwarber.
-
Full count...
-
Strike 3 called on a check swing. Cubs lose.
-
Three years running, Cubs consistently have terrible ABs with runners on third, less than 2 outs.
-
Good game and nice effort to come back late.
-
I was at the game today.
Javy really is an amazing baseball player. Instincts like no one else I've ever seen. He had absolutely no business reaching second on that hit in the ninth.
Schwarber has the heart of a lion and all the "want to" in the world. He's just a little short on the "hit" tool. And, like Craig often says, there's not much you can do about that.
Still waiting for Theo, Jed, and Jason to produce a single homegrown pitcher who is a meaningful contributor.
-
Well Dylan Cease just went 5-3-0-0-0-5 in his AAA debut. He was homegrown for a while.
-
It's hard to watch 6-5 games that take just a couple minutes short of four hours.
Ben Zobrist is still looking for his first extra base hit of the season.
-
Sunday forecast:
Temperatures in the low to mid-30s.
Rain changing to snow
Wind in from left at 25 mph
(https://www.weather.gov/images/safety/windchill21.gif)
-
Postponed.
Wonder if Chatwood will still get a start?
-
Postponement is one thing; pitching Chatwood feels like a forfeit.
-
Sharma has a really excellent article on Bryant’s struggles and it all seems to be mechanical.
-
Sharma has a really excellent article on Bryant’s struggles and it all seems to be mechanical.
Typical Maddon gobbledygook.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the eighth inning, the Cubs were at the pitcher’s spot in the lineup. Instead of using Bryant to pinch-hit, Maddon went with Mark Zagunis. Zagunis came back from an 0-2 count and singled to center to drive in two runs to cut the Cubs’ deficit to 6-4.
‘‘It’s something that KB’s not used to,’’ Maddon said. ‘‘If you have not pinch-hit, it’s really different. And he’s a regular, every-day player. So when you ask him just to kick the bench, shake hands and then go have an at-bat, it’s not that easy.’’
Bryant has pinch-hit seven times in his career.
-
Owner of a .571 OPS and a 42.9% K% as a pinch hitter.
-
Re-read the last line of post 881.
-
Okay, if it's same score, same situation in Game 7 of the WS, does Gobblegook make the same decision? I doubt it.
-
You know who else hasn’t made many pinch hitting appearances? Mark Zagunis. He’s been an everyday player in the minors for years.
In fact, Zagunis doesn’t have many major league PAs at all (44 PA total). The argument that a four year veteran and former MVP is less equipped to take that PA than the 24th or 25th man on the roster is not convincing.
Either Maddon made a bad decision (And he got lucky that it worked out), or Bryant wasn’t available for some reason (not necessarily injury) and they just don’t want to say it publicly.
-
Or they told him to take the day off and he wasn't available.
This isn't the first time they've given a day off to a regular and they haven't used them as a pinch hitter. They've done the same to Rizzo in the past.
-
Do you have a favorite tune you enjoy whistling on your strolls through cemeteries?
-
2+2=4.
Go ahead, CBJ. You're habit of disputing almost everything I post has become tiresome..
-
I'll fix that then, I didn't realize I responded that much to you.
-
Do you have a favorite tune you enjoy whistling on your strolls through cemeteries?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWmkuH1k7uA
-
Your tune ain't werkin.
-
For those who have not read the Sharma article on Bryant that Cubluejay referenced, here is the link.
https://theathletic.com/922664/2019/04/14/understanding-kris-bryants-early-season-struggles/
Here are some excerpts:
"If one actually watches Bryant at the plate regularly, there are signs that this has nothing to do with any injury talk. He just isn’t himself mechanically right now."
"It’d be concerning if Bryant were making contact with these pitches and just failing to do any damage with them. That Bryant is whiffing so often on pitches right down the chute suggests something is off with his timing, balance or general rhythm at the plate."
"It’s becoming clear that Bryant is just out of sorts at the plate. The fact that he’s hitting the ball hard should alleviate concerns about his shoulder, but ultimately, until he starts elevating balls, driving them into the gaps and over fences, people will still have questions. That this isn’t something that happens very often to him when he’s healthy and that it’s happening to start the season are likely the main reasons anyone is concerned. Bryant is surely trying to work on finding that comfort level at the plate that he’s accustomed to. It’s a process that doesn’t always have an easy answer. But it’s one that Maddon and all those around Bryant expect will lead to good things soon enough."
But perhaps Sharma's part of the conspiracy to hide Bryant's injury.
-
I don't think the injury is physical.
-
I don't think the injury is physical.
Eh?
-
He's letting something else get to him. He's made references to ignoring tweets and posts. I think he felt a tiny bit betrayed by the lack of action on his friend, Harper. He's pressing. Most of his confidence appears to be more bravado than real. He's swinging because he has to, not because he wants to. He's tentative. Is that "eh?" enough?
-
The fact that the Cubs hid the seriousness of Bryant's injury for months last season is why there's so much so-called "conspiracy theory" now. He probably isn't sucking because he's still hurt, but you can't blame people for being suspicious.
-
I'm concerned about the total downturn of too many of our potential dynasty. Not only Bryant, but also Russell, pre-suspension, last year's Contreras (hopefully back), and Schwarber who came up in his first year and hammered the ball. Second season almost completely missed, but came back for the playoffs and astounded people. Then last year and this year, he looks lost at the Mendoza line. WTH? Is this Maddon, the constant switching of hitting coaches, the constant shift in hitting philosophies? I mean one guy falling off the edge of earth is part of the intrigue of the game, but I doubt if Joe Ricketts or DeVoss have a damb thing to do with it.
-
I think it's baseball. :)
-
Hasnt Sharma been telling us nothing is all that wrong with bryant for a while now?
-
Hasnt Sharma been telling us nothing is all that wrong with bryant for a while now?
I'm not sure what you mean by that. I would hope no one here would suggest that Sharma is deterred from honest, genuinely analytical analysis by either naivete, rose colored glasses or subterfuge.
-
He's letting something else get to him. He's made references to ignoring tweets and posts. I think he felt a tiny bit betrayed by the lack of action on his friend, Harper. He's pressing. Most of his confidence appears to be more bravado than real. He's swinging because he has to, not because he wants to. He's tentative. Is that "eh?" enough?
KB is probably experiencing lack of success for the first time.
yips
pl n
the yips informal (in sport, originally esp golf) nervous twitching or tension that destroys concentration and spoils performance
-
I think it's baseball. :)
Actually I would agree if it was one or maybe two players, but when the whole team looks like crap...
-
I agree with Curt, the precipitous decline of so many of our young starlets is not just baseball, it’s more than what you’d normally see. The reason(s) are not so easy to pin down, but that doesn’t mean something isn’t going on.
-
I wonder if to some degree it isn't modern baseball and Cubs player selection?
1. I think high-end guys like Almora, Bryant, Russell, they'd all gotten lots of good coaching prior to joining the Cubs? Maybe there isn't as much additional intellectual information to learn for guys like that as your average guy their age might have had decades ago in the pre-saber and pre-internet era? Maybe they had nothing left to learn by the time they came up?
2. Same for nutrition and stuff, for physical maturation? Almora had some, yes, but Bryant, Schwarber, Russell, are they any more physically mature and ready than when they were rookies? Over baseball history that maybe isn't routinely true for young-20's guys. But maybe there was nothing left to develop physically by the time they came up?
3. The Cubs have put a priority on smart, motivated, thinking players with their top-8 draft picks. Again, maybe they were so naturally smart and inquisitive and motivated that they'd kind of already gained whatever head knowledge they could gain by the time they came up? Maybe smart guys like them don't leave as much left to learn by the time they are rookies?
Saber history I believe indicates that young hitters tend to get better and improve their power production after their rookie year. I'm wondering whether for Bryant/Schwarber/Russell/Almora/Happ types, they were already at their physical, mental, and psychological/confidence ceilings when they came up and started fast? And have had nowhere to go but ideally plateau or else decline subsequently?
None of those guys have seemed to adjust in any significant positive way.
-
Bryant was pretty freaking fantastic from the get go. He went from wRC+ of 138 as a rookie to 148 his second year and followed that up with a 146. Before he got hurt in 2018 he was even better than 2016. His walks and strike outs were equal and the K% was below 20%. That is some serious improvement.
Baez has also improved a ton. Rizzo improved too. I don’t think the Cubs have a hitter development problem, even if some guys don’t reach their ceilings.
-
Bryant was pretty freaking fantastic from the get go. ...
Yeah, that was my point. He was fantastic from the start. Easier to go down then to go up.
If your hitting is already pretty much optimized when you come up, or by your 2nd year, you lack margin for further improvement?
-
Whereas opposing pitchers possibly hadn't optimized their approach to Happ, Russell, and Schwarber during their rookie years?
-
Yeah, that was my point. He was fantastic from the start. Easier to go down then to go up.
If your hitting is already pretty much optimized when you come up, or by your 2nd year, you lack margin for further improvement?
Whereas opposing pitchers possibly hadn't optimized their approach to Happ, Russell, and Schwarber during their rookie years?
Bryant has continued to improve though. His rookie year he had a 30.6% K% and it dropped to 19.6% his third year.
Russell has had injuries that have sapped his offense the past 2 years. And Schwarber tied for the 63rd best wRC+ in baseball last. He was a really good hitter last year. I think he gets caught up in people thinking he was going to be in the Bryant/Rizzo class on offense which would have been a tippy top outcome for him. Happ and Almora are really the only guys from a pure development stand point that haven't developed.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4Ns3jxW0AEIKr3.jpg:small)
-
Len "Always good to see Starlin Castro". His photo included news that he is in his 10th MLB season. Time flies I guess
-
Bryant hit by a pitch with one out in the top of the first. Baez singled, Bryant to second. Bryant went to third on a bad pickoff throw by the pitcher and Baez to second. Heyward walked to load the bases. Contreras went to 3-1, swung and missed to make it 3-2 and walked on a pitch that might have caught the bottom of the zone.
1-0 Cubs
-
Bote singles in 2, Baez to third. 3-0.
-
Pat and Ron pointed out that the umpire behind the plate tonight was also behind the plate in Darvish’s first start where he walked 7.
-
Miami pitcher grew up in Aviston, Cardinal stronghold.
-
Almora walked to load the bases again for Darvish who struck out. 33 pitches for Richards.
-
Darvish made him work
-
Catch of the year so far by Almora
-
Wow! Almora went a long way for that catch.
-
Almora's Catch
https://twitter.com/i/status/1117934583704690688
-
2 quick outs, then infield hit, liner up the middle that may have hit off Darvish’s glove, and a walk have the Cubs in trouble.
-
Thank goc Almora made that catch.
-
K to end the inning. Darvish has a ton of movement on his pitches so far.
-
I’m pretty shocked that Castro beat out that infield hit. He had become a slow runner before leaving the Cubs.
I notice he ran through the base, though. He had an issue where he’d often slow down before he hit the base when he was a Cub.
-
Joe should probably pull Darvish now, get him out on a positive note. Keep the strategy consistent.
-
Castro and Russell has the same sprint speed last year.
-
Russell seems pretty slow too.
Four pitch walk to start Darvish’s second. Ball 5.
-
And another walk. It seems like pitchers as wild as the Cubs staff would accidentally throw the ball in the zone more often.
-
72nd percentile in MLB.
Pulling Darvish after the first might have been a good idea.
-
Easy GIDP thrown into the dugout by Baez. 3-1, 1 out.
-
Does WGN have any commercials that are not holdovers from last year?
-
Easy GIDP thrown into the dugout by Baez. 3-1, 1 out.
Following gamecast but why was that an earned run? Even if you can't assume the DP the guy scored on the error, no?
-
Chad Wallach homer in the 4th, 3-2. Cubs offense has been in shutdown mode since the end of the first.
-
Following gamecast but why was that an earned run? Even if you can't assume the DP the guy scored on the error, no?
Scoring is that runner would have been on third absent the error and then would have scored on the groundout to 2B by next batter.
-
Darvish is so frustrating to watch. He clearly has great stuff, but he just can’t seem to put it together.
-
Does WGN have any commercials that are not holdovers from last year?
ADOPT A SHELTER CAT!
-
That's a message that's worth repeating though.
-
Yes, do it. Adopt a cat.
-
Baez heads up play by Javy.
-
Baez knocks in Rizzo on a bloop double, 4-2. Baez to third on a bad throw.
A lot of hard contact this inning—Bryant double, Zobrist and Rizzo would’ve had homers on a lot of nights in a lot of ballparks (based on contact according to Statcast, both are hits most of the time), and Baez hit a ball about 450 feet that was a few feet foul.
-
5-2 after the umpire misses a call at second where Contreras was very obviously safe.
-
Overturned?
-
Does it seem as if Darvish is using the cutter a lot more this year?
-
80 pitches through 5. What do you do, Joe?
-
Darvish got himself in trouble again in the 5th by not throwing strikes to Castro, who we all know is allergic to walks. I'm almost ready for the Cubs to go sign several 85 mph junk ballers just so they have a few strike throwers.
-
I would expect the rope to be very short here indeed.
-
97 and 98 on the first two pitches to Brinson, according to Statcast.
-
99 mph drills Brinson in the thigh and takes out the home plate ump.
-
Now we get to see how the bullpen will implode.
-
Darvish was better tonight, but he still gave up 4 BB and a HBP to a team that has maybe three legitimate MLB hitters in the lineup. He has to throw more strikes. Like Chatwood at this time last year, you're not going to keep having 2 run outings when you're giving teams a free base runner about once an inning.
-
Contreras with a 420 foot homer to straight away CF. He's just killing the ball this year. He's looking like an MVP level hitter early.
-
Also, after getting HBP last time up, he really took his time going around the bases. Wouldn't be surprised if Mattingly took offense at that and he gets hit intentionally the next time he comes up.
-
Kyle Ryan with a 1 out walk in the 7th because the Cubs don't have a single pitcher who can just throw strikes.
-
Kyle Ryan with a 1 out walk in the 7th because the Cubs don't have a single pitcher who can just throw strikes.
Brandon Kintzler says "Howdy!".
-
Cishek hitting for himself in the 8th inning in a 4 run game against one of the worst teams in baseball? Does Maddon really have that little faith in his bullpen?
Good job by the front office ownership this offseason.
-
br, it's not Ricketts; it's Theo's fetish for scrapheap relievers.
-
The front office had something like $4 million to address a bullpen that needed 3 relievers this offseason. Theo's fetish for scrapheap relievers is a result of Ricketts cutting off the money to sign decent relievers.
-
Wrong. Theo thinks he can build a bullpen with guys he found from a street tryout. As far as the money is concerned, Theo has an unwarranted boner for starting pitchers he doesn't need. Darvish. Chatwood.
And I say this as a big Theo fanboy.
He needs to recalibrate the value of starters versus relievers.
-
If Theo had a budget of more than $6 million to sign Descalso and half a bullpen this offseason and he'd still loaded up on scrap heap guys, maybe I'd agree with you. And I've been on the "Chatwood was a dumb idea" train since the minute that contract was signed.
Contreras with another RBI hit. 7-2. With Strop still available and only 3 outs to go, I feel pretty good about the Cubs holding on tonight.
-
Collins in for the 9th.
-
Strop is warming up with a 5 run lead in the 9th and no one on base. He really has no faith in this bullpen.
-
Cubs win!
They really need to sweep this series. The Marlins are a really bad team, and the Cubs need to start digging themselves out of their early season hole.
-
Strop is warming up with a 5 run lead in the 9th and no one on base. He really has no faith in this bullpen.
Strop has pitched one inning in the last 7 days. He needs some work.
-
Almora's Catch
https://twitter.com/i/status/1117934583704690688
Not bad for such a slow CF.
-
Interesting that Yu, who was sitting at 92-94 all night, was at 98-99 three straight (bad) pitches at the end knowing it was his last hitter. Shows how much these guys sometimes hold in reserve.
-
Interesting that Yu, who was sitting at 92-94 all night, was at 98-99 three straight (bad) pitches at the end knowing it was his last hitter. Shows how much these guys sometimes hold in reserve.
According to Brooks, Darvish tonight averaged 94.9 and 94.5 with his two-seamer and 4-seamer respectively.
His top velocity pitches were not in his final inning of work but actually mid-outing with pitches 46 and 49 when he hit 99 twice. Fastest pitches final inning were 97.
Throwing at this velocity, needs to challenge hitters more than he does—which he did more tonight starting around the 4th inning.
Threw some very good cutters/sliders tonight too but, against good hitting clubs, will need to pitch ahead in the count more consistently for those pitches to get swings and misses, obviously.
In any case, a good outing tonight and seemed in good health for sure.
-
Brooks uses different numbers than Statcast and Fangraphs, obviously.
-
Statcast had Darvish averaging 94.0 heat tonight but, indeed, had his fastest pitches in last inning.
-
If Theo had a budget of more than $6 million to sign Descalso and half a bullpen this offseason and he'd still loaded up on scrap heap guys, maybe I'd agree with you. And I've been on the "Chatwood was a dumb idea" train since the minute that contract was signed.
Contreras with another RBI hit. 7-2. With Strop still available and only 3 outs to go, I feel pretty good about the Cubs holding on tonight.
Are we ignoring the $20 million spent on Hamels option to cover the $35 million spent on Darvish and Chatwood the previous off season?
Miller and Chavez were 2 popular off season targets on this board and they have been crap.
-
Hopefully a starting point for Darvish, and he gets better. This is back-to-back games when he's pitched into the 6th inning, first time as a Cub, right? Would be really nice if he could get comfortable, sustain this kind of velocity, and get more comfortable and less wild. Of course, it may be that having let it rip yesterday, that his arm will be tired and that velocity will be absent next outing, who knows.
But yeah, sure no hint of any health issues with that ending.
I'd like to hope that **IF** some good velocity was back, that perhaps he could have the courage to throw more fastballs; and maybe if he threw more, and perhaps with less fear, he might be able or willing to throw more for strikes?
If you're Q or Lester, you pretty much need to spot your fastball right on the corner. If Darvish has the same mindset, and is likewise scared to let his fastballs get into the zone, he doesn't have the command to do that without lots of walks and long counts. But if his fastball confidence grew, maybe he and Contreras and Hottovy might have more courage to throw more fastballs early in count, or more into the zone, perhaps such that he might miss by a couple inches but still remain strikes?
-
“I just want a challenge for me,” said Darvish, whose fastball has usually topped out at 95 mph since joining the Cubs last season. “That was my last inning. That’s why I threw as hard as I could.”
Darvish also unveiled a two-seam fastball for the first time and felt comfortable.
“I know he can throw that hard, but at the end of the game I didn’t expect that,” said Willson Contreras, who was impressed by the movement and velocity on the two-seam fastball.
-
It isn't surprising that Yu's progression is incremental. He's gradually ramping up the velocity and showing improved command and endurance. There is ample reason for optimism at this point.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4S0CAlW0AIvlH0.jpg:small)
-
Through three innings, Quintana is looking really good again. Could end up 3 out of 4 really strong appearances for him to start the season.
-
Bases loaded 1 out for Bote in the 4th, Cubs up 1-0. Big AB with Almora on deck.
-
Baez scores on a Bote groundout, and the Cubs lead 2-0.
-
Don’t run on the Marlins RF. Heck of a throw to get Descalo at third.
-
Boy, if Quintana can throw like this for the bulk of the season that would certainly be huge.
-
Disappointing that Bryant didn't have a better AB.
-
Quintana’s command has been great. He’s putting the ball right where he wants.
-
I still don’t see how they overturned that Baez play at 2nd. I’ve watched it a dozen times, and still don’t see anything definitive.
-
Like I said last start, this is the Quintana they thought was worth Eloy. 3 1/2 years of this for cheap at a key point in a championship window is worth almost any prospect.
Quintana played his White Sox career in front of one of the worst defenses in baseball. If he’d played somewhere else, the deal wouldn’t have been controversial.
-
If Brooks, or Statcast, or anyone else has a graphical chart showing the location of Q’s pitches tonight, could someone post it after the game?
He has been masterful working the bottom of the zone.
-
I agree, Dave. In order to overturn the call, there would have to be a view where both the tag and the hand off the base were visible at the same time. I didn't see such a view.
-
Cubs costing themselves scoring opportunities on the bases tonight. Let's hope it doesn't cost them.
-
Bryant with another chance to do damage.
-
He flies to deep right center. Too bad.
-
Galloway should go back to the minors. He is annoying on defense.
-
P2...not only that, but the 2B umpire was in perfect position to see the play and make the call. No one had a better view than him.
-
Quintana still pitching in the 8th.
-
Groundball single ends Quintana's night. Would've liked to see him get one more chance as bad as this bullpen is.
Kintzler coming in. Hope he can keep his good start going.
-
Zero walks for Q so far.
-
After tonight's start, Quintana's ERA is 3.43...which is pretty impressive considering he gave up 6 ER in 3 IP in one of his starts. In the other 18 IP, he has given up 2 runs (with 26 K and only 4 BB).
Kintzler got a double play ball against the first guy he faced, but then a hit and a walk to Castro has Alfaro up as the tying run with 2 outs.
-
Alfaro with a 405 foot fly ball to the part of the ballpark where the wall is 407 feet away. That was scary.
-
Missed it by that much...
-
Kintzler: "Got my guys!"
-
Cubs play "screw the closer" for the first time this year...Bote walk, moves to second on a wild pitch, gets to third and scores on sac flies.
-
Anyone else think that was kind of a quick hook for Q?
-
Definitely a quick hook. With this bullpen, I don't think they can afford to pull starters when they've been dominant through 90 pitches.
Worked out, though (by about 2 feet).
-
Would have liked to see Q go all the way. Who is warming up for the ninth?
-
1.096 OPS for Heyward, BTW. Definitely the best two-week stretch he's had as a Cub, by far.
-
Strop in for the 9th, so Joe isn't taking chances with a 4 run lead.
-
Would have liked to see Q go all the way. Who is warming up for the ninth?
I think his pitch count was a little high for that, but 8 innings seemed realistic. I don't think you should have any problem letting him go 105-110 pitches if he's not laboring.
-
Strop in for the 9th, so Joe isn't taking chances with a 4 run lead.
He's barely pitched, so that makes sense.
Damn, Javy has launched some oppo bombs this year. What a massive talent.
-
Cubs win! Marlins don't bother challenging a close play to end it.
That's 10% of the season played, and the Cubs are on 70 win pace. Much better than when 5% was played and they were on 40 win pace.
-
Strop closes it out; Cubs win. Great game; let's have about 100 more of them!
-
Great outing, great sequence of two outings, by Quintana. Really sharp. Hope he can ride this streak all year long.
-
Playing the equivalent of about a AA team certainly helps, but wins are wins.
-
Pretty rare to lose baserunners in back-to-back-to-back innings!
For Baez, and Russell does it too, I wonder if there couldn't be some adjustment to the slides and built in more intent to ensure the capacity to maintain contact with the bag. In the one tonight, Starlin's tag wasn't within inches of him. If Javy had targeted to have two more inches of security, what would be the harm?
-
Pretty rare to lose baserunners in back-to-back-to-back innings!
For Baez, and Russell does it too, I wonder if there couldn't be some adjustment to the slides and built in more intent to ensure the capacity to maintain contact with the bag. In the one tonight, Starlin's tag wasn't within inches of him. If Javy had targeted to have two more inches of security, what would be the harm?
I don't know why the Players' Union doesn't just argue for a rule that players who are safe but are taken slightly off the bag by momentum shouldn't be called out. Unless base runners make an effort for the next base the play should be dead, imo.
-
What they really should do is make the base bags themselves less bouncy and less easy to lose contact with through ordinary motion. Either that or turn them into holographic projections of the correct length, width, and height so that players' hands and boy parts can pass right through the airspace, and if any part of his body is in that space, he's "on" the base.
-
I'd pay good money to see that.
-
We allow running past first. Standardize the importance of initial safety. As long as a slide is employed and the base is within reach, so if the bag is touched before being tagged, the runner should be safe. Jmo
-
I think the Baez play tonight is more like the traditional off-the-base slide that has been called forever, rather than those in recent times that are entirely a product of freeze-frame technology.
Baez’ momentum trying to elude a tag took him off the base. Base ump just missed seeing it. Although usually more flagrant and clearer to the eye, that has always been an out.
The play I hate is when the runner is just shifting weight over the bag or moving contact with the base from one hand to another or the like—the play is basically over in “normal” terms—and freeze frame catches a fraction of time just off the bag. Before replay, nobody would have given that play a second thought. Safe and no discussion..
The Baez play would have been a big argument before the days of replay. The play was ongoing and he slid off the bag. Don’t have a problem with that being an out.
In any case, very hard if not impossible to write a clear rule that distinguishes between the traditional runner sliding off the base and the freeze-frame mini-second play that nobody really likes but is now part of the game thanks to replay.
-
Those are all good ideas. Unfortunately it will take years for the union and the owners to come to an agreement to revise those rules, though, and it isn't a priority negotiation issue for either party.
In the meantime, the Cubs Way might want to teach slides that can maintain contact.
-
Automate the strike zone first, please
-
I have been watching the replay over and over, and the only problem I have with the final call is that it appears that the only reason why Baez' hand came off the base is because the second baseman forced it off with his body. It looks to me as if Baez momentum had already stopped by the time that the second baseman fell upon his arm.
-
Cubs go 1-2-3 in the top of the first. Bryant, Rizzo, and Schwarber are now hitting a combined .190
-
Willson really does look like an MVP level hitter so far this year. 2 out double followed by a Descalso single gives the Cubs a 1-0 lead in the second.
-
Descalso now hitting .372 with 9 RBI.
Be nice if the folks with the pedigrees and hype would hit like that.
-
Descalso now hitting .372 with 9 RBI.
Be nice if the folks with the pedigrees and hype would hit like that.
Well, Descalso did have hype as a "clutch" guy, and he's living up to that.
Not the same defender (ever at their respective ages) but I think DD has moved ahead of Zobrist on the pecking order at this point.
-
Hamels looks sharp. He and Quintana have been really encouraging in their last two starts.
-
Hamels looks sharp. He and Quintana have been really encouraging in their last two starts.
The rotation always seemed likely to be at least decent, and it still does. The Cubs will go as far as their bullpen can take them.
-
5-0 in the fifth inning, and Hamels has only allowed one hit. Don't look now, but we could be back to .500 if we hold on today and win tomorrow.
-
Hamels is at 63 pitches through 5 innings.
-
One hitter on 75 pitches through 6 innings. Hamels is dealing.
-
Can we play the Marlins every day?
-
That's the Stalin Castro we know and love.
-
97 pitches is enough with a 5-run lead, I think. You have to give the pen that much rope at least.
-
If it were the end of the 8th, I'd say let him finish, but surely we can get two innings from someone.
-
No matter what Javy does he's always going to have nayayers predicting it's unsustainable - he's just not a conventional player. But he's the Cubs best player and it's not even close.
-
Javy hits a homer; 6-0.
-
He should also, despite his occasional brain freeze on routine plays, in no way shape or form be moved off SS to make room for Russell.
-
I would rather see Baez moved to shortstop in order to give Russell a very long trial at shortstop. Russell isn't as spectacular at short as Baez, but over the long run he is the better fielder.
-
I would rather see Baez moved to shortstop in order to give Russell a very long trial at shortstop. Russell isn't as spectacular at short as Baez, but over the long run he is the better fielder.
Maddon loves his crazy shifts, but putting two guys in the same spot all the time is too much.
-
Wow,nice series. Great to sequence some excellent pitching outings, and to sequence some sustained good offense, and some low-drama wins. Cubs have really been putting the runs up. Nice outing for Hamels.
We'll see how it carries over against some major-league hitters, but getting a clean sweep sure helps.
-
Maddon loves his crazy shifts, but putting two guys in the same spot all the time is too much.
Why do you think they call him "the Magician"?
But, of course, I met Baez to second base. When Russell was healthy, he was one of the best defensive shortstops in the league.
-
Cole Hamels in a Cubs uniform: 7-3, 2.46 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 8.5 K/9.
-
Willson Contreras is up to 1.0 fWAR, which already tops his mark (0.9) from last year.
-
It's only 10% of the season but Baez is ranked 11th in MLB in Fangraphs' advanced SS stats (tied with Andrelton Simmons). He has more range and a much better arm than Russell (who ranked 13th last year), and he's only going to get better at SS if he's left along there long-term rather than moved around. He's clearly in a very good place as a player right now - it makes no sense to change his situation dramatically by turning him into a utility player again.
-
Russell was hurt much of last year, as well as having other difficulties. If he regains his physical and mental health, he will be the better shortstop. But the keystone defense would be outstanding regardless of where the two played.
-
Yes it would, though I'm not convinced it would better enough to justify the lost offensive production it's likely to cause.
-
It's only 10% of the season but Baez is ranked 11th in MLB in Fangraphs' advanced SS stats (tied with Andrelton Simmons). He has more range and a much better arm than Russell (who ranked 13th last year), and he's only going to get better at SS if he's left along there long-term rather than moved around. He's clearly in a very good place as a player right now - it makes no sense to change his situation dramatically by turning him into a utility player again.
As you can see in the link below from 2015 thru 2018, Andrelton Simmons is far and away the premier defensive SS in MLB. So, obviously, looking at 1/10 of this season so far and ranking him #11 (with Baez) and trying to make a point about Baez with that stat is not a great use of statistics.
As you can also see from the link, since Russell came up in 2015, Russell is #2 in MLB behind Simmons at SS in Defensive Runs Saves (DRS). Even though he has significantly fewer innungs than superb defenders Lindor and Crawford (among others), Russell still has more DRS than they do. Aside from Simmons, there is a very strong case to be made that Russell is the premier defensive SS in baseball.
Russell is a better defensive SS than Baez, hands down.
On the other hand, I totally get the argument that Baez’ overall game is blossoming to such an extent that you just leave him alone and don’t change anything with him now, at SS. Have always believed that, with your premier, elite players, you put them where they give you the best value and where they thrive—-and work the lesser guys around that.
Russell is a better SS than Baez but obviously a lesser overall player now.
So, will be interesting to see how Cubs play this out. Don’t see Cubs moving Russell to 2B but maybe he becomes the utility guy with Baez getting more SS starts than Russell. Not crazy about moving Baez around at this point....but perhaps he is such an outlier guy that moving around has zero effect on him and he’s just as good no matter what you do with him.
https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=ss&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=3000&type=1&season=2018&month=0&season1=2015&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=13,d
-
So you think Baez will stop hitting if he plays some 2B? I think his hitting would be unaffected.
I do see a certain logic in using Russell at 2nd, though. Seems like 2B is a position that different guys of varying defensive capacity can share the position. Descalzo? Zobrist? Bote? Russell? Any of them can play some 2B, even if they aren't all comparable defensively. But none of those other guys belong at SS, just Javy and Russell.
Basically 2B can function as kind of a utility-guy spot; SS maybe less so?
Given that we don't know whether Russell will hit enough to play very regularly, it may be best to just play him at the utility-guy spot? We're not sure if he'll hit well enough to play as much as the best of Descalzo, Zo, or even Bote, are we?
-
I think Russell is the better defender. Russell is also a bad person who the Cubs would ideally dump on some other team before he plays another MLB game.
The Cubs should commit to Baez long term, and Russell should be gone as soon as possible. That means they should play Baez at shortstop, even if Russell is the better defender.
-
Wow - all runs scored last night were on opposite field hits
-
Yes it would, though I'm not convinced it would better enough to justify the lost offensive production it's likely to cause.
If Russell performs poorly offensively, he will not play very long. If he returns to his rookie year production, he will help greatly.
-
If Russell can hit, he'll play some; if he doesn't, hopefully little. He's a premium defender, which will be true at either 2B or SS. If Russell and Baez are both playing, you'll get superb defense regardless of which play SS vs 2B.
Obviously Descalso won't stay on fire; but if the auto-out version of Russell shows up, it's going to be hard for his defensive to justify putting his bat into the lineup.
-
If Descalso stay as hot as he has been, he will play somewhere. But there are a lot of places that Baez can play, including third base and probably either corner outfield spot. If Russell is able to be an offensive force, it will be great for the Cubs. I would much rather have too many good hitters than not enough of them. Especially when you have fantastic flexibility from Baez and Zobrist. And, of course, it would give the front office much more options in potential trades.
-
Dave, Russell is not going to be an offensive force, or a downright "good" hitter. The question is where on the spectrum between almost-average and awful he might fall.
-
The guy whose opinion matters most says Russell will play SS when he returns.
Maddon, who texted with Russell as recently as Monday, said he still anticipates returning him to shortstop, with Javy Baez moving back to second base.
https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/sunday-postponement-delays-addison-russell-eligible-return-to-chicago-cubs-cards-series-domestic-violence-suspension/
-
Dave, Russell is not going to be an offensive force, or a downright "good" hitter. The question is where on the spectrum between almost-average and awful he might fall.
Do you feel that he was a "good hitter" in 2016?
-
What's average OPS for shortstop?
-
What's average OPS for shortstop?
It was .723 in 2018, wRC+ of 95.
Prior to his hand injury in the first half Russell had a .737 OPS, wRC+ of 101.
In the second half of 2017 when he recovered from his shoulder injury he had a .839 OPS, wRC+ 112.
Russell might always be injury prone or maybe his bat will never be cosistent, but he has a lot of untapped offensive potential.
-
The weather forecast for Friday afternoon looks like a temperature around 42° with a 60% chance of sprinkles.
-
Russell might always be injury prone or maybe his bat will never be cosistent, but he has a lot of untapped offensive potential.
I agree with this. He may return and put up a .600 OPS, and then we'll know, but I wouldn't be super-surprised by a .750, either.
-
in 2016, Russell put up about a .740 OPS (21 bombs, 95 RBI, 50 XBHs...terrific power for a SS)!
At age 22!
So, count me among those who wouldn't be surprised if he put up .750 in 2019.
Of course, with the problems he's had - and the scrutiny he will now have - a .650 OPS wouldn't be a big surprise either.
It seems very likely to me that he will take off sooner or later. Impossible to know when.
-
What's average OPS for shortstop?
It's been ~.750 each of the last three years for regular starters with lots of AB. [Obviously the overall average goes down when backups, guys playing through injuries, minor-league callups, guys playing themselves to the bench, and guys like 2nd-half-Russell get AB's and get factored in.] But for guys who are 140-game type starting shortstops, it's been about .750 for years.
-
The point is, the Cubs have other guys who can play a lot of places even if Russell (hopefully) never plays another game for them. Baez is putting up superstar offensive numbers while playing excellent defense at SS. You'd have to be nuts to mess with that. Which Maddon apparently is.
The other issue here is the OF, which looks incredibly weak offensively if Heyward levels out and Schwarber continues to scuffle. Arguably that leaves you without a single everyday player in the OF who's above-average offensively. Guys like Bote and Descalso would have to play a lot to balance that out, meaning pushing Bryant to the OF and leaving little time at 2B for Russell.
-
Moving Bryant to the outfield, Baez to third strengthens both positions and adds offense to the outfield.
As far as moving Baez around, Maddon has been doing it for years, with great success.
As far as Russell is concerned, I believe in redemption. Russell has been punished. If he does not commit new crimes, I wish him the best, both for the sake of himself and for the Cubs.
-
Baez’ best season by far was last season. The season when he moved around less than any other, by far.
If Bryant sees a lot of time in the OF, Bote at 3B makes the most sense. He too is a better defender than Bryant and likely to be a better hitter than Russell.
-
As far as Russell is concerned, I believe in redemption. Russell has been punished. If he does not commit new crimes, I wish him the best, both for the sake of himself and for the Cubs.
Missing 40 MLB games for years of emotional and sometimes physical domestic abuse is not much of a punishment. Minor leaguers and fringe major league players--who don't have multi-million dollar contracts to fall back on--get punished more severely all the time because they (intentionally or unintentionally) use a banned substance.
The idea that Russell has earned a shot at redemption because he couldn't play baseball games for a while is laughable.
-
Missing 40 MLB games for years of emotional and sometimes physical domestic abuse is not much of a punishment. Minor leaguers and fringe major league players--who don't have multi-million dollar contracts to fall back on--get punished more severely all the time because they (intentionally or unintentionally) use a banned substance.
The idea that Russell has earned a shot at redemption because he couldn't play baseball games for a while is laughable.
I feel strongly about domestic abuse too. But let's be fair and honest about the facts. The Cubs have required a good deal more than the suspension to consider bringing back Russell. Theo has spoken at length about this more than once and I assume you've read his statements. Reasonable people can absolutely disagree about whether the Cubs' course of action has been the right one, or the best one. But we should all agree about the basic facts of what that course of action has been.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4hZLZqWwAERDLX.jpg:small)
-
Who the heck knows, but my best guess is: down the road a bit, when Russell is playing well, Cubs move him to extract some value and, essentially, replace him with Hoerner, who they love (assuming Hoerner continues to develop).
Clearly, Javy can handle SS, Hoerner move to 2nd...maybe in a rotation.
They will feel good about helping Russell rehab, extract some value for him, and replace him with a guy in Hoerner who can, possibly, give the clubhouse a nice boost of energy, at the very least.
-
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 12m12 minutes ago
#Cubs say Chatwood to start Sunday. Quintana pushed back to Tuesday vs. Dodgers. Cubs want RHP vs. D-Backs
-
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 12m12 minutes ago
#Cubs say Chatwood to start Sunday. Quintana pushed back to Tuesday vs. Dodgers. Cubs want RHP vs. D-Backs
It's probably more like "Cubs don't want crappy RHP vs. Dodgers".
-
It's probably more like "Cubs don't want crappy RHP vs. Dodgers".
It looks like the rotation change is more about the Diamondbacks than the Dodgers
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 29m29 minutes ago
Following up. Here's entering this weekend...
vs RHP
Dodgers: 131 wRC+, .884 OPS
D-backs: 96 wRC+, .758 OPS
vs. LHP
Dodgers: 117 wRC+, .825 OPS
D-backs: 126 wRC+, .881 OPS
-
I was only saying that in jest about Chatwood. But yeah that's a good point.
-
I think Chatwood would probably do a bit better if he threw with his left hand.
-
Whenever I see Chatwood's name listed as the pitcher, my mind sees the word (forfeit) behind it.
-
Missing 40 MLB games for years of emotional and sometimes physical domestic abuse is not much of a punishment. Minor leaguers and fringe major league players--who don't have multi-million dollar contracts to fall back on--get punished more severely all the time because they (intentionally or unintentionally) use a banned substance.
The idea that Russell has earned a shot at redemption because he couldn't play baseball games for a while is laughable.
Everyone has a shot at redemption. It is not necessary for them to suffer in accordance with your view of vengeance. The loss of one third years'pay is not insubstantial for him, or anyone.
-
His framing ability isn't great, but Contreras makes up a lot of that lost value with his throwing arm. Perfect throw to catch Escobar stealing.
-
The wind is blowing so hard today that it blew a monitor out of the visitor's announce booth.
Bryant hit two pop ups in his first AB that would've been easy fair pop outs on most days, but one was blown far into the stands down the first base line, and the other landed foul when the Diamondbacks fielder couldn't catch it. Bryant eventually walks.
-
The inning after this tweet was sent out, Hendricks threw a wild pitch.
Christopher Kamka @ckamka
Merrill Kelly threw a wild pitch that inning. Perfect time to mention that Kyle Hendricks through the first inning today has a current streak of 6,644 pitches without a wild pitch (including postseason) #Cubs
-
Anyone else having trouble logging into MLB.tv through their web browser?
-
Two run wind-aided double for Bryant on what was basically an infield pop up, 2-0 Cubs. So he's hit three easy pop ups today in 2 PA, and has a BB and 2B to show for it.
-
Contreras doubles on a ball that bounces out of play. Ketel Marte struggled with the wind (probably would've been a double anyway) and fell down--if the ball doesn't bounce out of play, that's at least a triple, maybe an inside the park HR.
Heyward flies out on a ball that Marte miraculously catches. Contreras too far off the base to tag up and advance.
-
This looks like peak Hendricks today. 4 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts.
-
Rizzo RBI triple, 3-0.
-
This looks like peak Hendricks today. 4 innings, 1 hit, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts.
Of course. Dev DFA'ed him.
-
The Cubs have 6 hits and 7 walks through 4 innings, but have somehow only scored 3 runs.
-
10 LOB
-
First and third, 1 out with Contreras up...and a wild pitch scores Bryant. Baez keeps running and gets all the way to third...good throw could've gotten him, but it was wild. So now it's 4-0.
5-0 on a Contreras single that would've probably been an out if the infield was playing at regular depth. 5-0.
-
Heyward HBP.
-
Hendricks works a full count and a 9 pitch AB with the bases loaded and 2 outs, but strikes out. Three more left on base.
8 hits, 8 walks, 2 HBP for the Cubs today. They've been on base constantly, but haven't been able to get a big hit or two to put the game away.
-
Schwarber catches the hardest hit ball of the day to end the 7th on Kyle's 100th pitch. He's probably done for the day--he ends with 11 strikeouts on the day.
The Cubs haven't allowed a run since the 5th inning on Monday. The pitching has been pretty great this week.
-
Quite a start from Hendricks who had been awful in his other outings.
-
Brach has been awful so far.
-
(http://mlb.mlb.com/assets/images/7/1/4/201585714/091516_cubs_flag_med_3_fqqoz3ho.gif)
-
Strop is good, though. Cubs win!
-
.500 at last.
As far as the bullpen takes them...
-
Christopher Kamka
@ckamka
This is the first time #Cubs had three consecutive scoreless starts of at least 7 innings - Quintana (7 IP Tue), Hamels (7 IP Wed) & Hendricks (7 IP today) - since Bill Hands, Milt Pappas & Juan Pizarro tossed three consecutive CG shutouts August 3-5, 1971
-
Wrigley Field is the only National League ballpark where Zack Greinke has never won a game. Let’s keep it that way.
Taylor Davis has yet to make an appearance. With an off day on Monday, maybe we’ll see him next Thursday when there’s a day game after a night game.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4mkQ5AXoAAka1q.jpg:small)
-
Good job good effort Yu
-
I guess the string of good starts is over. After Dyson singles to start the game (then gets thrown out trying to get to second), both Escobar and Peralta have homered.
-
The pitch to Escobar was a waist-high fastball right down the middle of the plate.
-
Darvish with SIX swinging strikes in first—kind of thing dominant pitchers do—but two homers, four hits and two runs. Go figure.
-
Darvish walks the #7 hitter to start the inning.
Darvish walks the #8 hitter on 4 pitches. Just awful.
-
I wonder if the Orioles would trade Chris Davis for Darvish? The Cubs would probably have to throw in Amaya.
-
After a Greinke sac bunt, a sac fly makes it 3-0.
-
So painful watching Darvish. If we just restrict it to free agent pitchers (to take Milton Bradley and Todd Hundley out of the equation), have the Cubs had a worse signing? Mel Rojas, maybe?
-
They aint chanting "Yu" Brother.
Im not quite as dumb as some here would love to have you believe.
Just look at our fantasy league.
-
I still think I hated Edwin Jackson’s contract more...
-
Yu has legit ace stuff, but for whatever reason he can’t sequence it.
-
Sloppy baseball--Contreras drops a ball on an easy throw home, and the run scores. 4-0 Diamondbacks.
-
Home run, 6-0. This has not been a well-played game by the Cubs.
-
Greinke double to CF that probably would've been a homer on a different day.
-
That happens. Not a particularly big deal.
-
Willson's leg must be OK
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D4rwrELW0AAmQV7.jpg:small)
-
Chatwood 4 pitch walk to start the game.
-
GIDP and another grounder quickly end the inning after the walk.
-
Chatwood looked good that inning. Let's give him an extension.j
-
Since the leadoff walk in the first, Chatwood has only given up one hit through 4 innings.
-
Rizzo misses a homer by inches leading off the 4th. The ball hit the wall just below the basket.
-
Statcast estimates Rizzo’s double as going 411 feet. I’m pretty sure that 411 feet is at least in the basket anywhere, right? I guess the wind knocked it down just enough to throw off their estimate.
-
Chatwood with six scoreless innings on only about 70 pitches. They could probably send him out there for one more inning if they want.
Unfortunately, the Cubs are scoreless too. I can’t remember the last time Almora hit a ball hard.
-
BAEZ!!! Rizzo HBP with 2 outs, then Javy triples. 1-0 Cubs.
-
This is the Chatwood I thought we were getting. Where has he been hiding?
I did note that he kept his eyes on his target today.
-
Chatwood done after 6 shutout innings. 71 pitches, 2 hits, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts.
-
I haven't really been paying attention...but have they stopped interviewing the 7th inning stretch singer completely this year? I can't remember them talking to anyone yet this year in any game I've watched, and Nick Offerman is the type of guy who still would've gotten an inning last year.
-
55 of 71 Chatwood pitches were 4-seamer and 2-seamer fastballs. Averaged 95.5 and 95.1.
Command of the fastball. That’s pitching.
-
Jarrod Dyson of all people homers to tie it in the 9th.
Offense has completely disappeared the last two days.
-
Baez leadoff double, Jones error, Javy on third with no outs.
-
Contreras HBP.
-
Bote walkoff single!!!!
-
Game time: 2:28.
-
BOTAY!!!!!
-
Nice job just getting the run in from third with no drama.
-
A relief pitcher cannot pitch himself into a save situation but he can pitch himself into a win doesn't sound right.
-
Chatwood done after 6 shutout innings. 71 pitches, 2 hits, 2 walks, 3 strikeouts.
Hands up who saw that coming.
-
Hands up who saw that coming.
Steve Stone did. (for those who read the article I posted yesterday)
-
Well, Chatwood always had good stuff. It's not like last year was the norm for him. There was always a reasonable hope he'd figure it out at least to a degree.
Now let's see him do it a few more times, and I'll start to believe.
-
He should certainly be considered the sixth starter at this point. Montgomery needs to be in the pen.
-
I would start him 5 days from now, and give everyone an extra day of rest. Don't sit a pitcher who is hot. If he struggles next start, move him to long relief. If he does well, you might have found your # 2 starter.
-
What a nice game for Chatwood. Really happy for him. Nice game, lots of fastballs, and lots of fastballs that he kept low and got groundballs on. Kind of a refreshing old-fashioned approach.
-
Wonder how Yu would do in relief? Kind of kidding
-
Don't think that thought hadn't crossed my mind.
I mean, with only one inning to worry about he'd probably average about 97 on the fastball. And he'd be forced to cut down on the repertoire from about 8 pitches to 3. But the fact is, the guy has been a good-great starter for his whole career when healthy, and he seems to be healthy - I think you just have to figure out how to get that guy back.
-
Darvish is routinely even wilder in his first inning than in his ensueing innings, though, which might not translate well to relief. But yeah, he might do less harm in the Kintzler/Edwards role than in rotation?
-
Yu's trending in the right direction and it's critical for the success of the team this year and beyond that he succeed as a starter.
-
I would try to go with 6 starters for a couple of months. If Chatwood performs well, and none of the others fall off a cliff, we should be able to get a great return at the trade deadline for Hamels.
-
I would try to go with 6 starters for a couple of months. If Chatwood performs well, and none of the others fall off a cliff, we should be able to get a great return at the trade deadline for Hamels.
Dave, if you have six starters and all are performing well, including Chatwood and Yu, then they won't be getting any return at the trade deadline for any of them! If you've got six starters all pitching well, Theo the Nowacrat isn't going to be trading any of them. He's going to be keeping them all to chase a playoff spot.
-
Yu's trending in the right direction and it's critical for the success of the team this year and beyond that he succeed as a starter.
Agree. Team success probably depends on Yu being successful. Not sure that bodes well for team success, because that success seems perhaps more hypothetical than realistic. But for teams with great outcomes, often that coincides with having good success from improbable players.
It's often reasoned that pitcher success is built on the big-three of K/BB/HR. Yu's HR and BB profiles seem pretty ill-suited.
Bad command, no deception, and HR-factory is a kind of a risky recipe.
-
Given Darvish's performance history, I would not consider it "improbable" that he will yet be effective, even highly effective, this season. Seems to me it could easily go either way.
In any event if the other starters pitch like they have recently (granted, that is a very large "if") I am not convinced a successfull season is necessarily dependent on Darvish getting back on track. Obviously success would be way more likely with Darvish pitching anywhere near his potential.
-
Dave, if you have six starters and all are performing well, including Chatwood and Yu, then they won't be getting any return at the trade deadline for any of them! If you've got six starters all pitching well, Theo the Nowacrat isn't going to be trading any of them. He's going to be keeping them all to chase a playoff spot.
Hopefully, Epstein is not as much of a nowacrat as you seem to think.
But I was saying what I would do in that situation, not predicting what Epstein would do.
-
If by some freak you got Darvish pitching well and kept Chatwood pitching well in the rotation, trading a starter for an impact reliever would be a nowacrat move. Since the bullpen is more likely than the rotation to be our downfall.
Darvish has a whole career of pitching well when healthy, and a few starts with us of pitching poorly. It certainly isn't that unlikely that he'll figure it out.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D43B7SfXkAAfLHB.jpg:small)
-
Contreras is going to be toast by the time Caratini gets back.
-
If Joe's not going to use Davis, let Kyle be the emergency catcher and bring up another reliever.
-
It's crazy that pitchers are afraid to throw KB a 3-2 fastball.
-
Love Schwarber - he'll always be a Cubs legend - but he just can't hit.
Prefer Bote in the lineup. Very sad.
-
WILLSON!! 3 run double.
-
Descalso!
-
Love Schwarber - he'll always be a Cubs legend - but he just can't hit
Maybe, but that was one terrific change-up he got for strike three. Best pitch Maeda threw all inning.
-
Wow, what a clutch hit for Willson. Unbelievable. Descalzo, that extra run could be pretty huge, too. Wow, really nice.
-
Was that an "unintentional-intentional" walk to Baez, or did he show some actual discipline? Obviously they don't want to pitch to him there.
DD with 2 outs - if you believe in them, he's a clutch hitter.
-
Maeda probably had Baez struck out but Barrett didn’t pull the trigger
-
What a nice development! Rizzo with a 2 run bomb extends the leads to 6-0.
-
Rizzo, nice to see a HR. I haven't been able to watch much; seems almost all the HR's have been opposite field.
-
Pretty awesome infield hit by Baez, that was pretty funny. 1b was ready to tag him, but he dodged and evaded. Never seen anything like that.
-
Ump calls a couple of strike-3's balls, Q walks the leadoff guy. Given some of the pitches the Cubs got in the first, can't complain.
-
At least the ump has been consistently incompetent.
-
Heyward missed a fly against the wall, the run scores, but Q limits it to the one. Don't think he's used to the LC wall. He was kinda shrinking a step off the vines, but didn't actually need to do a full stretch. Needed to partially extend the elbow and reach a little bit, but nothing full. He just missed it. Crazy game.
-
Q lookin sharp again
-
Q is really looking sharp. Lots of strikes. Changeup has really been working.
-
In a little trouble in the 7th, runners 2nd and 3rd, 1 out. 100 pitches.
-
Groundball out scores 1. 6-2
-
Muncy looking to walk...you can’t take that pitch twice in a row...
-
I can't believe Maddon let Quintana go almost 115 pitches...but it's not the wrong decision. He's terrified of the non-Cishek/Strop part of his bullpen.
Quintana has really been great so far.
-
Q masterful again...
-
Wow, Q was really nibbling off the edge, lucky to get that strike called his way, right off the corner. But really, really nice work to hang in there and get out of trouble.
2 innings for the pen to manage. Hope it's not too stressful.
-
Baez! Opposite field again, for the HR.
-
Len says of Baez 7 HR, one has been to left, 5 to right.
-
Cubs getting BABIP'd this inning.
-
Bullpen about to blow it
-
This bullpen is bad.
-
Huge strikeout there. If Pollock just takes the pitch, Bellinger is up as the tying run.
-
If the Cubs are positioned a couple inches differently it is a 1, 2, 3 inning. Not 1 hard hit ball so far this inning.
-
Baez is so good at defense.
-
Or not.
-
Change seems to be the key to everything for Q. Not sure how I feel about him throwing 115 pitches though.
-
Nice play by Baez to get out of bases loaded jam. Cishek gave up a couple of soft singles that found holes, Maddon brought in wild Ryan who gave up a seeing-eye groundball single. Went full count on Pollack, he whiffed on a terrible ball-four pitch in the dirt. Went to 3-1 on bellinger, got a soft grounder and with Baez shifted over in shallow right, he made a really nice play and got him by an eyelash. Fun escape.
Ryan doesn't have the command you'd really like for a situational lefty. I'd have just as soon left Cishek in, lefty/right or no, since he knows what he's doing and isn't a wildman and hadn't given up any hard contact. But Maddon gets through the inning.
-
Baez on pace for 9 WAR over a full season.
-
The crowd is chanting something this inning, but I can't figure out what it is. They repeat something three times, then say "You suck!"
Almora needs to join Happ in Iowa.
-
Bryant with a really, really nice play in the 9th.
-
Cubs win! They're over .500.
-
And tied with the Brewers.
-
Rizzo HRed to left, Baez HRed to right.
I’ll say it again...I love watching these guys take the ball the other way...
-
Cubs have gained five games on the Brewers in the last 10 games. Actually now ahead of the Brewers by % points.
Two games behind Cards.
-
We'll go as far as the bullpen can support us. Not a whole lot more to it than that.
-
Change-up is a key pitch for Q, for sure, but he threw 33 curves tonight compared to 13 changes. About 2/3 of his sinkers and 4-seamers were strikes tonight too. Obviously, when he is commanding his fastballs and throwing a mix of pitches, he can and will be effective.
Wow, would be great to have the Sox-version of Quintana all season. Hoping.
-
Those 13 changes make those 33 curves a lot more effective.
-
So, now having seen EL Mago's latest trick on video...
Why was he not declared out for being out of the baseline on that play?
-
So, now having seen EL Mago's latest trick on video...
Why was he not declared out for being out of the baseline on that play?
On the TV broadcast, they said the rule is you can't go more than 3 feet outside the baseline. The baseline is not the chalk marking - it is a straight line from the runner to the base. Judgment call for the ump, could easily go the other way.
-
On the TV broadcast, they said the rule is you can't go more than 3 feet outside the baseline. The baseline is not the chalk marking - it is a straight line from the runner to the base. Judgment call for the ump, could easily go the other way.
Yeah, that seems to be the theory. But even so, wasn’t that more than three feet?
Or maybe Javy is just so obscenely cool that makes his own flucking baseline.
-
Ryan doesn't have much control, but when he gets the ball close enough for guys to hit it, I like his groundball profile a lot. K'd Muncy to end it, with that long side-arm fastball.
That long side-arm delivery is understandably hard to control, but seems kinda tough on left-handed hitters if he can throw strikes.
His walk rates in the minors actually aren't that bad. Maybe easier there, when you're less scared to throw it down the middle when you get behind.
-
Lefties have a .421 OPS and 40% K% against him so far.
-
Around 50° - light winds from the right field corner to the left field corner - 40% chance of sprinkles
We should see Taylor Davis on Thursday (day game after a night game)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D48KbF4W4AAHCAc.jpg:small)
-
We should see Taylor Davis on Thursday (day game after a night game)
I think that's doubtful considering that Lester is scheduled to pitch that game. As long as Contreras is healthy, he is Lester's personal catcher.
-
I think that's doubtful considering that Lester is scheduled to pitch that game. As long as Contreras is healthy, he is Lester's personal catcher.
In that case, Davis should be in there today.
-
Almost certainly Davis tomorrow.
-
Seriously, why would you start Almora against a RHP?
-
Your choices aren't great. It's bad enough that Schwarber is playing. Based on performance to date, Bote should be in there. With very little offense to be realized from non-Bote-3B/LF/CF, might as well improve the defense.
-
Descalso sure looked slow on that run home, but I'm used to Baez coming all the way home.
-
Something is off with Hamels tonight. 5 walks, and he's failed to cover first base quickly enough twice. Dodgers take a 1-0 lead.
-
He turned the wrong way for the throw home.
-
Hamels was at 100 pitches through 5 innings, and he's still out there for the 6th. Second night in a row Joe is potentially extending a starter well beyond 100 pitches.
-
Letting Hamels throw his 111th pitch to Bellinger doesn't work out well for the Cubs. 3-0 Dodgers.
-
Javy batting as the tying run in the bottom of the 6th with 2 outs. Quickly down 0-2.
-
JAVY!!!!!!!!!!!
-
THAT one didn't go to right field.
-
Javy pulls one way out!
-
Love how he watched it too.
-
On 0-2, after 2 fastballs. Looks like Buehler hung him something offspeed.
-
Bote needs to play everyday. He's been great this year.
-
If you plot Javy's improvement on a curve, pretty scary to imagine how good he could be in 2-3 years. Doesn't always play out that way, but given his unbelievable natural talent - wow.
-
HEYWARD!!!!!!!!!! 6-3 Cubs. This has been a good half inning.
-
Wow wow wow wow!
-
I dumped Alexander in fantasy just in time.
-
Baez is good.
-
I'm skeptical that Kintzler can continue to be really effective having lost so much off his fastball, but at least he seems to have remembered he used to be a strike thrower.
-
So, do we still have people arguing to move Baez off SS when Russell comes back?
-
Great play by Baez, and great scoop by Rizzo. Grounder deep in the hole, very long throw, but the speed with which he got the ball from glove to hand to throw was fabulous.
I'm old enough to remember Shawon Dunston and his rocket arm. But I have this memory that he routinely used or needed a plant and a hop to unleach the rockets. Rey Sanchez didn't throw it as hard or impressively, but actually got it from glove to Grace more quickly.
-
So, they threw at Bryant....
-
Great play by Baez, and great scoop by Rizzo. Grounder deep in the hole, very long throw, but the speed with which he got the ball from glove to hand to throw was fabulous.
I'm old enough to remember Shawon Dunston and his rocket arm. But I have this memory that he routinely used or needed a plant and a hop to unleach the rockets. Rey Sanchez didn't throw it as hard or impressively, but actually got it from glove to Grace more quickly.
It's not just that Baez is a really good SS. It's that he's clearly hitting better since he stopped being moved around so much. And there's no compelling case that Russell should be playing everyday anyway, given his output the last two seasons. And that's not even acknowledging the elephant in the room.
But - Joe said "Addy is my SS" so...
-
Rizzo doubles him in
-
Cishek gives up a 3-run job to some mouth-breather...
-
This bullpen is bad. Even the guys who are good have been bad so far.
-
Addison has a better glove than Javy not to mention just 3 years ago he also had over 20 HRs and damn near 100 RBIs.
-
This bullpen is bad. Even the guys who are good have been bad so far.
Not Cishek's fault. Joe just abused him too much last year.
Look at where the Cubs are - just above .500, about where many of us predicted. What have been the problems already?
1. Dumpster fire bullpen
2. Not enough starting-caliber OF
3. Catching depth
It's not as if any of this wasn't predictable. It's just that the Cubs chose not to address any of it.
-
Contreras was all in on hitting a homer in that AB. Didn't work out the way he wanted it to.
-
CUBS WIN!!!
-
So, do we still have people arguing to move Baez off SS when Russell comes back?
What is different to cause anyone to change their mind? Is there anyone that didn't already know that Baez was a good shortstop? So is Russell.
-
Man, what a fun win. Down 3-0, I sure didn't expect that. Very fun. Some really nice defense by the Cubs.
Not sure what the teams ahead of them did HR-wise tonight, but a 2-HR night might possibly bump the Cubs into the top-20 in HR's. Nice!
-
What is different to cause anyone to change their mind? Is there anyone that didn't already know that Baez was a good shortstop? So is Russell.
Every day Baez looks more and more steady and proficient at SS, which further weakens the argument that Russell is some kind of big defensive improvement that would justify messing with Baez when he's performing at an MVP level.
-
Russell may not be a BIG defensive improvement, but he IS an improvement. And there is no reason to believe that Baez will not show the same improvement at second base as he has at shortstop. But regardless of which one plays shortstop, Playing them together in the middle infield will result in one of the better defensive duos in the game.
-
Every day Baez looks more and more steady and proficient at SS, which further weakens the argument that Russell is some kind of big defensive improvement that would justify messing with Baez when he's performing at an MVP level.
I remember some people saying that they thought Russell was just a hair better, but not a BIG improvement. Besides, the argument I've been hearing is that the Cubs defense would be better if BOTH were in the lineup.
-
Or what Dave said.
-
I remember some people saying that they thought Russell was just a hair better, but not a BIG improvement. Besides, the argument I've been hearing is that the Cubs defense would be better if BOTH were in the lineup.
If your argument is that they’d be better with both of them in the lineup (which you would defensively, but offense kinda matters too) then it’s just as true with Javy at SS and Russell at second.
We’ve seen Baez improve massively as a hitter once he started playing every day. We’ve seen him improve massively at short once he stayed there. Is there any reason not to think that would continue? The fact is you’d be wasting one of Baez’ best traits (his arm) at 2B. And you’d be hiding Russell’s defensive weakness (also his arm).
Also - Baez is an automatic start every day and Russell is not (or at least he shouldn’t be). If you put him back at SS, that means Baez has to move every day based on whether Russell plays or not. Whereas if you leave Javy where he is, no extra moves required - Russell either plays 2B or sits.
Seriously, it’s astonishing that this is still even a matter of uncertainty.
-
The hate for my man Addi is thick in here.
Never seen such hate directed to someone over one episode.
Usually we give second chances in this country.
I bet everyone here has needed one before.
-
Well we're one back in the loss column from the Cardinals.
Really if Darvish gets his crap together, we're formidable. Hopefully we're not too far away from that happening.
-
Well we're one back in the loss column from the Cardinals.
Really if Darvish gets his crap together, we're formidable. Hopefully we're not too far away from that happening.
We're only as formidable as the bullpen lets us be. It always seemed likely the rotation was going to be pretty good, but it won't be as good as it has been the past two weeks, realistically.
Who in the pen really inspires confidence right now? Strop is throwing pretty well, not great. Kintzler and Brach are well off their top velocity and Cishek looks like he could be spent. The rest of them are all crapshoots, career mediocrities we're hoping will have career seasons. When Chatwood is leading the staff in fastball velocity, that's not a great statement about having a shutdown bullpen.
Some way, somehow, a move has to be coming for an impact reliever of some sort. Since it's not going to Morrow in the foreseeable future and Kimbrel is a pipe dream, it has to be a trade.
-
When Kris Bryant was hit on the shoulder in the bottom of the seventh (before Anthony Rizzo doubled him home) he pulled what looked like a black ace bandage out of his pocket and wrapped it around his right wrist as he reached first base. Is there a problem there that we have not heard about?
-
Cubs' Strop loses car, gets save on 'crazy day'
CHICAGO -- Cubs closer Pedro Strop had to cut short talking with the police regarding his stolen car on Wednesday, just in time to secure the save in a wild 7-6 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26599665/cubs-strop-loses-car-gets-save-crazy-day
-
Baez now (before today) leads all qualified SS in defensive runs saved above average (Rdrs) and Plus/Minus fielding runs above average.
-
Since starting the season 1-6 the Cubs have gone 11-4.
-
Contreras back in the lineup, day game after a night game.
This team. This manager...
-
I'm very surprised.
-
They've said that Contreras is going to be Lester's catcher. It was a little surprising that he started last night, but today was never in doubt.
-
A MAN's MAN
-
They've said that Contreras is going to be Lester's catcher. It was a little surprising that he started last night, but today was never in doubt.
I agree that there was no way Contreras would not catch Lester. I also suspect that Joe sees this series as really important and wanted very badly to win each game. And Contreras in the lineup each game gives the team a better chance. Hopefully, Contreras will start getting days off after this series. Sure would nice to have an option Joe felt better about using though.
-
The Cubs have been having at least 1 off day a week. It isn't like he's been back there for a long stretch without a day off. Realmuto has started 21/24 games at catcher, Willson has started 19/22. My guess is he gets a day off vs the D-backs.
-
League average bullpen pitcher 4.44/4.46/4/48
Cubs 5.05/4.62/3.88 with a 23.4% HR/FB rate.
The Cubs have a lot of internal options to improve it and just stopping giving up HR at a huge clip will help.
-
Cubs have off days Monday and Thursday of next week. And, Maddon sometimes likes to give a guy two days in a row off when he can. So, I’d expect Contreras to get Sunday off. Then, Monday off day. And then another offday a few days later. Not a problem.
Alternatively, possible Contreras gets tomorrow, Friday, off instead—-after having to travel Chicago to Phoenix.
-
Isn't part of this discussion that Taylor Davis really isn't much of an option?
-
We’ve seen Baez improve massively as a hitter once he started playing every day. We’ve seen him improve massively at short once he stayed there. Is there any reason not to think that would continue? The fact is you’d be wasting one of Baez’ best traits (his arm) at 2B. And you’d be hiding Russell’s defensive weakness (also his arm).
Also - Baez is an automatic start every day and Russell is not (or at least he shouldn’t be). If you put him back at SS, that means Baez has to move every day based on whether Russell plays or not. Whereas if you leave Javy where he is, no extra moves required - Russell either plays 2B or sits.
Seriously, it’s astonishing that this is still even a matter of uncertainty.
It is also true that, as would be expected, the number of games Baez has played has increased as his performance has improved. We can argue the "chicken and egg" thing, but there is hardly enough data to determine which is responsible for which.
Baez performance improved substantially last year over the previous year, and he played the majority of games at second base. The fact remains that there is no reason to think that his offense is in the slightest influenced by the position he plays, or the regularity of that position.
I don't think that Baez has improved substantially as a shortstop merely because he is playing the position exclusively. Yesterday, he made a great play, crossing to the shortstop side of the infield to throw out the runner, even though, because of the shift, he was essentially playing second base at the time.
Moving every day has not seemed to affect Baez in the slightest up until now, and there is no reason whatsoever to think that it will do so in the future. If it turns out that his performance DOES suffer after a change, there is no reason why the change can not be reversed.
I find it astonishing that you come to such certainty of your position with so little data to base it upon.
-
With all the shifts, Baez plays a third of the game on the second base side anyhow. Baez is a stud. Not sure there's any position he couldn't handle.
-
Deeg successfully jinxes Baez
-
This is simple. Move the lesser players around to accommodate the better players.
-
Deeg successfully jinxes Baez
Or the media frenzy about him having to go back to utility player got into his head.
-
Albert can't hit RHP...
-
Almora with a 2 out homer in the 9th, 2-1 Dodgers.
Then Bote Ks on 3 pitches, Cubs lose. Too bad the bullpen had a mini-meltdown in the 8th that allowed the second run to score.
-
Albert can't hit RHP...
600 ABs, .694 OPS (plus minors)
1 AB, 5.000 OPS
Screw sample size!
-
You always hope for a sweep but two out of three against a team as good as the Dodgers isn't all that bad.
-
This harping on the bullpen is a bit over the top. When we get deep into the season, it will likely again be the offense that is most concerning. Not that the bullpen is all hunky dory, but it will be easier to shore up the bullpen than it will be to improve the offense. I don't anticipate the offense falling off a cliff like last season, but consistent offense down the road remains my biggest concern.
-
I thought that Lester's outing was very encouraging (and important).
-
Or the media frenzy about him having to go back to utility player got into his head.
I wasn't serious. I hope you're not either. He lifted his eyes to check the runner and botched the pick-up. It could have happened to a better shorstop. Like Russell. Or Theriot. :)
-
Nah, not too serious... But I still think a flat declaration that he’s the SS, period would be a wise move. Why risk messing with him when things are going so well? You never know what will throw a guy off his feed.
-
This harping on the bullpen is a bit over the top. When we get deep into the season, it will likely again be the offense that is most concerning. Not that the bullpen is all hunky dory, but it will be easier to shore up the bullpen than it will be to improve the offense. I don't anticipate the offense falling off a cliff like last season, but consistent offense down the road remains my biggest concern.
It’s so easy to fix the bullpen Theo has never been able to do it in 5 seasons of playoff contention...
I don’t disagree that the offense is a concern. Heyward May be “fixed” but he’s still going to level off, and if God forbid he starts reverting to his 16-18 form the OF starts to look truly horrifying. You have to hope Rizzo, Bryant and Schwarber pick it up to counterbalance the probable regression of current overperformers.
-
From 2015-2019
Cubs bullpen 7th in fWAR, 4th in ERA, 5th in FIP, 5th K/9
Such a struggle to find an effective bullpen.
-
Don't watch much postseason baseball, huh?
-
I know a lot of the Cubs difficulty this season has been placed on the pitching staff. Rightfully so.
But at what point do Madden and the offense start taking some fire. Bryant has done well in the last 10 games with his ba. But the power is absent.
If you take Bryant's aggregate stats from his return from injury last year thru spring (yes they don't count) and this year... The overall pitcure is really troubling.
The issues w the offense are basically dependable mvp Bryant and his effects on the lineup vs the new not so mvp Bryant.
Cubs gave up a LOT of talent for financial flexibility during mvp Bryant's peak cost controlled years.... If that is not the Bryant they get... All of those other moves look terrible even if the individual risk assessment and eventual outcome on those moves is within expected error bars.
I do not think this version of the Cubs can be a WS contender without their "mookie or trout" aka mvp Bryant.
I also have zero faith in Madden it's like watching the train wreck he ran in tb all over again.
He got lucky in the WS that his shitty in game management was bailed out by just astoundingly great talent... But to me it's obvious his schtick is not working yet again. He is great at keeping young players loose and not getting drowned in the big moment. But he is a mediocre in game manager and his schtick runs hollow w vets over time.
Those are just mu thoughts on the Cubs as a non cubs but big baseball fan prespective.
Also, fun fact I'm sure Eloy will not be the prospect u regret losing those are going to be gleyber and cease.
Eloy will be a fine Carlos Lee level player... But not the prodigal hitter he was made our to be.... Hope I am wrong!
-
I share your concerns about the offense, but not about Maddon. His handling of the bullpen during the WS certainly deserves criticism, but I don't see any evidence that the players are tuning him out or that his in game approach is weak. I agree that the pre-2018 Bryant is needed for the Cubs to be serious WS contenders, and I remain hopeful that we'll see that Bryant despite a slow April so far.
-
Bryant is simply too good to struggle all year, as is Rizzo. In the past week we have seen signs that point to them both breaking out of it. Bryant appears to be healthy, so I see no reason to believe he won't be the guy he was as the season wears on. To think that with a 1-6 start where seemingly everything went wrong the Cubs now sit a few games out is very encouraging. I believe they have the best record in the NL, or close to it since that first week.
-
I share your concerns about the offense, but not about Maddon. His handling of the bullpen during the WS certainly deserves criticism, but I don't see any evidence that the players are tuning him out or that his in game approach is weak. I agree that the pre-2018 Bryant is needed for the Cubs to be serious WS contenders, and I remain hopeful that we'll see that Bryant despite a slow April so far.
I'm still hung up on Maddon not walking a red-hot Christian Yelich to face Ryan Braun who was 6-29 vs Quintana in game 163 last year.
-
I doubt there is a manager in MLB who doesn't make head scratching, even maddening decisions. Everybody makes mistakes, even Theo Epstein. On balance, I am very happy with Joe Maddon as manager of the Cubs.
-
I doubt there is a manager in MLB who doesn't make head scratching, even maddening decisions. Everybody makes mistakes, even Theo Epstein. On balance, I am very happy with Joe Maddon as manager of the Cubs.
Yelich Part II
What really bothered me was the totally B.S. answer Maddon gave when asked about the move.
I'd lean a lot more in your direction if he admitted a mistake every now and then.
-
It's WAY too early to be gnashing teeth over a guy like Bryant hitting .230 or whatever. What was Goldschmidt hitting in May last year and where did he end up? Same thing EVERY year barring injury...some established guys start hot, some guys start cold and, then, the vast majority end up putting up numbers within the range of their career norms.
As for Joe, I just don't get the criticism his way, particularly looking at the Cubs' record over the past 4 years. Hindsight is 20 Freaking 20...unfortunately, MLB managers don't get to work with the benefit of hindsight (the way we do). And a KEY aspect of a manager's job is handling human beings...keeping YOUNG guys engaged and motivated, out of trouble that tempts some of them EVERY day, and building a TEAM mentality among guys who were always THE MAN at every level all the way up. NOT an easy job!
Finally, I'll vent on the Theo criticism, which seems weird to me...what other front-office executive could have orchestrated a TOTAL metamorphosis of the most futile franchise in sports history? (from a rather bare cupboard to a World Championship and the best overall record in baseball over the past 4 years)
It was a rather impossible assignment, but Theo pulled it off! I'll be forever grateful for his landing with the Cubs and will continue to believe there are intelligent, thoughtful reasons for the moves he makes...we only get a percentage (maybe a small percentage) of the information he gathers from many sources...but our theories are theories, his RECORD shows that he gets RESULTS!
-
Don't watch much postseason baseball, huh?
Do you? The Cubs had 1 year where the bullpen had an ERA over 4 from 2015-2018 in the playoffs., I'll let you guess the year.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5G0eDyW0AE2JnJ.jpg:small)
-
Hendricks is having his typical terrible first inning tonight. 1 run already in with runners at second and third, 1 out.
-
Pop out, then 2 run single. Amazing that Hendricks is consistently so awful in the first inning. 4.70 career ERA in the first inning, and it has gotten worse tonight.
-
Easy second inning for Hendricks. Hopefully the offense will get going and the first inning won't beat him tonight like it has done several times in the past.
-
Bryant finally homers again after an Almora single. 3-2 Diamondbacks.
-
I really wish they'd try using an opener with Hendricks. He might have the same problems in the second inning if they did that. But at least he'd usually be facing the bottom of the lineup after he gets into trouble.
-
Hendricks gives up back-to-back doubles to start the third, and it's back to a 2 run deficit. As bad as the bullpen is, Joe needs to have a quick hook tonight.
-
Hendricks recovers after the doubles. 4-2 going to the fourth inning.
Ray is already at 60 pitches, so hopefully the Cubs can work him and get him out after 5 and take a shot at the weak part of their bullpen.
Bote played some good defense that inning, by the way. He's hitting too. He needs to play every day.
-
Javy. 4-3.
-
What a swing right there from Javy!
4-3, D-Backs.
-
"Javy" chant breaks out in Arizona. The ball went 446 feet.
-
Almora with a 2 out single in the 5th. He's 3 for 3. That's the hardest hit ball I've seen from him this year.
87 pitches for Ray--he has one more inning at most.
-
Action in the Diamondbacks bullpen; Bryant quickly up 3-0.
4 pitch walk.
-
Almora and Bryant carrying the offense, just like you'd expect.
-
Hendricks has been awful tonight. 7-3 Diamondbacks. Cubs have gotten him back in the game twice, then he's given up runs.
-
Maddon asleep on the bench, I don't think anyone is up in the bullpen.
-
Maples finally up in the pen. Too late.
-
Strikes out Carson Kelly after the Diamondbacks (probably) put the game away.
-
Maples coming in for the 6th. Lots of walks and strikeouts coming this inning.
-
Maples fits in perfectly with this terrible bullpen. Walks the first batter he faces.
-
Another walk. This is about to be a blowout.
-
I know Maples is a tantalizing pitcher with that ridiculous slider, but at what point do you just say fuch it, enough is enough?
-
Four batters, 2 walks, 2 K’s. The Dillon Maples experience.
-
Follows 2 walks with 2 Ks. 22 Ks, 13 BB in 11 1/3 IP in MLB so far.
-
ROFL. Never change, Dillon.
-
Schwarber continues to suck.
Happ, Almora, Schwarber, Russell, Montgomery, Edwards...the Cubs had so many valuable trade candidates after the 2017 season. Too bad they fell in love with their own flawed players.
-
Seriously, does anyone recall seeing these kind of stat lines over an extended period like Maples is putting up both in the minors and with the Cubs? He's pretty damn close to a unique pitcher, for better and worse.
-
Like Maples and Chatwood before him, Webster walks the first batter he faces. This bullpen...
-
Webster at 92-93 isn’t an especially interesting bullpen option.
-
Leadoff walk scores, 8-3 Diamondbacks. The Cubs bullpen is as terrible as it seemed on paper before the season.
-
Seriously, does anyone recall seeing these kind of stat lines over an extended period like Maples is putting up both in the minors and with the Cubs? He's pretty damn close to a unique pitcher, for better and worse.
Early-career.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=johnso002ran
-
Cubs lose. Really ugly game for Cubs pitching. Hendricks first inning problems basically lost the game, and every reliever came in throwing balls like Cubs relievers do.
Back to .500, and Darvish starting tomorrow. So we're probably going to be hoping Quintana can salvage a win in the series and get them back to .500 on Sunday.
-
Early-career.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=johnso002ran
Well, I'd sure take that career. I guess maybe that's as close as you could find, but Maples walk and K rates are even more cartoonishly high than Big Unit's were early on.
One thing they have in common is that you can really see the fear in hitters' eyes when they face Maples. They know he throws 98, they know he's wild, and that slider looks like it's headed right between a RH's shoulder blades even if it ends up a strike.
-
Ryne Duran. Beep, beep, beep.
-
Ryne Duran. Beep, beep, beep.
The guy who had glasses with lenses as thick as the bottom of a Coke bottle and would intentionally throw a warmup pitch or two to the backstop?
-
yup. And Berra would go beep, beep, beep when the hitter stood in and when asked what he was doing would say, "He can't see much so I'm giving him a target."
-
Nolan Ryan was another with severe control problems combined with incredible stuff. Koufax certainly didn't help the Dodgers a lot in his first 6 years or so. There have been others with similar credentials, and the vast majority of them washed out completely.
How long should you stick with them? In general, as long as you can. As long as he has options left, he doesn't hurt the organization and you might as well go along with them and cross your fingers. Even when they can no longer be hidden in the minors, if you need your 13th pitcher, in order to succeed, your team isn't likely to go anywhere anyway.
-
Good thing the game isn't in Chicago
Davis batting seventh must be a left-right-left thing.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5Lu2vVWwAAQd_H.jpg:small)
-
Good thing the game isn't in Chicago
No ****! 35 degrees, rain/snow/sleet, with 20+ mph winds. I live in Chicago and walked nearly 5 miles in this horrible weather today. Spring in Chicago.
-
Davis with Darvish is probably not coincidental.
-
Darvish has yet to get ahead of any of the first five hitters.
-
Stunning.
-
No command for Darvish again.
-
Routine.
Darvish probably needs to pitch backwards off the slider at this point - it's the one pitch he seems to have decent command on. If he can get ahead with that he can get some chases on the fastball, but he has no location on that whatsoever.
-
I love that Len went for the Pete Moss joke.
-
Darvish walks Godley on 6 pitches with 2 outs and nobody on. Just terrible command. About to throw his 50th pitch of the game and it's still the second inning.
-
Darvish is terrible. To be perfectly honest, I'd rather watch Chatwood pitch.
-
Neither of these pitchers really has any idea where the ball is going.
-
Two-out RBI!? Well...
-
How the hell do you hit the ball that far with that swing?
-
That was one of the most ridiculous balk calls I've ever seen. Happy to get the run, though.
-
BOTE!!!! That was crushed.
-
113.8 mph exit velocity, 469 feet for Bote.
-
469
-
Murphy is taking a hell of a beating.
-
Heyward looks so dialed in.
-
Godley and Darvish are object lessons in what happens when a pitcher can't locate a fastball. They both have at least some command on their offspeed (Darvish more so, with the slider) but when a hitter doesn't have to worry about a fastball and can sit on offspeed stuff, you're screwed. You have to at least try to throw the fastball for that reason, and walks follow. Then when you're in a corner and have to throw offspeed over the plate, it gets crushed.
-
Cubs have a five run lead headed to the top of the third. Should Joe pull Darvish?
-
2 Ks on splitters tonight.
-
5 swinging Ks in 2.2. No problems there.
-
97
-
Great inning for Yu.
-
Nice shutdown inning after the Cubs take the lead. Best inning Darvish has had as a Cub.
-
It's amazing that someone who gets as many ugly swings and Ks as Darvish gets can be this ineffective.
The thing with Yu is, it's basically one thing that has to be fixed - it's just that the one thing is the single most important element for him to succeed (fastball command). He's throwing hard, his movement is sick, and he even has OK command on his offspeed stuff. He really just needs to locate the fastball halfway decently and he's fine - but that's obviously a lot easier said than done.
-
Schwarber is awful. Really, just an altogether bad baseball player. A real shame because, other than baseball ability, he's definitely a guy you'd want in the foxhole.
-
I think Ahmed missed that tag.
-
Schwarber is awful. Really, just an altogether bad baseball player. A real shame because, other than baseball ability, he's definitely a guy you'd want in the foxhole.
Yeah, but it really comes down to Yu not getting the bunt down. And he was safe, anyway.
-
Over/under on runs Yu allows in the 4th: 2.
-
How crazy is it when a high pitch count is a blessing?
-
That's a huge error with the pitch count where it is.
-
The really crazy thing with Darvish is how certain posters seem to want him to fail.
-
Another good inning from Darvish.
-
Darvish has been a completely different pitcher since getting the lead. Maybe just score 5 runs for him in the first every game from now on.
-
A shut out through 4: regardless of how wild the pitcher, keeping him focussed...this Davis is quite a catcher. Sign him to an extension!
-
A shut out through 4: regardless of how wild the pitcher, keeping him focussed...this Davis is quite a catcher. Sign him to an extension!
Personal catcher for Yu at least.
-
Another blown call.
-
The first baseman landed on the bag, so Javy was out whether he got tagged or not.
-
BOTE AGAIN! 7-0 Cubs. Play Bote--there are plenty of guys who can be benched for him.
-
The first baseman landed on the bag, so Javy was out whether he got tagged or not.
Yup, looks like he did.
Meanwhile, Bote just feasting on bad pitching here.
-
If a pitcher has more HR allowed than K after 18 IP, is that bad?
-
Mr. Bote, please pee in this cup.
-
I don't think it was clear Walker landed on the base on the Baez play--it looked like he probably barely touched the edge of the base, but the angles they had weren't clear.
It would've been an interesting challenge because it looked like the umpire signaled that Javy was out on the tag, not because Walker landed on the base. If the umpire's call was that Javy was tagged out and the Cubs challenged the tag, then I think they would've won. But then the Diamondbacks could challenge that the foot was actually on the base...and I think that might have been a "call stands" situation where there isn't enough evidence to overturn.
-
But the video umps would see the foot on the corner of the bag regardless of the field ump.
-
Best I've ever seen Yu. Not even close.
-
Darvish has been a completely different pitcher since getting the lead. Maybe just score 5 runs for him in the first every game from now on.
I you're going to rip him a new one every time to struggles, maybe give him credit when he pitches well?
I'm all-in on Joe not babying Darvish the way he has been, but at 90 pitches maybe not a bad move to go to the pen here. Tough call with a 7 run lead.
-
But the video umps would see the foot on the corner of the bag regardless of the field ump.
Yeah, but the key is that the umpire appeared to signal that Javy was out on a tag and Walker missed the base. If that was the call on the field, then the Cubs challenge the tag play and they win. I don't think the replay umps are allowed to consider whether the foot hit the base or not because that wasn't the challenge.
Then I think it would be up to the Diamondbacks to decide if they wanted to challenge that Walker's foot was actually on the base. And I'm not sure there was conclusive evidence to determine he touched the base. To me, I don't think it looked like he landed on top of the base. It did look like the foot was against the side of the base, but the angle they had wasn't 100% clear.
-
Let him start the sixth. Pull him if two men reach.
-
This is also Schwarber's best game in a long time. Would be nice if he'd get going.
-
Such a problem for Yu. He needs to throw the fastball for strikes, but it's so straight, so hittable. Zero movement.
-
Time to get him out so he can consider this a good outing.
-
Last hitter here either way.
-
Good job by Yu.
-
Nice job by Darvish tonight.
-
Excellent start by Yu. Pitched out of trouble, kept the pitch count down after a rough start and mixed in the splitter again.
-
A bad pitcher on fumes, this could be Javy time.
-
Or Riz time.
-
Gotta feel bad for this Koch cat.
-
Good to see all the extra base hits tonight.
-
LOL, the "Bote!" chant rings through the desert.
-
Which current Cub would you least like to encounter in a brawl?
-
Which current Cub would you least like to encounter in a brawl?
Bote. Roid rage is scary stuff.
-
Will Joe still go to Cishek with the 8-run (and counting) lead?
-
Ha! Rizzo is probably the popular choice. But, if you got him riled, I think Heyward could beat the living daylights out of you.
-
Heyward is now #2 in NL in OBP at .461, behind only Bellinger and just ahead of Yelich.
Also slugging .565.
-
Can the Cubs bullpen get seven outs before the Diamondbacks get eight runs?
-
Great play by DD there.
-
It's starting to look like the Cubs may need to keep Kyle Ryan around.
-
Catcher Caleb Joseph pitching the 9th, gets Javy to pop up.
-
Bote grounds weakly, 2 outs.
-
6 pitch 1-2-3 inning for Joseph. Was he throwing a knuckleball? Topped out at 78 mph, and had a few in the 50s.
-
Cubs win!
That's a really good and encouraging game for the Cubs. Darvish has probably his best start as a Cub, and the Cubs collect a lot of extra base hits. The hitting coach change seems to be working.
-
Yeah, but the key is that the umpire appeared to signal that Javy was out on a tag and Walker missed the base. If that was the call on the field, then the Cubs challenge the tag play and they win. I don't think the replay umps are allowed to consider whether the foot hit the base or not because that wasn't the challenge.
Then I think it would be up to the Diamondbacks to decide if they wanted to challenge that Walker's foot was actually on the base. And I'm not sure there was conclusive evidence to determine he touched the base. To me, I don't think it looked like he landed on top of the base. It did look like the foot was against the side of the base, but the angle they had wasn't 100% clear.
Then 'spalin to me how a runner slides into second and is called safe on the tag, but then the video ump sees that the runner came off the bag while the tag was still on him. What happens? Yup, he's called out. The video ump is there to make sure the call is right.
-
David Bote gets to face a rightie.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5QUGtEXkAAmCCK.jpg:small)
-
David Bote gets to face a rightie.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5QUGtEXkAAmCCK.jpg:small)
Just like yesterday.
-
Cubs up 2 - 0 in the third on a two run homer to right by Bryant. Very well hit.
-
Rizzo hit by a 95 mph fastball. Looks like right arm. Either it hurt more than most, or he is pissed off, but he didn't pretend to ignore it like he usually does. Doesn't look like any injury as he takes first base.
-
Bryant has had warning track power for several days. Nice to see the one more biscuit for breakfast.
-
Rizzo hit by a Cardinal trained pitcher taught to retaliate and be aggressive.
-
Q has a chance to hit Cy Weaver in his head and demurs.
-
A pretty incredible thing happened with the Cubs lineup today. Joe Maddon determines who's playing in each series before it begins and tells the players ahead of time. David Bote was not supposed to be playing today but after hitting 2 long home runs on Saturday, the player who was supposed to play — very likely its Ben Zobrist — went to Maddon, along with other vets, and said Bote should be in there. He's batting fifth and Zobrist is sitting.
Jesse Rogers, ESPN Staff Writer
-
Kintzler is in to pitch the bottom of the 11th. At the beginning of the season I would never have guessed he would be holding opposing batters to an average below .200.
-
He's earned the nickname Salt for some reason.
-
Boy, Holland sure is having a great year so far.
-
I was going to jokingly say "bunt with Bryant?" here, but...
-
Wow, awful AB by Rizzo there.
-
Bases loaded with nobody out in the top of the 12th with Rizzo, Baez, and Bote up and we go to the bottom of the inning still tied.
-
Hard to believe this is a .500 team.
-
Leave Baez at short for fuchs sake.
-
Beautiful DP started by Baez to keep us in the game.
-
Wow, awful AB by Rizzo there.
The closest player to third is at shortstop, Almora could get more than halfway up the line and zippo.
-
Contreras tries to steal home as the catcher tosses the ball back to the pitcher; the unfrazzled Duplantier throws back home and Willy is just barely out. On to the bottom of the 13th.
-
The Dillon Maples experience.
-
Maples is like if MLB had adopted that rule of starting extra innings with a guy on second.
-
And now Maddon is going to Chatwood. After three walks in a row. Will we see a fourth?
-
After Maples, Chatwood is a control pitcher.
-
Chatwood blows him away with 98-MPH fastballs, and we're headed for the 14th.
-
Chatwood to the rescue???
-
Zobrist induces a throwing error from the first baseman as the pitcher goes over to cover, and the infield hit plus the extra base gives the Cubs yet another scoring position opportunity with no outs.
And now new pitcher Andriese bobbles a grounder and the Cubs have two men on.
-
Cubs need a wild pitch.
-
Heyward hits a foul tip into the catcher's glove to end the inning. Normally I love extra-inning games, but this is a frustrating one.
-
Cubs kryptonite is getting a runner on third with less than two outs.
-
Bases loaded with nobody out in the top of the 12th with Rizzo, Baez, and Bote up and we go to the bottom of the inning still tied.
Rizzo, Baez, and Bote are a combined 2-19.
-
Chatwood hits a solid line drive that goes all the way to the wall for a double.
Yet again, we have a man in scoring position. Let's get him in.
-
Runner at third with less than 2 outs for the 4th inning in a row. Can the Cubs just hit a sac fly?
-
ZO!
-
Chatwood looks like he pulled something rounding first base. Great, he finally looks like he's putting it together, and he hurts himself.
ZOBRIST!! First extra base hit of the year.
-
Two-run triple, and it also enables Chatwood to jog home; it had looked like he might have tweaked something rounding first.
Now a sac fly from Bryant to score Zobrist and it's 6-3.
-
Wow, Cubs get two runners in a row in from third.
-
Ryan comes in to pitch and is looking to retire 2, 3, and 4 in their batting order, with 4, 5, and 6 on their jerseys. Let's get them out 1, 2, 3.
-
Retire the leadoff man in the bottom of the 15th, please.
-
One out to go!
-
It's never easy... a single to center by Peralta and a double to left from Walker, and they've got the tying run at the plate. Just get this guy out, Kyle.
-
Maddon is walking to the mound with agonizing slowness to buy more time for Webster to get ready.
Can Webster get the final out?
-
That was scary, I thought it was a homer.
-
Never had a doubt
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Towering fly ball to left... waaaaay back there... and Zobrist leaps and catches it; Cubs win!
(Had 'em all the way!)
-
Like shelling peas..... :)
-
Never a doubt.
-
Chatty hurt?
-
Chatwood definitely tweaked something--the replay showed an obvious grimace rounding first base, then slowed down and jogged to second base. And he jogged to third on Almora's hit where he should've scored pretty easily.
-
Wow, great to pull out a win. Chatwood pitched really well, again. Shame that he got injured just as he's been finding some confidence with his fastball. He was just pumping in fastballs 96-98. Like him in relief.
-
Naturally, another pitcher hurt running the bases. And Chatwood down just as he was throwing really well.
Well - Monty and Edwards waiting in the wings.
-
Great win. Kudos to the pitching staff and way to go Zo.
-
Ron won't care for this, and will rightfully note that the Cubs don't think like this, only me as a dopey fan.
But the win is not only helpful for the division race, hanging inside 3 games of the Cardinals.
It's also helpful in the wildcard race! :) DBacks are one of our wildcard competitors, and this pulls us within 0.5 games of them! Might be the game that makes the difference in the end?
With back-to-back Sunday wins over them in the last inning, if both of those had ended losses, we'd be 4.5 behind them instead. This and last Sunday's wins, could have been different.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs
Ben Zobrist confirmed he went to Joe Maddon after yesterday's game and told him David Bote needs to be in the lineup today instead of him: "It was the right thing to do...We fist pumped and that was it."
Even players who would lose playing time want the Cubs to play Bote.
-
Ron won't care for this, and will rightfully note that the Cubs don't think like this, only me as a dopey fan.
But the win is not only helpful for the division race, hanging inside 3 games of the Cardinals.
It's also helpful in the wildcard race! :) DBacks are one of our wildcard competitors, and this pulls us within 0.5 games of them! Might be the game that makes the difference in the end?
With back-to-back Sunday wins over them in the last inning, if both of those had ended losses, we'd be 4.5 behind them instead. This and last Sunday's wins, could have been different.
Hey, craig, whatever it takes to get into the playoffs this year. ;)
-
I not ready to concede the NL Central to the Cards quite yet.
-
Chatwood says that he'll be fine. Hopefully that's the case. He's been a bright spot this season so far, and was critical in tonight's game, obviously.
-
I think we all knew when the year started that Chatwood was the one guy we really couldn't afford to lose.
-
The last four series the Cubs have played:
A three game sweep of the Marlins
Two out of three with the Diamondbacks
Two out of three with the Dodgers
Two out of three with the Diamondbacks
The doom and gloom posts should disappear for a while.
-
LOL! Surely you jest!
-
Delusion
-
Safeco Field is now T-Mobile Park
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5bnKLyW0AIcrzh.jpg:small)
-
T-Mobile Park Great place to watch a ballgame and there's a nice hotel right across the street.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5bxv3MU8AA7Ym6.jpg:small)
-
I'll be at the game tomorrow with my daughter - her first Cubs game!
-
Let's get her a W!
-
Unless they had a really different view than what we saw, I can't believe they challenged that Rizzo HBP. But it worked out.
Cubs up 1-0 on a Descalso leadoff home run, by the way.
-
Descalso leads off the game with a HR.
-
Bote leads off the 4th with an infield single. With two outs, Almora sneaks a grounder through the infield to get Bote home. 2-0. Neither of those balls should've been a hit, Cubs get some good luck.
-
Hamels ‘18 not looking like a fluke.
-
Hamels has been uncharacteristically wild his last two starts. 6 BB last time, 2 BB and a HBP through 3+ IP so far tonight.
Double follows the leadoff walk in the 4th, second and third, no outs.
Bruce grounder scores a run, 2-1. Cubs have left a lot of runners on tonight already.
-
Another walk. 9 walks, 1 HBP in Hamels' last 9 IP. He's really becoming a Cub.
-
Bote error, tie game.
Walks lead to runs.
-
Baez error, Mariners lead 3-2.
Walks, sloppy defense, and leaving runners on base. Really ugly baseball tonight so far.
-
Rizzo 2 run homer after Bryant leadoff double, Cubs lead 4-3.
-
Rizzo nailed it. Opposite field as usual.
-
Bryant and Rizzo did something. It's like, whoa.
-
Bottom of the Mariners lineup crushing Hamels to start the 6th. First and third, no outs in a 4-3 game.
-
One out single ties it.
Hamels has not been that good the last two times out.
-
Kintzler comes in and walks Haniger. Bases loaded, 1 out in the 6th. It'll be a miracle if the Cubs escape this inning with a tie.
Ball 1 to Santana.
-
GIDP, still tied.
-
Zac Rosscup in for the 7th. He's still pitching like a Cub: 10 BB in 8 2/3 IP so far this year.
-
Encarnacion homer to lead off the 7th, 5-4 Mariners.
-
Not sure what went wrong with Kintzler there, the smoke or the mirrors.
-
Cubs pitchers had walked 4.26 per 9 IP coming into tonight, third worst in MLB.
They've walked 5 through 7 innings tonight...they really seem to want to be the worst in that category.
-
Contreras double, Schwarber crushes a pitch. 6-5 Cubs.
Bring in a pitcher who throws strikes.
-
440 feet for Schwarber.
-
Contreras double, Schwarber crushes a pitch. 6-5 Cubs.
Bring in a pitcher who throws strikes.
Who would that be?
-
Contreras double, Schwarber crushes a pitch. 6-5 Cubs.
Bring in a pitcher who throws strikes.
Brach promptly walks Vogelbach on four pitches...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Leadoff walk to Vogelbach. This pitching staff just refuses to throw strikes.
-
5-6-3 double play!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice GIDP.
-
I appreciate this PBP as my feed is far behind; it's still the bottom of the 7th over here. Brach is coming in. Somehow I have a suspicion that the Schwarb will hit a homer next inning.
-
Why no Strop here?
-
According to Len, no one is up in the Cubs bullpen, so I guess Strop is unavailable. Looks like Cishek will try to close.
-
They're really babying him, must not be healthy.
-
Cishek drops a tapper back to the mound, Santana on to start the inning. Called a hit, but it was an error.
-
Wild pitch, tying run at second.
This has been a really poorly played game by the Cubs. Feels like they should be winning this one easily.
-
4 pitch walk. First and second, no outs. Cishek nowhere close to the zone. No one up in the pen.
The Cubs are going to lose this game.
-
GIDP!!! Wow! Baez is so good.
Tying run at third, 2 outs.
-
Another huge DP! This one 4-6-3 brought to you by Javy’s cannon.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
K looking Jay Bruce! Cubs win!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
CUBS WIN!!!
That game felt like the Cubs should've won easily, and also felt like they really deserved to lose.
-
Ci was pumped at the last out.
-
Baez’ DP turns tonight were spectacular.
-
Don't think those last 2 DPs get turned with Russell at SS.
-
Was at tonight's game. I still can't believe they pitched to Schwarber in the 8th with Almora on deck. Right after Servais went out to the mound for a meeting. I'd love to know what was said in that discussion.
-
Man, just watching that Schwarber home run - were there any D-backs fans in the park?
-
Good morning, thanks for bringing home the win, friends! Heh heh, went to bed up 4-3, but knowing Hamels was shaky and that they'd have four more innings to cover. Pretty fun to turn on the screen and see the win. Also very nice to see Schwarber get to be a late-inning hero. After his historically bad late-and-clutch statistics last year, it's got to feel good for him. Nice win!
-
Man, just watching that Schwarber home run - were there any D-backs fans in the park?
Why would there be?
-
Sahadev Sharma[size=78%][/size][/i]
@sahadevsharma
Cishek was pumped up more than I've ever seen him after that called strike three to Jay Bruce to close out the win. Cubs take it 6-5, they're 15-12 and haven't lost a series since they were in Milwaukee over three weeks ago.
It may have been a messy victory, but it was a victory. I think the Cubs have given us quite a bit to be happy about in recent weeks.
-
On Bryant.
Sahadev Sharma
@sahadevsharma
Bryant has exit velos of 110.6, 108.3, 105.4 and 105 tonight, all in the air. Only a double to show for it, but two of those were pulled (pulled hard contact was severely lacking first few weeks) and there's no doubt he looks leaps and bounds better than he did a week or two ago
Maybe the speculation Bryant was injured (physically or mentally) was inaccurate?
-
There are a lot of people from Arizona who have moved to Seattle.
-
There are a lot of people from Arizona who have moved to Seattle.
Yes, that was exactly what I meant!
-
"It may have been a messy victory, but it was a victory. I think the Cubs have given us quite a bit to be happy about in recent weeks."
Indeed. After a 2-7 start (with 6 straight losses), Cubs have gone 13-5! Pretty solid!
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5gN88IX4AEs01g.jpg:small)
-
Javy leads off the second with a homer to right-center and now the Cubs have added two more. Bases loaded with one out.
3-0.
-
Bryant up with the bases loaded. In other words, the inning's about to be over.
-
Bryant walks. 4-0.
-
Best outcome that could be hoped for.
-
Heyward scores on a short sac fly by Rizzo.
5-0
-
Javy bats for the second time in the inning and drives in another run.
-
Contreras walks to load the bases. Pitching change.
-
Jason Bradford now on the mound. Schwarber, who had a bunt single earlier in the inning, grounds out to end the top of the second.
6-0.
-
Baez went from hapless in 2014 to possibly the best player in the game in five years.
-
A Zobrist sac fly scores Bote in the top of the third.
7-0.
-
Bote just made a really, really nice play on a slow grounder by Dee Gordon.
-
Rizzo and Contreras homer in the fourth.
9-0.
-
Contreras is already 80% of the way to his home run total from last year.
-
Contreras nutted that ball.
-
Tico and his daughter need to go to more games.
-
Lester has only given up 1 hit through 6 innings. That hit came a couple pitches after a foul ball that probably should’ve been caught by Rizzo or Heyward, but it looked like both of them thought the other was going to catch it. Lester could easily have a no hitter going right now.
-
You really have to hand it to Lester. His stuff keeps getting more marginal and he keeps finding ways to be effective. Debatably the best FA signing in Cubs' history (though it's hard to top Dawson's "blank check" deal for sheer value for money).
-
G*d damn, Maples is such a tease. His stuff is so nasty when he can occasionally find the plate.
-
I want to see an ump cam on Maples’ slider.
He gets some of the funniest reactions from hitters.
-
No pitcher in the game makes hitters look worse than Maples. Even Contreras looked terrified to try and catch him.
-
Maples line so far: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 5 BB, 6K
-
There aren't many games where a team scores 11 runs and they still finish in about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
-
gotta love getaway day
-
What a game by Lester. Completely shut down a really good offense.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1123767461126471680
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 44m44 minutes ago
Friday day baseball working in the Cubs favor. Cards delayed in Washington. That game turning into a night affair it looks like.
The game in D.C. has not started. I wonder if the Cards have sent their pitcher (Jack Flaherty) ahead or if he'll get in late like the rest of the team?
The Friday forecast in Chicago is for cool and breezy but not threatening.
-
Didn't see any of yesterday's game but noticed Bryant came out early, while all the other regulars stayed in.
Did he get hurt or something happen to him?
-
I heard leg tightness, which is why he was DH for both games. He would have played if the DH wasn't an option, so not a big deal.
Lots of guys came out when the Cubs were up big. Davis for Rizzo, etc.
-
Didn't see any of yesterday's game but noticed Bryant came out early, while all the other regulars stayed in.
Did he get hurt or something happen to him?
He was crying because Chris keeps making fun of him.
-
Cards lose 2-1
-
I heard leg tightness, which is why he was DH for both games. He would have played if the DH wasn't an option, so not a big deal.
Lots of guys came out when the Cubs were up big. Davis for Rizzo, etc.
Thanks much, and I hadn't realized other guys came out too.
-
Thanks much, and I hadn't realized other guys came out too.
I heard leg tightness, which is why he was DH for both games. He would have played if the DH wasn't an option, so not a big deal.
Lots of guys came out when the Cubs were up big. Davis for Rizzo, etc.
Wish they had put Davis in for Contreras instead. And anybody to give Baez some rest.
Leaving aside the much discussed issue of whether Russell should return to Chicago, if it's not him, they need to bring up somebody legit to back up SS and spot start. I do not want Baez (or Contreras) to be 1969-ed.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5pf-F5WkAI74mM.jpg:small)
-
Great first inning from Hendricks. That's rare.
-
In two innings, Flaherty already has 8 swings-and-misses, 5 with the slider.
-
Really dumb throw to second on that Flaherty bunt. But it looks like it worked out.
Cardinals are challenging anyway.
-
Cardinals waste their challenge.
-
Rizzo 3 run homer gives the Cubs a 3-0 lead. Flaherty already over 60 pitches with 1 out in the 3rd.
-
Cubs cruising. Man, this team looks *really* good right now...
Bullpen the only weakness, and if they're in this position at the trade deadline, I have to imagine there's cash to add relief help.
-
Flaherty with 16 swings and misses through 4.
But, walk-walk-homer. Nice.
Hendricks with very low pitch count, unlike Flaherty.
-
48 pitches through 5 for Hendricks; he has a 1 hit shutout going. He's on track to pitch a Maddux today.
-
An hour and a half in, this game is already going to the bottom of the 6th.
-
Rizzo: 3 hits today.
The other 17 hitters playing in this game: 2 hits today, including none by other Cubs.
-
The Cubs have the bases loaded with 2 outs in the bottom of the 6th. Heyward due, Flaherty pulled.
-
Wow, only 61 pitches through 7 innings for Hendricks.
-
With 2 outs in the 7th, Bryant double, Rizzo IBB, and Baez single. 4-0 Cubs.
-
71 pitches through 8 innings. Hendricks will have a chance to finish this one on less than 80 pitches.
-
This performance can only be described as 'masterful'...
-
Has McCarver said Kyle's name correctly once today?
He's been either "Kyle Kendrick" or, even worse, "Kyle Kendricks" all day...
-
81 pitch shutout for Hendricks. Not bad.
-
That was as good as it gets.
-
Cubs EVEN in the loss column.
-
Great game by Kyle
-
Wow, what a great win. Way to bring home the win, you guys! Way to go!
And just like that, the Hendricks ERA is down to 3.93. Nice. I didn't get a chance to see much. But in the little bits I did see, man pitch-to-contact is awfully fun to watch, when the wind is blowing in, and when the defense is making lots of good plays.
-
I did see the Baez RBI. That was really nice, he was going RF all the way, smart situational hitting.
Winning is fun.
-
Javy is really doing something special this year, validating and even improving on last year's growth.
His swinging strike rate is down over a percentage point, his hard-hit rate is up 10%, and his oppo field rate is up 10%. If he can keep these gains up...
-
What a great win for the whole team. Bullpen gets a day off; Contreras gets an easy day. With Lester and Hamels in the rotation we should be able to get more CGs than most teams.
-
I remember Jon Lieber throwing an 81 pitch CG for the Cubs, but sub-90 are pretty damn rare. That's a hell of a quality start.
-
I remember Jon Lieber throwing an 81 pitch CG for the Cubs, but sub-90 are pretty damn rare. That's a hell of a quality start.
Lieber was at the game (as was Zambrano, the last Cub to throw a sub 100 pitch complete game), and reportedly said that Hendricks' game was better.
-
Jon Lieber and Kerry Wood throw back-to-back one-hitters
https://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/26/sports/national-league-roundup-another-cubs-one-hitter-as-wood-blanks-brewers.html
-
You know Kyle was good when that asshat Hrabowsky is complimentary.
-
@TylerKepner
3h3 hours ago
More Tyler Kepner Retweeted Rob Friedman
According to the @baseball_ref Play Index, Hendricks is just the fourth pitcher since Doug Drabek in 1990 to pitch a 9-inning shutout in 81 pitches or fewer, with Aaron Cook (2009 and 2012), Rich Harden (2005) and Jon Lieber (2001). Wow!
-
Looking at the Statcast data on Hendricks today.
Averaged 86.5 on sinker and 86.8 on 4-seamer.
Threw 20 change-ups: 18 for strikes (!).
Threw 18 balls, an average of 2 per inning. Two of the 18 called balls actually were entirely in the strike zone.
Just shows what you can do with stellar command and a good defense.
He’s not even throwing 87.
-
Sahadev Sharma[size=78%][/size][/size][size=78%] [/size][/i]
@sahadevsharma
Lester had some good quotes after the game about Hendricks. Pointed out that he thought throwing only 18 balls was crazy. Hendricks' 77.8% strike% is the highest for a starter this year. Asked if he'd go for 75 pitches next start, Lester laughed. "No, uh-uh. Maybe through six!"
-
Davis catches Yu again
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D5vBJJhX4AA8NbO.jpg:small)
-
First pitch single for Descalso to start the Cubs first inning, then the ball bounces by Fowler and Descalso goes to third.
-
1-0 lead on Bryant single. That was quick.
-
Jose Martinez throws out Bryant at third on a Bote single to end the first, then he crushes a homer on the first pitch of the second.
-
Wacha with a lucky double right down the line to start the third, then Almora misses a diving catch. 2-1 Cardinals.
-
Cubs fall asleep and Carpenter steals third without a throw.
-
Bryant misplays a flyball down the RF line leading off the 4th. Some bad luck for Darvish so far today.
-
Based on exit velocity and lunch angle, the leadoff doubles the last two innings are hits 7% and 4% of the time.
-
Darvish has suddenly stopped throwing strikes. Bases loaded, 1 out for Wacha.
-
Wacha knocks in two. 4-1. Sloppy defense and ball throwing hurts the Cubs again.
-
Carpenter hit, 5-1. This one fell apart quickly.
-
Great job Yu.
-
Wacha is one of the worst hitting pitchers in baseball.
.077 lifetime BA in 260 career PAs. That was the second extra-base hit if his career. Career slugging under .100 before today.
-
Bases loaded with 1 out for Davis and Darvish.
-
DAVIS!!!! Tie game, first career HR is a game tying grand slam.
-
I don't think I've ever seen a worse major league "hitter" than Yu Darvish.
Heyward hits for Descalso for some reason. Descalso hurt?
-
Lot of weird stuff today with Wacha hits and Davis grand slam.
-
. Descalso hurt?
ADDISON RUSSELL!
-
Wacha's first hit was pure luck, though. He bounced a ball down the third base line with a 73 mph exit velocity, and Bote was playing pretty far off the line. That ball is an easy out almost all the time.
Four pitch walk to the first batter Darvish faces. Pull him now.
-
Ball 5.
-
After a mound visit, ball 6. Ball 7 and wild pitch. Brutal.
-
Any chance he retires in embarrassment?
-
Wacha's first hit was pure luck, though. He bounced a ball down the third base line with a 73 mph exit velocity, and Bote was playing pretty far off the line. That ball is an easy out almost all the time.
That’s part of the weirdness.
-
9 pitches in the 5th for Darvish, 8 balls, and another ball that was called a strike because the umpire felt sorry for him. Just awful.
How can a guy who had been so good his entire career suddenly be so bad?
-
Allen Webster coming in.
-
And by the way, that was another 81 pitch start for a Cubs starter...just with drastically different results. 41 balls thrown today, up from 18 yesterday.
-
Martinez flies to the wall in CF. 1 out, DeJong tags and goes to third.
-
Molina HBP, bases loaded. Fowler up. Cardinals are threatening to get all four runs right back.
-
Kyle Ryan in. Fowler grounder to Rizzo, force out at the plate. 2 outs.
-
Grounder to Bote gets the Cubs out of the inning. The Cubs really might have hit on something with Kyle Ryan.
-
Grounder to Bote gets the Cubs out of the inning. The Cubs really might have hit on something with Kyle Ryan.
He looked decent the other day, too.
-
2 outs on 2 pitches after a leadoff walk.
-
Almora is not much of a hitter.
-
Ryan gives up a 1 out single to Carpenter in the 6th, so Joe has to overmanage and go to Brach.
-
How can a guy who had been so good his entire career suddenly be so bad?
Problem is people keep thinking this. Darvish has basically had one excellent season and two good ones. The rest of the time he either hasn't been very good or he's been hurt.
-
But Brach Ks Goldschmidt, 2 outs.
-
CHICAGO -- Cubs second baseman Daniel Descalso has left the game against the St. Louis Cardinals because of a sore left ankle.
Descalso was hurt rounding first on a single in the first inning Saturday. He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the fourth.
-
Nice job by Brach to K both Goldschmidt and DeJong. Still think Maddon should've stuck with Ryan there, though.
Brach now has 15 K and 15 BB in 13 IP.
-
https://youtu.be/4UabA7MgfZg
-
Thank you, Bennett
-
Cubs have been awful at holding runners today.
-
You can’t throw anything in the dirt 0-2 with Davis behind the plate...it’s 50-50 at best he catches it.
We’re lucky that pitch hit Wong.
-
Cishek had 2 outs, nobody on. Now he has bases loaded on a single, walk, and 0-2 HBP. Also had Molina picked off but made a bad throw to third and he was safe.
-
Foul pop by Wieters, Cishek escapes.
The Cubs haven’t played that great in this game, they’re really lucky they’re not down by several runs.
-
BAEZ!!! 6-5 Cubs.
-
So money when he uses the whole field...
-
We get to watch the most exciting player in baseball on a daily basis. My goodness is Javy a delight. And just getting better and better.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Cubs win!!!!
-
Nice low stress save for Strop. He’s been the same guy as always so far this year. I wouldn’t be surprised if both sides wanted to get a 2-3 year extension done soon.
-
Also, get greedy and finish the sweep tomorrow. Over the last two years, it seems like they’ve often come out flat in game three in these situations. It’s a chance to show the early season urgency they were talking about all offseason.
-
I bet that was a really frustrating loss for the Cards. They had so many missed opportunities to tack on runs, the Davis grand slam had to sting, and Javy’s game-winner came after three Cardinals failed to catch a foul pop that would have retired him early in the at-bat. Fun one to steal!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Great win for the Cubs. Kudos to Davis, Javy, and the pen.
-
Umpire Larry Vanover made the right call by not granting time to Jose Martinez leading of the ninth. That's the same move that Ryan Braun and a few others use on almost every pitch. When you step into the box, you should be ready to hit. Martinez erred by not being ready when he did not hear time called.
-
"The first 10 games of the season, it was everybody talking about us," Javier Báez said. "And now where’s everybody?"
-
CHICAGO -- Cubs second baseman Daniel Descalso has left the game against the St. Louis Cardinals because of a sore left ankle.
Descalso was hurt rounding first on a single in the first inning Saturday. He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the fourth.
Addison Russell smiles...
-
Almora is not much of a hitter.
Don't let Joe Sheehan hear you say that.
-
Also, get greedy and finish the sweep tomorrow. Over the last two years, it seems like they’ve often come out flat in game three in these situations. It’s a chance to show the early season urgency they were talking about all offseason.
Jeez. The team is on a terrific run. But there's always a way to be grim after a really important win I guess. ???
-
We dont suck anymore...
-
Nice job by Brach to K both Goldschmidt and DeJong. Still think Maddon should've stuck with Ryan there, though.
Genuinely curious why you think the proper strategy was to leave the lefty in to pitch to righty power hitters rather than bring in the righty? Goldschmidt, for one, has a career OPS over 1.000 against lefties. What’s the rationale? Trying to understand your point of view.
Another fun Cubs win.
-
Genuinely curious why you think the proper strategy was to leave the lefty in to pitch to righty power hitters rather than bring in the righty? Goldschmidt, for one, has a career OPS over 1.000 against lefties. What’s the rationale? Trying to understand your point of view.
Because Ryan had been good so far and Brach had been pretty bad. A platoon advantage doesn't matter if a guy can't throw strikes.
Ryan has shown no real platoon split in his small sample with the Cubs. Brach had walked 11 per 9 IP coming into today. So I prefer a LHP who is currently performing vs. a struggling RHP. Maddon brought in a guy who has been a real risk to beat himself to replace a guy who has probably earned a little trust.
By the way, Goldschmidt also has a career OPS of .900 vs. RHP, so he's not an easy out for anyone. And DeJong has no platoon split in his career (.820 vs. RHP; .816 vs. LHP).
Jeez. The team is on a terrific run. But there's always a way to be grim after a really important win I guess. ???
Sorry, didn't mean to come across as grim. I actually meant to be kind of cheerleader-y. Finish off the sweep, show the killer instinct they had in 2016 that (IMO) has been missing the last two years. This is their best stretch 3+ week stretch since 2016, and I'm hoping they'll continue that tomorrow.
-
I think that Maddon is wary of riding a situational pitcher too much. Ryan pitched out of a high-stress 5th inning and then, for another inning, asking him to finish off heart of righty lineup coming up, including Goldschmidt, is asking for trouble. Goldschmidt vs Ryan is a match-up to avoid.
The strategic move is to bring in the righty there. If we want Ryan to continue to do well, you have to pick your spots with him. Pitch him when he’s most likely to do well.
Obviously, Brach is walking way too many guys but if you’re going to opt for a lefty there (who already has thrown a high-stress 15 pitches), then there’s no point having Brach on the club.
-
Interesting story lines for a game in early May. A battle for first place between historic rivals. And two accomplished starting pitchers who have pitched very well lately. Great game for a national audience. Bring the brooms.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D500UGEWkAA5e9X.jpg:small)
-
Almora over Schwarber against Wainwright - wow.
-
Schwarb is hitless in 15 career PA vs. Wainwright.
-
That said, Almora is hitless in 8 career PA, so...
-
Joe giving Almora a chance to catch up with Schwarber?
-
Boy, this offense sure would look great with one more starting caliber OF. It's already damn good.
-
Or if Bryant would get his SLG% above .420.
-
So how do you attack Baez at this point? He's hitting more oppo home runs than to left. He's doing tremendous damage on bad pitches, balls way out of the strike zone (like his HR yesterday).
-
Descalso available to pinch hit.
-
Game is currently on ESPN2 - DirecTV 209
-
Goldschmidt is the one that is likely to kill us today.
-
I don't give a dam how Contreras frames pitches. He is an outstanding defensive catcher.
-
He can also hit.
-
If Willy starts hitting home runs the other way, watch out.
-
Funny how the reports were that the players did not like Chili Davis because he tried to get them to hit outside pitches to the opposite field. Now that Davis has been fired, the Cubs are hitting outside pitches to the opposite field for homers as I never remember in previous years.
-
First and third with one out turns into man on first with two down.
-
Very odd choice by Carpenter there.
-
Dave, I think the Chili thing is that he de-emphasized swinging for power in favor of "getting hits". Those two things are not mutually exclusive.
-
Very odd choice by Carpenter there.
Zobrist reminding Carpenter that he's the OG.
-
Gonna need the bullpen today.
-
Very odd choice by Carpenter there.
Nice analysis by ARod showing Carpenter's poor start at first base on the play
-
The cubs fly all rate was down a lot last year (so far, back to the 2015-17 rates) which in today's juiced ball environment is no good. No idea if Chili is to blame but whatever got them to hit that way was no good.
-
Willson needs just one more homer to match last year's total.
-
Nibbley Q tonight.
-
No offense from Z, but earning his kibble with the leather.
-
Man, Javy has a strong arm. Not many players could've made that throw to get Wainwright.
-
Is there another SS who makes the play in the hole look easier than Baez? What a cannon.
-
Sure is nice to have Heyward as a professional hitter again.
-
Bote has apparently been playing with a broken toe since Mike Minor hit him with a pitch on opening day.
-
I'd have Q on a pretty short leash. He's battled well but he's not fooling anybody.
-
Could we get the Dillon Maples experience tonight?
-
This isn't Quintana at his best tonight. But it seems like several of the Cardinals hits have been on relatively soft contact where the ball finds a hole.
-
This will be a DP or HR
-
That was handwriting on the wall. Q was ripe to be picked.
-
To give A-Rod credit, he called that Molina rocket. Said he was sitting on the curve, and the next pitch he almost hit one out.
-
I think that Molina ball hit off the edge of the basket. If it has been a couple inches higher, it would've been a homer. If it was a couple inches lower, I think Almora might have had a chance to catch it.
-
He was safe at 1B. Great peg but boy, if that goes into the OF it's a tie game.
-
Am I seeing it wrong or did Almora jump two feet to the left of where the ball hit the wall. He's normally sharper than that.
-
Nice rebound Q. Another solid start despite not being as sharp.
-
Am I seeing it wrong or did Almora jump two feet to the left of where the ball hit the wall. He's normally sharper than that.
Looked that way to me too, though he wasn't catching that ball anyway.
-
Am I seeing it wrong or did Almora jump two feet to the left of where the ball hit the wall. He's normally sharper than that.
Yeah that was odd. Thought he could have had that one.
-
Am I seeing it wrong or did Almora jump two feet to the left of where the ball hit the wall. He's normally sharper than that.
Yeah, that's what I thought at first...but I think it just looked that way because the ball hit the basket.
-
Zobrist and Bryant with back-to-back singles to start the 6th. Let's get the runs right back.
-
Well that didn't take long.
-
Rizzo gets them back. Beautiful
-
Three hits in a row from Zo, Bryant, and Rizzo give the Cubs a 5-2 lead.
-
Baez is no doubt our best player. But it seems like Rizzo is the most important guy in the order in terms of making the whole offense go. When he's on fire like this, it totally changes the lineup.
-
Them Cubs are coming...
-
Great job by Rizzo there to get Javy to 2nd.
-
After that double, Rizzo has a .911 OPS this season. And he's been unlucky--his BABIP is only .230 right now. He may be having his best season.
Willson knocks in another run, 6-2. He's responded well to the new hitting coach.
-
I hate ARod as a broadcaster, can ESPN just go with Mendoza and the play by play guy.
-
Gant is nasty.
-
Bryant's shoulder hurting?
-
ESPN's on-field microphones are too loud. They've had this problem for a couple of years now.
-
This is a guy Schwarbs could take yard.
-
Damn, almost.
-
Zo has another hit; Almora scores and it's 7-2.
-
Infield in is always a dumb play. Thanks Cardinals, 7-2.
-
Dave, I think the Chili thing is that he de-emphasized swinging for power in favor of "getting hits". Those two things are not mutually exclusive.
Thanks, Jeff.
-
5 run lead. C'mon, Joe - get Maples in there. Must see TV.
-
Like Ozuna actually could have thrown the ball into the stands from short LF.
-
Cishek in for the 8th in this 5 run game after a stressful 25 pitch inning yesterday. I guess Joe hasn't driven Cishek into the ground enough yet this year.
-
Bryant makes another error; the previous one was a tough call that he probably didn't deserve, but this time he just bobbled it.
-
Since it's pretty well when Cishek's arm falls off rather than if at this point, may as well run him out there for the 9th too and save the rest of the pen.
-
Baez drills a double to right.
-
Nobody F-bombs like J-Hey.
-
Nobody F-bombs like J-Hey.
2 for the price of one!
-
That's the upside of ESPN's weird way-too-loud field microphones. You get to hear the Heyward F-bombs more clearly.
-
Bote doubles off the wall in right.
-
Bote is good. Play him everyday. (And he should probably hit leadoff)
-
Bote has made me a believer.
-
And now Almora doubles down the line in left. 9-2 Cubs!
-
Maples time! Maples time!
-
Go Cubs Go!!
-
Cubs hit three doubles to score a couple runs, ARod says they're playing small ball?
-
If Maddon brings in Strop, I may join the now defunct dump Maddon movement.
-
Bote's long term contract is starting to look rather good.
And I am starting to be glad that Heyward didn't opt out of his contract when he had the chance. Does he get another one in future years?
-
I'm pretty sure Heyward has another opt out after this year. Unless he finishes it with his current MVP-like numbers, I can't imagine he'll actually take it.
-
Ump feels really sorry for the Cardinals on 2-1 to Bryant, calls a ball about a foot high for a strike.
-
GRAND SLAM KB!!
-
Bryant SLAM!
-
God damn, that's good to see.
-
Bryant grand slam.
There are still 3 more outs, but great job finishing off the sweep today in dominant fashion. Just something they haven't done since 2016 ended.
-
ARod is so horrible. KB is sooo good.
-
(https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji173.png)(https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji173.png)(https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji173.png)(https://emoji.tapatalk-cdn.com/emoji173.png)
-
You can tell by the way the dugout reacted, that was a hell of a lot more important than padding a 7-run lead.
-
ARod rather prescient. Low leverage, big results. Pretty much called that.
-
ARod is so horrible. KB is sooo good.
More small ball according to ARod.
-
Cardinals came into this series with a +35 run differential. They are currently +19.
-
LOL
-
Was hoping for Maples, but at least Chatwood is able to pitch.
-
No Maples, but Chatwood is probably an even better choice. One strike out.
-
Man, Chatwood looks nasty.
-
Chatty at 98.
-
DeJong homers, so the Cardinals will lose by 9 instead of 11.
-
Not a bad pitch there, really.
-
Must be white-knighting night.
-
Ozuna HR, so an 8 run win.
Good use of Chatwood. Mop up in an 11 run game.
-
That actually wasn't a bad pitch either. Just good hitting.
-
Cubs sweep!
-
Chatwood gives up three runs, but the Cubs win and sweep!
-
Plus, Ozuna was struck out on the 1-2 pitch.
-
Sweep!
18-6 in the last 24. Welcome to first place!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
First place!!!
-
The worst franchise in the history of sports.
-
Amen
-
Wow, great win. Wainwright seemed pretty shart through the first 5 innings, and the Cardinals seemed to have a lot more traffic vs Q, but man the Cubs offense just kept at it, and scored a bunch.
Man, what a great series sweep. The offense just keeps scoring, and scoring, and scoring, and scoring. Everything falls into place when the offense just keeps scoring, getting 2 HR's (or more) per game, and scoring 3-5 runs on HR's every game. Great recipe!
-
Will be interesting to see how the Miami series will go. With a ton of momentum, the offense rolling, playing at home, and playing a really bad team, you'd think they might have a shot to rack up some more wins and extend the streak.
But after a bunch of series against winning teams (AZ, LA, AZ, SEATTLE, Cardinals, these have all been good, serious teams), could be easy to envision a let-down versus Miami. Hopefully all the hitters are just locked in, and they will just keep scoring.
-
Lost in the shuffle tonight is that Cubs committed 4 errors to the Cards zero.
Very unusual for the club committing 4 errors to beat the errorless club by 8 runs.
-
Not excusing the Cubs' errors, but the Cardinals committed several unrecorded errors, base running, judgement, and bobbles.
-
Very unusual for the club committing 4 errors to beat the errorless club by 8 runs.
The Bible says that "love covers over a multitude of sins."
In baseball, I think the same can be said for offense! Offense covers over a multitude of errors! 4 errors, who complains a lot when you're scoring a bunch of runs and winning easily anyway? Chatwood giving up two HR and three runs? Who cares when the offense had scored enough to win anyway? Q wasn't sharp enough to go longer than 6 innings, and place a 3-inning load on the bullpen; who cares when you've scored plenty? Darvish game? Yes, everybody noticed and cared, but still, when you score enough runs to win anyway, it's less problematic. Scoring lots of runs and hitting lots of HRs, and every flaw seems less noticeable.
-
Winning trumps all other deficiencies.
Sometimes 1 ERROR can change momentum suddenly - which normally leads to losing
-
JD worried about a letdown after the Cardinals series. I'd be surprised.
-
#200 for Rizzo. 2-0.
-
Extra base hits are fun, glad the Cubs are hitting them regularly this year.
-
Amazing how Baez hits fastballs with authority to right field.
-
Without looking, how many of the eight players with more Cubs career HR than Rizzo can you name?
-
Do they have to be the right names?
-
Banks, Williams, Santo, Sandberg, Dawson, Sosa
-
Five of six, Curt.
-
Theriot, Dernier
-
Macias, Neifi
-
Oh, Grace
Kingman wasn't a Cub long enough. Lee?
-
Five of six, Curt.
Dawson was wrong?
-
Dawson was wrong?
Dawson was wrong.
-
Oh, Grace
Kingman wasn't a Cub long enough. Lee?
Not Lee, but follow that thought.
-
Oh, Grace
Kingman wasn't a Cub long enough. Lee?
Not Grace. Not Kingman.
-
Jose?
-
Cubs broadcast is blacked out in Fort Myers today, so I am watching the Miami broadcast.
They just interviewed Starlin Castro, and asked him about his experiences with the Cubs. His Comments, as I remember them:
"I will always respect the team, the City, and the fans."
"The Cubs were the team that had faith in me and my abilities, and allowed me to become a major league player."
" of the best cities I have ever been in."
-
A '30s guy and a '40s guy.
-
I'm surprised Grace didn't hit 200. Alou? I think the rest must be davep's classmates
-
Aramis?
-
Good one, PR
-
Homer in the gloamin'. Hartnett should be one of them.
-
Cavaretta?
-
Aramis yes, Hartnett yes, Cavaretta no.
Sosa-Banks-Williams-Santo-Sandberg-Ramirez-Hartnett-<not yet guessed>-Rizzo
-
Game tied. Cubs hitters haven't done much since the 1st inning.
-
Edwards up in the pen. Better get a few runs this inning.
Dusty always wanted to get Neifi going. I guess Edwards is Maddon's Neifi.
-
Contreras works a walk from 1-2 down. If this new approach is real, he could be a monster.
3-2 on Heyward...
-
Ball 4. Two on for Bote.
-
After a Bote walk, Schwarber singles. 4-3 Cubs, bases still loaded. Almora pinch hitting.
-
Schwarber singles in a run. Bases stay loaded, nobody out.
-
What is he swinging at?!?!?
-
Chopper out in front of the plate gets the runner at home. Still loaded, 1 out.
-
Zobrist GIDP. Not a great showing for this offense after the first inning.
-
That inning may haunt them.
-
Here comes Edwards
-
Well, not just that inning. The Cubs have had the leadoff man walk the last four innings and only have one run to show for it.
-
Edwards in. he got sent to the minors because he melted down in high leverage situations, and Maddon puts him right back in a high leverage situation in his first chance back.
Quickly behind 3-0...and he should've walked him on the fourth pitch, but the umpire felt sorry for him.
-
3-0 to the first batter...
-
Cubs have GIDP four straight innings.
-
ball 2 should've been a strike, so they're even
-
Edwards gets a grounder, then starts the next batter with ball 1.
-
Pop up, 2 outs.
-
Weak fly ball for the third out. Good job Edwards, even though you didn't look that good.
-
pop up, 3 outs
Good appearance by CJ
-
Edwards had a plan tonight.
Threw 19 pitches and 18 were 4-seam fastballs. Just one curve. FB averaged 93.8.
-
WTH is going on? Baez walks from 0-2 down.
-
By Statcast, the Contreras flyout should be a homer most of the time.
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_field?ev=102&la=30
-
Brach really should be loading up on Lotto tickets.
-
Updated stats: 16 BB, 15 K for Brach in 14 innings. He's another Edwards.
-
Strop in for the 9th.
Granderson leadoff walk.
-
Strop is wild so far tonight. That hasn't been a problem for him in a few years.
-
Back-to-back walks to start the 9th. Bad night for Strop to suddenly stop throwing strikes.
-
Hit. Bases loaded, no outs. Too bad the offense stopped scoring runs after the first inning.
-
This is turning really ugly. Quickly 3-0. Tying run about to be walked in.
-
Ball 4, tie game. Still no outs. Maybe the worst outing of Strop's Cubs career. Kyle Ryan coming in.
-
Looked like Hottovy wanted to pull Strop and Maddon said no
-
Ryan has been really good, maybe he can keep the Cubs in the game.
-
Ryan quickly behind 2-0.
-
3-0. This is awful. Really, really ugly.
-
Obviously, the Cubs are not a cold weather team.
-
Groundout, Marlins lead 5-4. I can't believe the Cubs are going to lose this game to the worst team in baseball after getting up 3-0 in the first inning.
-
Marlins have walked 10 tonight, the Cubs only have 4 runs. Pretty ugly night for the offense too.
-
That was a horrible play by Ryan.
-
Anybody have Kimbel's number?
-
Ryan with a really stupid play. Ball hit right back to him, he had the runner going home out...but he threw to first instead and the runner scored. So the Cubs are down 6-4 instead of 5-4.
-
2016 Cubs would find a way to pull this game out. 2017-18 Cubs score a run and lose by a run after that really stupid play by Ryan.
Let's see what the 2019 Cubs do.
-
Michael Cerami @Michael_Cerami
I’m sorry. Daniel Descalso was available to pinch hit against a righty with the bases load and Almora took the at-bat?!
-
Bryant homers. Too bad Ryan gave them that gift run.
-
Bryant continues to hit dingers in low leverage situations killing rallies.
-
The pen has had a really lucky month, but it’s just not good enough. Need a shutdown guy that we just don’t have.
-
Rizzo single. Teaser rally...
-
Javy is going to be swinging out of his shoes here.
-
Javy Ks, it's up to Willson.
-
Strike 1 called on a pitch way outside. Awful umpiring.
Willson waves at another awful pitch, probably because of that brutal call on the first pitch.
Strike 3, Cubs lose.
Big letdown after the Cardinals sweep.
-
Watching the play again, there was a bunch of action around the plate. Base runner was probably in his peripheral vision, I think a batboy was clearing the area, Contreras was moving to cover, the ump was getting into position to make the call. Ryan may have fooled himself into thinking he had no chance. He did LOOK to the plate before spinning and throwing to Rizzo.
-
2016 Cubs would find a way to pull this game out. 2017-18 Cubs score a run and lose by a run after that really stupid play by Ryan.
Let's see what the 2019 Cubs do.
More 2017-18 than 2016 tonight.
-
More 2017-18 than 2016 tonight.
Remember this one from 2016?
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN201605230.shtml
-
Cubs facing pre-2017 Cubs Rule 5 pick Caleb Smith tonight. Was trying to make 2017 Cubs as a reliever, but returned to Yankees just prior to the season.
He has been really good in six starts this season.
-
This ump has a huge strike zone tonight. He’s missed at least 4 or 5 obvious balls tonight.
Lester is not at his best tonight. Hopefully he can get through 6.
-
Really sloppy defense tonight. Schwarber dropped a fly ball earlier; that runner ended up scoring. Heyward made an error. Baez was too non-chalant in this inning on a Castro grounder and Castro beat it out. Then a routine double play ball was hit to Bote, and he bobbled it...they only got one out.
And now the Cubs have Rojas caught stealing, but he turns around and goes back...and Rizzo is slow getting the tag down so he's safe.
-
Nice job by Lester to get through 6 innings on a day where he wasn't at his best and his defense gave him very little help. Tied at 2 going to the bottom of the 6th.
-
Caleb Smith looks pretty good. The Cubs should have kept him when they had him.
-
Cubs have first and second, no outs in the 9th in a tie game. Descalso pinch hitting, then Almora and Bryant.
-
Double play, pop up? or Pop up, double play?
-
Descalso bunts, 2nd and 3rd
-
Descalso bunt. Looked like he had a pretty easy out at third, but went to first. Second and third, 1 out.
-
Almora with a weak grounder, Heyward out at home. Up to Bryant.
-
Was bunting with Descalso the optimal play there considering this guy's control is way off?
-
KB!!!!!!!
-
Bryant 3 run homer! Cubs win!!
-
Bryant!!!!!
-
3-run, game winner
-
(https://i1.wp.com/therationalmale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/white-knight.jpeg)
-
Chris just punched a hole in his wall the size of a cantaloupe.
-
You can just call him Klutch Bryant...
-
First walkoff for KB since 2015. Boom!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
That was pretty clutch.
-
Credit where it's due.
-
Good thing for the Marlins only comes through when it doesn’t matter.
-
That ball barely made it into the third row. It looks like Bryant's shoulder is bothering him again.
-
Warm it up Kris..
-
Chris just punched a hole in his wall the size of a cantaloupe.
Yes, because I root for Bryant to fail in big situations. Must be why I rag on him for that issue. Some of you people are dense as molasses.
-
Why would they pitch to him instead of Rizzo there?
-
Oh, and Kris Bryant, ****!
-
Kris F’n Bryant
-
Some of you people are dense as molasses.
Yeah, davep, he's talkin' to you!
-
Why would they pitch to him instead of Rizzo there?
Especially with Bryant as hot as he's been. Maybe they have the Cubs' old advance scouts.
-
About the only thing I can think of there is Conley’s been much better against RH hitters this year. Obviously that strategy didn’t work out for the Marlins there.
-
Wow, way to bring it home, you guys. Yes, that was a clutch one for sure!
-
Heh heh, TV guys were talking about maybe trying to punch one anti-shift into right. I guess just blasting it over the shift worked just fine!
-
There's also always the chance of hitting Rizzo, especially with a lefty throwing 99 and slinging it.
Bryant turning around 99 over in the inner half is a great sign. Hopefully, he's about to go on a run.
-
Was bunting with Descalso the optimal play there considering this guy's control is way off?
Not sure. In retrospect, given that the bunt actually ended up with the runner at 3rd, I'd agree with it. Given that Heyward should have been forced, and that a wild hard-throwing guy like that is really hard to bunt against, I'm not sure the odds were actually that good in general.
But, I do think part of the get-the-guy-to-3rd advantage against a wild pitcher is the wild pitch factor. Hitting him in, sacrifice him in, those are two ways. But wild-pitching him in is a pretty significant factor. And/or making the catcher afraid to call for a chase-oriented in-the-dirt breaking ball can make it easier to hit, too.
-
Think the idea of the bunt is that Almora hitting with the infield up, against a lefty, is a good match-up. Likely to make contact and infielders range, playing up, way diminished on an Almora grounder or bloop. Not going to walk him, or pitch around him, with Bryant and Rizzo on deck. Going to get a pitch to hit, which he did.
Unfortunately, hit it right at somebody.
-
Lester on his outing Tuesday night:
“I really had nothing early on,” he said. “I made some adjustments about the third, fourth inning mechanically that kind of got me back to being OK. It was just one of those nights. I had to figure out a way and Willy [Contreras] did a great job of kind of guiding me through that whole thing.
“It wasn’t ideal, but we figured out a way to keep our team in the game and give our guys a chance in the end there.”
-
Why would they pitch to him instead of Rizzo there?
Because they are the Marlins. They don't have only 10 wins because they make great decisions.
-
Patrick Mooney has a good column on the game that focuses on Jon Lester and Kris Bryant.
https://theathletic.com/967746/2019/05/08/the-stars-come-out-at-wrigley-with-kris-bryant-and-jon-lester/?source=dailyemail
Included is the following on Lester:
Since recovering from the strained left hamstring he felt during the Wrigley Field opener and being activated from the injured list on April 25, Lester has allowed one earned run across 18 innings. Within those three starts, Lester has faced 70 batters and walked just one while getting 19 strikeouts.
And this on Bryant:
For a guy who won Rookie of the Year and MVP awards and a World Series within his first two years in the big leagues, Bryant sure got a lot of scrutiny during that slow start to this season.
Bryant’s left shoulder is strong, the Cubs insisted, and that should have been the end of the discussion in April. But after loudly hitting home runs in three straight games — while quietly getting on base in 17 consecutive games and unselfishly moving all over the field as a defender — his numbers are getting back up to his All-Star standards (.889 OPS).
“Any time early in the season, you look at the scoreboard and things fluctuate so much,” Bryant said. “And then you’re up there trying to get four hits in one at-bat because you want to see things change. I think we all have experienced that. Fortunately, I feel like I’ve gotten off to pretty good starts the previous four years, so I haven’t had to really worry about that. But this year was a little different. You’re so impatient. You want things to come to you so quick. But I realize that’s not the way to go about things.”
-
Tonight's game time has been moved up half an hour to try to avoid bad weather.
-
Heyward leads off
Russell bats 8th and is at 2B
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6EgxNmXsAIeO3v.jpg:small)
-
This loop shows the last 30 minutes. Starting the game early looks like a good move.
(https://lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/usa.gif)
-
HOpefully Marlins are hacking and Hendricks is incredibly sharp like his recent game vs Cardinals. Would really, really like to win tonight. (If possible I'd like to spend a couple of consecutive nights in 1st place. If possible I'd like to be in first place when Milwaukee series begins. And if possible I'd prefer going into tomorrow with Yu and a chance to win the series, rather than depending on winning a Darvish start tomorrow in order to salvage a split at home versus bad Marlins.)
-
Not sure of what's up with Zobrist, but there are Instagram messages to him wishing him and his family the best, for what that's worth.
-
Hendricks has an easy lob to Rizzo but throws it over his head to start the game.
-
All I read earlier is "personal reasons".
-
Now a swinging bunt rolls safely down the third base line.
-
"Indefinitely" was the word that stood out for me.
-
Castro singles to drive in Granderson but that's it for the Marlins.
One run will not be enough to win this game.
-
Men get divorces all the time.
I hope it's more something like that than health issues.
I dont think Ben would just retire midseason.
-
Bryant walks and Rizzo singles him to third.
Javy hits into a 6-4-3.
-
I can’t believe they were able to turn that double play with Javy running.
-
Not sure of what's up with Zobrist, but there are Instagram messages to him wishing him and his family the best, for what that's worth.
That sounds more like family or health issues to me (than divorce, as Dusty has suggested might be a reason). A parent who's having some problems. A child who's got something going on.
-
Leadoff single, then another DP.
-
Would a ballplayer in MLB take a indefinite leave because of a divorce? Seems dubious to me.
Zobrist isn't retiring, presumably. But he makes what, $12 million this year? It does make you wonder ow much it would take to get Kimbrel on a 1-year deal.
-
Urena's got the ground-ball stuff going today. Another groundout.
-
Would a ballplayer in MLB take a indefinite leave because of a divorce? Seems dubious to me.
Zobrist isn't retiring, presumably. But he makes what, $12 million this year? It does make you wonder ow much it would take to get Kimbrel on a 1-year deal.
Didn't Ryne Sandberg retire (the first time) because of marital difficulties?
-
Urena took Schwarber’s grounder off his pitching hand. We’ll see if that hurts him.
-
He's contemplating retirement. He's soon-to-be 38, hasn't been playing much and isn't off to a great start. He's voluntarily ceding time to Bote, which is great for the team player angle, but probably says something about his fire to compete too.
-
Didn't Ryne Sandberg retire (the first time) because of marital difficulties?
Ask Dave Martinez.
I love what Zo hs brought to the team, but given our feigned financial woes and the bullpen, obviously his retirement wouldn't be entirely bad news in theory. It just seems odd to me given how good he was last season that he would retire based on a bad 30-game stretch, especially since he also had a mysterious absence in ST, unless there was a health issue.
-
As Addison Russell is announced for his first at-bat at Wrigley in 8 months, there were plenty of boos, but definitely some cheers. I even saw a couple fans stand up to cheer.
After Russell struck out, he got a few boos and that was it.
-
Walk, single to 3rd again for Bryzzo. Can they avoid the double play this time?
-
Baez singles in Bryant!
1-1
-
Wild pitch scores Rizzo.
2-1
-
Baez gets caught off 3rd on a grounder.
Russell grounds out to end it.
-
In other news, is Heyward broken again?
-
Hendricks puts the first two on, but gets out of it with a DP. Nice.
-
Urena has a terrific fastball, really good stuff. Heavy sinkers, lots of movement at 95-96, and he's been clipping the corners a lot. The Rizzo single was a terrific AB. Urena had four strikes/fouls on his hard, moving stuff, and all of them on the pitch chart were perfectly on an edge/bottom, and the Rizzo single was also sinking out of the bottom of the zone too. Really good job by Rizzo to stay alive and then to get the hit.
The Baez hit Urena got the ball up a little bit, but it was sinking so hard that Javy still was barely able to lift it over the SS. Really, really heavy fastball.
-
Hendricks still only at 60 pitches.
-
It is unlikely divorce
-
Well I hope him and his family arent having health issues.
-
JD compared Urena to Pascual Perez. I thought that was a pretty good comp.
-
Hendricks through 7 on 90 pitches. Velocity or not, I’m glad he’s ours.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Gotta leave him out there with this pen.
-
Through 8 on 96 pitches. Can he throw two complete games in a row? I'd give him the chance.
-
6 pitch 8th
-
He leads off the bottom of the 8th
-
Almora pinch hitting for Hendricks.
-
...or not
Almora hits
-
Ugh. Who’s warming up?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
With Strop, I’d have pulled him. Without, I’d definitely have left him in.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Where's Edwards? Did Maddon get fired?
-
Ryan for Walker. (Single.) Now Cishek.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Alfaro leads the Marlins with 5 HR...
-
popped to right
-
Judging by his tweets, Jesse Rogers has replaced Tommy La Stella with Brandon Kintzler as his favorite Cubs player.
-
Castro up
-
Rogers loves inside information
-
Base hit. 1st and 2nd, 1 out.
-
wild pitch, 2nd and 3rd, 1 out
-
tie game
-
Sure glad we pulled Hendricks
-
Two 9th inning leads blown against the Marlins in 3 games. Awful.
-
Best part of the Cubs lineup so far this year goes down weakly in the 9th.
This series has really been a letdown after the Cardinals series. Even in last night's win, they played a really sloppy game.
-
Heh. Alfaro is a horrible framer. Third strike to Baez should have been called a ball just on Alfaro"s mitt jerk alone.
-
Rizzo!!!!
-
After a leadoff single, Rizzo is heads up on defense and lets a popped up bunt fall. He gets a double play.
-
First batter singles.
Next batter pops a bunt up, right to Rizzo.
Rizzo lets it drop, turns it into a double play.
-
Addison's gonna hit a walk off...
-
Edwards in for the 11th.
-
Edwards throws strikes, gets outs.
Too bad he can't throw strikes regularly.
-
Damn it would be nice to get that version of Edwards back.
-
Two out walk in the 10th for Russell and for the first time tonight, cheers eclipse boos.--Wittenmeyer
Just like I said. Just produce.
-
Heyward walks it off
-
HEYWARD! Walk off in the basket.
-
MVP!!!!!
-
Now wait a minute......
-
It's taken us a while, but it sure is nice to finally get the Jason Heyward we were expecting when he signed with us.
-
"Better late than never, ****..." - Jason Heyward, in post game interview
-
WGN censor less effective than CreateAForum's...
-
Reports of Heyward’s demise have been greatly exaggerated...
-
Wow, nice to sneak out the win. What a tight series this has been. Marlins have some terrific arms, although not so sure on the control.
-
Not the best series the Cubs have played this year given that the Marlins are the worst team in baseball, but they've escaped with two wins in a row. Would be nice to see an easy win tomorrow to take the series.
-
I think he said, "better late then never, poop."
-
Russell snuck out the walk in the 10th, but otherwise a kinda ugly game offensively. K, two weak groundouts, seemingly missed a hit-and-run sign, with Schwarber thrown out "stealing". Had Schwarber not gotten out stealing, the next pitch to Russell would have been an easy/obvious DP anyway.
I know he's gifted fielder, but if Russell is going to end up playing a lot, I sure hope he isn't the total auto-out that he was last year.
-
Keep stealing wins, but this bullpen is patched together with nothing but chicken wire and chewing gum. Need late-inning help desperately or it's going to be our downfall.
-
Tough game for Bote too. Couldn't get the run in from 3rd with one out early in the game. Led off the 10th with a 3-1 count, then whiffed at two pitches that should have each been ball-4.
-
Great to see Heyward break out, because he was 1-21 before that. Maybe with some guys that wouldn't worry you so much, but based on the last three years Heyward isn't one of them.
-
Now we need Yu to step up tomorrow and throw strikes...and have the offense give him some early runs!!
-
Plate umpire Quinn Wolcott making sure Jason Heyward touches home plate
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6GStdqXkAAnV-r.jpg:small)
-
A man who takes his responsibilities seriously!
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6IehxPXoAAmv0B.jpg:small)
-
Maybe Yu gets rattled because Taylor Davis STARES at him
-
Bryant homer. 1-0
-
Almora RBI single after Baez walk, Schwarber single. 2-0
-
Bryant smashed that one, wow. One of those "pull" home runs, way back.
Bote just missed, he had a pitch that could have been hit out as well.
Bryant HR came right after a superb play that just barely got Heyward. So Marlins are kind of lucky the Cubs didn't end up with more runs in the first.
-
Darvish with terrible command again today. No hits allowed through 2 1/3 IP, but he's thrown 56 pitches anyway because of all the ball throwing.
-
Bases loaded, 2 outs for the Marlins in the third. All baserunners walked. No hits, 4 walks, and 62 pitches so far. Darvish is so frustrating to watch.
-
"*@$%*&!!, Taylor Davis can only frame the pitch. He can't paint it and hang it on the wall, too."
-
Darvish gets the K on 3-2. He's not going to be able to go more than 5 innings.
-
5 innings is better than usual from him.
-
Walker chases a cutter out of the zone, and Yu escapes the 3rd. 2-0 Cubs
Darvish spinning the no-hitter through 3! :):)
69 pitch-no hitter, 6K, 4 walks, 3 stolen-bases allowed.
Walker should have taken the RBI walk there, Cubs lucky. Marlins should have also scored on a sac fly where Bote was running away from the plate, but they wasted that run too.
I'm sure Maddon is going to try to push Darvish through the 5th. But man, I'd be ready to pull the plug fast, and pull him sooner if need be. Might be a day for MOntgomery to be ready to pick up a couple of innings.
-
I did see darvish throw one strike that was >90. But it's just so hard for him without having any fastball. We worry about Hendricks having a fastball in the 80's, but he can throw his fastball. Darvish's fastball is just a rare, hardly-ever-used throw-away change-of-pace pitch.
-
Another walk by Darvish with 1 out in the 4th. He's as bad as Chatwood was last year.
-
Anyone care to admit I was right yet?
-
Even though Darvish can't throw a strike, these bad hitters still go chasing on full count. Gets another chase K.
Another stolen base allowed.
-
Soft ground ball finds a hole, 2-1.
-
Now walks the pitcher...
-
Darvish is a mess right now! 97 pitches through 4 vs the Marlins! Can't command anything, can't hold runners.
Dusty, I'm certainly not ready to give up on him yet, but he sure looks like a terrible signing at this point!
-
97 pitches to get through four innings. 13 batters have either walked or struck out.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
And Darvish walks the pitcher after for his 6th walk in 4 innings (with 7 Ks). I had not seen Darvish to speak of before he became a Cub. But I am astonished at just how poorly he has pitched since joining the Cubs.
Who ever imagined he would be the Cubs' 5th best starter? And if Chatwood continues to pitch as he has recently, it's conceivable Darvish could become the 6th best. I generally dislike the term "headcase" but it sure seems like this has to be a mental/emotional thing with the guy, given his obvious ability.
-
Anyone care to admit I was right yet?
You weren't right. Your argument was that somehow, Asian pitchers are inherently more likely to get injured. In reality, Darvish sucks because he can't throw a fastball for a strike.
-
Descalso pinch hitting for Darvish.
-
I wonder if the blister is a lingering issue for Darvish affecting his control.
-
I never meant that Asian pitchers were more apt to get hurt.
What I meant was they are already wore down when they get here.
They give Japan their best years.
-
RIZZO! After a Bryant walk, Rizzo HR. 4-1 Cubs.
-
Rizzo golfs one out for a 2-run HR. 4-1
-
Wow, what a great HR for Rizzo. Ball was sinking way down, he ended up on his knee. Huge couple of insurance runs.
-
I seem to recall Mickey Mantle going down on one knee on some of his HRs.
-
Montgomery with 3 more K's through two innings thus far. Not sure how long he can stay healthy, but he's had some 93-94 fastballs, so it's not like his velocity looks injured or anything for the moment.
-
Montgomery at 31 pitches through his 3 innings. Would be nice to both score a couple more runs, and let him just pitch it out.
-
jon greenberg
Verified account
@jon_greenberg
jon greenberg Retweeted Sahadev Sharma
Tyler Chatwood's 19.6 percent walk rate last year is in reach.jon greenberg added,
@sahadevsharma
Darvish now has a 19.3 percent walk rate on the season. The next highest in baseball for an eligible starter is Aaron Sanchez's 13.7%.
-
Neil Walker continues to be a pain in the butt. 5 for 8 with 2 walks in the series.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Now Castro w a single. Tying run at the plate w one away.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice job by Montgomery, 4 scoreless innings. I'd let him go out for the 9th and try to finish it.
-
Darvish 4 innings 97 pitches
Montgomery 4 innings 49 pitches
-
He got through his 4 (and counting?) on half as many pitches as Yu used.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Ok, fine. Half plus a half a pitch. :)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Montgomery hit for himself, so Madden is going to let him try to finish.
-
Monty finishes it. Cubs win!
-
Nice job by Montgomery. The insurance HR by Rizzo was huge and enabled that. Maddon would have certainly been doing batter-by-batter relief replacements without those extra runs. Nice to let the rest of the bullpen rest for a day before the big brewers series.
And nice to have another night in first place!
And nice to sneak out another victory despite a scary-Darvish start. :)
That was a really difficult, challenging series, no easy ones there.
-
Darvish really is Chatwood 2.0 this year, except it's all about one pitch - the fastball. So frustrating because it's the most elemental part of pitching success and it's basically the entire reason he's struggling - FB command. But obviously not an easy thing to fix when the subject is this off-track.
-
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 52m52 minutes ago
Kris Bryant has homered on May 9 in 4 of 5 seasons. The lone exception was 2016, when the May 9 game was postponed.
-
Cubs vs Gio
Bryant 2-10
Heyard 8-37
Anthony Rizzo 2-22
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6NjBl5WwAAACmc.jpg:small)
-
Umpires for #Brewers (23-16) at #Cubs (22-13):
HP: Joe West
1B: Eric Cooper
2B: Andy Fletcher
3B: Will Little
-
Cain single, then Yelich GIDP on the first pitch.
-
Each pitcher throws only 7 pitches in the first.
-
Quintana throws 9 pitches in the second. Both teams seem to want this game over quickly so far.
-
Baez TOOTBLAN. Why was he trying to steal third there?
-
He wouldn’t have had the chance if the idiot behind the plate hadn’t blown the ball 4 call on Bote...
-
Well, it's Joe West...so there are going to be bad calls all day.
-
Quintana has thrown a first pitch strike to every batter so far today, and he has started 5 of the first 7 hitters with an 0-2 count.
-
It's going to be a bad day for hitters if the pitchers keep getting the zone called as low as Joe West is calling it.
-
Two out solo homer for Braun in the 4th, 1-0 Brewers.
-
Gonzalez is dominating the Cubs. A lot of weak contact so far. I hope that Braun homer isn't enough to win the game for the Brewers.
-
When did Hernan Perez become a good defender? He's made two great plays, including one on a ball that would've scored a run if he had missed it.
Only 1 hit for the Cubs through 4 1/3 innings. The one hit was a Baez bouncer that would've been an easy out if Gonzalez hadn't tried to field it.
-
Cubs do nothing in the 5th.
Top of the order due in the 6th for both teams. Maybe the Cubs will figure Gonzalez out the third time through.
-
GIDP and 2 Ks for Yelich today. Quintana has been really good again.
-
Braun chases, easy 1-2-3 for Quintana against Cain/Yelich/Braun.
Only 73 pitches through 6 for Quintana. If his spot in the lineup doesn't come up in a critical spot in the 7th, he might go 8 today.
-
Almora bloop double to start the 6th. Almora wasn't running hard at first, but luckily Yelich can't pick it up cleanly.
-
Corbin Burnes up in the bullpen for the Brewers.
-
Bryant soft line out to third.
-
Rizzo grounds right into the shift, 2 outs with Almora at third. Up to Baez to get the tying run home.
-
Counsell pulls Gonzalez? Okay...Cubs still haven't hit the ball well this inning, so this might be a break to get into the bullpen this early.
-
Baez Ks on 3 pitches. The third strike was in the dirt--looked like Javy from 2-3 years ago in that AB.
-
First pitch line drive single by Grandal, followed by a 4 pitch walk to Aguilar. The way the offense is going today, there's a good chance a second run would put this game away.
-
Wild pitch. Second and third, no outs. This one appears to be falling apart quickly.
-
Grounder to Rizzo, diving stop...has no chance at the runner at home, but he throws home anyway. 2-0, still no outs. Luckily, Aguilar stayed at second for some reason...so it's first and second instead of first and third.
-
Bote drops a grounder. He recovers and tags Aguilar, but probably should've had a double play there. The defense has been so sloppy over the last week or so.
-
Now another walk to a #8 hitter, Cubs do that way too much. Bases loaded, 1 out for pinch hitter Gamel.
-
Quintana suddenly can't throw strikes. Behind Gamel 2-1, and would be 3-0 if not for Joe West.
-
Gamel sac fly, and that's probably the game. There were no errors charged, but sloppy defense this inning has cost the Cubs at least one run.
-
Contreras and Bote with back-to-back hits to start the 7th. They need to score at least 2 here with Hader still available.
-
Heyward hits a grounder to second...Contreras doesn't run for some reason, so they get Bote on the force and Contreras in a rundown. Runner at first, 2 outs. Really poor showing by the offense today.
-
And now Russell doubles. Heyward has to stop at third.
-
Descalso pops straight up.
-
After the first two get on in the 8th for the Brewers, Contreras throws the ball into RF trying to pick off Braun at first. Second and third, no outs.
Quintana was good until he started tiring in the last inning. But otherwise, this has been a terribly played game by the Cubs. Bad defense, bad base running, bad hitting.
Another run scores on a sac fly. 4-0.
-
Too bad that Cubs couldn’t keep this game close and force Brewers to use Hader today, perhaps limiting his usage for rest of this series.
-
I think it's time for the Allen Webster experiment to come to an end.
-
Not a good outing for him, but Webster averaged 95 today with heat. But, could be that he will be odd man out next pitching move. Not great outing for Ryan today either, and Ryan has an option.
Decent chance, maybe, that Webster could get thru waivers to Iowa. If I’m reading Az Phil correctly, Webster can’t decline an outright.
-
The Cubs have looked kind of flat since the end of the Cardinals series. It's a good thing the Marlins came to town when they did--if they'd played anyone else this week, I think they would've won 2 of 4 at best.
Hopefully something will click tomorrow and they can still find a way to win this series.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6SwZnLX4AEmKiA.jpg:small)
-
Bennett, I really appreciate you posting that every day.
-
Heyward leads off with a triple but is out at the plate on a perfect throw from Arcia after a Bryant grounder.
Len says the rain is expected to be light. What's coming doesn't look all that light to me
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/chicago80.gif)
-
The rain is coming North from here. It's soft, steady, and annoying, but it probably won't hold up a game.
-
Heyward leads off with a triple but is out at the plate on a perfect throw from Arcia after a Bryant grounder....
Brewers seem to play some very good defense. Cubs haven't been that hot defensively, it seems? But maybe I only remember the bad stuff, beats me. Getting a run in when you get the rare opportunity would have been really nice.
-
Cubs' offense has been stifled by the Brewers' staff going back to September. 17 runs in 8+ games.
-
The Cubs seem to have been pretty bad at executing run downs the last few years. They usually get the out, but it feels like they always have to make more throws than other teams do when a Cubs runner is caught.
-
Cubs may need to score to win; might be the type of game against good pitching where sequencing three hits might be tough, and where you'll need somebody to blast one over the wall, like Braun did yesterday.
Hamels has a good process going: he's walked the leadoff man in the 2nd and 3rd innings, and a leadoff single in the 4th; but then he's gotten DP balls on the next batter three innings straight. Davies used that process in the 2nd inning as well.
-
Hamel stays on track and walks the leadoff guy in the 5th as well.
-
Works to perfection, walk and DP. :)
-
Walk and a DP in the 5th as well...
-
Perez breaks the game open with HR. Going to be pretty tough to score two runs today against Davies and then Hader. O well.
-
Long as the Cubs don't have to play Milwaukee anymore they should be fine.
-
Are the Cubs ever going to score another run?
-
Bote scores from first on a single! Nice Baez-like slide.
-
I guess it was scored a double by Almora. Not sure Almora goes to second if Bote isn't going home, though.
-
Bote! Great slide at home to evade the tag.
Nice bloop hit for Almora. The great Yelich didn't' seem to hustle that ball as well as he could have. And Bote reached on a muff. So I guess the Brewers defense isn't great all the time. The wet conditions can't be very good for these types of plays.
Grnadall also seemed pretty slow to swing around from receiving the ball to applying the tag.
-
Len and JD talking about leadoff.
Cubs are #14 and only alead of Marlins in OPS at leadoff.
-
But they say that 2 through 8 are very high.
-
Edwards comes in throwing balls, but Shaw helps him out and swings at a couple of them.
-
In the zone more against Gamel, and then he swings through a high fastball. 2 Ks.
-
You act as if every relief pitcher is a strike-throwing machine.
-
Baez K's with two on to end the 8th.
-
Cain and Yelich coming up. This may be game.
-
Baez whiffs pretty easily to end the 8th with Bryant and Rizzo on base. From the pitch map, none of the five pitches was in the strike zone.
-
Kinzler uses the Hamels recipe, walks leadoff, then follows up with the Cain DP.
-
This umpire has been very inconsistent today. The first two pitches Brach threw to Arcia have been strikes off and on today, but both were called balls.
-
Two out double off the wall for Thames in the 11th.
-
Wild pitch moves Thames to third with 2 strikes.
-
Cain lineout. That was scary off the bat.
-
Hader pulled with Rizzo coming up to start the bottom of the 11th, Albers in. Hader hurt?
-
Rizzo walk, Baez bloop single. First and second, no outs.
-
Contreras GIDP. Now up to Schwarber with Rizzo at third with 2 outs.
IBB, Bote up.
-
Bote BB, and then Almora out on a weak grounder.
-
Cedeno making his debut in the 12th.
-
Cedeno immediately fits in as a Cub and walks Yelich.
-
10-pitch walk by Shaw and a wild pitch from Chatwood.
Pina pops up. Two down.
-
It’s pretty frustrating to watch our pitcher throw a 3-2 pitch head high into the opposite batters box...
-
Chatwood up to 34 pitches. Two on now.
-
Chatwood fans Thames on 3-2.
Had em all the way.
-
Cubs better win it here because Chatwood doesn’t have another scoreless inning in him and there’s no one else to pitch.
-
It's not like the Cubs didn't just have an incredible chance to win....
-
Baez doubles and moves to third on a Contreras flyout. Schwarber IBB for a second time.
Up to Bote.
-
Forgot Chatwood was up next. So they walk Bote to load the bases for Chatwood.
-
Chatwood K's.
-
I would’ve been tempted to go to Davis there even if it meant a position player would have to pitch.
-
Russell with a chance to be the hero. Oh the irony.
-
Russell K's.
Between the 11th and 13th, the Cubs have 5 walks, a single, and a double. But can't score.
-
Cubs 0-9 w/ RISP, 14 LOB.
-
Nice inning for Chatwood after he really labored in the 13th.
-
Walks Yelich but two more K's.
-
I think the play with Heyward in the first inning and Bote in the 6th would have been horrific collisions without the new catcher blocking the plate weren't in place. They were bang bang.
-
Cubs do nothing in the 14th.
-
Chatwood dominant in the 15th. Two more K's and a groundout.
-
Chatwood with 4 scoreless innings and 7 strikeouts.
-
I wonder how many baseballs have been used - 400?
-
Chatwood gets Piña and we move to the bottom of the 15th.
Who is left for to pitch for the Cubs if Chatwood runs out of energy?
-
JD opined that Kyle Hendricks might be used.
-
Willy!
-
WILLSON!!! Cubs win!!
That matches last year's home run total for him on May 11.
-
Amazing they escaped that with a win after all the missed chances.
Chatwood with his day in the sun.
-
That’s my catcher!
-
Willy!
-
It's still exasperating to see Chatwood throw 1 pitch out of every 4 into the ground halfway to homeplate.
-
You sometimes hear an announcer feel sorry for the umpires having to be out there the whole time on a hot day. Today couldn't have been much fun either.
-
In case you missed it
https://youtu.be/otkPNcx0JhE
-
Chatwood has been amazingly valuable this season. Still too many walks, but man, tough to hit.
-
Couldn't agree more, Deeg. Chatwood has won at least a couple of BIG games for us! He's showing how freaking valuable long relief can be! That was a HUGE win for us today!
-
Just goes to show you don’t trust knee-jerk fan reactions to long-term contracts.
-
Wow, way to bring out the win, you guys! Really big win. Will still be at worst tie for first (and ahead in winning percentage) after tomorrow. Ad would be super cool to pull out a series win against the Brewers. Lester-Chacin on paper seems the Cubs best matchup this series.
HR. Huge. Great way to win the close ones.
-
Any chance Willy gets a day off tomorrow after catching 15 today?
Nah, what am I saying.
-
Lester is starting, so Contreras is starting.
-
Monday is an off day.
-
The weather looks like a repeat of Saturday afternoon - cold, damp, and miserable.
Anthony Rizzo gets a day off.
Cubs vs Chacin
Baez 4-15
Contreras 2-10
Heyward 3-19 with 1 homer
Rizzo 7-22 with 3 homers
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6ZA3dcWsAAj6Va.jpg:small)
-
That lineup sure looks different without the name "Rizzo!" Hope his back isn't bothering him!
-
That lineup sure looks different without the name "Rizzo!" Hope his back isn't bothering him!
Good guess, Ben
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo won't start on Sunday as his back has tightened up, Its a once or twice a year occurrence for him as the Cubs have played a lot of games in cold weather, and after 15 innings on his feet yesterday, Joe Maddon isn't taking any chances. The team doesn't play again until Tuesday night, giving Rizzo 48 hours. The ailment has never kept him out of the lineup for long. He's day-to-day at the moment.
-
LIES. Rizz is done! Season's over. Back up the truck! It's over!
-
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/chicago80.gif)
-
Christopher Kamka @ckamka 13m13 minutes ago
Kyle Schwarber last 5 plate appearances:
Walk, walk, intentional walk, intentional walk, walk
1-0 Cubs after two innings.
-
Some sloppy Brewers stuff, an error and a wild pitch, enabled the Cubs to squeak in the first-inning run. Huge to get any run and to have a lead. Maybe that sloppy-Brewers-allowed run will be the difference between a 1-run win and a 15-inning game! :)
-
Christopher Kamka @ckamka 13m13 minutes ago
Kyle Schwarber last 5 plate appearances:
Walk, walk, intentional walk, intentional walk, walk
1-0 Cubs after two innings.
The streak ends with a 4-3.
-
Even when they get Yelich out he gets a triple.
-
They called that an error on Schwarber. lol
He obviously misplayed it, with help from the wind, but how do you give a player an error when he ends up diving for a ball and comes up short?
-
If that’s not an error then there is no point in keeping that stat (if there was any point at all). It was a 99% catch probability.
-
Hey, did you guys know that on a full count with two outs, the base runners will start running with the pitch and it’s an advantage to the offense? Alex
Rodriguez told me.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
ARod just said this about Joe West: "Year after year, one of the most consistent umpires..."
Has he watched a game Joe West has called in the last 10 years?
-
Bryant 2 out single, Javy RBI double, 2-1 Cubs.
-
Leadoff double for Aguilar, followed by an infield single for Grandal. First and third, no outs.
-
Aguilar thrown out at home by Baez with the infield not playing in. You don't need to play the infield in to get outs at home.
-
Lester escapes! Nice running catch by Almora.
-
Lester comes out for the 7th even though he's thrown 99 pitches already. Arcia/pinch hitter/Cain due.
-
Cain walks with 2 outs. Yelich facing Lester for what is definitely Lester's last batter of the day.
-
Grounder up the middle, first and third with 2 outs. Kintzler coming in, looks like a double switch.
-
ARod just said this about Joe West: "Year after year, one of the most consistent umpires..."
Has he watched a game Joe West has called in the last 10 years?
He was just trying to be nice I'm sure. I'm sure in the back of his mind, he was really thinking, like 99.99% of players, fans, managers, etc., something along the lines of "consistent...as in consistently awful".
-
Kintzler Ks Aguilar looking to end the inning. Aguilar argues for some reason even though it was pretty obviously a strike.
Who would've expected that Kintzler would suddenly be better than he's ever been this year?
-
Joe West likes making the game about himself and for the he sucks. He does make some great calls when he isn’t behind the plate.
-
Kintzler has been amazing and I’m glad Inwas wrong about him.
-
Almora leadoff single, Russell with a sac bunt. Sounds like Russell is still hearing boos.
-
BRYANT!!! Two run homer, 4-1. Cubs now 1 for 26 with RISP in the series, and 1 for 29 overall.
-
Kris F’n Bryant
-
Brandon F'n Kintzler
-
Gamel hits the ball right back at Kintzler's glove to end the inning. 102 mph off the bat, and Kintzler's glove is right there to catch it. Gamel has hit the ball hard a couple times tonight.
-
They hit Kinzler pretty hard that inning. Pretty fortunate.
-
2 pitches, 2 outs for Cishek in the 9th.
-
Cubs win!
Nice job winning the series despite scoring only 6 runs in 32 innings. Hopefully the off day will get the offense out of this funk.
-
That was the second time in 17 games against the Brewers at Wrigley that the Cubs have scored more than 3 runs.
-
Great win. Huge to win series with the mighty Brewers.
*The two-out rally with Bryant hit and then Baez RBI, pretty fantastic.
*And Lester getting out of 1st+3rd no outs, and getting out of that, pretty excellent.
*Baez gunning the runner at the plate in that inning, pretty awesome.
*Bryant hitting the HR, pretty great. Huge pressure-relief with that.
*Bullpen just keeps getting effective innings. Kintzler got the job done. Sometimes throwing strikes and getting some contact does turn into outs, even when hit hard. Cishek nice snappy save.
*Not sure Lester was super sharp today. Had to work pretty hard, maybe? Didn't see a lot of his stuff, had some on audio while doing other things. But most of the 4-seamers I saw in the game trackers seemed to be in the 89-90.3 range. Not a lot of velocity. But man does that guy have guts.
*Brewers offense doesn't look as scary when Braun isn't in, and with Cain hitting .246. They sure had some RISP problems these last two days, too.
-
6-pitch save for Cishek. Way to finish off a great two days against the Brewers. In first place!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
That was the second time in 17 games against the Brewers at Wrigley that the Cubs have scored more than 3 runs.
That's pretty amazing. Nice to sneak out the series anyway.
-
VERY tough hitting at Wrigley the last two days (actually, the last several days)!
NO DOUBT weather was a key part of why Brewers managed 4 hits yesterday in 15 innings and TWO runs in 24 innings overall! The tough weather and tough Cub pitching!
We may not have scored much, but it certainly wasn't hitting weather (ask the Brewers!)!
FABULOUS home stand!
-
Lester is a fuching magician, man. He keeps outproducing his peripherals to the point where it's obviously no coincidence.
-
And Lester's peripherals are pretty great so far this year, but he's still outpitching them. After tonight's game, his FIP is 2.71. He's striking out a batter per inning, and has walked less than 2 per 9 IP. Last year, his hot start looked like smoke and mirrors and his results were good. This year, his underlying performance has been dominant...and the results have been even more dominant.
-
His hard-contact % is pretty terrifying (over 40%(!) coming into today, vs. 27% career). Also, velocity is way down. Otherwise yes, his peripherals are definitely better than last year.
-
The unstoppable Christian Yelich was 2-12 with 3 BB. .167/.333/.417, which raised his away OPS.
-
Thanks, Brett.
-
Lame. Do better if you want to try an insult somebody.
-
Prescient:
His quote about Javy Baez remains one of the best ways to describe a player I've ever seen. When asked in Jan. 2014 about Baez and Correa: "Both could be All-Stars; Baez could be a religion." @ProfessorParks https://twitter.com/RA_Parker/status/931243290137124865 …
-
Lame. Do better if you want to try an insult somebody.
I could say the same thing about your silly insinuations and Yelich.
-
One I like numbers and Yelich’s home/road splits are huge so it is fun to watch them. Two, I know this might be hard for you to understand, but Miller park is a really lefty friendly for hitters. It is a perfect park for Yelich to play in, that doesn’t make him a bad player or an average player. It is just like Arenado in Colorado. He’s a great player with a large home/road split. It is what it is. I’d post the CBSSports article on the Brewers home/road spilts, but it seems to trigger you like Luke Weaver and Chris.
-
I’d post the CBSSports article on the Brewers home/road spilts, but it seems to trigger you like Luke Weaver and Chris.
You're a bit confused. It was others who were triggered by my comment years ago that it would be nice for the Cubs to have an arm like Weaver's in the system because nobody is supposed to be impressed with anything involving the St. Louis organization. Ever since then they mockingly bring his name up on random occasions.
-
His quote about Javy Baez remains one of the best ways to describe a player I've ever seen. When asked in Jan. 2014 about Baez and Correa: "Both could be All-Stars; Baez could be a religion." @ProfessorParks https://twitter.com/RA_Parker/status/931243290137124865 …
Remember when there was a legitimate debate about who we would rather keep/trade between Baez and Soler? Can you imagine if we were watching Javy do all this for the Royals?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Jason Heyward is 0-20 vs Tanner Roark
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6i-JiyXoAExQog.jpg:small)
-
Joe West followed by Angel Hernandez. The Cubs will probably see CB Bucknor in DC. At least Angel won't be behind the plate during the series with the Reds.
Umpires for #Cubs (24-14) at #Reds (18-23):
HP: Ed Hickox
1B: Roberto Ortiz
2B: Dana DeMuth
3B: Angel Hernandez
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 20m20 minutes ago
Rizzo (back) hopeful to play in next couple days. Did not commit to Wednesday or anything. Sounds like a Thur/Fri thing??
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 24m24 minutes ago
Anthony Rizzo hopes he’ll only need “a couple days” before returning to Cubs lineup. Will continue to get treatment today for his back.
-
Remember when there was a legitimate debate about who we would rather keep/trade between Baez and Soler?
Or all the angst over his 40% strikeout rate.
-
It would be nice to see Heyward break out of it, because he's been really bad for an extended stretch here, both production and peripherals. Hard contact rate and walk rate plummeting.
-
Hendricks with a very strong first inning for the third start in a row. Statcast had his last pitch at 88.7 mph.
-
Hendricks 2 out, 2 run double! 2-0 Cubs.
-
Having this Hendricks around sure is nice.
Gods, can you just imagine if Yu finds his command and no one else in the rotation jumps the shark. That would be a formidable starting 5, with 2 starters in reserve.
-
Hendricks is 2 for 2. Would be nice if some of the rest of the lineup would join him.
-
Kyle Hendricks through three innings.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6kJQkPXkAAZ1Qh.png:small)
-
After Votto homered in the bottom of the 4th to make it a 1 run game, the Cubs start the fifth with a Bryant double, Baez single, Contreras sac fly. 3-1 Cubs.
-
The Cubs have hit some real rocket shots in this inning too.
-
Almora flashing the leather!
-
Only 69 pitches through 6 for Hendricks.
-
Hendricks hits for himself in the 9th and singles. First 3 hit game of his career...that’s almost a full season’s worth of hits for him.
-
Heyward's 4 for his last 43.
-
Hendricks 25 IP in his last three starts, with 1 ER on 12 hits and 1 BB. That’s pretty good.
Not sure I wouldn’t have let him throw the 9th here.
-
Cubs win. This has to be the best 3 start stretch of Hendricks’ career.
-
Wow, what a game for Hendricks. Who needs any hitting with the pitching the cubs have been getting. Unbelievable.
That was a great catch by Almora. Really fun. Kind of nice to win a game despite being out-homered, too.
-
Hendricks had as many hits as he gave up. That’s a pretty good recipe for success.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Really great to win the opener here. With Darvish tomorrow, that's probably a disadvantage game. And with Castillo going on Thursday, that's probably a disadvantage game too. But win the first one, no chance of getting swept obviously, and then take a couple of shots in disadvantage games and hope you can pull one of them out somehow or other.
I can't remember very far, but I know the cubs have won at least the last two starts by Darvish. And after yesterday off day and tonight being a light night for the bullpen, Maddon should feel entitled to get the bullpen in early tomorrow. Let Darvish go 3 or 4 innings, and see how it's going. But if he's super wild as usual but somehow they're tie or leading after 3-4 innings, be ready to pull him early.
Or, maybe he'll be sharp and be able to throw 5-10 changeups for strikes tomorrow, you never know. (Fastball being his changeup).
-
Hendricks ERA now at 2.86. That’s 8th in NL.
Cubs have 4 SPs in NL ERA top 20.
Lester, of course, is #1.
-
I I like the Darvish/Montgomery pairing. Get the opponent setting up their lineup to face a righty, and then bring in a lefty by the fourth or fifth inning, who can pitch as long or longer than the starter.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Darvish as Opener.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6oJzRBXkAEGXcw.jpg:small)
-
Wonder if this will be Taylor Davis's last game? Caratini should be ready anytime. Or, whether maybe they'd like to keep three catchers, and Caratini will take Zagunis's roster spot instead? Davis be Darvish's personal catcher; Caratini be Hamels' personal catcher, and maybe give Contreras a start or two in the outfield on occasion? Or if Rizzo's back is going to be a season-long battle, maybe play Caratini at 1B once in a while?
Davis isn't that good, so to have Caratini simply replace him makes a lot of sense. But Zagunis has been so useless, I'd almost think they ought to be able to pick up some 4A player who'd be a little better bat than Zagunis.
-
Zagunis is replaceable, but he gives you a pretty professional AB coming of the bench as a pinch hitter.
-
Wonder if this will be Taylor Davis's last game? Caratini should be ready anytime. Or, whether maybe they'd like to keep three catchers, and Caratini will take Zagunis's roster spot instead? Davis be Darvish's personal catcher; Caratini be Hamels' personal catcher, and maybe give Contreras a start or two in the outfield on occasion? Or if Rizzo's back is going to be a season-long battle, maybe play Caratini at 1B once in a while?
Davis isn't that good, so to have Caratini simply replace him makes a lot of sense. But Zagunis has been so useless, I'd almost think they ought to be able to pick up some 4A player who'd be a little better bat than Zagunis.
An interesting question. Caratini is a switch-hitter and can play in the field a bit, but I don't see much value in keeping Davis. It's not like Darvish has been lights out with him as a batterymate. Sooner or later you want Yu to figure it out with Contreras catching him.
-
Zagunis’ days are numbered in any case when, presumably, Zobrist comes back from the restricted list.
-
Oh yeah. Davis is meat.
-
Darvish sucking again in the first inning. 1-0 Reds with Suarez on second and 1 out.
-
Davis is pancaking the low pitches.
-
At least Darvish mostly threw strikes in the first—15 strikes out of 21 pitches.
-
Gotta put that post through a translator
-
ADDI!!!!
2-1
-
Russell 2 run homer, 2-1 Cubs.
-
Addy! Two-run dinger!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Tonight's color commentary leaves a lot to be desired.
-
Nice job getting the Darvish AB out of the way this inning.
-
BIG DADDI ADDI!!!
-
They're missing Harper, Machado, and Pujols in their list, maybe. Dozier?
-
ALMORA!!!!!!
-
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 5m5 minutes ago
Darvish has six strikeouts through three innings (five called and one swinging). Cubs have to like seeing him commanding fastballs in put-away situations.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6pWxOdXsAE7o_u.png:small)
-
The old Heyward is back. Bote is turning into a pumpkin.
-
Heyward's 4 for his last 46.
Darvish approaching 100 pitches still in the 5th.
-
Heyward's 4 for his last 46.
Darvish approaching 100 pitches still in the 5th.
. That's what I meant
-
Not a bad start for Yu on the whole. Certainly it’s progress.
Need another starting caliber OF, in addition to a closer. Unless Bryant is playing out there I’m not sure we have even one.
-
Cubs manufacture a run around an infield hit, a throwing error, a grounder, and sac fly.
4-2
-
Iglesias homers. 4-3
-
Not a bad start for Yu on the whole. Certainly it’s progress.
11 K's and 0 BB's is pretty terrific actually.
-
SCHWARBER!!!!
(that happened like 15 minutes ago...)
-
Ryan looks good but it seems he struggles against lefties.
-
Typical Carl in high leverage situations.
Joe watches the same games we do, right? How has he not learned that Edwards just isn't good when it's a critical situation?
-
IBB to load the bases in the 10th with Brach on the mound. That's probably not a smart move.
-
Puig with a walkoff hit.
Cubs lose, thanks in part to the fact that Maddon just can't stop putting Edwards in the highest leverage situations. The Cubs need to trade him so Maddon doesn't have that option.
-
Maybe if Darvish could get through the 6th or 7th once in a blue moon. That might help.
-
Typical Carl in high leverage situations.
Joe watches the same games we do, right? How has he not learned that Edwards just isn't good when it's a critical situation?
Not like he’s spoiled for choice. It’s a bad bullpen, without a closer - we’ve been lucky so far but that will even out as guys find their level.
-
Maddon doesn't have many choices, but Edwards has proven he's rarely a good option when it matters the most.
-
It's Maddoning to see him constantly trot him out there. I think of "Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity." I agree. Trade him and remove the temptation. I couldn't help but notice that Edwards didn't blow any games for us while he was at Iowa.
-
Bote wasn't himself tonight. In the last inning he ole-ed that hard hit to his right, then he let the ball play him on the throw from Bryant. His strike-outs made it a Bad Bote night.
-
Tonight's lineup is now an hour late. There must be something going on.
-
Moving Heyward down was necessary. But Schwarber leading off?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6tjZmiXsAAjRhY.jpg:small)
-
Cubs vs Luis Castillo
Kyle Schwarber 3-6 with 2 homers
Albert Almora 4-11
Baez 2-11
Bryant 3-9
Caratini 1-8
Contreras 3-4 with 2 doubles
Descalso 4-10 with 2 homers
Heyward 0-8
-
Joey Votto is 7-14 vs Jose Quintana.
-
Cubs score 2 in the first on a slow grounder from Contreras that hits third base and bounces over Suarez.
-
On the radar, it looks like a rain delay is coming in the next inning or two. Too bad they didn’t schedule a day game on getaway day.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6uSc2WWwAUpZHN.jpg:small)
-
They're through 4 innings with the Cubs up 2-0. If the heavy rain can just hold off for one more inning, it'll be official.
The hourly forecast shows that the rain is only going to last a couple hours, though, so they're probably going to eventually finish this game no matter what.
-
Reds winning. Better hope the rain stays away.
-
Quintana implodes in the 5th: after a first pitch out, he goes Peraza homer, Castillo single, out, Votto single...then he throws wild pitches to 1-2 and 2-2 to Suarez, which allows Castillo to score and tie the game. Then Suarez singles to score Votto. So Cubs trail 3-2.
-
This offense doesn't look like they're going to do anything tonight either. Their two runs scored on a fluke double. Since then, I'm not sure anyone has even hit the ball hard.
-
JD was right when he said Contreras had a shot at blocking both of the wild pitches.
-
Any word on resuming play?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Rain has almost cleared out of the area. Should be done in 20 or so.
-
Thanks, Robb.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Game is restarting at 10:05 eastern time. Twitter says Chatwood and Lorenzen are warming up.
-
Definitely glad Rizzo didn't play in this one. But man, that line-up looks a lot different with him in there.
-
Chatwood walks the 7 and 8 hitters. He's still not good, he's just gotten lucky so far this year.
-
Heyward now hitting .136 over his last 66 at-bats.
-
First and third, no outs for the Reds in the 7th. About to be a blowout.
Suarez single, 4-2. Chatwood is awful.
-
Please sit Heyward. His signing was a mistake. Just admit it and make him the most expensive defensive replacement in history. He is hurting the team. Happ can't be worse than this.
-
Somehow Chatwood escapes the 7th and it's still a 2 run game. Would be nice if this offense would score a few runs.
-
Of all teams to lose their first series to in over a month. It had to be the Reds.
-
Well, if they'd faced anyone but the Marlins last week, they would've lost that series. They've been playing pretty mediocre baseball since the end of the Cardinals series.
-
Traveling late to DC to face Scherzer tomorrow probably won't help the offense much. Hopefully Rizzo is ready and in the lineup tomorrow.
-
I thought a series in Cincinnati would wake up the bats....
-
What's up with Heyward? From red hot to ice cold? Sheesh
-
Heyward had a .146 BABIP in May coming into tonight. And that's with a 3 hit game in May 1...since then, his BABIP was .081 before his 0-fer tonight.
He has really slumped lately, but he's also been about as unlucky as a hitter can be over the last two weeks.
-
With Heyward and Schwarber basically at replacement level or worse, the OF is really awful. Maybe a big opportunity for Caratini if he can swing it like he did before he got hurt.
-
I find it hard to root for such an awful team.
-
Yes, that's exactly what I wrote.
-
With Heyward and Schwarber basically at replacement level or worse, the OF is really awful. Maybe a big opportunity for Caratini if he can swing it like he did before he got hurt.
Cubs OF is NL average. Not “awful.” Average. You can’t get any more average than this.
By OF rankings:
wRC+ #8
WAR #7
wOBA #8
OBP #7
Slug % #8
-
Possible that Cubs will see Trea Turner for weekend series. He had a workout in D.C. on Thursday and chance he might be activated.
Nats have won a couple in a row and looking better and Cubs will see Scherzer and Strasburg first two games of this series.
-
Cubs OF is NL average. Not “awful.” Average. You can’t get any more average than this.
By OF rankings:
wRC+ #8
WAR #7
wOBA #8
OBP #7
Slug % #8
Again, not responding to what I said. Heyward has been replacement level (actually worse) for almost a month. It would be nice to believe the first few weeks of the season weren’t a mirage, but after the past 3 full seasons can you really have any confidence in that?
-
Rizzo!
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6yfB0HWkAYnA0O.jpg:small)
-
Umpires for #Cubs (25-16) at #Nationals (18-25):
HP: Dan Iassogna
1B: Nic Lentz
2B: Sam Holbrook
3B: Jim Wolf
-
Again, not responding to what I said. Heyward has been replacement level (actually worse) for almost a month. It would be nice to believe the first few weeks of the season weren’t a mirage, but after the past 3 full seasons can you really have any confidence in that?
Not responsive? You said “the OF is awful.”
There is data out there, which I posted, that reveals whether or not the OF is awful.
The data shows “average”——-not “awful.” There is a big difference between average and awful.
If you have data that actually demonstrates “awful”—what is it?
-
Cubs are winning 1-0 in the second.
-
Almora!!!
HR off Scherzer
3-0
-
Scherzer is lucky Almora can’t hit righties.
-
Heyward singled prior to the HR
-
Hamels just missed going back to back. Sherzer doesn't have the same stuff.
-
Scherzer comes back from 3-0 to strike Javy out looking.
-
Hit batter followed by Rendon HR. 3-2
-
The way JD and Len were talking about how good Rendon is, he'll probably hit a couple more.
-
What's the deal with the black and gold hats both teams are wearing, with some kind of shield logo on the side? It's not Memorial Day yet.
-
What's the deal with the black and gold hats both teams are wearing, with some kind of shield logo on the side? It's not Memorial Day yet.
Armed Forces Day is tomorrow. They're starting early.
-
Thanks, Bennett. Had forgotten about that.
And now Hamels is in some trouble as a walk on a close pitch and a Taylor double give the Nats runners at second and third with no outs. Scherzer coming up to bat.
-
Ryan relieves Hamels in the 6th, puts some runners on and is lifted in favor of Brach, who throws a single pitch and induces an inning-ending double play. Through six, Cubs lead 3-2.
-
Russell singles and Bryant hits a homer; 5-2.
-
KB!!!!
5-2 in the 7th
-
With Baez on first, Contreras gets victimized by a terrible strike call on a pitch several inches inside, but comes back to get a base hit up the middle.
Now Caratini gets hit with a pitch, and the bases are loaded for J-Hey with two outs.
-
He just got under it
-
Kintzler in to pitch, and Soto doubles and scores with one out. 5-3 game.
-
Have no fear... Edwards is up in the pen
-
Kintzler seems to be reverting to last year's form in his last couple of outings.
And of course Joe has Edwards warming to be the backup in the most critical situation in the game.
-
CJ is coming in. He only needs to get one out.
-
And Joe is going to Edwards with runners on second and third, 2 outs in the 7th. Unbelievable. Go to anyone else.
-
Edwards coming in. Runners 2nd and 3rd, 2 out in the 7th
Will he give up the lead? or just a tie?
-
Kintzler seems to be reverting to last year's form in his last couple of outings.
And of course Joe has Edwards warming to be the backup in the most critical situation in the game.
Lot of carriages in the process of turning into pumpkins in this bullpen.
-
And Joe is going to Edwards with runners on second and third, 2 outs in the 7th. Unbelievable. Go to anyone else.
Who? Cishek can't literally pitch every day. Though of course he will pitch today, if the Cubs have the lead in the 9th.
-
Edwards balks in a run before he throws a pitch. He's so bad.
-
Who? Cishek can't literally pitch every day.
Anyone. There are 7 other pitchers out there. Literally any other reliever would be better.
-
Balks in a run before throwing a pitch
-
Out of the inning on a wild pitch?
-
That was interesting.
-
Well, that's one way to get out of a jam. Edwards throws a wild pitch; Caratini fetches it and they've got Dozier in a rundown. Dozier runs several feet outside the baseline to dodge Edwards' tag and is called out, but runs home and claps as if he has scored a run. No, he's out.
-
The front office just has to trade Edwards. Joe isn't going to stop using him, so Theo and Jed have to take away the temptation.
Nationals have brought in their own version of Edwards in the 8th. Barraclough is the same kind of frustrating to his team's fans.
-
Madden will keep using him. It's up to GM to get rid of him
-
The front office just has to trade Edwards. Joe isn't going to stop using him, so Theo and Jed have to take away the temptation.
Nationals have brought in their own version of Edwards in the 8th. Barraclough is the same kind of frustrating to his team's fans.
There's no trade value. It would have to be an outright release.
-
Edwards has pitched 6 innings on the season and we're certain he has to be traded.
-
Schwarber ends a 13-pitch at-bat with a homer that just clears the wall. Wow!
-
Schwarber with a 2 run homer on the 13th pitch of his AB. Nice job.
Barraclough lives up to my Edwards comparison.
-
That was some at-bat.
-
Edwards has pitched 6 innings on the season and we're certain he has to be traded.
Edwards has been terrible in high leverage situations his entire career, and Joe won't stop using him. This isn't just about 6 innings.
-
KB smacks one just a little further than Schwarber's for another homer.
-
Nice job by the offense to add on.
-
Edwards has been terrible in high leverage situations his entire career, and Joe won't stop using him. This isn't just about 6 innings.
Pretty sure that's not right. I recall him being pretty dominant as a late inning reliever a few years ago. He had two great years, then had issues with walks. He's still young and still has excellent stuff. Those guys don't grow on trees, even these days.
-
Baez just took seven straight balls over two at-bats. Can't imagine that's ever happened before. And he walks again.
-
Another hit and the Cubs have the bases loaded with one out in the 8th. The wheels have really come off for the Nats today.
-
Complete meltdown by the Nationals in the 8th.
-
And now another wheel comes off as an infield chopper leaves Rendon with no play, and when they try to trap Baez in a rundown, Turner throws it away and another run scores.
-
Javi being Javi
-
Reb did mention that Nationals' pen is awful.....
-
Pretty sure that's not right. I recall him being pretty dominant as a late inning reliever a few years ago. He had two great years, then had issues with walks. He's still young and still has excellent stuff. Those guys don't grow on trees, even these days.
Career ERA in the 8th inning (presumably higher leverage on balance than the rest of the innings he's pitched): 5.29. Career ERA in all other innings: 1.43
Based on Fangraphs low/medium/high leverage numbers:
Career FIP: Low leverage: 2.95; medium leverage: 2.90; high leverage: 5.46
Career K:BB: Low leverage: 3.03; medium leverage: 2.46; high leverage: 1.55
Career ER (Fangraphs doesn't calculate an ERA for some reason): Low leverage: 12 ER in 68 1/3 IP; medium leverage: 21 ER in 67 2/3 IP; high leverage: 27 ER in 28 2/3 IP
-
If you told most of us that Edwards would face zero batters in today's game...
-
Kris FN Bryant
-
Three homer night for Bryant.
-
Bryant isn't hitting the way he was earlier this year. I wonder if his back is still bothering him.
-
Axe bats has to be loving this right now...is that 8 in 12 games?
-
Willy!!!!
14-4
-
Contreras piles on with an opposite-field homer that just clears the wall. It's 14-4 now; save some for tomorrow!
-
You know, I wasn't buying the juiced ball theory, but it's becoming easier to believe by the day.
-
Contreras hits a missile out to RCF. Sounded like he broke his bat...2 run shot...
14-4
-
Man can you imagine this board if the Cubs bullpen was actually as bad as the Nationals bullpen.
-
Poor Davey Martinez...he’s gotta be on thin ice...
-
I am confident this season will cure our annual tendency to draw conclusions about the team, as well as individual players (such as Bryant) after a week or two into the season. ;)
-
Montgomery keeps it going with a line single to center.
J-Hey, just hit it out so that Monty can jog in with a run.
-
I am confident this season will cure our annual tendency to draw conclusions about the team, as well as individual players (such as Bryant) after a week or two into the season. ;)
To quote Mr. Horn...
Are you on dope?
-
If you listen closely, I think the Cubs broadcast caught a Maddon F-bomb after Montgomery went to 3-0 against Rendon.
-
Almora with a nice diving catch to get the first out of the 9th.
-
Dozier double, 14-6. Montgomery really struggling to finish this off.
-
45 pitches for Monty
-
Cubs win!
-
Yes, if we score 14 every night I think the bullpen will be fine.
-
Eddie Matz
Verified account
@ESPNeddiematz
37m37 minutes ago
More
Kris Bryant is the second player in MLB history to homer in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings of the same game, per @EliasSports. (The other was J.D. Martinez.)
-
Lots of fun stuff in game tonight but strangest play was the Edwards pitch in the dirt that caroms off Contreras, right back to Edwards near the plate. Meanwhile, Contreras has no idea where ball is and he’s all the way to backstop while Edwards is running down Dozier from 3B. Contreras never made it back to plate until play was over. A very weird play.
The second Bryant homer was a sight to see. I was sitting behind Cubs dugout tonight and got to see the full path of the ball from the bat and all the way in the air to the stands. Amazing and a thrill when you can watch the entire path of a ball hit like that. Goosebumps, really. It’s the big leagues.
And, loved the easy swing of the Almora homer off Scherzer that was way, way, way gone. Almora has power, which I noticed watching him in batting practice couple years ago. Wonder if he’ll ever harness that consistently and hit 20-25 homers. Probably not, but he has the capability.
-
Thanks for your post, Reb...must have been a FUN game to attend! Seemed like lots of Cub fans there.
I loved the Schwarber AB on tv...hoping he can, somehow, remain at leadoff for a while and perform.
Seems like his grinding, 13-pitch AB (and oppo HR) was KEY to the game's outcome.
Reb, I'd love to hear what it was like watching Schwarber's AB in person.
-
Contreras never made it back to plate until play was over. A very weird play
I noticed that too. When you watch it again you notice from one angle he actually finds where Edwards is fielding the ball then it looks like he reacts to the pain of it hitting him in the exposed arm and turns his back to the field and bends over grabbing his arm. When he turns around he notices that Edwards started a pickle and then he dashes to the plate for his turn to accept a throw. The runner would have been safe if he had not run so far out of the baseline.
-
I hope they saved some runs for Sunday Nights game. That is when I will be there. If anyone is interested in going let me know. My wife might back out on me.
-
You should be all right for Sunday. But if history is any indication, the Cubs will be fortunate to get many hits, let alone runs on Saturday.
-
WJ, you may get wet.
-
Reb, I'd love to hear what it was like watching Schwarber's AB in person.
Person I was with (NOT a big baseball fan) asked me after the 4th foul whether there was a rule about the maximum number of fouls a batter could hit.
That would cut down on gametime some, I suppose, but would miss out on Schwarber’s homer maybe. Think that half-inning lasted a half-hour. Really noticeable how, in a long AB like that, the effort it takes for both the pitcher and hitter to refocus after each pitch. Game goes into slow-down mode and emphasizes how each play in baseball starts with that one-on-confrontation.
Fun outcome there. Think that Schwarber felt pretty good about himself, especially given the game situation. Maybe he gets a boost from that going forward.
-
I couldn’t believe Barraclough kept going back to the same spot low and away...it makes it easy when you know where the pitch is going to be...
-
I couldn’t believe Barraclough kept going back to the same spot low and away...it makes it easy when you know where the pitch is going to be...
That's known as the "Antonio Alfonseca Effect".
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D63y8kEXoAEM_sA.jpg:small)
-
Lester doesn't have much tonight, but Strasburg looks dominant. Cubs already down 2-0 with Nationals on 2nd and 3rd, 1 out in the third inning.
-
4-0 on a Soto double.
-
Lester was due a start like this. He’s been both good and really lucky so far. Had to even out sooner or later.
-
Can't believe Joe left Lester in for the middle of the lineup in the 5th after the Cubs started to get a little momentum last inning. He manages to get one more out and give up one more run before being pulled.
-
Has he brought in Edwards yet?
-
Has he brought in Edwards yet?
Edwards only comes in when he can blow the game. Ship has sailed, Bruh.
-
Actually, he did bring in Edwards...down 4 runs in the 5th, which is exactly the kind of situation Edwards should pitch in.
-
Strasburg is through 7 innings on about 80 pitches. He might be able to finish this game, and can at least get it to Doolittle by himself. Not looking good for the Cubs to come back tonight.
-
Strasburg has been terrific tonight! Locating all of his pitches, while throwing well over 70% strikes.
Sure appears to me that Addison Russell is starting to look good again at the plate. He's had two very good ABs tonight vs a very tough pitcher. IF he can really get going at the plate and take over at 2B, we become a stronger team.
I know some on this Board don't think he will ever hit much. I certainly disagree.
-
Cubs lose. They played the game under protest because Maddon didn't like how Doolittle was pitching.
-
Doolittle puts his foot down and then picks it back up, restarting his delivery. That was supposed to be outlawed and Edwards was admonished for it earlier this year.
-
Cubs lose. They played the game under protest because Maddon didn't like how Doolittle was pitching.
I don't think he liked how Strasburg was pitching either.
-
Or Lester for that matter.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D69Bd0mXYAE0-TZ.jpg:small)
-
First three Cubs batters walk. Javie can ende that.
-
Good Lord, Javie took a ball.
-
What a disappointing ending to that half inning
-
Cubs turn 4 walks into a run.
3 walks and a hit batter, rather.
-
That shows how much a couple of inches can change an outcome. Bases loaded and no one out, Baez hit one square, but Rendon dives to his left and catches the ball, throwing to second for the out, although one run scores. But the scene is set for a double play that ends the inning. If Rendon doesn't get that hard hit ball, almost certainly three runs at the very least score.
-
Rizzo!
-
Say what you will about Alex Rodriguez, but the man loves Baez and Contreras.
-
Time to start giving hitting coach Anthony Iapoce some credit.
-
Hendricks is really en fuego at the moment. His best stretch of his career, maybe?
(Note: will accept no blame for the inevitable jinx effect)
-
28 pitches in 3 innings. He's slipping.
-
Almora continues to struggle against RHP...
-
OPS is what, 700 now?
-
Scoring in every inning will win most games.
-
Almora hasn't walked this month but at least he's starting to contribute with hits and not just singles.
-
Almora hasn't walked this month but at least he's starting to contribute with hits and not just singles.
He's always been streaky. Ride the hot hand as long as it stays hot.
-
Nice of ESPN to not show that Rizzo non swing
-
I don't understand why every team he faces isn't hacking on the first pitch against Kyle.
-
You must have missed his 80 pitch complete game when they tried that.
-
S
You must have missed his 80 pitch complete game when they tried that.
Still gives you a better shot than falling behind 0-1 every at-bat.
12 H, 1 BB and 1 ER in 29 IP so far for Hendricks so far in May. I'm kinda thinking he should be pitcher of the month.
-
Washington threatening now.
-
5-1 Cubs
-
6-1
-
Dozier and Redon have probably saved 3-4 runs with their defensive play today.
-
Russell now playing shortstop after Baez rolled his ankle earlier. Hope this is mostly precaution in a 5 run game with Hendricks on the mound.
-
Hendricks walks Turner on 4 pitches to start the bottom of the 6th.
-
Rendon is so good. If the Cubs decide to actually do something next offseason, they really should be in on him.
-
6-4 on a Rendon HR
-
Hendricks fell apart fast. Tying run up.
-
Rendon is so good. If the Cubs decide to actually do something next offseason, they really should be in on him.
Bryant full time OF?
-
Hendricks can't get the ball down in the zone. Seemed to be an issue last inning, but he was getting away with it.
Not so much this inning.
-
Yeah. Rendon is good enough to move Bryant off third base.
-
They may have had a double play prior to Rendon, but Hendricks got enough glove on it to slow it down and prevent any outs.
-
Curt broke Hendricks in about 12 hours.
The Cubs issues going forward isn’t the offense, but Rendon is good.
-
Kendrick homers on the first pitch of the bottom of the 7th. 1 run game.
-
Curt broke Hendricks in about 12 hours.
The Cubs issues going forward isn’t the offense, but Rendon is good.
he wasn't aware of the trade until the 6th
-
Cishek coming in to face Rendon with Eaton on first and two outs in the 7th.
-
Don't know if that was an exceptional play by Russell or if the Cubs just had him positioned in the right place...but Statcast has the hit probability of that Rendon ball at .970.
-
Nice job by Cishek.
Three more outs to go with a 1 run lead. Would be nice to add on in the top of the 9th. With Kintzler and Cishek already out, I don't know who will try to close it out.
-
Cishek taking the AB with 2 outs and a runner on in the top of the 9th? Come on, Joe.
-
Kimbrel would be a better choice here.
-
Cishek starts the inning at 20 pitches...
-
1 down!
22 pitches
-
2 down!!!!
25 pitches
-
2 1/3 inning save for Cishek. Great job. Hope his arm is still attached in July.
-
Cubs Win! Cubs Win!! Cubs Win!!!
26 pitches
-
They really need another reliever that Joe trusts soon. Letting Cishek take an AB and finish this game was not a good decision, but Maddon obviously felt he had to do it. He has no trust in anyone but Cishek (and Edwards for some dumb reason).
-
2.1 inning save for Cishek and we're not even out of May yet. Cripes, what a ticking time bomb this bullpen is.
-
Can't believe he didn't use Edwards
-
According to Mark Gonzalez, Javy has a heel bruise, not an ankle problem.
-
Caratini catches Darvish
Javy sits
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7CJWpiWwAIYZFf.jpg:small)
-
Umpires for #Phillies (27-19) at #Cubs (27-17):
HP: Vic Carapazza
1B: Hunter Wendelstedt
2B: Mark Carlson
3B: Chris Segal
-
MLB Network announcers:
Philadelphia at Chi Cubs (MLB 8 pm) Bob Costas, Joe Girardi & Tom Verducci [Alt: Mariners at Rangers]
-
Dare I say, that's 7.1 without a walk for Darvish, and ERA below 5 at last.
-
22 pitches through 2 for Darvish. Only 1 hit and no walks.
-
I’ve said for years that I think bringing the infield in is a dumb move in almost all situations. The Phillies just added a data point in my favor on that Rizzo RBI single. 1-0 Cubs.
-
Cubs getting all the baserunners. I'd rather not think of them as the difference later if they don't start plating some of them.
-
Efficient strike throwing Darvish is fun to watch.
-
Bases loaded yet again against Arrieta.
It's now or never.
-
Cubs with the bases loaded an 1 out in the 5th. That makes 10 baserunners through 4 1/3 innings, and only one run so far.
-
Unbelievable.
-
Never it is then.
-
Where’d Rizzo get that piano on his back?
-
Segura clearly out, but the announcers seem to think this will stand.
-
How can that stand? He was clearly out.
-
Now Harper walks after Darvish gets up 0-2. He's lost his command this inning.
-
Hoskins pops out. Would be out of the inning if replay had overturned that call.
-
Realmuto grounder up the middle ties the game. I wish replay worked.
-
Of course, if the offense had scored the 4 or 5 runs they should've scored so far tonight, that 1 run wouldn't mean that much.
-
Hernandez double. Bad hitting, bad umpiring, and the Cubs trail 3-1.
-
Well, Darvish was good for 5 innings anyway. That's progress.
-
Darvish should've been out of the inning, though.
And again, if the offense had scored the 4-6 runs they should've scored, this inning wouldn't have been such a disaster.
-
Even after that inning, the Cubs have still had 3 more hits/walks than the Phillies tonight. The clutch hitting has been terrible for the last two weeks.
-
Cubs go down weakly in the 6th. After all the blown chances to score earlier tonight, I'll be shocked if the Cubs offense puts together another threat tonight.
They're really lucky their schedule included the dumpster fires from Miami and DC in the last two weeks.
-
Two more baserunners to begin the 8th...
-
Descalso!
-
4-3 Cubs!!!
-
Nice job Descalso. A Cub finally gets a big hit tonight.
-
Think that ball gets caught if McCutchen doesn't pull up. He seemed to sense collision.
-
Brach closing.
-
Brach is making this too interesting.
-
McCutchen K'd, he swung at the 2-2 pitch. The third base ump blew the call. This game should be over. Two huge blown calls by the umpires tonight.
-
Didn't look like a swing to me. OTOH, that ball was in Rizzo's glove before Segura stepped on the bag in the 6th.
-
Really bad umpiring tonight. At least they got the second challenge right.
-
Kimbrel would have been a better choice in that spot.
-
Cubs have the top of their lineup up in the bottom of the 9th, and Schwarber and Bryant go down of 4 pitches.
-
Didn't look like a swing to me.
Yeah I agree, that was a borderline check swing from McCutchen at best. The MLB Network guys all agreed he held up.
Brach was unlucky though, that was a good pitch.
-
Contreras is catching now, so he doesn't get a full day off.
-
Brach topped out at 97 mph tonight by the way. The MLB guys said he hadn't topped 95 all year until tonight.
-
Realmuto goes yard. 5-4 Phillies.
-
Deeg vindicated tonight.
-
The Cubs just found a way to lose tonight. This should've been an easy win.
-
Bleacher Nation tweeted out a picture on McCutchen, the bat was last his knee. It was a swing.
-
Almora continues to struggle against RHP...
-
Cubs lose.
The umpires missed two calls tonight, but the Cubs should've scored at least 8 runs. MLB umpiring sucks, but Cubs hitters were awful tonight too.
-
Bleacher Nation tweeted out a picture on McCutchen, the bat was last his knee. It was a swing.
That doesn't make it a swing.
-
That doesn't make it a swing.
The only thing missing was a back swing. He broke his wrist, it was well past Schwarber’s check swing to end a game earlier this year.
-
On the positive side, Darvish looked good again tonight and quite frankly probably looked like his old self more than I ever remember him since he joined the Cubs. He deserved a better fate. If the Darvish from his last two games is what we're getting the rest of the season, there are some good things ahead for us.
And we did show some heart coming back in the 8th. Just too bad Brach and Ryan didn't get the job done. That pitch Ryan gave up the homer on was probably a pitch CurtOne could have hit out of the park.
-
Umpires don't have free frame photos. It just didn't look like a swing, even on replay.
-
It was a swing.
That wouldn't have mattered if the replay umpires had correctly overturned that play in the 6th. This was an really bad night for MLB umpiring. The Cubs overcame their first awful call, then lost because of their second awful call.
But if the Cubs had just scored the runs the Phillies gave them, they would've won easily. The umpiring was awful, but the Cubs hitting was worse.
-
Umpires don't have free frame photos. It just didn't look like a swing, even on replay.
If Schwarber's was a swing this was too even on replay. The Cubs let some runs go earlier in the game and the Phillies had some well placed hits. On to the next game.
-
Behind only the Pads now in blown saves in the NL.
Brach throwing 96 is encouraging, but if you wing it without a dominant reliever late in games, you’re going to lose some like this. Unfortunately they count just as much now as they do in September.
-
Yeah I agree, that was a borderline check swing from McCutchen at best. The MLB Network guys all agreed he held up.
Coomer said it was definitely a swing and called it a “missed call.”
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
If Schwarber's was a swing this was too even on replay. The Cubs let some runs go earlier in the game and the Phillies had some well placed hits. On to the next game.
There is no freeze-frame photo reviews of check swings. If and when there is, then we'll have something. It's the hardest call in the sport and everyone needed a freeze-frame to determine if it was correct. I'd be more bothered by the missed call at 1st which could have been overturned but wasn't.
-
If you want to see how the check swing “rule” has changed, here is one of baseball’s historic ABs: a three run homer by Hal Smith in the eighth inning of game 7 of the 1960 WS that set the stage for the Maz walk-off homer an inning later.
At 39:20, you will see Smith go around and check almost 2/3 of the way around. Ball 2. Nobody says a peep about that being a strike. This was common for much of baseball history, I believe.
Once the base umps got involved, way too many strike calls, in my opinion, on checked swings. A pet peeve. No way today’s McCutchen AB should be a strike, in my opinion, but I’m sure similar checks get called a strike on occasion.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5MtnU4yno4o&t=3799s#fauxfullscreen
-
That video didn't work for me. Try this one at 39:30
https://youtu.be/5MtnU4yno4o
-
Here is the problem:
The Major League Baseball rulebook does not contain an official definition for a checked swing, but defines a swing as "an attempt to strike at the ball". It is the decision of the umpire as to whether an attempt was made or not. Generally, factors such as whether the bat passes the front of the plate or the batter pulls their wrists back are considered in the ruling. Some umpires prefer to use the "breaking the wrists" criterion as the method to decide a checked swing: if the wrists "rolled over", a swing occurred.
A year or so ago one umpire (Joe West?) said his definition was when the head of the bat crossed the foul line into fair territory. That works for me. It would be easy to see for the base ump.
-
We argue about how changes in rules and strategies have changed the game and screwed up stats and records today. Use of the closer, use of multiple relievers, shifts, dead ball, live ball, etc, but over the years there have been rules that have increased stirke outs (base umpires calling checked swings), decreased strike outs (lowering the mound), and, sheesh, long long ago a pick off really was a pick off, because if you could hit the runner with the ball when he was off base, he was "picked off." Bet there were a lot more brawls back then.
Now they're talking about moving the rubber back 6 inches. I read an article that would actually help pitchers because many times the most vicious movement on the ball is after it crosses the plate.
On the broadcast they were talking about how next year, relievers would have to face 3 hitters. Two I could understand. Three will put some guys out of work. Three will mean you will need several guys with closer stuff and mentality. Three means you can't take a chance with wild people who have potential but are inconsistent. Like Edwards. Three may mean the manager will try to squeeze one more inning out of the starter, leading to a few more W's for starters.
As far as checked swings are concerned, there was a time when only the plate umpire called them...lots of arguments when that was true.
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 26m26 minutes ago
Joe Maddon tells @LaurenceWHolmes on his weekly show that Javier Baez won't start Tuesday night.
-
Note the one hour early ESPN game time
Another cold, damp, windy, and miserable night for a ballgame.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7HJYF2X4AA7p_v.jpg:small)
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7Hl8efXkAA-A69.jpg:small)
-
Morans in St. Louis. Traffic is backing up around the stadium. People are lining up outside. Not at the Blues' game. At Busch...the game was postponed 4 hours ago because of threatening weather.
-
I mean the only Cub fan that would show up for the game in this kind of weather is Ron.
-
I mean the only Cub fan that would show up for the game in this kind of weather is Ron.
And me.
-
Cubs with a hit and 3 walks in the first inning, but only one run. Picking up right where they left off last night.
-
Albert continues to struggle...
-
The Cubs have now stranded 6 runners in 3 innings, including 4 in scoring position.
This umpire is awful too. He’s missing calls consistently for both pitchers, and both are pushing 60 pitches through 3 because he won’t call strikes.
-
How did the Cubs have a run taken off the board?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Umpire Crew @UmpCrew 59s59 seconds ago
#Phillies @ #Cubs [B4-2o]
Phillies challenged (stadium boundary call), call on the field was overturned
-
Bryant hit a double, ball hopped over the fencing and hit the wall behind it. Automatic GR double, Schwarber back to 3rd.
-
Schwarber walked
Bryant hit a screamer into the LF corner, Schwarber scored
Schwarber called back to 3rd. After a long delay (discussion + review), they rule it a ground rule double. Runners 2nd and 3rd.
Rizzo fly out to CF.
2 more stranded in scoring position
-
This is a weird situation—Schwarber appears to score on a Bryant double, but it bounced over the wall in LF and back on to the field. Umpires initially give the Cubs the run and say Schwarber would’ve scored anyway. Then Kapler argues and the umps change their minds. So Schwarber back to third and the Cubs don’t get the run.
Then Rizzo flies out and the Cubs strand two more in scoring position. 8 stranded through 4, including 6 in scoring position.
-
To further clarify, the ball hit the dirt down the LF line, spun left and off the side wall, and then over the basket and off the wall beyond the LF fence.
Don’t recall seeing that before...
-
There was a video replay review on the ball.
-
What happened on Bryant's hit?
Jk
-
There was a video replay review on the ball.
That makes more sense. I’m watching without sound and must have looked away for that part, so it looked to me that the umpires had ruled one way then changed based on Kapler arguing. I guess the argument was about whether the play was reviewable?
-
One-zip and he's bringing in Edwards. Are you kidding me.
-
Lead off single.
It's fine...It'll be fine...
-
Nice play by Addi/Descalso to get the lead runner on a ball up the middle
-
Rocket double, runners 2nd and 3rd...
Nothing to see here...all according to plan...
-
Nice play by Edwards on a one hopper back to the mound. Holds the runners. 2 down.
Edwards out, Kintzler in.
-
Ground ball single up the middle, scores 2
Similar feel to last nights game...
-
Just like last night, the Cubs should have about 5 or 6 runs by now, so those runs shouldn't have really mattered much.
This has turned back into last year's offense over the last 2 weeks or so.
-
Rizzo's gotta get it going...
-
This has been one of the worst performances by a home plate umpire I've seen in a long time.
-
Back-to-back cookies to Contreras results in a pop to CF
-
Feel bad for Q
-
Heyward heywards it.
Bryant's leadoff single is for naught.
-
We need Zobrist back. Not to play as much as somebody who can talk to Maddon.
-
Two more runners left on including another in scoring position. Cubs are 0 for 8 with RISP tonight.
-
You know your pen sucks when you have to resort to using Xavier Cedeno in a 1-run game.
-
So Maddon goes to Edwards to start the 7th, then goes to his better RHP Kintzler once Edwards gets in trouble.
Maddon goes to Cedeno to start the 9th, then goes to his better LHP Ryan once Cedeno gets in trouble.
Why not just start the inning with the better pitcher?
-
Up to Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras to produce a run in the 9th
-
Bryant walks
-
Bryant leadoff walk. I bet he's stranded.
-
Bryant has had a good night with a double, 2 singles and a walk
-
middle, middle nothing burger to start and Rizzo just stares at it...
-
DOUBLE!!!!!
-
2nd and 3rd, no out
-
Second and third, no outs for the Cubs in the 9th. Would be on brand if they don't score.
-
Infield in
-
hehe..."on brand"...I like that one, br
-
If Contreras doesn't come thru, it's Heyward, Almora...
-
pop to short right
Up to Heyward
-
The words everyone wants to hear.
-
IBB
Up to Almora
-
Here comes the GIDP.
-
Nubber scores Bryant!!! Tie game!!!
-
Bryant is just amazing.
-
Bases still loaded, 1 out
-
Phillies challenge.
-
Baez batting
-
Cubs win!!!!!!
-
Roped the first pitch to right!
-
Javy sees one pitch, does what no other Cub could do in the last two nights combined. Hope there's nothing serious going on with his foot.
-
Javy!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Baez is just amazing.
-
Love to watch him go oppo...
-
Wow, what a cool win. Didn't expect that.
Thoughts (I didn't see everything): First hit off Edwards was a really good pitch with two strikes, a lucky fluky bloop. And he threw strikes.
Man, the Bryant walk leading off, he took some really close pitches for balls with two strikes. Last one was just off the plate, and at least one of the earlier ones too. Pretty cool and collected to take those, and maybe kind of lucky that the ump called them right, when at least one was really close. Contreras took some awfully close ones too, I thought, before finally flying out.
Really lucky on the Almora squib. Lots of luck in these games. Bryant was really fast coming down the line, not sure anybody but he and Baez would have beaten that play?
I'm pretty sure Kapler was doing lefty-righty stuff. But I thought it was interesting that with runners 2nd-and-3rd, he pitched to Contreras, but then walked Hewyard. He got Contreras without scoring, and then set up the DP with DP-vulnerable Almora, so made sense. But even with the lefty-righty factor, I'm not sure I wouldn't have walked the better, more dangerous Contreras, and set up the force at home and DP option with bad-hitting slumping ground-ball DP-prone Heyward.
Anyway, fun that it worked out for the Cubs.
yesterday's game was borderline and somewhat lucky for the PHillies, so you get some and you lose some. My recall is that their first run, scored with 2 outs, was on a not very hard-hit grounder (Realmuto?) that's probably an out >80% of the time. But Russell must have been playing way in the hole and it got through. Win some, you lose some.
Cubs are going to need to get some HR action going again, I think. These two games I think reflect how difficult it is to beat teams with really good pitching and really talented relief, if you don't produce any runs via the quick-strike HR. Maybe tomorrow?
-
The weather is definitely not helping the HR count.
-
The weather is definitely not helping the HR count.
Near 70° with winds out to left at 15 mph for Wednesday night.
-
Javy's MRI must have been OK
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7MuZuMWwAAElxf.jpg:small)
-
Thank Goc.
-
Two pluses in this line-up. Javy in and Descalso out.
-
McCutchen opens with a double but Segura grounds to short instead of second.
-
Leadoff double for the Cubs in the first. They ultimately load the bases with 2 outs and fail to score. They just won’t take what the Phillies are giving them in this series.
-
Hamels sucks tonight. It’s 2-0 Phillies with runners on first and second, no outs in the 3rd. He has already thrown 60 pitches.
-
Out, then another RBI single. 3-0 Phillies. With the way the Cubs are hitting in big situations, this is close to a blowout already.
-
Great pick at first by Contreras! It's under review, but he's OUT!!!!
-
BS! Replay is broken
-
I thought the replay was pretty conclusive that the tag was on the runner's hand before it got to the base.
-
RIZZZOOOO!!!!!!
Tie game!!!!
-
That ball was obliterated
-
Nice job turning the game around quickly. Now Joe needs to have a quick hook with both Chatwood and Montgomery available to go multiple innings.
Two bad replay calls in this series. If the ump had called that one the other way, no chance the Phillies challenge it. The “clear and conclusive” requirement is just too arbitrary.
-
Our Cole doesn't have it tonight
-
Chatwood has a career .239 OBP. I’m surprised Joe let Hamels hit in the bottom of the inning, only to pull him to start the fifth.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
ALMORA!!!!! BOOM!!!!!
-
AA!!!!!!!
Grand slam! 7-3
-
I wonder what craig might have to say about this game?
-
Almora can't hit lefties
-
About time Almora did something against a lefty.
-
Our Cole doesn't have it tonight
Neither did theirs!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I wonder what craig might have to say about this game?
Home runs are overrated?
-
"The Cubs just won't take what the Phillies are giving them..." (then, 3-run HR and Grand Slam)
-
I'm glad they've been taking what the Phillies gave them in the last few innings. Doesn't change the fact that they could've scored about twice as many runs in this series.
-
I hope we're talking to Baez about one of those extensions everyone was signing this spring.
-
Need a 2-run jack to homer for the cycle...
-
No cheap homers tonight for the Cubs.
-
By the way I hope this isn't a jinx, but Chatwood is looking like the unsung hero of the night for the Cubs. He's doing a nice job on a not very ideal night to pitch.
-
By the way I hope this isn't a jinx, but Chatwood is looking like the unsung hero of the night for the Cubs. He's doing a nice job on a not very ideal night to pitch.
Great. Phillies immediately homer.
-
Great. Phillies immediately homer.
Ha! Yeah I was a little afraid of that.
Then again, giving up a solo homer to Andrew McCutchen with a 5 run lead is hardly the end of the world.
-
I do wonder if Joe is playing with fire leaving Chatwood in there for the 9th...
-
Bryce Harper leadoff single and Cishek is brought on.
-
Cubs Win!!!
-
Nice win. Homers are good.
-
Great win, huge clutch HR's for Rizzo and Almora, that's exactly what we needed.
Chatwood, what an outstanding game for him.
And also nice work by Maddon **NOT** trying to extend Hamels through another inning to protect the bullpen, etc.. Turning it over to Chatwood was a really, really good move.
-
Chatwood may be our MVP so far after Javy.
-
I stopped listening after the top of the eighth, but just checked back in to see who pitched the ninth. Of course we had to use Cishek with a 4-run lead.
I hate the thought of trading for a reliever again, but this bullpen situation is absolutely not sustainable.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I stopped listening after the top of the eighth, but just checked back in to see who pitched the ninth. Of course we had to use Cishek with a 4-run lead.
I hate the thought of trading for a reliever again, but this bullpen situation is absolutely not sustainable.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
No need to trade to add at least one impact arm.
-
Yeah, Jack Birdbath, front office folks have no idea what they're doing.
Everyone else has a great bullpen, while ours sucks.
-
All they need to do is dip into the trump funds and pay for the one guy who is out there and could make a difference. It’s only money and these people have more than enough of it.
-
They sat out the offseason after a really ugly finish last year. They're not dipping into their huge profits now that the Cubs are in first place.
They'll trade for some underpaid reliever, but they're not spending on Kimbrel.
-
That's an awful lot of whining for a 1st-place team, dudes.
You guys would have really LOVED all the previous Cub owners and leadership groups many of us suffered through!
We're in a pretty good position thanks to a really smart front office (despite what you may think) and ownership that provides WAY more than most and gets the hell out of the front office's way (and not all do)!
We're not the only team a little short on relief pitching, particularly with a couple of our top guys out.
Chill, please.
-
Good effort, but I think it's hopeless Ben.
-
Kris Bryant gets a day off
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7QkISTXkAA04Zv.jpg:small)
-
All they need to do is dip into the trump funds and pay for the one guy who is out there and could make a difference. It’s only money and these people have more than enough of it.
There are a billion people out there who feel that YOU have more than enough money. Why not contribute?
-
There are a billion people out there who feel that YOU have more than enough money. Why not contribute?
I do. I buy season tickets and spend a lot on stuff at games and buying Cubs stuff for my son. So, **** you.
-
Lester escapes the first with only two runs allowed, but burns 27 pitches, gave up a lot of rockets including one of the sac-fly outs, and threw a couple of other pitches that looked pretty fat and mashable.
He's such a battler, he often works his way into competitive starts even if he starts with nothing. So hopefully he'll do that again today.
But Cubs hitters may need to score a bunch against Aaron Nola today.
-
Cubs defense falls apart in the 4th when Contreras throws a sac bunt down the first base line and Descalso fails to make a decent throw on an easy double play. Then Segura hits a 3 run homer. They gave the Phillies 5 outs, and it cost them. 7-0 after 3 1/2 innings, and Nola looks sharp today.
-
Schwarber walk, Javy double, Rizzo single to start the bottom of the 4th, 7-2.
-
Contreras single, Heyward walk. Loaded for Almora...can he hit slams two days in a row?
-
Nope...first pitch GIDP, 7-3.
It's too bad the Cubs defense gave them those three runs in the top of the inning.
-
Carl K’s the side to get his ERA under 10.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Two run homer by Schwarber in the 7th makes it 8-5.
-
Rizzo makes it 8-6 after a Javy K.
-
Why would you give Bryant the day off on a day like this?
-
Stuck with Lester one inning too long.
-
Lester was pretty bad today, but he wasn't the problem in his last inning. The defense just let him down.
Almora up as the tying run with 2 outs in the 7th after a Heyward walk.
-
Soft contact single into the outfield for Herrera followed by an infield single for Rodriguez to start the 8th.
-
Caratini gets a double play ball at third, but throws high so they're only able to get one out at second. The defense has really let the Cubs down today.
-
McCutchen double, 9-6. Still only 1 out.
-
2 on, 2 out for Javy in the bottom of the 8th. He's the tying run.
-
Just missed tying it up. Good fight today but lots of missed opportunities on offense and defense.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Rizzo bunts against the shift for a single leading off the 9th.
Four pitch walk to Contreras.
Heyward up, then Kinztler’s spot. All the hitters have been used, so Chatwood on deck.
-
You can't beat fun at the ol' ballpark.
-
I can't believe that **** asshat called ball 4 to Heyward a strike.
-
Robot umps please.
-
Chatwood rips an RBI double to left, and now just imagine if Heyward had been on 1st...
-
Now a Chatwood double. Bad umpiring might be the difference in this game.
-
Russell is terrible.
-
Ugly AB for Addison. Up to Caratini.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Cubs lose. MLB umpiring is terrible, but the Cubs lost this one with their defense.
-
Russell could have bunted the tying run in if Heyward had been walked...
-
A 3:55 game on getaway day doesn't hurt the Phillies. They play in Milwaukee Friday night.
-
Robot umps please.
Yeah that will help with the checked swings.
-
I can’t believe Neris got the free strike call after 7 straight balls.
-
That was inexcusable. He was nowhere near the plate.
-
Completely changed the inning...
-
Nerris threw three ball-4's to Heyward; the ump turned the first one into a strike, but then Heyward swung at ball 4 on the next pitch, and the K-pitch wasn't anywhere even remotely close. O well.
That was really a fun game. Javy just missed on his deep flyout, I thought with the swing and the jump/angle off the bat it was maybe going to get out on TV.
If they'd allowed one fewer run, and been down only one instead of two, I'm pretty sure Contreras could have scored on Chatwood's double, too.
Lots of opportunities, great game to watch despite the outcome, once they started the scoring.
-
Umpires for #Reds (22-27) at #Cubs (29-19):
HP: Chris Conroy
1B: Jeremie Rehak
2B: Doug Eddings
3B: Bill Miller
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7VqvsaWkAYrqWW.jpg:small)
-
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 11m11 minutes ago
Tarp is on the field. No BP, but word is that Reds-Cubs should be able to start on time.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7WCz8FXkAAqgWV.jpg:small)
-
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 4m4 minutes ago
Statcast projected Schwarber's shot at 449 feet.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7WkNjiX4AAdn6L.png:small)
-
After his second PA today, Schwarber now over .800 OPS (.803).
Both Bryant and Rizzo OPSing higher than Baez.
-
Wow. Based loaded for Schwarbs even after the Heyward caught-stealing.
The inning so far: Single. Caught-stealing. Walk. Single. Flyout. Walk to Hendricks.
-
Cubs up 4-3 mid-6. All but one of the runs via HR.
-
The Reds have so many frustrating hits today. Bloops, soft liners, and ground balls all over the place.
-
Cubs were up 4-0 after 3 innings, then the offense went to sleep. Now it's tied in the 7th.
-
Reds tie it up, back-to-back-to-back 2-out hits. Almora's throw to 2nd might have gotten Winker but Russell cut it off.
Suarez had gotten a bloop single into right. How does Heyward show up defensively these days? He doesn't seem to have much speed, to my qualitative eye. Surprised he couldn't run that one down, and there were a couple of high-hang-time balls yesterday too that I assumed he'd run under, but not quite fast enough. Heh heh, I also assume that if Russell had been playing SS and Baez 2nd, Baez would have gotten out there for the bloop single that Russell wasn't as quick to catch.
Oh well, lets get some runs!
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 18s18 seconds ago
The Cubs are now 9 for 19 in save opportunities on the season. Only two teams have a worse pct.
-
Russell comes in a whiffs on a sinker that was almost going to hit him in the foot. But why not swing? I don't think I've seen him hit a ball hard yet in the AB's I've happened to see, which haven't been many. But he looks about as helpless and confused now as he was last season. Yesterday's game in the 9th inning, he took a fastball right down the middle in the 9th, before whiffing on another fairly ordinary-looking fastball. Really struggling.
Too bad the Cubs are so thin, I think Russell could benefit from a longer stretch at Iowa to see if he could maybe get some AB's.
-
In both of Brach's innings, he got two quick outs then got in trouble. In the 7th, he ended up giving the tying run. In the 8th, Montgomery is coming in to try to bail him out--first and second, 2 out for Senzel.
-
There are times when Javy seems to commit himself to swinging for the fences before a pitch is even thrown.
-
It’s embarrassing to hear Cubs fans go nuts over a routine fly ball.
40K Chip Carays...
-
PH Willson Contreras drives in Rizzo to make it 5-4
Can the Cubs blow two saves in the same game?
-
PH Willson Contreras drives in Rizzo to make it 5-4
Can the Cubs blow two saves in the same game?
Yes, Suarez homers after a Votto walk to make it 6-5 Reds
-
This bullpen needs help soon.
-
Russell and the top of the order for the Cubs in the bottom of the ninth.
-
Too bad the owners don't care quite enough. Could have been a pretty good season.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 18s18 seconds ago
The Cubs are now 9 for 19 20 in save opportunities on the season.
-
I hope Joe pinch hits for Russell leading off the inning. The only way the pitcher's spot comes up this inning is if the Cubs have already tied the game, so there's not much incentive to save Bote for that spot.
-
Russell predictably Ks.
-
First pitch flyout for Schwarber.
-
A real bummer of a game.
-
As good as this offense is and as solid as this starting staff is, the front office has really spit the bit on the bullpen for several years now. This is where the lack of homegrown arms has really hurt the Cubs. Their money is mosty tied up in the starting staff and Jason Heyward. With even one homegrown starter and some young arms dominating in the bullpen this team would be nearly unstoppabble for years to come. With the budget maxed out and no dominant arms in sight they are going to have to keep throwing crap against the wall to see what sticks.
-
Offense just couldn't add on. It was like the opposite of last night's game...the Phillies got a lead, and they kept adding runs so the Cubs just were never able to catch up. Today, the Cubs get a 4 run lead...then the offense just shut down after the third inning and they let the Reds back in.
They really need to do something about the bullpen.
-
Can't believe the draft pick they could lose would ever become a better value than Kimbrel.
-
This bullpen needs help soon.
Ya think?
We're over a barrel here, and every GM knows it. The owners won't pay up for Kimbrel, which means the likes of Hoerner, Amaya and Marquez in some combination for a non-dominant closer (probably a rental) is almost guaranteed.
-
Can't believe the draft pick they could lose would ever become a better value than Kimbrel.
The draft pick isn't the issue with Kimbrel...
-
The articles I've read, Deeg, is that now that it's dragged out this long, they won't be signed until after the draft. It mentions both Kimbrel and Keuchel.
-
The articles I've read, Deeg, is that now that it's dragged out this long, they won't be signed until after the draft. It mentions both Kimbrel and Keuchel.
Ah, you meant generally - sorry, I thought you meant specifically with the Cubs. Who aren't going to sign him, period, and a draft pick has nothing to do with that.
-
Im not sure the Cubs wont.
We didnt spend anything last offseason and they've shown to be serious contenders for a pennant with a little help.
Surely the Rickett's clan arent just gonna say "screw you we've already won one World Series" to Cub fans.
Dave Kaplan said yesterday that the money is definitely there to sign Kimbrel.
-
This isn't a factor yet, but it could be later
As of 2019, the July 31 Trade Deadline is the only trade deadline. Players may still be placed and claimed on outright waivers after July 31, but trades will no longer be permitted after that date.
-
If the Cubs aren’t paying Zobrist that is an extra $470,000/week he is out in addition to whatever money was saved for deadline trades. That can get you to Kimbrel pretty quick, the question would be how effective is Kimbrel going to be with this long of a period off.
-
Im sure he aint laying around getting stoned and eating fudge rounds.
-
Victor Caratini starts again
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7az5eDXkAElcaI.jpg:small)
-
Deck chairs on the Titanic get another shuffle:
Bruce Miles
@BruceMiles2112
6m6 minutes ago
More
#Cubs option Zagunis and Norwood, recall Tim Collins and Dillon Maples
-
If the Cubs aren’t paying Zobrist that is an extra $470,000/week he is out in addition to whatever money was saved for deadline trades. That can get you to Kimbrel pretty quick, the question would be how effective is Kimbrel going to be with this long of a period off.
True. If Kimbrel is willing to sign a one year contract (actually, 2/3 year contract.) But I believe the reason he has not signed yet is the fact that he is asking for a very long multi-year contract, something that is even more dangerous for a relief pitcher than it is for a starter.
-
Is there reason to assume the Cubs are NOT paying Zobrist? I don't know who either MLB union has, or what Zobrist's particular contract details. But in a lot of work places, employees are allowed to take personal days under situations of family need. And I believe in many other work places, employers allow employees that privilege even when they are not contractually required to do so, including sometimes not freezing salary.
Given how Theo has put top priority on employer/employee relations, on a supportive employer/employee culture, on supporting player families and stuff, I wonder whether Theo may still be paying Zobrist's full salary, even if it may not be contractually required. I have no idea, and of course contracts and employment conditions for super-rich professional athletes are not like anything like my experience. But I'm just curious whether Zobrists leave actually is freeing up any budget for relief help and bench help or not.
-
Reds smacking Darvish around already.
-
Darvish gets out of a first inning jam, but then 4-pitch walks the leadoff man in the second and follows it up with a HR.
2-0 Reds.
Tough deal playing from behind and wanting to win it during the bullpen innings.....
-
Darvish has allowed 16 homers in 90 IP as a Cub.
-
Almora hits another homer.
-
Ball jumps off Almora's bat and goes 415 to RC.
Again, a common theme in baseball now.
-
Deck chairs on the Titanic get another shuffle:
Cubs are #5 in NL in bullpen ERA.
Don’t see an iceberg. More like a couple ice bags on the road ahead. Stay alert.
-
Heyward has 5 extra-base hits over his last 120 at-bats.
-
Russell!
-
Almora iso power currently at .170.
That would work.
-
Rizzo! 5-2 Cubs!
-
That double was in the air a long time, pushed by the wind. Ball was in on Rizzo's hands, somehow still hit off the wall.
-
Darvish ain't gonna make it much longer.
-
Can't stress enough how big that GIDP is.
-
Then Puig homers.
-
Darvish just is what he is. Really, really mediocre. At best.
-
Normally his issue is walks. Today he's thrown 52-72 strikes. Just getting hit instead.
-
Ok, the ball is extremely juiced.....
-
That Heyward homer went 356 feet. Even at 6-5, 240 and with juiced balls.
-
I think the Heyward homer was more wind than juiced ball.
Statcast has that homer estimated at 356 feet...wasn't that actually pretty close to the 368 sign? A ball hit at that exit velocity and launch angle is usually an out--it turns into a hit 21% of the time.
-
Barhart ropes a double. He's a triple shy of the cycle. Came in hitting .170
-
Darvish finally get the K after wasting time worrying about Barnhart at 2nd as if that plug is going to steal a base.
-
6-5 now.
-
Darvish somehow makes it through 6 for the third time this year.
-
In 19 starts as a Cub, Darvish has never gotten an out in the 7th inning.
-
In 19 starts as a Cub, Darvish has never gotten an out in the 7th inning.
Until now.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Well, because of the pen's exhaustion Darvish is pitching into the 7th for the first time!
-
Suarez missed the tying homer by about a foot.
-
Not pretty, but Darvish gets through 7.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
And at a lower pitch count than he normally needs for 4.
-
In some defense of Darvish, it has been a really tough day to pitch, so getting 7 innings with the lead isn't all bad. He hasn't been totally brilliant. That Puig homer would have been demolished even if the wind was blowing 50 mph in, and giving up a near cycle to Tucker Barnhart when he was hitting .175 coming in or something like that isn't good.
Still, Darvish is probably on his way to being a productive pitcher for us if he keeps having 7 IP games with 2 BB's allowed. It's three pretty acceptable starts in a row for him, so hopefully he's on the right track.
-
I guess if you leave Darvish in long enough that's bound to happen.
-
Third homer of the day for the Reds, the 19th off Darvish as a Cub.
-
Hit #12 for the Reds and Darvish is pulled.
-
In 20 starts as a Cub, Darvish has not gotten an out in the 8th inning
-
Cubs trying to give away their 4th game in a week.
-
Ryan fans Barnhart but then Maples comes in. Good luck with that.
-
Maples manages an out before his first walk.
-
And by out I mean Caratini caught a baserunner trying to steal.
-
Almora works a walk. So lot's of unusual things happening today.
-
Third hit for Russell. Two on for Bote.
-
This Bote guy is clutch.
-
Chatwood is the closer-of-the-day.
-
Leadoff hit and here comes Suarez.
-
After a Suarez hit, Winker hits into a DP and Puig pops out. Cubs survive 8-6.
-
Timely ground ball threw and Puig flies out to win it. Cubs win!
-
Kinda needed that one. The Reds have been a real pain in the butt!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Good to see Addison look strong today.
-
Jordan Bastian
Verified account
@MLBastian
2h2 hours ago
More
Darvish: "I gave up like 18 hits and 12 runs, but still, I'm a little happy I went seven innings."
Multiple teammates called Yu's performance "gutsy" under circumstances, saying the pitching line doesn't tell the story. They needed him to go 7+. He did, Cubs hung on for the W.
-
Small victories.
-
If Almora and Russell start driving the ball the other way with regularity, look out.
Darvish is like a wayward child with potential. Don't give up.
Really want to see more of Maples. He's like a bat **** crazy girlfriend who is amazing in bed. Impossible to say goodbye to.
-
Chatwood as the closer is an experiment that probably needs to be formally tried.
-
Gotta be happy to get the W today. Baby steps for Yu and kudos to the pen on a tough day to pitch.
-
Three hits for Russell in a single game, including a HR. Getting some average hitting from Russell would be super helpful. His small-sample OPS is now up over .700.
-
Really want to see more of Maples. He's like a bat **** crazy girlfriend who is amazing in bed.
Yeah, nothing like high heat in and a hard slider away.
-
The Cubs are now providing a link that reports pitcher vs batter matchups and other information with each lineup
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/reds-vs-cubs/2019/05/26/565152#game_state=preview,lock_state=preview,game_tab=,game=565152
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7f92QaWwAc4Gjy.jpg:small)
-
I did not care one bit for that version of The Star Spangled Banner.
-
A ground ball single and two soft liners that fall in front of the outfielders have scored a run to start the game. The Cubs are getting BABIP'ed to death lately.
-
Schwarber and Contreras both take borderline called third strikes. Whatever happened to protecting the plate with two strikes?
-
Hitters tend to guess and when guess wrong, it looks like a head scratcher.
-
Cubs pick off Senzel, but they botch the rundown again. They are so bad at rundowns.
-
Two more BABIP hits to start the third for the Reds. First and third, no outs for Suarez and Puig.
-
Suarez sac fly, 3-0. Botched rundown comes back to hurt them.
-
Cubs get a rare hit with RISP, but Rizzo is thrown out at the plate.
-
I would like to know who these pitchers are getting Votto and Suarez out 7 times out of 10. I think they are batting something like .800 against the Cubs.
-
Quintana somehow gets Votto out but Suarez doubles and Puig bloops a single to center. Q then induces a ground ball and the Cubs turn it to remain 3 runs down to Tanner Roark and the Reds. The Cubs will need a comeback to avoid going 2-4 against the Reds so far this year.
-
Bad AB by Javy. Roark clearly wanted no part of him...he only threw one pitch anywhere close to the strike zone. But Javy was hacking wildly at pitches a foot outside or at eye level, so he Ks.
-
Other than his arm, is there one thing Contreras does well defensively?
-
Turned off the game a few batters ago, but Twitter says Bryant got hurt on a collision with Heyward?
-
Turned off the game a few batters ago, but Twitter says Bryant got hurt on a collision with Heyward?
Yes, although based on the radio call, it sounded precautionary to pull him from the game. Coomer actually speculated it may have been that his sunglasses smashed against his face. But he did apparently stay down on one knee for quite a while. Then walked off with no sign of what was bothering him.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
“Side of the head or neck” per Joe.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Other than his arm, is there one thing Contreras does well defensively?
Certainly not framing - he's last in baseball by a wide margin in framing stats this year. I always thought he was pretty good at blocking pitches in the dirt, though.
-
This past week we saw Realmuto who frames well, and Caratini, Contreras and Barnhart who are anything but subtle. Sometimes they're yanking the glove nearly a foot from where they catch the ball. I think Barnhart actually cost his pitcher some strikes because he yanked his glove up from where he caught a legal strike so violently, I raised doubt for the ump.
-
If they'd just use the technology in games that they've been using to grade umpires for the last decade or so...
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 14m14 minutes ago
Bryant out of lineup, remains under evaluation. Heyward sore. Butterfield makes trip
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-astros/2019/05/27/565633#game_state=preview,lock_state=preview,game_tab=,game=565633
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7lOOahXkAEGrY-.jpg:small)
-
Available bench players
Bryant - under evaluation
Heyward - sore hip
Caratini
-
Umpires for #Cubs (30-21) at #Astros (35-19):
HP: D.J. Reyburn
1B: CB Bucknor
2B: Paul Nauert
3B: Fieldin Culbreth
-
I do not understand that lineup. Why move Baez to 2nd and DH? Adduci batting 5th?
-
I do not understand that lineup. Why move Baez to 2nd and DH? Adduci batting 5th?
More PA for your better hitters?
Maybe Javy is still favoring his heel.
-
Anthony Rizzo is having his best offensive season. I don't know that many people have noticed that--Bryant, Baez, and Contreras seem to be bigger stories than Rizzo.
-
Sarah Langs @SlangsOnSports 27m27 minutes ago
Date of Anthony Rizzo's 15th HR of season, by year:
2012: Sept 27
2013: July 31
2014: June 21
2015: June 21
2016: June 15
2017: June 14
2018: July 29
2019: May 27
-
The Cubs are lucky that Rizzo got to face Cole before he fully settled in because he's looked pretty unhittable since the Rizzo homer.
Hamels isn't that sharp so far. He's over 50 pitches with 2 runners on and no outs in the bottom of the 3rd. Still has a 2-1 lead, though.
-
Another soft contact hit against the Cubs ties the game. Teams must have a .400 BABIP vs. the Cubs in the last week or two.
Chirinos hit isn't a cheapy, though. RBI double, 3-2 Astros.
-
4-2 on a RBI groundout. Starting pitching has not been good the last time or two through the rotation.
-
I checked the site and it was 2-1 Cubs. By the time MLBTV would load it is 4-2.
-
Cubs pitching has a .356 BABIP since the start of the Nationals series, which is highest in baseball (Pirates are second at .345; Blue Jays are a distant third at .320). That includes a .400 BABIP in the Reds series. Mediocre pitching + bad luck is not a good combination.
Another BABIP hit between Rizzo and Descalso, 5-2.
-
RBI chopper through the infield that was very close to being an infield hit. 6-2.
With the way Cole has pitched since that Rizzo homer in the first, it's probably safe to spend your Memorial Day afternoon doing something other than watching the Cubs.
-
Reddick flies out to finally end the inning. Hamels already approaching 80 pitches, so the bullpen is going to be abused again today.
-
Memorial Day used to be hamburgers on the grill, a couple of brewskis and put the Indianapolis 500 on the tv.
-
I spent a couple of days in Normandy recently. It gives one a different perspective on the significance of Memorial Day.
-
Gerrit Cole is at 85 pitches through 5. The Cubs really need to work him for about 20 pitches next inning and get him out of the game.
-
Well this sucks...Mongtomery comes in to replace Hamels...but he doesn't even throw a warm-up pitch before having to leave the game.
-
Twitter says the trainer was looking at Montgomery's hand...so maybe it's just a blister?
-
Left middle finger discomfort for Montgomery..
Schwarber came up as the tying run in the 7th and he crushed the ball right down the first base line, but White made a diving catch to rob him and save probably two runs.
-
15 K's for Cubs hitters through 8.
-
Almora crushes Osuna's first pitch in the 9th, 6-4. It would be fun to beat this guy.
-
But Descalso grounds weakly on the next pitch.
Russell vs. Osuna now.
-
Russell homer. 6-5.
-
Bote single. Tying run on with 1 out for Schwarber and Baez. Baez is 0 for 4 with 4 Ks today, so you know he'll really want to do something if he gets a chance.
-
Schwarber Ks.
It's up to Baez. He'll be swinging wildly. If he connects, it might go 500 feet.
-
Quickly 0-2.
-
5 K day for Javy, Cubs lose again.
-
Daniel Descalso's groundout in the ninth dropped his batting average below the Mendoza line (.198).
-
Cubs with 35 swings-and-misses today.
That is a whole lot.
-
Daniel Descalso's groundout in the ninth dropped his batting average below the Mendoza line (.198).
And didn’t he start out hot?
Would sure be nice to get Zo back at some point.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
13 of the Cubs 35 whiffs were by Baez.
Amazing that a batter can have 13 swings-and-misses in a 9-inning game.
-
He’s in one of those patches where he’s swinging at everything.
Let’s see how long it takes him to correct...
-
He’s in one of those patches where he’s swinging at everything.
Let’s see how long it takes him to correct...
Yeah, probably happens tomorrow. Something great.
Amazing when good. Amazing when bad.
Still trying to fathom his 13 whiffs in a 9-inning game. Wonder if Elias can track and find anything like that.
-
He's struggled since his walkoff single the other day.
-
DH-ing Javy is probably a bad idea. He's so hyper he's ready to swing before the pitcher releases the ball. If you're going to give him the day off, just give him the day off.
-
Apparently, no MLB player in the last 10 seasons has had 13 whiffs in a game.
Not sure if that means happened with somebody 10 years ago or didn’t keep track of hitter whiffs/called strikes distinction until 10 years ago.
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 1h1 hour ago
Maddon tells @LaurenceWHolmes on his weekly radio show that he doesn't anticipate Kris Bryant starting tonight but believes Jason Heyward will start.
-
https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-astros/2019/05/28/565634#game_state=preview,lock_state=preview,game_tab=,game=565634
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7rYCnxWkAEV3gM.jpg:small)
-
Jesse Rogers says Javier Baez would be playing if the Cubs were in an NL park so his heel must not be 100% yet.
Kris Bryant should could be back on Wednesday according to Joe.
-
Kind of a shame Contreras isn't getting a chance to DH here.
-
With one out in the first, Lester gives up a walk, HBP, and double, and it’s 1-0 with runners at second and third. The starting pitching just isn’t good lately.
-
Bad Lester again today.
-
Heyward homers leading off the second (the day after I drop him in two fantasy leagues).
-
Russell back to back, Cubs lead 2-1. Build that trade value.
-
The Cubs have a giant stink hole at 2B. I don’t think Russell is going anywhere.
-
Desaclso has been horrible since he hurt his ankle. I wonder if it is just a slump or if it is affecting him.
-
Bote with the third homer of the inning.
-
Bote destroys that pitch for the 3rf HR of the inning.
-
Russell back to back, Cubs lead 2-1. Build that trade value.
Who plays SS next time Baez is hurt? I think your campaign to trade him may be as successful as your long effort to replace Caratini.
-
The Cubs have a giant stink hole at 2B. I don’t think Russell is going anywhere.
After that homer, Bote is hitting .269/.356/.446 (113 wRC+). The Cubs would be fine with him at second base.
-
Russell now outslugging Baez .587 to .585.
-
After that homer, Bote is hitting .269/.356/.446 (113 wRC+). The Cubs would be fine with him at second base.
But they would be much more than fine with Russell at second base.
-
No Springer, Correa, or Altuve and the Astros are still clobbering Cubs pitching.
-
Astros have had an awful lot of soft contact calling into the right places too.
-
Who plays SS next time Baez is hurt? I think your campaign to trade him may be as successful as your long effort to replace Caratini.
But that's apples and oranges. There are obvious reasons they'd be much more motivated to find a trade for Russell.
As far as finding a backup shortstop, there are at least two upcoming free agents (Galvis and Iglesias) who are not significantly worse than Russell and are playing for teams that will probably be willing to trade them in the next two months. Fill in guys like Mercer and Owings will be out there too.
But they would be much more than fine with Russell at second base.
Bote has been the better hitter in his career, Russell has been the better fielder in his career. It's a wash on baseball results, and that's before you consider the off-the-field issues.
Cubs starting pitching has just been awful lately.
-
Astros have had an awful lot of soft contact calling into the right places too.
Yeah, but that isn't as big a problem if you don't walk guys like Jack Mayfield leading off an inning after getting up 1-2 to start the AB.
-
But they would be much more than fine with Russell at second base.
Yeah, but you only get virtue signalling points if you call for public caning of Russell and then his outright release.
Can't have him on the field and get any virtue points.
-
Astros have had an awful lot of soft contact calling into the right places too.
It helps to make contact. Can't get a lot of soft hits if you fan 24 times in 14 innings like the Cubs have.
-
Two homer night for Bote, Cubs down 6-5.
And Schwarber ties it. 5 HR tonight for the Cubs.
-
Yeah, but that isn't as big a problem if you don't walk guys like Jack Mayfield leading off an inning after getting up 1-2 to start the AB.
Didn’t mean to imply that it was a great pitching performance and Hamels and Pester have had a lot of self inflicted trouble so far.
-
It helps to make contact. Can't get a lot of soft hits if you fan 24 times in 14 innings like the Cubs have.
Checks box scores and yet the Cubs are -1 so far this series. I believe it was Craig who said HRs are an effective way to score runs.
-
Two out walk by Lester in the 6th, then Brach gives up a first pitch homer to Bregman. 8-6 Astros. This bullpen is just awful.
-
Well, the homer count is now 8-2 Cubs in the series but the Astros won one game and are up 2 runs in the other.
-
Too bad the billionaires are too poor to fix this team. Could have been a pretty good one.
-
The Cubs are spending 67M this year on Heyward, Darvish, Chatwood, and Morrow. Those four have combined for 1.3 WAR.
-
In the offseason, replacing La Stella with Descalso looked like a great move. Really hard to believe how bad that change has turned out.
-
Descalso's having the worst offensive season of his 9-year career.
-
Descalso is awful at keeping throws out of CF...he should never have the bag on a SB attempt.
-
RISP -
Hou: 5-11
Chi: 0-6
-
Descalso, Brach, and Cedeno...just an awful offseason.
-
Bote with his third extra base hit of the night. Just play him.
-
Bote at third with no outs, and both Schwarber and Baez K.
-
Honestly, you could see this coming for Lester - his hard contact rate was terrifying. The Cubs can get by with him pitching like a #3-4 starter, but the bullpen would need to be a lot better than it is.
-
Cubs go 0 for 3 with RISP in the 8th. This offense has been dysfunctional again for the last 3 weeks.
-
Sahadev Sharma @sahadevsharma
Javy with another swinging strikeout and that's 18 Ks in his last 30 plate appearances.
-
Cubs lose again. 5th loss in 6 games. Terrible pitching, no clutch hitting for most of the last 3 weeks.
-
Javy needs a few days off.
-
Cubs lose again. 5th loss in 6 games. Terrible pitching, no clutch hitting for most of the last 3 weeks.
The pitching has had brutal results, they have also been BABIP to death. The Cubs offense has been performing the last 3 weeks. 9 games with> 5 runs. They’ve had 3 2 run games for their lowest output.
The Cubs set up their pitching staff to be contact managers at the expense of strike outs. Juiced ball, walks and bad BABIP luck can turn that into a **** show at times.
-
Damn it feels good to see Addison hitting the ball so well.
The quickest way to be forgiven is to produce.
-
CB Bucknor's imitation of a major league umpire moves behind home plate tonight
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7wmrwoXoAYIgLL.jpg:small)
-
Just one of these things that really gets under my skin about ESPN nowadays.
But the Cubs and Astros are playing on their own damn network tonight, and it’s two of the top teams and franchises in MLB right now. And there’s hardly any promotion of it at all when you go to the front page at ESPN’s website.
The main cover story is the championship of the second tier league in European soccer, and off to the right is there garbage NBA links, two garbage NFL links, and a story on Tiger’s ex golf coach making inappropriate comments about the LPGA, which I imagine 95% of people going to ESPN have never even heard of Hank Haney or could care what he might have to say about any subject at all.
The editorial choices being made at ESPN today are just bizarre. I can’t imagine Rob Manfried thinking they’re a good corporate partner for MLB at this point.
How does the Europa League (not even the Champions League) title game get precedence over baseball coverage?
-
I know the vast majority of this board hates soccer, but the Europa League final is pretty important. You've got two EPL teams in the final of both Europe cups for the first time in decades (which boosts interest) and of course Arsenal needed to win to get into the Champions League in 2019-20.
-
Wait, ESPN is still a thing?
-
ESPN is garbage.
-
10-2 is the homer count in the series now. Let's hope they can find a way to squeeze out a win that kind of discrepancy.
-
Cubs set up the inning with two on, then Almora K's and Heyward GIDP. It's solo homers or nothing.
-
I can't believe Bryant's HR got out. I know that's a bandbox down there but this ball is juiced.
-
So, what's the story with Almora full on ugly crying as he left the field? Sounds like one of his foul balls may have hit a kid?
-
Kyle K's White twice before he doubles.
-
Word is he smoked one off of a babys head.
-
Robot. Umps. Now.
-
So, what's the story with Almora full on ugly crying as he left the field? Sounds like one of his foul balls may have hit a kid?
Security guard gave him an update on the kid it sounds like.
-
Good thing White runs like a cement truck.
-
Word is the child was limp after being hit. The parent ran up the stands and out of sight. No updates on the little girl yet. Albert went over to the stands to ask about the child and after hearing the news he broke down again.
-
Dear Lord why dont they have nets all the way down the lines?
-
https://www.reddit.com/r/Astros/comments/buedhu/game_thread_cubs_3023_astros_3719_may_29_2019_710/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app
-
Hendricks works around hitting two batters. Hopefully, he gets the 8th.
Probably too much to ask the offense to widen the lead.
-
The kid was 4 and early signs look good.
-
First two reach in the 8th, then Bryant flies out and Rizzo K's after getting up 3-0.
-
To be fair, Rizzo probably should've walked on 3-0, and definitely should've walked on 3-1.
-
Baez walks to load the bases for Contreras.
-
Oh look, Contreras K's. Cubs 0-6 w/ RISP + 2 GIDP.
-
That was a bit too close.
-
Blown strike calls can work for us too.
-
What a game by Kyle. And nice, no-drama save by Cishek. Cubs win!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
That was a very good frame by Contreras on the final pitch.
-
Hendricks now 9th in NL in ERA.
-
Was that framing, or Bucknor calling a pitch well off the plate a strike as he was intent on doing all night?
-
Of course the umpire made the call. And, CB called quite a few similar off-the-plate pitches to be strikes. Actually, he was pretty consistent on that tonight. Just giving credit to Contreras for a good frame on an important pitch.
As to the ump’s “intent” I have no idea. Will leave that to you.
-
I guess Kyle has to be considered the ace at this point. Performance dictates it.
One of the reasons I had high hopes for Darvish is that the Cubs starters, even when they're good, tend to be pitch to contact guys. Guys with swing-and-miss stuff often do better in the postseason. Darvish certainly hasn't found his groove so far, but he's our one SP that really is a power pitcher when he's on. Sure would be nice to have that for the playoffs - if we make it.
-
Hendricks now 9th in NL in ERA.
And I believe he's #7 in inning pitched and around #10 in WHIP.
-
Congrats, Reb. You rarely see CB Buckner and the word "consistent" in the same sentence, but you pulled it off.
-
He was calling that pitch all night. Did you see the game?
-
He was calling that pitch all night. Did you see the game?
If that's directed to me, yes, I did, and, yes, he was, but he still is a crappy inconsistent umpire.
-
Not disagreeing with that, but tonight he was consistent off that corner. Incorrect, but pretty consistent.
Predictably wrong probably better than being unpredictably wrong.
-
Cards place Molina on IL today, so Cubs figure to see Wieters this series.
-
Baez back at SS.
Anyone else concerned long-term that Darvish seems not to be pitching to Contreras at all?
-
Mikolas still sporting the 70's **** 'stache, I see.
-
Through two batters against Darvish: 8 pitch walk, wild pitch, 5 pitch walk.
-
Darvish has no idea where his fastball is going. The only pitch he can somewhat control is his cutter.
-
Never takes long to add to Darvish' ERA.
-
Lead off double for Caratini in the second, followed by an Almora groundout. Cubs already 0 for 3 with RISP.
-
Darvish hits a sac fly on an 0-2 curve. lol
-
Darvish sac fly, tie game.
-
Heckuva clutch AB by Darvish there.
-
Darvish is really getting squeezed by Diaz here.
-
Yeah, Statcast showing three pitches by Darvish in the zone called balls. Zero for Mikolas.
-
Man, Mikolas really does look like Ron Jeremy.
-
Easy 96-97 on the last two pitches.
-
And a deadly splitter for the K.
What a difference when Yu is able to command the 4-seamer well enough to use it as a weapon.
-
What tantalizing potential with Darvish. Every start, you see glimpses of what he was, and still could be.
-
Again, where are all these strong Darvish seasons?
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml
-
Really should be scored a hit for Wong there.
-
Heads-up tag on Fowler by Baez as Wong bunts down the first base line and Rizzo throws over to second -- Fowler was safe but overruns the bag.
Now why doesn't Wong get a hit on that play? He reached first safely, and Fowler was out after touching second base; he overran it.
-
Love Caratini's reaction after that K.
-
Nice walk by Javy there.
-
Wieters throws Baez out by 10 feet trying to steal 2nd. Good thing Molina's out.
-
92 pitches. Kinda right on the borderline here.
-
Now you gotta PH.
-
Stand-up triple for Almora as Bader dives past the falling ball.
Bote pinch-hitting for Darvish with two outs.
-
Terrific start for Darvish. Definite signs of progress the last several starts.
-
Man, popped up a hanger.
-
Bote flies to center and Darvish will not get a win today, despite pitching really well again.
-
Why would you trust Brach in this situation?
-
Well, a good inning for a change. Hopefully he can keep throwing strikes, the velocity's there.
-
Whatever the reason, it worked out well.
-
104, yipes.
-
Robot umps now, for fuch's sake.
-
Diaz changed that at bat with his crap strike call. Just horrible.
-
Casual 95 MPH change there.
-
Robot umps never.
-
Well, we got Hicks out of the mix for tomorrow anyway. Maybe Sunday too.
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales
Cubs, 0-for-21 RISP over three games, have Descalso at 2b with Schwarber up and Bryant on deck.
So 0 for 23 now.
-
The Maples experience in a clutch situation.
-
This umpiring is embarrassing.
-
Goc, Diaz is horrible.
-
No one up in the bullpen. I think that is good. No matter how it turns out, this is a great experience for him.
Horrible call to make things harder for Maples.
-
Scratch one experiment.
-
Maples is awful. Quit dreaming on his stuff, he's never going to throw strikes often enough to be a pitcher that you can count on at all. Cut bait.
-
Second horrible call against the Cubs
-
Congrats to Lance Diaz and the Cards on their win.
-
Cubs 5th loss in 7.
-
Get a hit with RISP at some point during the game, and Diaz's crappy strike zone doesn't matter. Diaz's performance was awful, the offense was worse.
-
Yet another game decided by a blown ball/strike call. Way to go, Major League Baseball.
-
With never knowing whether we are getting good Lester or bad Lester, good Darvish or bad Darvish, good Hamels or bad Hamels, good Quintana or bad Quintana, we can't afford to lose games like this one.
-
Joe gets this exactly right:
Jesse Rogers
Verified account
@ESPNChiCubs
9h9 hours ago
More
Maddon on missed strike 3 call for Maples: “Here’s a guy ascending to the major leagues as a relief pitcher, doing a wonderful job, DOES his job, and doesn’t get rewarded for it. That’s what kind of pisses me off, quite frankly.”
-
Maples is awful. Quit dreaming on his stuff, he's never going to throw strikes often enough to be a pitcher that you can count on at all. Cut bait.
I agree with this. I don't think it's realistic to dream that he's ever going to be able to locate his stuff. He's 27, and he's not even close to commanding anything. I don't see any reason to think it's ever going to change. (I know, 50 years ago Sandy Koufax in his low 20's improved his control, and 30 years ago Randy Johnson did too. But Maples is much older, and shows no hint of being close, or making progress.) He routinely doesn't even get close, and lots of the strikes he does get are bad balls too, chase strikes rather than actual strikes.
I'd much rather give Wick a shot for a while then keep going back to Maples, once Wick is eligible to return.
Maples seems like a super nice, classy person. So as a human interest story, I just wish he could find some sustained success. But I just don't see how we can imagine he's really going to change much. What we've seen for the last few years is probably what you'll always get, more or less.
And it's not because he's nervous, and we just need to get him settled in and relax and pitch to his ability. He's just as crazy wild in the minors as he is when he pitches for the Cubs.
I just don't see much value in keeping on hoping and trying, particularly at the major-league level. If you still aren't ready to give up the dream, OK. But then let him pitch in the minors, and see if at some point he could throw strikes for a few weeks down there.
-
Joe gets this exactly right:
“Here’s a guy ascending to the major leagues as a relief pitcher, doing a wonderful job, DOES his job,
I don't really agree. The ump made a bad call, yes. Really bad. But still, that was one pitch.
Maples was responsible for all of the others. Maples was all over the place on that batter too, and put himself into the 3-ball count.
Yes, he got cheated on the one bad call, but it's not like he'd been doing a "wonderful" job, and he's some "ascending" player. "Wonderful" is hyperbole to the max, that's like Oneri Fleita talks.
He's been doing a wild, bad job, not a "wonderful" job, and he's a veteran player, not some ascending young prospect.
The following batter, none of the pitches were even remotely close. That's not really "wonderful".
-
Obviously Joe is going out of his way to cast Maples in the best light here. But the fact it that egregious blown call totally changed the inning. It seems unlikely to me that there was no connection between that blown call and Maples walking the next man. He did his job, he struck the guy out, and as a guy who has control issues anyway he got rattled by Diaz’ screwing him.
-
There were actually 2 strikes called for balls in the Bader AB. The first pitch was called a ball and it was also a strike. Another pitch later in the AB in nearly the exact same spot was called a strike.
Changes in the count have a profound difference in the batters OPS. Critique Maples for the AB after is fine. But he was doing his job.
I bet a bunch of posters would like to have Jordan Hicks in the Cubs bullpen, but he is on year two of CJ Edwards level walks.
-
Maples is not a pitcher, he's a thrower, a hard thrower, yes, but a thrower. Targets, the paint, location are all foreign words to him. Because he threw so hard, nobody bothered to teach him to pitch.
-
Don’t agree with recent posts on Maples.
First, he is NOT a veteran pitcher notwithstanding his age. Maples did not get past Class A until 2017. Had five years in a kind of low minors purgatory, so I see him as more of an emerging guy than a “veteran.”
Second, probably not the best time to make broad pronouncements about a guy after a poor outing. The previous outing, he was terrific.
Maples has given up ONE hit in majors this season. AAA career has given up 41 hits in 70.2 innings (129 Ks!!). Ask Adam Jones what he thinks about facing Maples. Avoiding base hits is important.
Pitch mix is very, very unusual for a guy who averages 97. Maples throws 32% fastballs. Never heard of that with a power arm. That alone tells us this is not a guy who fits in a regular box.
Just have to be patient here.
Sharma has a terrific piece up at The Athletic about Maples, Wick, and Alzolay as 2019 relievers with upside. Might want to check that out.
-
https://theathletic.com/1004162/2019/05/31/the-cubs-will-look-to-trade-for-bullpen-help-but-there-are-three-intriguing-in-house-options-to-consider/?redirected=1
There's the link for the article reb mentioned. Thanks, I agree, fun article.
Article talks about Wick and Alzolay. I think both of them have a much better chance to help, even if neither has the amazing movement that Maples has. Wick isn't that much younger than Maples, but I think he's more likely to be ascending, given that he was a catcher until a few years ago. And as a Canadian kid, I'm not sure that he had all of the opportunities and best-in-country coaching that Maples had. (Maples was on national teams through HS, and traveling teams and had all the best support and coaching available, growing up in baseball country and with a sport-loving, supportive family. Ideal environment to be an early-bloomer.)
Two years ago, Maples had a career year that broke him out of A-ball:
*Career year 2017: 37BB/63IP
2018: 44BB/44IP.
2019: 21BB/18IP.
So his walk-control seems to be getting worse, not better.
Hope you're right, and he's just finding himself and will soon become more reliable. No doubt that his movement is remarkable, filthy hard to hit; and it's because his stuff moves so much that he's got little idea where it's going himself. Not a lot of guys who can make it long walking ≥1 batter per inning, but maybe he'll be the one?
Article talked about his unfavorable spin axis on his fastball, but that he hasn't wanted to change it. I wonder if someday, possibly if/when he moves to a different organization, he'll decide or be persuaded to (or forced to) adjust that, and if so whether it might do him good? Kind of too bad that the Cubs have had such a massively wide-open window of opportunity in camp and this spring, and he hasn't been able to capitalize, but has instead been more walk-oriented than ever.
-
I agree with this. I don't think it's realistic to dream that he's ever going to be able to locate his stuff. He's 27, and he's not even close to commanding anything. I don't see any reason to think it's ever going to change. (I know, 50 years ago Sandy Koufax in his low 20's improved his control, and 30 years ago Randy Johnson did too. But Maples is much older, and shows no hint of being close, or making progress.)
I would never compare Maples with Koufax or Randy Johnson. But let's at least get the facts straight. Koufax was 26 when he first broke below 96 walks in a full season. Randy Johnson was 30 when he finally went below 99 on a full season. Nolan Ryan was 36 before he was consistently below 101.
What have the Cubs to lose if they have patience with Maples, on the very, very slight chance that he will finally make use of his amazing talents. Did the Cubs have a better choice yesterday, sitting waiting to come into the game? There is a limit to the number of games Cishek can pitch, and the number of innings in each game. It seems to me that having patience with Maples is a very low risk, very low probability, very high reward individual. The Cubs certainly have enough games where they have a large enough lead, or are losing by enough, that Maples can pitch with little fear of the consequences. Until he is out of options, and is taking up the roster spot of a much better choice, I hope they go with him.
-
I accept I'm in the minority on this, and since most of you guys are smart and thoughtful, I presume that means I'm in the wrong! I hope you guys are right.
My points are 3-fold:
1. Maples is on another planet in terms of wildness. >11BB/9 majors, ~9 BB/9 over two years in AAA. Most wild-guy-who-found-himself analogs aren't really comparable.
2. Maples is 27. Most wild-guy-who-found-himself guys showed at least hints of finding themselves much sooner.
3. The minors is meant for patience and development. I'd suggest patience with a talent like Maples in the minors.
-The plate is the same distance, and the strike zone the same down there. So as long as he's still a 9BB/9 guy at Iowa, I think we should assume he hasn't found himself quite yet.
Just for the fun of the discussion and baseball history: While we're getting our facts right:
1. Koufax only twice had BB/9 of 6.0: at ages 19 and 22. Maples is >11 Cubs, 9 at Iowa.
Johnson's 96-walk season, at age 25, was in 255 innings.
2. Randy Johnson had only two seasons with BB/9 > 5.0. When he walked 99 at age 29, it was in 255 innings.
3. Jake Arrieta was >4.9 BB/9 only in the 5-game short-sample season in which Baltimore sent him to the Cubs.
Does anybody have examples of guys who were pitchers all their careers, who were 9 BB/9 in the minors for several years into age 27 and >10 BB/9 in the majors, and who ever figured it out? I assume there must be some, but I'm not sure any spring to my mind... (I think it would be fun to pull some up, actually....)
I hope he becomes a great example of one who does, who helps the Cubs win this and future pennants, and who fans for future decades will refer back to as the king of the wild-guy-who-found-himself memories!
-
Not to mention Ryan could afford to walk batters as a starter and still be pretty dominant. Maples doesn't have that margin for error in the pen.
-
Javy out with heel issue.
-
"What have the Cubs to lose if they have patience with Maples"
Games. Lots of games.
-
Not a single post yet?
-
After a Rizzo homer in the first, Quintana serves one up to Paul Goldschmidt in the bottom of the 1st. Then Heyward homered to left. The ump has a nose to toes zone so far.
-
5 batters in the first three innings have put the ball in play for the Cubs, 6 have struck out. And Javy isn't in the line-up.
-
Robb has me on ignore.
-
The offense is currently a bigger problem than the bullpen.
-
Quintana was pitching so well earlier this year when he was attacking hitters. Now he's back to nibbling all the time, and it cost him this inning because he walked the pitcher leading off (who eventually came around to score).
-
The offense is currently a bigger problem than the bullpen.
“Currently” as in 2 1/2 games?
-
Last couple of weeks, I'd say. Heavy dependence on HRs with poor situational hitting and weak hitting w/RISP.
-
The Cubs are have been in a funk since the end of the Cardinals series at the beginning of May. It has only started showing up in the win/loss record in the last 10 days or so, but they've been playing considerably worse baseball in every area since then. And it's not just me being negative...Sharma has written about it at least a couple of times in The Athletic over the last couple of weeks, and even Bleacher Nation has noted that they're struggling.
Since that Cardinals series ended, the Cubs are hitting .170/.298/.309 with RISP (that's a 54 wRC+). They rank 29th by both stats despite being 10th in OPS and 12th in wRC+ overall over that time. They've fallen back into the pattern of the last couple of seasons where individual hitters are fine, but the lineup just doesn't function as well as it should as a unit.
-
Every team slumps. I'm not sure why you think the Cubs should be different. RISP is such a small sample size it isn't worth using it like that.
-
Three years of RISP makes the sample size a little bigger.
-
Per BR, Cubs averaging 4.75 runs last 14 days, 4.76 runs last 28 days. This is still better than NL average.
Cubs OPSing at .844 last 14 days, .806 last 28.
If you think team RISP is a skill that is going to be an ongoing problem, then worry. But, as CBJ notes, it’s a 162 game season. Cubs overall for the season are #3 in NL in runs per game, behind only Dodgers and Rockies/Coors. It’s a very good offense.
As a fan, my advice is to recognize and live with the departmental streaks, such as RISP, and enjoy following the game with that in mind. This is all part of the game.
-
"What have the Cubs to lose if they have patience with Maples"
Games. Lots of games.
Not if they use him as I suggested.
-
Since that Cardinals series ended, the Cubs are hitting .170/.298/.309 with RISP (that's a 54 wRC+). They rank 29th by both stats despite being 10th in OPS and 12th in wRC+ overall over that time. They've fallen back into the pattern of the last couple of seasons where individual hitters are fine, but the lineup just doesn't function as well as it should as a unit.
Three years of RISP makes the sample size a little bigger.
The discussion is about performance in the past month. Which makes the sample size tiny, and largely useless.
-
Anyone got a channel for the game?
-
MLB Extra Innings has a Fox feed.
-
Chatwood is still awful.
-
Here east of St. Louis we can't get the game on MLB so we normally get Fox, but tonight the Blues had first dibs on Fox.
-
Getting beat by Wieters, Fowler, and Wong.
-
Bote should be playing everyday and leading off for this team.
-
Cubs break their long drought without a RISP hit with a bunt single that doesn't score a run.
Bases loaded, no outs. Top of the lineup up. I bet they end this inning still down 5-3.
-
Schwarber watches strike 3. This team...
-
Nope. They get a run on a Bryant groundout.
-
Bryant has a couple of bad swings, then hits a ball too weakly for them to turn a double play. 5-4.
-
Bryant .216 w/ RISP.
-
Bases loaded, no outs...and the Cubs barely score a run. This offense is still dysfunctional.
-
Rizzo K's.
-
Edwards in. Joe just can't give up on him.
-
Edwards with a rare clean inning.
-
Seems like Contreras steps into the box with an 0-2 count on a regular basis.
It's not just the Cubs, but baseball is becoming Home Run Derby with lots of K's.
-
Fowler homers with 2 outs in the 8th. 6-4 Cardinals.
-
Bader HR, 7-4.
PECOTA might not be wrong. This team isn't very good.
-
Cubs lose, 6 losses in 8 games. Brewers in first place.
Remember a few weeks ago when we thought this team was more like 2016 than 2017-18? That was fun.
-
This thread is unreadable.
-
Need Javy to sit out until his heel is 100% or close to it.
-
There isn't much you can do when they make plays like Wong did against Rizzo.
-
Yes, we are slumping and struggling at the plate. But also having some atrocious luck. Line drives are currently turning into double-plays or inning-ending outs instead of base hits.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Dominated by Wainwright. Dear god.
-
So the Cubs are 1 for their last 31 w/ RISP, a bunt single to load the bases.
Their last three hits with RISP are that bunt single, another single that didn't score a run, and an infield single by Bote that did score a run.
-
1st and 3rd in the 9th, can only get a weak roller to end the shutout, but another RISP fail.
-
Lester looks so much better today. Whatever was off with him appears to be fixed for now. He is through 5 pretty stress-free innings so far. The Cubs have scored a run so far. Not much going in any other inning.
-
Since the Indians released him, I'm guessing the Cubs are paying league minimum and the Indians are paying the rest?
-
Lester just got a take sign on 3-0 and shook his head no. He immediately broke into a big grin.
-
Good to hear some Justin Townes Earle during the Budweiser fan cam...
https://youtu.be/5LLqFF89UtU
-
So supposedly CarGo just made a great catch with the bases loaded?
-
So supposedly CarGo just made a great catch with the bases loaded?
Just saw the video. It was a terrific play, both the diving catch with his back to the infield, and the recovery to get the ball back into the infield.
-
Nice inning by Carl's Jr, punctuated by 3 pitch K of Mike Trout.
-
Carl is very comfortable protecting a 7 run lead.
-
Carl is very comfortable protecting a 7 run lead.
I'm more comfortable too.
-
Maples nice 9th inning, walked only one, threw several fastballs for strikes, with the big deficit Angels seemed happy to swing away, so nobody other than LaStella tried to force him to throw three strikes (and TLS walked), and some of Maples balls didn't miss by that badly.
-
I like the addition of CarGo.
Just a hunch.
-
I'm so disappointed that CarGo's given name isn't Salvador Carlos Gonzalez.
He could be S Car Go.
#PlayTwo
-
Heh, heh.
jon greenberg liked
Cheryl (Raye) Stout
@Crayestout
After we finished talking to new #Cubs OF Carlos Gonzalez I asked if he knew any of the players on this team. Gonzalez said, “When I was in the dugout I told them this was my second as a Cub, the first was the 2016 All-Star game that was all Cubs.” @WBEZ
-
I'm so disappointed that CarGo's given name isn't Salvador Carlos Gonzalez.
He could be S Car Go.
#PlayTwo
Snail wins the lotto. First thing he does is go into the Lamborghini dealership and say "Give me the fastest car you make, cherry red, with a big "S" for "Snail" painted on the driver-side door. I'm tired of people making fun of me for being slow."
A few days later he slithers in to take delivery. He pays cash, slimes behind the wheel and screams off the lot in a hail of rubber and smoke. One salesman turns to the other and says "Boy, look at that S car go."
-
CarGo!!!!
RBI double! 1-1
-
Hendricks!
2 out, rbi single! 2-1
-
Murphy ties it with a homer.
-
SCHWA-BOOM!!!!!!
3-2
-
Schwarber's homer an estimated 467 which I think is short.
Hendricks' pitch count is getting up there. Hope for 7 and the lead.
-
JAVI!!!! 2-run HR!!!!
5-2
-
Schwarber is such a tease, man...
Happily Javy seems to have worked through his brief post-heel funk.
-
Why can't the Cubs ever get Tony Wolters out?
-
Incidentally, Baez is now up to #4 in baseball on Fangraphs advanced fielding rankings for SS.
-
Rocky start for Strop in the 9th with three straight balls, but he came back to go 1-2-3 for the win.
-
Nice win, you guys.
-
Rocky start for Strop in the 9th with three straight balls, but he came back to go 1-2-3 for the win.
As emotional as Strop is, I’m sure there was a little extra adrenaline tonight. Really good sign that he was able to settle in like that. Welcome back, Pedro!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
CarGo!!!!
RBI double! 1-1
Edmonds 2.0.
-
He's gonna be useful.
Im telling you now.
-
Kyle Hendricks "saw they (Rockies) were sitting change up," so he "threw the fastball more."
Man, that guy can really pitch!
-
The Professor
-
Incidentally, Baez is now up to #4 in baseball on Fangraphs advanced fielding rankings for SS.
And in only 24 games, Russell is already up to 5th on FG's 2b defensive rankings. The guys ahead of him have 2-3x as many PA's as Russell. Wow.
-
Almora is 6th in defensive CF value. Baez, Russell and Almora is nice up the middle.
-
Seems like I've heard that up the middle defense is important.
-
Almora is 6th in defensive CF value. Baez, Russell and Almora is nice up the middle.
We all know that Almora doesn't have the speed to be a top-end defensive CF
-
Almora is 6th in defensive CF value. Baez, Russell and Almora is nice up the middle.
Or, if you believe in sample size, Almora is 8th out of 15 qualifying CF in those same stats over 2016-18 (or 19th out of 43 if you stretch it to guys with 1000 innings). Sample size could be argued on Baez too of course, but this is his first real extended run at SS since Russell got here so it's the best statistical evidence to go on.
-
Probably safe to assume there will be plenty of posts if Darvish implodes in the 5th. For now, 4 innings of 1-hit ball.
-
Darvish just about has his form back.
-
And Darvish pitching well would only qualify as the second best pitching news the Cubs have had today.
-
8 pitch 5th, 1 hit and 2 BB through 5 on 77 pitches. Now get him some goddamm runs.
-
I think most sane folks understand when Darvish is pitching well (his last two starts) and when he isn't (most of the rest of his time as a Cub). But god, the white knighting is fun anyway.
-
3-run homer for Bote. There are your runs.
-
Bote! 3-run homer into the wind after a bloop by Contreras and a sharp single by Heyward.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Marquez had a 2.08 road ERA and .74 WHIP going into tonight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Marquez had a 2.08 road ERA and .74 WHIP going into tonight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Marquez is damn good. He'd be one of the very top pitchers in the league if he didn't have to pitch in Coors Field.
-
Well that escalated quickly
-
That was unfortunate for Yu and everybody else. I really think the Kyle Ryan experiment needs to end.
-
Yeah Ryan just isn't that good. Kimbrel doesn't need to be the only bullpen upgrade we make.
-
Rizzo throwing a weak tapper into left field was far more problematic than Ryan
-
Yeah Ryan just isn't that good. Kimbrel doesn't need to be the only bullpen upgrade we make.
With Kimbrel coming on-board I would hang on to the core prospects at all costs, which puts Smith out of reach most likely. I'd be fine with Watson.
-
What is that, 6 NDs in a row for Darvish?
-
Rizzo doubles in a run! 4-3 Cubs!
-
With Kimbrel coming on-board I would hang on to the core prospects at all costs, which puts Smith out of reach most likely. I'd be fine with Watson.
Yeah, plus the farm system is starting to show some small signs of getting somewhat healthy again. I hope we don't reach the point where we have to trade someone like Tyson Miller for Smith.
-
Yeah Ryan just isn't that good. Kimbrel doesn't need to be the only bullpen upgrade we make.
Umm, Ryan got multiple ground balls that found holes or our IF threw away? That was BABIP luck and fielding mistakes, plain and simple.
-
I’ll have to confess I was loading up the dishwasher and cleaning up the kitchen right after Darvish was taken out. And I might have snuck a peek at the fast charging Snotnosed Brats continuing to make up ground on the dastardly Dastardly Divers in fantasy baseball.
But still doesn’t change the fact that Ryan’s really not all that great.
-
BOTE!!!!
-
8-3 Cubs!!!!
-
Just play Bote every day.
-
Umm, Ryan got multiple ground balls that found holes or our IF threw away? That was BABIP luck and fielding mistakes, plain and simple.
Ryan just sucks generally. Too many hits, too many walks, hard contact rate almost 50%. He’s a placeholder at best.
-
Bote Bote Bote! 6 RBI game, wow.
What a great rally. Funny, last week no RBI hits with RISP. Now, two in the same inning.
-
Umm, Ryan got multiple ground balls that found holes or our IF threw away? That was BABIP luck and fielding mistakes, plain and simple.
The Cubs bullpen problem though it is built on contact managers. Having a guy like Ryan as the second lefty is fine. They need a lefty that can strike somebody out.
F Yeah Bote.
-
Bote with 6 RBIs.
Funny how RBIs seem more meaningful when you watch the game or read the box score—-considering how meaningless they are considered otherwise.
-
Bote is up to .284/.359/.500 on the season (124 wRC+).
-
Bote with 6 RBIs.
Funny how RBIs seem more meaningful when you watch the game or read the box score—-considering how meaningless they are considered otherwise.
RBI’s aren’t meaningless to a game. Judging a player’s talent on RBI is a different story.
-
Brach is trying to immediately give the runs back.
-
Tying run already on deck. Brach has been awful.
-
8-6. This should be Brach's last game as a Cub.
-
Why is Brach still pitching to Arenado? He's given up 3 runs and has a runner on third with no outs? Come on, Joe.
-
Arenado almost tied this game up.
-
How do you leave Brach out there long enough to let that happen?
-
Just awful managing by Joe. Left Brach in at least two batters too long.
-
Brach is finally mercifully taken out, and it sounds like the crowd is still somehow expressing its support for Yu as Brach walks off the field.
-
RBI’s aren’t meaningless to a game. Judging a player’s talent on RBI is a different story.
Not “talent” but value.
If has value in a game, why not value in an aggregate of games?
Of course, a matter of small sample size (game) and aggregate opportunities in a season. But, Bote came up with five runners on base and got them in. So, let’s give Hack Wilson some credit for his 189 RBI season!
-
Edwards warming in the pen. Joe will never learn.
-
Edwards warming up in the bullpen. Ugh.
-
And Edwards is coming on with a runner at second and one out. This should end well.
-
If he goes to Cishek (again) here, then folks complain he’s overusing Cishek.
-
Maples?
-
Hampson K’s! 2 down.
-
Cishek pitched yesterday. Before that, he hadn't pitched since Friday. Maddon has overused Cishek a lot, but it wouldn't be overuse tonight.
-
Last time Edwards allowed an earned run was 5/21. In that time he’s allowed 2 base runners and struck out 6. Just sayin’...
-
Inning over! Nice job by Edwards.
-
And that's why you don't give up on Edwards.
-
A rare strong high leverage appearance for Edwards.
-
Can Strop go two games in a row? Maybe needs Cishek for 9th?
Maples is at Iowa.
-
Carl!!!
-
Excellent results for Edwards. Well done.
He's been pitching well lately, seems to me.
-
Now 7 K’s against 2 base runners since 5/21
-
Cishek is up in the pen.
-
Also not mentioned in thread is the excellent work that Kintzler did. Runner on 3rd 1 out, tie game, he got a critical K to preserve the tie, and the 3rd out too. Really good work by both of those guys.
-
Bote! Does it again!
-
You can't stop David Bote, you can only hope to contain him. 9-7 Cubs!
-
RBIs are good.
-
Excellent results for Edwards. Well done.
He's been pitching well lately, seems to me.
He's been pitching mostly low leverage situations lately too. In four of the five games he pitched since 5/21 (not including tonight), it's been low leverage. That's the criticism of him...everyone can see the raw talent, but he collapses too often in critical situations.
5/23: Cubs down 7-3 when Edwards came into the game.
5/26: Cubs down 3-0 when Edwards came into the game; 3 inherited runners scored (the first on a wild pitch).
5/28: Cubs down 9-6 when Edwards came into the game.
6/1: Cubs down 5-4 when Edwards came into the game. Pretty high leverage situation, he did well.
6/3: Cubs up 8-1 when Edwards came into the game.
-
Huge insurance RBI by Bote, 2-run lead isn't safe, but it's a whole lot safe than one. Pretty clutch.
-
Just play Bote every day.
-
Can't we find some phantom injury with Blech and keep Maples around? At least he's entertaining.
-
Bad Cishek tonight. Leadoff double followed by an RBI single. 9-8.
-
The middle of the Rockies order is really really tough.
-
At some level, you've got to tip your hat to the Story-Dahl-Arenado-Murphy part of their order. The rest of their lineup has been quiet tonight, but just about every Cub pitcher has run into trouble against those guys. No scrubs in that group of hitters.
-
Two down!
-
Had em all the way.
-
Cubs Win!!!!
-
Good job by Cishek settling in after the first two batters.
-
Wow wow wow, what a win.
-
Cishek is already on fumes. Kimbrel can't get here too soon.
Probably still two weeks or so away, though.
-
Two huge K's for Cishek to pull it out, K's a couple of lefties, too! :)
-
What a game!
I wonder if any player has ever driven in seven runs in a loss. With Arenado and Murphy coming up as the go-ahead runs, I really thought that might happen tonight
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Wow wow wow, what a win.
Not only that craig, but we just picked up 2 games on the Rockies in the Wild Card standings in this series. :)
-
I'm delighted to say that I was wrong to be the Bote skeptic this winter.
Last season, I thought 2nd half he was getting Happed, beaten on fastballs above the thigh. So I kind of expected him to get pounded that way and to get dominated this year. I was way wrong, and very happily so!
-
I wonder if any player has ever driven in seven runs in a loss. With Arenado and Murphy coming up as the go-ahead runs, I really thought that might happen tonight
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
You made me curious, so I checked the game that would seem to be the most likely.
On May 17, 1979, Bill Buckner drove in 7 runs in a losing cause for the Cubs.
Even more amazing, in the same game, the next guy in the line up, Kingman, drove in 6 runs.
I feel quite certain that there has never been another game in which two consecutive batters drove in a total of 13 runs in a losing cause. But if anyone knows a way to find out, I would like to know the results.
That is the game the Cubs lost to the Phillies, 23 - 22.
-
Cubs made a rookie making his ML debut throw 6 pitches in the 1st inning. That should shake him up.
-
Cubs leave the bases loaded in the 2nd.
-
Rockies get to Quintana for two runs in the 4th.
-
Lambert's gonna have an 95-pitch CG if this continues.
-
Lambert dominating. One hit out of the infield and 62 pitches through five.
-
Bryant doubles and Baez singles him in. 2-1 after 6.
-
Was anybody watching in the 2nd when Baez got thrown out at 3rd trying to advance from 2nd? Right in front of a single by Almora that could have presumably scored him from second, but couldn't score Bote from 1st?
Now that it's a 1-run game, perhaps giving that run away in the 2nd seems especially regrettable?
Last year El Mago seemed to make lots of risky, aggressive base-running plays, but he always seemed to somehow get in safety. Am I misremembering, or has he outed himself on an awful lot of times this year? Doesn't seem quite so magic as a baserunner this season.
-
Back-to-back doubles, 3-1 Rockies.
-
Bad baserunning by Baez. The play was right in front of him.
-
That ball Bryant lost in the sun really hurt. It seems like there are a lot more balls lost in the sun in RF than there used to be.
-
Lambert has 9 K's in 7 innings.
-
This kid is just dominating. Stuff doesn't look that great to me though.
-
Lambert had a 5.07 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in AAA while allowing 10 homers in 60 IP.
-
51/16 K/BB ratio as well...there's a reason he's considered a prospect...
-
That’s in Albuquerque, a launching pad if there ever was one.
-
Seems like the Cubs offense comes out flat like this pretty often in games when they have a chance to sweep.
-
Cubs go down 1-2-3 in the 9th. Back in tie with Brewers.
-
Lambert pitched really well.
It gets harder.
-
Kaplan is reporting the greatest lead off hitter of all time is returning to the Cubs lineup today.
-
Kaplan is reporting the greatest lead off hitter of all time is returning to the Cubs lineup today.
Tony?
-
Tony?
Who else?
-
Javi!!!! 2-0
-
You can't stop Victor Caratini, you can only hope to contain him.
-
Cubs up 3-0 mid-5. Hamels has been really sharp, at only 64 pitches. So ought to be able to get into the 7th at least.
Cubs could have gotten several more in the 4th. Cargo walked, then Baez had full count and whiffed at a pitch well off the plate; Maddon had Cargo running and he got thrown out easily, so that chase cost two baserunners and two outs. Heyward and Caratini then both doubled, to still score one, but it might have been three otherwise.
Then Bote hit a linedrive that bounced off Mikolas's arm, popped convenently close, and he was barely able to beat Bote by a step. Could have easily gone through for a hit, or bounced less conveniently for Mikolas and been a hit.
-
Mikolas removed from the game.
-
Bryant doubles with two outs, Rizzo gets thrown out at the plate by a step after stopping at 3rd because the ball hit the security guy out in left and Rizzo thought it was dead.
Cubs better win this one, because that's another run they should have easily scored!
I assumed if the ball hit a ball-boy or security guard or whatever, that it would be dead ball, apparently Rizzo did too, and evidently that isn't the rule....
-
Fowler gets picked off 1st down 3-0. Oops!
Hamels through the 6th at only 74 pitches.
-
Cubs win, Cubs win, 3-1. Terrific outing by Hamels, 8 shutout innings with 10 K's. Strop gives up HR in 9th, but gets the save.
Another night still in first place, no worse than tied.
Interesting lineup that Maddon chose today. Sat Schwarber versus RHP, and played Cargo, Almora, Heyward, and Bote. Also sat Russell.
-
Awesome effort by Hamels. He was dominant.
-
Yes, Hamels was dominant! Great change, locating 93...awesome start!
And the bomb Javy hit 0-2..."perfect pitch" by Mikolas...93 at the letters on 0-2. Goodbye!
Javy might be the only guy on the planet who could have taken that pitch out!
GREAT win!!
-
Bad Lester in the first inning. 3-0 after 4 batters.
-
Martinez just misses making it 4-0.
-
Bader actually does make it 4-0. Lester looks awful. No command and just giving up really hard contact.
-
Please stop throwing fastballs down the middle.
-
Another hit, 30 pitches already.
-
Man, I love that...just reach out and place it into RF...great job, Willy!
-
Cmon blue, JHey is 6’5”...that ball is at his shins...
-
Matt Carpenter’s arm turns a routine play into a decently close one. 4-2. Neither pitcher can throw strikes.
-
Carp bunts foul on 0-2, lol...
-
Something tells me Chatwood gonna see some work today.
-
Flaherty walks Lester with 1 out.
-
Rizzo single, Javy triple leading off the bottom of the 3rd, and it's a 4-3 game. Very friendly bounce for Baez when the ball hit the wall...I was wondering for a second if he might have a shot at an inside the park HR.
-
LOL, Ozuna plays defense like the baseball is a live grenade.
-
Flaherty walks Lester with 1 out.
Lester rocking the .438 OBP.
-
Weak grounder from Contreras, pop to short for Heyward. Baez still stuck at third. The Cubs are so terrible with runners at third and less than 2 outs.
-
Bote falls behind because the umpire doesn’t know the strike zone...
-
Bote flies out to right. Just awful job by Contreras and Heyward to not get Baez home in that situation.
-
Baez could have scored on the Contreras ball, if there had been an out already he'd have surely gone on that. But he had a short lead, got a poor jump, and didn't go. O well.
-
Schwarber ties it.
-
114.7 mph exit velocity. He crushed that.
-
Great AB by Schwarber
-
Man if your the Cardinals you have to feel good. Jump on Lester for 4 runs. Your best starter on the mound who has been pitching well. Then the 4th inning rolls around it is a tie game and you already have to use the bullpen.
-
Really good AB for Schwarber, he ripped that one. Heh heh, I had just been hoping that he'd be ready to go on a hot streak. :)
-
Lester has really done a good job settling in after the first inning. 36 pitches and 4 runs allowed in the first inning; 51 pitches and no runs allowed in the next four innings. He might get through 6 tonight, which seemed impossible in the first inning.
-
Schwarber is such a tease.
-
Schwarber up to .450 slugging.
-
Heyward fights a high pitch for a single, Bote works a 7-pitch walk. Two on no outs; Gant coming in; opportunity inning for the Cubs.
In the 5th, Brebbia (sp?) had a 1-2-3 inning. But Rizzo missed a long home run by a couple feet foul to right; Contreras missed an even longer HR to left by not much either.
-
Now bases loaded, no outs. Cubs kryptonite, though...runner at third with less than 2 outs.
-
Bases loaded, no outs.
Over/Under runs scored: 1.5
-
Almora rips a single! Too hard for Heyward to score. loaded no outs, Caratini to pinch-hit for Lester.
-
CARATINI! 7-4 on a double.
-
OVER!!!!!!!
-
Caratini! Doubles in all three opposite way.
-
So many hits with RISP
-
Schwarber!!! With the crag bump!!!
-
Another hit for Schwarber; 8-4.
-
Think that most of us were wrong about Cubs need for a veteran backup catcher.
-
Almost feels like you have to try and get Caratini's bat into the lineup more often.
-
Rizzo works a 12-pitch walk, wow. Fouled about 7 pitches off. Got the walk on an iffy call (to be generous, I think). And got away with a check-swing that's usually called a strike. But really a fun AB.
-
Really nice inning for Kyle Ryan. Two Ks and a really weak grounder.
-
What does Joe plan to do if Contreras gets hurt? Schwarber?
-
What does Joe plan to do if Contreras gets hurt? Schwarber?
I was thinking about that when Caratini came up with Gonzalez and Descalso still available. Maddon must be comfortable with Schwarber filling in for a few innings because he hasn't been shy this year about pinch hitting with Caratini relatively early in the game.
-
Please no Cishek today.
-
Had to go with Caratini here, with Miller in bullpen. With Cargo and then Schwarber, Miller is in for sure. As it was, Cards held Miller back until Rizzo’s spot.
-
I want to see Schwarber catch occasionally in blowouts just to keep him sharp there.
-
Chatwood in to pitch the 9th. He hasn't gotten much work lately, glad to see him get a shot.
-
Wong Ks with 2 outs, but reaches on a passed ball. Chatwood has a chance at a 4 K inning.
-
No four strikeout inning, Wieters just grounds out. Cubs win!
-
Chatwood settles for 3 K's and an easy groundout. Nice work.
-
That was great to see the Cubs thoroughly dominate the game after the ugly top of the first.
Now get greedy and finish off this sweep. Don't come out flat tomorrow.
-
Lester and the Cubs relievers really had the groundballs going. Will all the pitching-up emphasis, sometimes the old groundball and sinker stuff works pretty well too!
Nice day, Cishek and Strop both get a night off, get the win, really nice!
-
That was great to see the Cubs thoroughly dominate the game after the ugly top of the first.
Now get greedy and finish off this sweep. Don't come out flat tomorrow.
No kidding. Cards had 2 HRs and 4 runs in the first inning and never hit a ball out of the infield after that.
-
I feel really really bad for them.
-
Great win. Nationally televised game tomorrow, so maybe that will give them extra incentive.
-
Adam Wainwright sucks. Why can't we beat him like a rented mule?
-
Bote is good.
-
This is the Wainwright I remember.
-
Wainwright is leaving with an injury.
-
That's more like it.
Schwarbs nudges the OPS above .800. If he could just hit .250 he'd be a really good offensive player.
-
Nice job getting out of the first and third, no out situation. Hendricks is really good.
Hendricks has been much better in the second half in each of the last three seasons, and has an ERA 0.80 lower in the second half than in the first half for his career. If he continues that pattern this year, he could end up back in the Cy Young conversation this year.
-
A little lucky today...
-
A little lucky today...
OTOH, the pitch count still looks great. Maybe leave him out for the 8th.
-
Hendricks is dealing.
-
Good thing Venable was paying attention on that wild pickoff throw...
-
Schwarber OPS now at .807.
Progress.
-
Edmonds 2.0
-
Carlos Gonzalez screws the closer.
-
CarGo oppo homer off 97 FB. Good approach with perhaps diminished bat speed.
-
Christopher Kamka
@ckamka
Kyle Hendricks last 8 starts:
1.99 ERA, 58.2 IP, 42 Hits, 6 BB, 50 K, 0.818 WHIP
Not bad.
-
Cubs Win!!!
-
Nice sweep. Edwards un-screwed the closer, Strop gets the save.
-
SWEEEPPPPP!!!!!
-
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190610/c939d58a483bec4db134cbb8bb5b86fb.jpg)
-
Great win! Nice job, you guys!
Nice to have Hendricks pitching deep, without racking up problematic pitch count or anything.
Heh, really fun to have Schwarber on a hot streak. What a help that is.
-
Excellent home stand. Tough 7 game road trip this week with 3 at Colorado and 4 at the Dodgers. Hopefully we are somehow still in first place after this trip.
-
Carlos Gonzalez screws the closer.
Happily, Edwards bails the closer out.
-
Maddon did the right thing: first sign of pressure, yank him. Edwards is a hard thrower and a decent pitcher, as long as he isn't getting pressure.
-
Maddon did the right thing: first sign of pressure, yank him. Edwards is a hard thrower and a decent pitcher, as long as he isn't getting pressure.
Perfect for the postseason!
It sucks to have to use Strop today, but I suppose he should be well-rested.
-
Maddon should use Edwards only in low leverage situations for the next month or so. Then the Cubs should deal him for the best shorter term reliever they can get.
-
Maddon should use Edwards only in low leverage situations for the next month or so. Then the Cubs should deal him for the best shorter term reliever they can get.
Thanks, I needed a good laugh.
-
That's more like it.
Schwarbs nudges the OPS above .800. If he could just hit .250 he'd be a really good offensive player.
And CarGo gets the OPS almost to .600. Baby steps.
-
Hope Cristobal enjoyed his weekend :(
-
Heh, he posted in other topics, but stayed clear of Today’s Game...
-
It was nice to see the Cubs maintain intensity in a sweep game.
-
Also nice that they've added on runs in the later relief innings in each of the last two games. 5-1 vs 3-1, huge difference in the stress level, and I think in pitch selection too. Can be a little more strike-zone aggressive.
-
I think when you're scoring runs and winning, little mistakes do tend to command less attention. For example, at one point, Wainright on 2nd two outs, batter hit grounder to Rizzo, and Hendricks forgot to cover. Inning extended, I think it was still 1-1 at that point. Hendricks got the 3rd out anyway, so it didn't seem to matter. But had the next guy driven in run(s), the "lack of intensity/focus" and "sloppy baseball" comments might have been more.
I'm also not sure the full-count hit-and-run calls are necessarily that smart. Seems there have been a couple of full-count runner-going DP's this weekend. Last night it was Cargo running and Contreras whiffing. Friday, I think it was Baez whiffing. I'd maybe chill on calling those, if I was Maddon. Swing-and-miss is really common, so the K-and-throw DP's are pretty high-risk. 2nd, I think if a batter knows a runner is going, there's maybe a temptation to expand the strike zone and swing at bad balls, which are also harder to contact; in which case you can lose both two baserunners and two outs with a single chase swing-and-miss.
I know I know; probably next time he won't have the runner going, and then we'll hit in to a groundball DP instead, and wish the guy had been running!
-
Anyone else feel like Schwarber has shortened up his stroke? Maybe it's just the highlights I've seen, but I think I'm seeing a more compact, simple swing during this hot streak.
-
You would like to hit and run with hitters that have low whiff rates. Contreras and Baez are perhaps not the best choices.
-
Thanks for that observation, tico. Something to watch for.
Would be kind of awesome if some mechanical adjustment could help him and turn him into a >.250 hitter.
A hesitation: I often think a guy's swing looks better when he's hot and is seeing the ball well, of course, so that his bat-to-ball swing path is direct, as tends to correlate with good contact. Swings naturally can look longer when you're getting fooled and are off-balance. I didn't see yesterday, but his HR and double on Saturday were both pulled; I imagine a swing looks shorter when you pull inner-half pitches and make great contact?
But *IF* he's made some adjustment that helps him variably much, and sustainably so, that would be pretty awesome.
He did sit out the Friday game, against a RHP. Maybe that's because he was working on something, and has made a real and perhaps sustainable adjustment?
-
David Kaplan
@thekapman
For you Carl Edwards haters: since he was recalled from AAA May 6.
2.03 ERA 13.1 IP 4 hits
3 BB 15 K 1 HR .525 WHIP
.093 opp BA .149 opp OBP
.186 opp SLG
May 6-June 9 the .093 Opp BA & .149 Opp OBP are the best in MLB among pitchers to face at least 40 batters. Thank u
@ckamka
-
And what are his stats under pressure, with the game on the line, men on base with the winning or tying run on base or on deck?
-
.167 OPS with RISP
.154/.250/.462 with runners on
.067/.067/.067 with bases empty
He gave up 1 HR in high leverage in 2 IP .286/.286/.857 2 H, 0 BB, 2 K.
Medium leverage .091/.091/.091, second best on the team.
Low leverage .041/.138/./040
9th inning .000/.500/.000
8th inning .056/.056/.222
7th inning .188/.188/.250
6th inning .000/.250/.000
5th inning .000/.000/.000
-
Pretty good, I'm guessing? Because since coming back, he's only gotten a couple of innings like that? Super small sample, but his numbers have been probably good/OK in the rare close/clutch spots since Iowa? (If yesterday with a 4-run lead had been a 1-2-3 inning, we'd have said that was NOT a clutch situation...)
I'm not saying I trust him in clutch situations. I just think his control is erratic, sometimes on, sometimes off, in all situations. Yesterday with 4-run lead wasn't the most high-pressure situation, it just happened to be an off day. (Note: I do believe that he's anti-clutch. He's wild and unreliable under any circumstances; I think pressure exacerbates that, to some degree....)
But I'm hopeful that he'll be able to give a lot more productive innings comparable to his post-Iowa run. And those help, even if he's not used a lot in the higher-pressure situations. Lots of times a good 6th or 7th innings when you've got the lead keeps the margin from shrinking, and gives the hitters a shot to expand the lead; other times if you stop the bleeding when losing in the 5th/6th, that's not "clutch" but a good inning or two might allow the offense to perhaps come back and make things exciting later. If he's producing like he has post-Iowa (or close), that's a big help. Doesn't have to be as closer or prime 8th-inning guy.
I also think that there could be a lot of non-clutch innings to be covered by Edwards and Chapman. If Kimbrel takes the 9th, that pushes Strop to the 8th, now Cishek/Kimbrel/Brach who were doing 8th/9th innings when Strop was out can push up to the 7th. Edwards and Chapman, both of whom have terrific stuff, could gobble up a lot of the low-pressure innings, 6th inning when you're up 5-3, 5th-6th-7th when you're down 4-2, etc.
Likewise kind of figure that if you've now got 7 RH relievers with big-stuff Chapman and Edwards at the last two, you ought to be able to mix usage up enough to keep anybody from getting fried. Cishek and Strop and Kimbrel too, rest them when they need it. I'm optimistic that if Maddon spreads out the innings and situations, that perhaps guys won't be all cooked by September. Adding Kimbrel pushes everybody else up; they've been getting by without using Edwards too often in clutch; should be even less needed now.
-
I think once upon a time, they viewed Edwards as closer-to-be. It made sense with the kind of stuff he flashed when he first came up. Really, really hard to hit. He hasn't been able to harness it well enough, though, and so they have done something else to fill the closer spot. Maybe he can go back to being a dominant 7th inning/setup guy. Lots of room/innings/important spots for guys like that. And who knows what happens down the road.
-
Bryant is listed in tonight's tentative lineup, but might be a late scratch per Jesse Rogers:
Hearing Kris Bryant not in the lineup today due to that issue with his right ankle after rounding first base last night.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) June 10, 2019
-
Cubs should have challenged. Looked like McMahons foot came off.
-
BACK-TO-BACK JACK!
-
Bryant is listed in tonight's tentative lineup, but might be a late scratch per Jesse Rogers:
Hearing Kris Bryant not in the lineup today due to that issue with his right ankle after rounding first base last night.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) June 10, 2019
Bryant is in the lineup.
-
Rizzo went yard after a Bryant walk, so 3 HR in 3 ABs in the inning
-
Nice to have a team that hits home runs again. Based on the Red Sox last year and Cubs this year, it really seems like the right decision to let Chili Davis go. We'll see how the rest of the Mets season plays out.
I'd really like to see Bote get an extended chance to run with an everyday job. So far, he's really justifying a contract extension that looked really unnecessary (not bad, just unnecessary) at the time. Maybe it's happening--this is his sixth start in a row.
-
Good job good effort Yu
Sheesh.
Arenado hits one to Vegas
-
Darvish quickly gives all four runs back.
-
Tie game....:(
-
He did K Story on a frisbee slider...
-
Bryant has not been good since coming back from his Heyward collision.
-
Nice to have a team that hits home runs again. Based on the Red Sox last year and Cubs this year, it really seems like the right decision to let Chili Davis go. We'll see how the rest of the Mets season plays out.
I'd really like to see Bote get an extended chance to run with an everyday job. So far, he's really justifying a contract extension that looked really unnecessary (not bad, just unnecessary) at the time. Maybe it's happening--this is his sixth start in a row.
That’s because Russell is hurt though.
-
You have to feel bad for Darvish. Even when he's "pitching well", he's ineffective.
If the playoffs started today, you'd have to leave him off the postseason roster.
-
Kimbrel can't pitch every inning. This team still needs bullpen help.
-
1st and 3rd, nobody out for Baez.
-
Baez hits a tailor-made DP ball but Murphy drops the throw at 1st. Cubs tie the game and get a gift baserunner.
-
Cubs tie the game on a botched double play ball. 1 out, runner on first.
-
Two K's follow. Some clutch hitting there.
-
Rockies get the clutch, two-out hit to take the lead.
-
Daniel Murphy stole a base and then scored what is probably the winning run. How does Daniel Murphy steal a base?
Cubs lost this game when Darvish gave back 4 runs immediately after the Cubs scored 4 runs. Darvish just isn't good.
-
Schwarber stares at strike three as usual. Cubs find a way to lose in Colorado again.
-
The second place Cubs lose another game they should've won.
-
Just an awful team.
-
Not an awful team. Just a really good team (on paper) that's in their third straight year of finding ways to lose more often than they should.
-
Christopher Kamka @ckamka
#Cubs are 9-6 (.600) when hitting 3 or more HR this season, which is pretty bad. League average when hitting 3+ HR is in the neighborhood of .775
-
Daniel Murphy stole a base and then scored what is probably the winning run. How does Daniel Murphy steal a base?
Cubs lost this game when Darvish gave back 4 runs immediately after the Cubs scored 4 runs. Darvish just isn't good.
Darvish did exactly what Lester did - give up 4 in the first and then shut the opponent down. Lester gets praised to the Heavens for it.
-
The announcers called it a Coors Field Quality Start and named him Cub player of the game.
-
I didn't watch much, but in the spots I did, it appeared that Darvish was throwing some fastballs for strikes, or not missing by a lot when he did. Not just an occasional wild fastball used as a changeup.
-
I will say Darvish seems to always have the toughest days to pitch for us lately, whether it's the wind blowing out or having to pitch in Coors.
If he's keeping the walks down to a reasonable level, he's going to be all right, and he's done a pretty decent job of it his last 6 starts.
-
As Len and JD noted, the Desmond homer off Montgomery is the longest homer in MLB this season—-486 feet.
Montgomery wasn’t fooling anybody. Not sure what his role is right now.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs
The Cubs are the only team in baseball to twice hit 3 home runs in an inning this season and lose both games.
The Cubs find ways to lose.
-
Darvish did exactly what Lester did - give up 4 in the first and then shut the opponent down. Lester gets praised to the Heavens for it.
Darvish didn't give up 4 in the first. He was good for 2 innings. Then the Cubs scored 4 runs for him, and he immediately fell apart and gave all 4 runs back.
I was completely on board for the Darvish signing...he was the best starter on the market, and the Cubs needed a starter. But at some point, you have to admit it's been a bust. He was the reason the Cubs lost tonight.
-
As Len and JD noted, the Desmond homer off Montgomery is the longest homer in MLB this season—-486 feet
I'm not surprised, that ball was absolutely smoked. When that ball came off the bat, I started thinking about that "Anything that travels that far ought to have a damn stewardess on it" line from Bull Durham.
-
Im not always right.
I wanted Darvish too...and Heyward.
-
Darvish pitched better than I thought. The Cubs lost on a Murphy double that hit first base and bounced over Rizzo’s head. The Cubs should have won, but this isn’t like the Brewers losing 2/3 to the Marlins at home.
-
Jesse Rogers
Verified account
@ESPNChiCubs
Follow Follow @ESPNChiCubs
More
Man, how perception is reality, My timeline filled with Yu criticism. He just threw the same game as Lester from 2 nights ago. 4 runs in 6 innings. AT COORS FIELD. Ok, he blew a 4-0 lead. Lester had the Cubs down 4-0 before they batted. Same diff. Do the other 5 shutout count?
-
C'mon, Deeg. You know it's time to give up on Darvish.
-
Murphy lol
-
Sign Keuchel
-
The Cubs have the worst visiting record in Coors over the past 8 seasons and that doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
-
Cubs offense is getting shut down at Coors Field. Will this Lambert guy make 5 more starts before he gets sent back to AAA?
-
Brad Brach's last appearance with the Cubs should've been his last appearance with the Cubs. This should also be his last appearance with the Cubs. It's a blowout now.
-
Brad Branch sucks. May he find an injury to keep him out until December
-
Scoring off Brach is like taking candy from a baby pitcher.
-
Chatwood also still sucks.
-
Hamels escapes a bases loaded 1 out first inning. Cubs rewarded him with 5 run second inning.
-
Jesse Rogers
Verified account
@ESPNChiCubs
Schwarber with his 5th sac fly this season. No one else has more than 2. He's brought home a runner from third with less than 2 outs 8 of 18 times this season. For the Cubs, that's pretty good.
-
You don't like to make too big a deal of one game, but getting swept by Colorado heading into LA for 4 games would have been pretty bad.
-
21 IP without an ER for Hamels.
-
Its a wednesday afternoon... we got jobs yo!
-
Tonight is the second time this season in which the Cubs will be involved in a game featuring two starting pitchers with at least 150 career wins.
-
First pitch homer for Schwarber leading off the game.
-
This may be the best extended stretch for Schwarber since...
Ever?
-
Bryant homers leading off the 3rd just as JD is talking about how mediocre he's been since coming back from the Heyward collision. 3-0 Cubs.
-
Lester dominates the first three innings, then completely falls apart. Dodgers take a 4-3 lead on two 2 run homers, still only 1 out.
And another single.
-
GIDP ends the inning.
-
6-3 on a Freese homer. Lester's good start is over.
-
This is not a good trend. Lester is throwing batting practice for all but one of his last six starts.
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian
As of this tweet, Jon Lester has given up one homer every 16.2 batters faced over his past six starts. That rate was 1 HR per 52.7 batters faced across his first seven starts this season.
Bellinger, Muncy and Freese have each gone yard off Lester tonight.
-
Some posters are laughably silent when the Cubs are losing.
-
Great PA, Kris.
-
This topic is laughably silent when the Cubs are still playing after 11:00 pm central time.
-
This is not a good trend. Lester is throwing batting practice for all but one of his last six starts.
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian
As of this tweet, Jon Lester has given up one homer every 16.2 batters faced over his past six starts. That rate was 1 HR per 52.7 batters faced across his first seven starts this season.
Bellinger, Muncy and Freese have each gone yard off Lester tonight.
Even though some of Lester's peripherals were good when he was having success early, there were a couple of big warning signs - velo down and hard contact rate way up. He's a warrior and he'll find a way to be serviceable until his arm falls off, but I'm not sure we should be expecting more from Lester than where his overall numbers for the season are now. This is probably just who he is.
-
Cubs lose again.
-
Laughably silent reaction to this game.
-
Bryant homers leading off the 3rd just as JD is talking about how mediocre he's been since coming back from the Heyward collision. 3-0 Cubs.
Pat had literally just talked about how it had been two weeks since his last homer. And then said, “and now it’s been about five seconds since his last homer!”
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Almora has a .368 OPS in June. It could easily be just his reverting to his usual level of mediocrity, but you'd have to worry that the foul ball incident has really messed with his head.
-
There's a typical CB Bucknor strike zone tonight.
-
Almora has 28 PA in June going into today.
When did Dodger stadium become Coors?
-
Hendricks staked to a 2-0 lead gives up a 2-run homer to Matt Beaty who had 1 extra-base hit and a sub .600 OPS coming in.
Now a 3-2 lead is gone after a Gwildor home run.
-
I guess Hendricks didn't look at Beaty's scouting report. 2 for 2 with a HR and a 2B. Through 4 innings tonight, he's tripled his career extra base hit total.
-
With Zobrist out and Descalso sucking, the Cubs definitely look pretty soft against LHP. Having no choice but to start Schwarber and Heyward is hardly ideal.
-
Rich Hill knocks in Beatty with a 2-out single.
w/ RISP:
Cubs 0-3
Hill: 1-1
-
Cubs botch an easy double play ball when Rizzo wastes time looking a runner back to third, then Javy's only choice is to to try to get the runner going home. Cubs down 5-3.
-
Then Chris Taylor Ks looking at a laughable CB Bucknor "strike." Cubs benefit...but CB Bucknor is really awful. How does he still have this job? Is the MLB Umpire's union that strong?
-
With Zobrist out and Descalso sucking, the Cubs definitely look pretty soft against LHP. Having no choice but to start Schwarber and Heyward is hardly ideal.
Schwarber has a 136 wRC+ against lefties this year.
-
Ryan actually shivers and shakes on the mound. He moves so much I'm surprised he doesn't get called for balks often.
-
Cubs go down on something like 8 pitches in the 6th. It looked like Rich Hill was going to have a bad night...but the Cubs stopped hitting. Shutdown mode after scoring a few early runs.
Remember when everyone was laughing about how the preseason PECOTA projections were so obviously wrong a few weeks ago? The Cubs have been playing like a sub-.500 team since then.
-
With Zobrist out and Descalso sucking, the Cubs definitely look pretty soft against LHP. Having no choice but to start Schwarber and Heyward is hardly ideal.
Bote with a 1 out double pinch hitting in the 7th. Seems like Joe could've found a spot for his RH bat tonight.
-
Bucknor's strike zone is ridiculous. It's a joke that he's still an MLB umpire.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs
Near repeat of last night so far. Cubs get 2 in the first, 1 in the third and that's it. Dodgers mount a comeback and take control. 7-3 last night, 5-3 right now, Bot 7.
-
The Cubs really need a better LH reliever than Montgomery or Ryan.
-
Three straight walks by Montgomery after getting the first 2 outs in the 7th.
-
Montgomery can't throw a strike, quickly behind 2-0 to Taylor...
-
Taylor misses a grand slam by a foot or two. Almora hurt himself making that play. Montgomery isn't good.
-
Ryan has had some bad games, but his stats really aren't that bad.
27.3% K% (10.72 K/9), 8.1% BB% (3.18 BB/9), 4.18 ERA, 3.55 FIP, 3.11 xFIP, 50% GB%. He's got a 70.9% LOB and 20% HR/FB which has hurt is ERA. Montgomery sucks out of the pen.
-
Javy sees 7 pitches, 6 of them a foot out of the zone...and he ends up flying out. Just take the walk he gave you.
-
Flies out to deep, deep left center.
-
Schwarber has a 136 wRC+ against lefties this year.
In 41 ABs. Or does sample size only count when someone is in pollyanna mode?
-
I wasn't the one complaining about him starting against lefties, so how he's actually produced this year *might* be important.
The Cubs suck and they should just tear down the team and rebuild. Is that better?
-
Flies out to deep, deep left center.
Did I miss a rule change? Do deep, deep fly outs to left center count as runs?
Pitches a foot above the strike zone aren't going to go for homers very often. Just take the walk.
-
I wasn't the one complaining about him starting against lefties, so how he's actually produced this year *might* be important.
The Cubs suck and they should just tear down the team and rebuild. Is that better?
Do you ever just take a day off?
-
Not that it matters, because the Cubs are going to lose this game...but that 0-1 strike call to Heyward was unbelievably awful. Bucknor is by far the worst umpire in MLB.
-
Heyward reaches on an error, even after Bucknor gave Jansen that gift.
-
Another gift from Bucknor to the Dodgers on the first pitch to Bote.
-
Cubs lose. They've been a mediocre team for well over a month now, this is a wild card contender at best.
-
That Kris Bryant has a future in this league!
-
Remember when everyone was laughing about how the preseason PECOTA projections were so obviously wrong a few weeks ago? The Cubs have been playing like a sub-.500 team since then.
Correct me if I'm mistaken, but didn't PECOTA predict the Cubs finishing in last place in the division? There is a lot of the season to go, obviously, but at the moment they are 1 game out of first place, in spite of having a couple of crappy recent road trips. It's as silly to draw conclusions from a period when the Cubs doing badly as it is when they are beating up on other teams.
Seems like every year we forget how long the season is and what a mistake it is to put too much weight on any given stretch of games.
-
Do you ever just take a day off?
Do you?
-
Verdugo hits a homer to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.
I love his name; it means "executioner".
-
It’s not like Yu has been really good (though a lot better lately) but he’s gotten craptacular offensive support.
-
Nice grab by the ball girl on a liner Rizzo pulled into the seats.
And then he hits a comebacker to the mound to end the inning. Still 1-0, Dodgers.
-
Car-Go swings at a terrible pitch with the tying run on first to end the inning.
-
At least Yu looked great.
-
Brilliant outing
-
Yu’s last 4 starts: 25.1 IP, 14 hits, 7 BB, 24 Ks.
-
Maddon sure does love Kyle Ryan.
-
RIZZO!!!
That guy is pretty good.
-
TONY!
-
Holy cow!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Turner, Bellinger and Muncy in the 9th.
Yikes
-
Rizzo looking pretty good on defense too!
-
With the leg problems Strop has had, don't like to see that awkward stretch covering first base. But he seems okay.
-
Dodger fans don't like a strike call on a pitch that was on the inner half of the plate and just below the belt. Just because the catcher had to move his glove doesn't mean that the strike zone shifts.
-
Cubs win!
Beaty totally overmatched by Strop. What a great win!
-
Fantastic win. 7 straight NDs for Yu.
-
That was a huge win. Really encouraging start by Darvish. When the Cubs started this trip, I thought they would be 2-3 games back after it was done. Worse the Cubs can do now is one game back. Lucky the Brewers haven't been playing all that well either. Won't be easy tomorrow but hopefully they can steal one more game.
-
Fantastic win. 7 straight NDs for Yu.
Make that 9 straight. Is that pushing some kind of club record?
-
At least he didn't get an L.
-
Make that 9 straight. Is that pushing some kind of club record?
It is indeed.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
He actually already had the record, before tonight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Terrific win. Never say die.
-
I’m a bit worried about Strop. His velocity is down quite a bit and while he’s fighting through it, he doesn’t look fully healthy to me.
-
Seems to me that Darvish pitching so well against LA was a really big deal. There has been alot written questioning his mental toughness, and pitching against the Dodgers would have seemed to have been the perfect place for any mental weakness or lack of confidence to surface. Yet it was easily his best outing since joining the Cubs.
Given Hendricks' injury, it would be especially huge if Darvish is finally beginning to pitch at a level approaching his talent.
-
Well said, Ron. I completely agree! We will need Yu BIG time!
-
Javy leading off? Joe, you irreplaceable goofball...
-
He likes putting struggling hitters in the 1-spot and Baez has definitely been struggling.
-
He likes putting struggling hitters in the 1-spot and Baez has definitely been struggling.
Absolutely the reason, though I don’t really think it helps. Just Joe being Joe. Probably makes more sense to just give him a day off to pair with the off day tomorrow for a mental break.
-
Quintana throws 28 pitches in the 1st, walks three including one with the bases loaded. But don't worry, he was well worth he who shall not be named.
-
I'm old enough to remember when the Cubs were the team that made opposing pitchers work like crazy, drawing walks and clogging the bases. Used to even steal some too. Oh, for the days of 2016.
-
I agree Chris, we should base the efficacy of a trade on one inning.
-
Is the gun slow or is Quintana really throwing his high seamer 90 mph?
-
I agree Chris, we should base the efficacy of a trade on one inning.
You agreed with something never said or suggested. Interesting.
-
Quintana's velo for the season is normal, but he seems to be in a dead arm phase or something.
-
Damn, Ryu has 5 walks in 91 IP. That's wholly Maddux-like.
-
Cubs took the lead in the 6th on an error, bloop single, rolling single, and sac fly along with a terrific baserunning play by Baez.
Dodgers tied it immediately and knocked Quintana out but had the RISP fails with 2nd and 3rd. Kintzler had two huge K's despite having to K Martin twice thanks to the home plate ump.
-
Great escape job by Kintzler there. How many including myself were hoping he wouldn't exercise his option?
-
Robo umps please. Two more horrible calls this inning so far
-
Nice piece of hitting by Contreras but the ball is run down in right center. It's up to Bote in the 8th.
-
Bote k'd on a high fastball. Oh well. Need the BP to step up here.
-
Those hits w/ RISP are so overrated.
-
Crazy at bat by Russell Martin. He didn't swing full after two strikes. Bad luck there and terrible throw by Kris Bryant who should have easily thrown out Taylor at home.
-
Jansen has nothing yet again but the Cubs go 0-3 w/ RISP in the 9th to lose.
-
Maybe ought to ashcan the silly dress up road trips.
-
I thought that the announcers made a good point about Almora being flatfooted when Caratini made contact. He just seems tentative since the incident in Houston. Hope he shakes it soon.
-
Would help if Caratini got the ball further than 10 feet. The difference in the game was Martin's at bat and Schwarber and Caratini. Two chances to tie and didn't get it done.
-
Wow, just saw the play at the plate. Shocking with Almora's blazing speed he didn't score on that one.
-
I thought Almora got a decent jump.
-
Wow, just saw the play at the plate. Shocking with Almora's blazing speed he didn't score on that one.
Literally no one has ever said that Almora has blazing speed.
You've routinely suggested that he's flat-out slow, to which others have responded he has fine speed for CF.
Fine speed for CF =/= blazing speed.
-
Almora was flat footed and not moving towards home at the time of the pitch. If he had been he probably scores there.
-
Boy, it feels like Javy has been hitting into a lot of double plays this year.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Javy needs about four days off in a row. Don't even let him come to the ballpark. Just work with a 24 man roster those days.
-
Hamels hasn't allowed a run in 27 innings.
The offense continues to do nothing.
-
Soon as I say that Hamels gives up a run thanks to an infield hit that Baez threw away.
-
Bryant astonishingly beats out a grounder by a hair. Rizzo hit's DP ball but beats it out by a blink. Baez follows with another DP ball but beats it out more easily, by a half-step.
-
Caratini got two pretty down-the-middle hittable fastballs, but fouls them both off, then chases a breaking ball way out of the zone. Missed opportunity.
-
Hamels was great again. He's been the ace and he's gonna be gone after the season. That should improve the staff.
-
Um......
-
Eloy just hit a 400-ft homer off Strop to win the game in the 9th. He's also singled and walked in the game.
-
This is an 84 win team. They're just not that good.
-
I don’t care what the Cubs say, Strop isn’t right.
-
He killed that one.
-
He does that.
-
Most of the Cubs' young hitters (Happ, Almora, Schwarber, Russell) have stagnated. Not Torres. And not Eloy who has an 1.145 OPS in June.
-
Seems Eloy broke his bat on that home run.
-
Most of the Cubs' young hitters (Happ, Almora, Schwarber, Russell) have stagnated. Not Torres. And not Eloy who has an 1.145 OPS in June.
Almora stagnated in 2014-15 in Tennessee. One day, Cubs fans will acknowledge that.
Russell didn't stagnate...he just never hit at the MLB level.
-
Russell didn't stagnate...he just never hit at the MLB level.
Well, he did hit 21 homers at age 22. He has 9 homers since the beginning of last year. Seems pretty stagnaty to me.
-
Cubs lose again. After Schwarber homers on the first pitch of the game, they got shut down by a guy who came in with a 6.28 ERA.
-
How dare they
-
In the 8th inning as the tying run, Bryant popped a double into left that landed right in the middle of SS, CF, and LF. He was obviously frustrated by his poor contact and didn't run; so when the ball fell in, instead of being the potential winning run on 2nd where he should have been, instead he had to park at 1st. After which Rizzo immediately hit DP.
So Bryant's non-hustle cost both a couple of RISP opportunities and cost an out. Bad baseball.
That isn't normal for Bryant, who is normally a really consistent hustler and respect-90 type guy. I suspect it may speak to the growing frustration level the team is experiencing.
-
Added note: probably most left fielders in baseball other than Eloy would have caught Bryant's bad-hustle ball.
-
Underperformance of the Cubs offense continues to be what holds them back.
-
When Baez isn't hitting this team looks pretty weak. Hope he heats up again soon.
-
Underperformance of the Cubs offense continues to be what holds them back.
I’m sure whoever the new hitting coach next year is will fix it.
-
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/chicago80.gif)
-
WILLSON!!! First inning grand slam, Cubs lead 4-1.
-
Rain would figure considering Contreras just hit a grand slam.
4-1 after a shaky 1st for Lester.
-
Message to piece of **** Joe: Sit Javy. For a minimum of four games. Don't be a ****.
-
Another homer for Contreras. 5-1.
-
If Maddon was on fire and the only way to extinguish the flames was to **** on him, would you bother?
-
Lester has been mostly terrible lately.
-
Lester is one of the greatest - maybe the greatest - players in Cubs history. But he's become Shawn Boskie.
It's a sad state of affairs.
-
Can Kimbrel pitch multiple innings behind Lester, Quintana, and Darvish, or is that asking too much?
-
Lester escapes with a 5-3 lead, strands runners at second and third.
-
A Bote blast.
-
Bote gets a run back.
-
Almora double goes nowhere as Schwarber and Bryant K.
Schwarber hitting .163 w/ RISP, Bryant .182
-
Kyle Ryan might actually be pretty good.
-
As under-performing as the Cubs may have been recently, they regained first place in the division tonight.
But Nobody has been proven wrong again (Nobody said it would be easy).
-
Yet it should be a hell of a lot easier than this. With that payroll and that roster this team should be on the Dodgers/Astros/Yankees/Twins! level, not 7 games over 500.
The Cubs have the highest usable, non-DL'd payroll in baseball.
They've underperformed all year, not just recently.
-
They've underperformed all year, not just recently.
They've underperformed much longer than "all year." This is the third season in a row.
-
It sure would be nice if winning at the MLB level was easier for the Cubs!
Of course, every night our team plays the best of the best of the best.
Every pitcher for every other team can pitch! Every hitter can hit!
I sure wish other teams would lay down for our Cubs! Darn.
GREAT win last night!
-
I don't enjoy watching the blowout wins either - I love the excitement of close games
(but not extra-inning games)
-
Uh oh...Cubs facing 25-yo Walter Lockett today...very little MLB time, but 4 BB in 30+ innings at AAA...must have great control...sure hope we fare better against him than vs the young Rox starter who has given us fits twice.
All the guys who come up from AAA can pitch...sure hope our guys can get to him, tho' they haven't faced him!
For what it's worth, I LOVE watching the blowouts (when Cubs are winning)!
-
But with a big lead they down-shift into "don't pile on" mode and make quicker outs
-
I like blowouts (for the Cubs). But that Sox team was fun to watch - I really like triples and attempted steals of third (I like it more when there's a steal of home or an inside the park home run.)
Cubs seem to do better against aces like Giolito than fresh from AAA guys like Lambert. Almost wish Thor was pitching. Almost.
-
Lockett has a 3.4 k per 9 in AAA.
-
This fun video was taken before last night's game. Joe had the mojo going.
https://twitter.com/Cubs_Live/status/1141755254268186624
-
Get Adbert up.
-
Rizzo is good.
-
Alzolay's first 2 MLB innings: no hits, a walk, and 4 strikeouts.
-
Alzolay is mighty impressive.
-
Please tell me Yahoo is lying to us and that Alzolay is not really wearing number 73.
-
Sorry Tuffy...
-
Alzolay is completely dominating through 3 innings. Hopefully they'll just start him Tuesday instead of trying to get through a few innings with Chatwood.
-
Thanks, mO. He'd better keep pitching well if he wants to be forgiven for this aesthetic crime.
-
Four hitless innings for Alzolay. And he's done it on only 46 pitches. Really strong debut.
-
Hitting for himself in the bottom of the eighth, so it appears Joe will let him try to finish it.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Alzolay is completely dominating through 3 innings. Hopefully they'll just start him Tuesday instead of trying to get through a few innings with Chatwood.
It’s not like Chatwood pitched that badly tonight, especially considering how erratic his usage has been.
-
You must have watched a different game than I did, because Chatwood was bad tonight. 3 runs in 4 innings, and he really got lucky with three double plays. He could've easily given up twice as many runs.
FIP for Chatwood tonight according to Fangraphs: 7.42. FIP for the year: 5.40. His improved performance this year is mostly a mirage. The Cubs should admit their mistake and move on.
-
Great debut by Alzolay. And nice to see the Cub score a bunch of runs after getting down early.
-
You must have watched a different game than I did, because Chatwood was bad tonight. 3 runs in 4 innings, and he really got lucky with three double plays. He could've easily given up twice as many runs.
Well TBH since the game took place at 9 AM my time I didn't see any of it, I was working. I was just going by the stat line - 2 ER and 1 BB in 4 IP.
It worked today, why not try it again next week - you can quick-hook Chatwood with AdAl standing by. Chatwood is making a lot of money and still has good stuff - I think it's worth seeing if he can get on a decent run.
-
The Kangaroo court will probably lay some heavy fines on Adbert for showing up the veterans like that.
-
You must have watched a different game than I did, because Chatwood was bad tonight. 3 runs in 4 innings, and he really got lucky with three double plays. He could've easily given up twice as many runs....
I didn't see a lot of it. But weren't some of the hits, and the DP's, perhaps the groundball thing? Guys hit grounders, some get caught, some get through, some produce DP's?
-
Cubs got some BIP luck in the big inning. Rizzo's double was a rocket. But Descalzo's RBI hit was a seeing-eye groundball, and Bryant's was a blooper. Helps to be lucky. Rizzo's wasn't lucky, and Baez triple was warning-track deep, so not lucky either.
-
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/chicago80.gif)
-
Darvish breaks up the no-hitter with a RISP line single to right. Cubs lead 2-1 after 2.
Mets run was leadoff walk guy.
Cubs two runs were leadoff walk guy (Baez) and reached on an error (Bote).
-
McNeil blasts a 2-run shot way out, 3-2 Mets.
-
You have to tip your cap to the Jeff McNeils of the sport.
-
You have to tip your cap to the Jeff McNeils of the sport.
Why are you always so surprised and dismayed when a non-Cubs major league player does something well? And, in this case, a pretty good player. It happens.
-
Vargas has no-hit the position-players, but Darvish is 2-2!
Russell follows, fouls off a hanging breaking ball, chases ball four way out of the zone, but then gets yet another hanging breaking ball and pulls it way out.
4-3 Cubs. :)
-
Why are you always so surprised and dismayed when a non-Cubs major league player does something well? And, in this case, a pretty good player. It happens.
Who said I was surprised? Darvish has given up 15 homers in 83 innings. I'd have expected it more from say, Alonso, than from a guy with 4 homers, but still not surprised.
-
Darvish hangs another one, long HR to tie it up. 4-4.
Yu's chance to get his first win at Wrigley shrink considerably.
-
See Conforto makes a bit more sense.
-
Yu's chance to get his first win at Wrigley shrink considerably.
And it's gone. Maddon pinch-hits Descalso for Darvish, but Almora gets picked off. 4-4 into the 7th.
Cubs tend to have a hard time scoring off relief pitchers, it seems, even though the Mets pen has an ERA >8.
Would be really fun to scratch out a win somehow, and extend a winning streak to 3 if possible.
-
Pounders getting easy outs against the Cubs; Brach comes in and immediately gives up a solid hit.
-
Damnit Craig, negativity is my thing. Yours is well-reasoned, rational levelheadedness with a dash of cynicism.
Stay in your own lane!
-
RISP, lefty up, Maddon automatically goes to Montgomery, because lefties have only a 1.435 OPS against him.
-
Montgomery dutifully gives up the tie-breaking hit to the lefty. 5-4 Mets.
-
Cubs have won 1 game this season while trailing this late in the game. Today will be their 2nd comeback win?
-
Probably.
-
Contreras pops a single down the left field line, but Rizzo running from 1st with two outs is about half way between 2nd and 3rd when they pick up the ball. Easy 3rd out. Pretty bad base-running error there. 5-4 Mets to the 9th.
-
Wick looks great, K's the side, including the lefty.
-
1-2-3 9th, Mets win.
-
Not. I meant probably not.
-
RH Diaz blows away the Cubs lefty hitters.
I know for most managers there's a law that you must use LH relievers in close games when LH batters appear. But I kinda think doing so with Mike Montgomery is not really that strategic?
I'm also not that committed to selling the farm to acquire a lefty reliever.
The only option to using Mike or acquiring one or two others, obviously, would be to let righty relievers sometimes face lefty bats. I wonder what would happen if you just had righty relievers face lefty hitters? Might that be even worse then using Monty?
Might be kind of a lose-lose-lose scenario, I suppose. I admit I'd kinda like to try it with the righties? I haven't looked at their splits, though.
-
I'll take a solid righty reliever with a good change-up and good control over a wild LOOGY throwing it down the middle when he isn't missing badly any day.
Watching Contreras' framing today, I think the two problems are one, he jerks the glove into the strike zone too violently, tipping the fact that the pitch missed. Two, he pulls solid strikes to dead center, and I think that loses his pitchers some strikes, and, perhaps, give him the rep of trying to steal strikes which the umps take into consideration.
-
I agree, Curt. Contreras works so hard to frame and steal, it's too obvious. The good ones are much more subtle, the movement is less, and the movement is just smoother and more nuanced. His is overdone.
I think part of it is how he receives, too, though? He kind of stabs for balls more than the good framers do? They seem to have the glove outside or low before the ball sails outside or sinks low; the glove is more settled, and needs very little nuanced movement to adjust an inch toward the strike zone. But doesn't Contreras look more like he's got to stab the glove to get it outside of the zone and actually catch the ball, and then jerk it back in to fake/steal the strike? I may just be paranoid and imagining; so just wondering if it seems that way to you also?
-
I thought Caratini had a similar framing style last year, but he has become more subtle about it this year.
I think Contreras has made some progress from a couple of years ago when he was just stabbing at the ball. At least he consistently moves in the right direction now.
-
You can't have your team leader making an egregious base running blunder in a key spot. There is no excuse for what Rizzo did in the 8th. I fear it's a sign that this is not a team that feels anywhere near the urgency that Theo talked about before the season.
-
I thought Caratini had a similar framing style last year, but he has become more subtle about it this year.
I think Contreras has made some progress from a couple of years ago when he was just stabbing at the ball. At least he consistently moves in the right direction now.
The stats, imperfect as they may be, disagree.
-
I'm not necessarily saying the results are better...just that he's progressed in a direction that may ultimately produce results. Clumsily bringing the ball back to the strike zone seems like it's progress from stabbing wildly at the ball and regularly making it look like it's further out of the zone.
-
If Amaya pans out, maybe Contreras eventually becomes a RF. With his arm and athelticism he could probably be pretty good out there.
-
https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/06/22/chicago-cubs-lineup-rizzo-needs-rest-too/
Rizzo getting "rest" since he was having trouble keeping his head in the game yesterday.
-
Quick HR for Quintana. 1-0 Mets.
-
Contreras works out of RISP, holds it to 1-0.
Schwarber and Baez open with singles, Baez gets 2-0 count, but takes a huge HR swing and and get's DP'd by a hair on a soft groundout; his HR-follow-through unfortunately had him on his knees, so it took him enough time to get up and get moving to give them time to complete the DP, on a ball that I'd never guessed could be hard enough for a DP. Contreras gets up 2-0, but Wheeler just rears back and guns three fastballs through him, three swing-and-miss.
-
Mets add on a couple more, first run was the leadoff walk.
McNeil with a clutch 2-run 2-out RISP double, but he gets called out at 2nd after extended replay.
Q has gotten some 4-seamers up to 91-92.
-
As I mentioned yesterday, there is something wrong with this team that an improved bullpen will not fix. I think they may need a significant jolt of some kind to get them focused on the task at hand. Perhaps a surprise roster move.
-
Dumping Russell might be the place to start.
-
As I mentioned yesterday, there is something wrong with this team that an improved bullpen will not fix. I think they may need a significant jolt of some kind to get them focused on the task at hand. Perhaps a surprise roster move.
I wonder if the something wrong is that maybe they just don't really have enough talent to be able to consistently play a lot better? After today they'll still be 6 games over .500, and they'll still be hanging in as 5th place in the NL.
Maybe the hitters aren't better than they are? Around 5th or so, but should a team with Almora and Heyward playing everyday, and a lot of hot-and-cold type guys, really be much better than they are? Last year Heyward and Almora were huge overachievers for the season as a whole and especially so first half; not sure it's anybody's fault or the lack of motivation that they are performing more to their ability level this year, maybe? Last year Zobrist had a huge over-achievement season too, especiallly first half.
Maybe the defense isn't really better than it's played?
Obviously it's a really slow team, so sometimes they need to take risks that a faster team wouldn't. And obviously the offense is struggling. So, yesterday, Baez took a really risky chance and made it to third, then allowed Bote to steal 2nd, and that results in a couple of runs. Took a high-risk risk, it paid off, we love the aggressiveness; Rizzo was trying to be aggressive and pushed it too far, we don't love it. Not sure it's not the same aggressive want-to attitude behind both plays.
Are Lester, Darvish, Quintana, Chatwood, and Hendricks having some losses because they are un-motivated and un-jolted? Perhaps to some degree the pitchers can only over-achieve so much? Last year, they maybe got some huge overachievement years from Lester, Quintana, and Hendricks. When guys with no velocity like that, and as heavily-worn as Theo likes his pitchers to be, are they lacking effort and jolting motivation when they just can't out-perform their FIP non-stop? Sometimes the soft-tossing, worn-out arms just can't overachieve to the extent we're accustomed to?
Last year Strop and Cishek were big overachievers; haven't been able to quite overachieve as much this year.
After today, they'll still be in 1st place in division, 4th or 5th place in the league, 6 games over .500. I wonder if maybe we overestimate the talent that we have, and that maybe being 6 games over .500 is playing to their actual talent level, or perhaps somewhat above? Not sure they really are better than they've played.
-
Cubs loaded the bases with no one out in the 7th...then the inning was over with only 1 run scoring three pitches later.
This lineup just doesn't function together like it should.
-
There's nothing "aggressive" about risking getting to third with two outs the way Rizzo did. It's just dumb.
-
The Dodgers are the only NL team with more talent than the Cubs. And the gap isn't enormous. The main problem with the Cubs is underperformance not lack of talent, IMO.
-
Interesting that in a 10-0/10-1 blowout, Mike MOntgomery, who has appeared in only 2 games and 1.2 IP over the last 8 days, and hasn't pitched back-to-back, is NOT used.
I'd think that in a blowout, why burn Ryan and using Brach instead of Montgomery? EVen in the 5th, wouldn't MOntomgery, the long man, be the natural guy to pick up some innings?
Suggests to me that there is something ongoing health-wise, and that Maddon doesn't want to force him to go back-to-back because MM's arm isn't healthy enough to do so.
I think that suggests MM may be an easy guy to place on DL once they need a spot.
-
The Dodgers are the only NL team with more talent than the Cubs. And the gap isn't enormous. The main problem with the Cubs is underperformance not lack of talent, IMO.
Agree to disagree, I guess! Hope you're right and I'm underestimating their capacity! We'll see how it plays out, I guess.
-
You might be right, craig. I could be overestimating the quality of the talent on our team. I'd like to hear the opinions of others on the Board.
-
I've complained about how many times Kyle Schwarber takes called third strikes so I guess I shouldn't say anything about his leading off the third inning by bunting foul with two strikes.
-
Kyle is a guess hitter. He overthinks a little, which is typical of catchers or ex-catchers. When he guesses correctly, he kills it. When he's totally fooled, he freezes.
-
As I mentioned yesterday, there is something wrong with this team that an improved bullpen will not fix. I think they may need a significant jolt of some kind to get them focused on the task at hand. Perhaps a surprise roster move.
I think Maddon's act wore thin for most of the guys in the clubhouse a while ago and they basically tune him out now. That's a part of the problem to be sure.
-
Kyle is a guess hitter. He overthinks a little, which is typical of catchers or ex-catchers. When he guesses correctly, he kills it. When he's totally fooled, he freezes.
Guess all you want until you get two strikes. Then "see the ball, hit the ball".
-
Frustrating though the Cubs (and MLB) are, we are still in the thick of our division. Every year, a team or two (sometimes three) get white hot in the dog days and/or September (e.g. Brewers in 2018) and can possibly ride the wave all the way.
To me, Cubs have good talent, but not enough talent to run away with our division. In the NL, it's pretty clear that only the Dodgers have that kind of talent and who knows whether they will advance in the playoffs. Likely, but maybe not.
We are one of multiple teams in our division with sufficient talent to win the division. After that, who knows.
Cubs may have tuned Maddon out some, however, in his tenure Cub teams have always seemed to play pretty well in August/September. I think we will be there again this year, but who knows. Sure doesn't feel like it right now.
Hope our pitching is better the rest of the way and we can win our division going away...but I'm expecting it to go right down to the wire and we may be home again at playoff time. It's major league baseball. Rather unpredictable.
-
I think the Reds might be the team to watch. Their rotation is solid and has a true ace. Their bullpen is improving and their offense has underachieved. Imagine where they would be with Scooter Gennet all year. I think they scare me more than the Brewers or Cardinals.
-
Cubs win on Baez' 3-run HR in the 8th. Strop with the save. Good job of salvaging the series split.
-
Great rally win for Cubs and for Baez, their 2nd comeback win in the late innings this season, and both within 9 days. 3-run HR counts as a RISP hit, for sure.
Cishek and Strop, 6 up 6 down, really good.
Back to .500 on the homestand, and will spend another night in 1st place. Pretty good to get a win against a DeGrom start, too.
-
I didn't see it, and not to dwell on the negative, but after his day off Rizzo came back and got thrown out on the bases again, trying to go for a double on his 2-out RBI hit that made it 3-2. P2, did you see it, and was it another dumb one? Or was this a good, smart risk and the Mets just executed really well?
Are there places where you can get base-running analyses? Hard to be objective, because as a fan we tend to remember the mistakes. But kinda seems to me the Cubs have lost an awful lot of baserunners this year, trying to be aggressive. I wonder where the Cubs would stack in terms of baserunning and baserunners lost on the bases?
I'd guess the Cubs are probably one of the slowest teams in the game, which probably doesn't help; but that shouldn't really affect the decision-making process, since every guy should kinda know his own speed.
-
It was a ball hit off the wall in left center that you’d expect to be a double but took a favorable bounce for the defense and played well. Rizzo was out at 2nd by a wide margin. Not nearly as bad as on Saturday but not good base running.
-
Strop’s velocity continues to be way off. Definitely a concern.
-
What Reb said, craig. Not nearly as egregious as Rizzo's last base running blunder.
-
Strop was 93.1 average 4-seamer today, with an outstanding slider. A dominant outing.
True he used to be 95-96 but, as we saw today, he can be excellent at a lesser velocity. Strop has always been mostly about slider command. If/when that goes away, then worry. Not yet.
I watched Rosenthal and Rainey this weekend for the Nats throwing upper 90s—-it’s not just about velocity.
-
Rosenthal has what, 15 walks in 6 innings? That’s the best straw man you could come up with?
The issue is whether Strop can be effective throwing 2-3 MPH less than he’s used to throwing. Maybe he can. The results so far are decidedly mixed. But the other concern is the reason for the velocity drop, especially for a guy who’s had chronic hamstring problems the last 9 months. Is he carrying an injury? Maddon babied Morrow all season last year and we were assured he was healthy.
Best of all, of course, would be Strop recovers some of that lost velocity and this becomes a non-issue.
-
That's a GREAT, IMPORTANT win today!! Way to go, Javy...clutch!
Sure hope our guys can step it up vs ATL...Braves have been HOT, but we owe them!
-
When are we gonna wake up to Javy getting a 7/210 extension?
-
Going back to Hendricks at AAA, somebody here has been obsessed with velocity.
Some guys know how to pitch, some here will always obsess about velocity.
Velocity may change over time, other things will always stay the same for some.
-
I’ve rather obsessed with the Cubs lack of velocity. I was also somebody that defended Hendricks way back when because he possesses a rather unique skill set that other teams and the Cubs have attempted to replicate without much success.
Command, control, secondaries and a whole host of factors go into making a great MLB pitcher. Fastball velocity just changes the margin of error that a pitcher has.
-
Yeah, while the game is now moving toward velocity and power, it still starts with knowing how to pitch.
No reason at all that Strop at 93 and a plus slider with decent-to-good command can’t be really good in his coming role (again) as a setup guy.
Not going to worry about that until there’s something to worry about.
-
Looking at the Strop’s velocity he was 94/95 earlier in the year. Since he came back from the hamstring he has been 92/93. I think with his slider he can be effective at a reduced velocity, but the velocity drop is concerning. It is worth keeping an eye on.
-
Crazy scene in the second—Willson takes a pitch that is obviously low that is called a strike. He complains to the umpire and it seems like they move on.
A couple pitches later, Willson hits a solo homer. He immediately turns around and says something to Flowers. Then he really celebrates going around the bases. When he gets home, he and Flowers/Teheran start yelling at each other. Both teams warned by the umpire as benches clear.
Not sure what actually happened...but I’d speculate that whatever Contreras argued about on that low pitch made Flowers say something that Contreras didn’t like—Flowers has a reputation of a really strong framer.
In any case, watch Contreras’ next AB. He might get hit.
-
According to Twitter, the Cubs broadcast did catch Flowers saying something on the missed call. I’m stuck watching Chip and the Braves broadcast this week.
-
He said something and/or smiled. I don't know, it was kind of weird. Rizzo, Bryant and others were chuckling in the dugout immediately afterwards.
Willy being Willy?
-
Cubs are turning this into a blowout in the 6th. A walk and five (or six?) straight hits to start the inning, and it's quickly 6-0. Teheran pulled, Contreras coming up. There would have absolutely been a Contreras HBP if Snitker had let Teheran stay in for one more batter.
-
Donaldson told the Cubs dugout to be quite before Willson’s HR when he was hitting. This series might get interesting in a bad way.
There is also a gif of Heyward being on second base doing a bunch of signaling to the hitter. It is apparently something he does all the time if he knows the signs or not.
-
The Cubs have seven runs, scored by seven different guys. The top four guys each have exactly one RBI as well. Contreras broke the pattern though and hogged three of them.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Cubs WIN!
-
Thank goodness Joe got Cishek in to protect a five run lead. You have to worry about him getting rusty.
-
Len just pronounced tonight's Cubs starting pitcher's last name as:
AL-zo-lie
-
Well that was some all time awful base running.
-
Wow, Cubs championship ball here. Fried walks the bases loaded. Alzolay tries to bunt and misses, Baez for some reason had run half-way down the line and easily got picked off. While he's very quickly and easily getting outed, Contreras tries to advance to third and he gets thrown out too. Two more aggressive-baserunning outs the Cubs give away, plus then get stuck with auto-out Alzolay starting off the 3rd with an out besides. Unbelievable.
-
Baez could easily have stayed in the rundown for a few more seconds, allowing Contreras to get to third. Horrible baserunning.
-
Two run double in the 4th by Contreras puts the Cubs up 2-1.
-
Looks like Alzo-lie’s control blew up in the 5th.
-
Brach has thrown 40 pitches tonight, and they're going to let him face another batter. Are they working with a short bullpen tonight?
-
Cubs lose again. They've been playing mediocre baseball for a month and a half now. If this ends up being a playoff team, it's just because the rest of the division is equally mediocre.
-
Looks like Craig forecast the demise of Monty quite accurately. He has been rather lousy for quite some time now, unfortunately. Time for the IL for Monty.
Too bad we couldn't get to Fried once again, then made their bullpen unbeatable.
Of course, I wouldn't be able to even see a single pitch any of them threw, so I probably shouldn't be too harsh.
Man, this Cub team just can't seem to get over the hump.
-
Man, this Cub team just can't seem to get over the hump.
Same as the 2017 and 2018 teams. They won the championship in 2016, were talked about as a potential dynasty...then the front office decided they didn't need to change anything about their offense. But it's still dysfunctional...they're still less than the sum of their parts.
They're not going to get over the hump until they figure out that Almora, Russell, and Schwarber just aren't as good as they think they are.
-
They're not going to get over the hump until they figure out that Almora, Russell, and Schwarber just aren't as good as they think they are.
This is like an SAT question. "Which of these does not belong with the others?"
-
This is like an SAT question. "Which of these does not belong with the others?"
Obviously Schwarber. He's a good complimentary player. Cubs still seem to think he's a future star.
-
Obviously Schwarber. He's a good complimentary player. Cubs still seem to think he's a future star.
Whether they think he is or not I don't know, but I'm not sure it matters much. They play him most of the time (mainly in a platoon) because he's a better option than the others. And in truth, he's good enough that his being an everyday player shouldn't be a problem. You just need better pieces surrounding him.
-
I was at the Athletics/Cardinal game tonight. It was painful to watch the progress of the Cub game on the scoreboard. It seemed like the Maddon "pitcher bats 8th" insistence cost the Cubs two or three times tonight. True?
-
Yeah, wherever you put the pitcher, it always seems the opportunities run into him. The really bad one was early, walked the bases loaded with one out in front of Alzolay, and then Baez and Contreras both got thrown out at 3rd on a safety squeeze, three baserunning mistakes on the same play. (Baez ran it like half-suicide-half-safety; getting hung up half-way down, no chance to get back, and no chance to score; Contreras foolishly trying to advance to 3rd; Baez putting up too little pickle-in-the-middle effort to give Contreras time to advance.
-
Except when pitchers get hits - like Hamels... and Darvish... and Lester...
-
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?
-
Almora leading off tonight. Pitcher hitting 9th.
-
Sloppy baseball has resulted in a run scoring in the first, Cubs already down 1-0.
-
The Cubs have hit into so many double plays lately.
-
Darvish gives up a titanic blast to McCann and a hit to Keuchel.
-
Yu is distinctive in a couple of different ways.
Among major leaguers, his ratio of productivity to raw talent is one of the worst of the past twenty-five years (maybe longer).
He's one of the hardest to watch pitchers since Trachsel.
-
Girardi pointing out all of Contreras' deficiencies behind the plate.
-
Well, it looks like Darvish’s no decision streak is going to end...
-
I didnt realize who our starting pitcher was today.
I just looked at my fantasy baseball league and saw we were down 5-0 and I said to myself "Darvish must be pitching".
I just looked it up and Ill be damned.
At least we didnt give Shawn Estes over 100 million.
-
3-run homer by Markakis the pitch after a mound visit.
Seriously, Darvish is not a good pitcher.
-
Cubs on pace for 9 GIDP.
-
Rain delay?
-
Thankfully, yes.
-
Darvish has the highest home run to flyball ratio in the game.
There's your rain delay trivia.
-
Play has resumed.
-
Conteras homer. Now down only 5-1.
-
Cubs trying to solo homer their way back in the game. Bryant makes it 5-2.
-
Kyle Ryan is pretty good. In their quest for finding a good reliever for free over the last four offseasons, I think it's possible the front office finally found one.
-
Russell and Caratini fail in the 8th with two runners on.
How long are the Cubs going to keep pretending like there's any upside to keeping the domestic abuser and proven below average baseball player on the roster?
-
Cubs continue to lose. This is a .500-ish team. Too bad ownership forced the front office to sit out the offseason.
Now 18-23 in their last 41 games...that's a quarter of a season playing at 72 win pace.
-
Sorry...my math was bad. That's actually 71 win pace over one quarter of a season.
-
I think 25% of the season is less than 100% of the season. Right?
Not to disagree about the Cubs having been in a slump. They have been. But we all know that you just can't take any 1/4 of a season and make conclusions about the entire season from that. It would be just as faulty to conclude the team would dominate for a season if they dominate for 1/4 of the season.
No one is happy about how the team has been playing lately. That's not the point.
-
I think 25% of the season is less than 100% of the season. Right?
Not to disagree about the Cubs having been in a slump.
This isn’t a slump, it’s just who they are. Some hot streaks, but mostly just mediocre baseball. Ownership cut off the money, the front office never accepted that some of the players they loved when they acquired them (via draft or trade) just aren’t that good. Never sold high on anyone in this championship window.
Now a team that looked like a potential dynasty 3 years ago looks like a team that’s no more than 2 years from needing another massive retooling. Glad they finally got the championship we were all waiting for, but this core isn’t winning another.
-
As I’ve said before, I hope I’m wrong.
-
I don't think the problem is lack of spending but rather a lack of getting their money's worth on what they already spent and a lack of development by several of their young players. Until those things change hard to see major improvement coming.
-
Of course, it doesn't hurt that Milwaukee and the Cardinals are both in the tank too. Someone (including us) could have run away with this division and no one has.
I tend to agree that this is just what this group is - a slightly better than average team who could sneak into the playoffs. But of course once you get there, anything can happen. I'm very curious to see what this group can do under a new manager next year, after Joe is gone. They've underachieved three years running and it's hard to imagine any major overhaul on the player side happening this winter.
-
At least the Brewers are playing like **** too.
-
Girardi pointing out all of Contreras' deficiencies behind the plate.
What did he say specifically?
-
That could be awkward when Girardi takes over next season.
-
I'm hopeful that a roster move that brings in a decent hitting second baseman and removes Russell will get the offense going in the second half.
-
Have anyone in mind?
-
Zobrist?
-
If this team is "not very good" and "slightly above average" they must have been using a magic wand to have the best record in the National League over the last three years.
-
If you gave them 3 days a week off - they would play with much more energy
-
Have anyone in mind?
https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa549647&position=2B/3B
-
Chatwood needs to go to the DL with suckitis.
-
Cubs score 3 in the 4th and 4 in the 5th to take an 8-6 lead.
Albies promptly homers leading off the 6th to make it 8-7.
-
I'm not sure what the minimum number of plate appearances is to be on the Worst Cub-Killers of All Time, but it's hard to see how Ozzie Albies won't rocket to the top of it once he has enough.
-
.453/.521/.781 over 74 career plate appearances. Why do they ever pitch to him?
-
Kimbrel throwing 98 mph.
-
As bad as Atlanta wanted Kimbrel it feels good for his first save to be against them.
I dont like the Braves.
-
Looks like Kimbrel dropped to 95 after the first hitter, but nice to see he can still get it to 97. Maybe he just needs to build arm strength.
-
Also, why wasn't Kimbrel covering first on the last out?
-
Statcast had Kimbrel averaging 96.5 fastball today. His slowest one was 95.5.
By the way, Kintzler averaged 93.5 fastball today. Looking really good lately.
-
Also, why wasn't Kimbrel covering first on the last out?
Brain fart
-
Could have been a very costly mistake.
-
Statcast had Kimbrel averaging 96.5 fastball today. His slowest one was 95.5.
By the way, Kintzler averaged 93.5 fastball today. Looking really good lately.
Yes, he's been a pleasant surprise to be sure.
-
What did he say specifically?
That Contreras was on one knee way too much which kept him from being in position to block pitches low and away. Can't recall the other critiques exactly but there were more.
-
Everyone is burying the headline here. Kimbrel ditched Nugent, thank goodness, and went back to GnR.
-
Have anyone in mind?
https://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=sa549647&position=2B/3B
Not the greatest fielder, but the Cubs could have had this guy for cheaper than Descalzo or Russell.....
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lasteto01.shtml
-
Trades within the division are tough, but how about looking into the availability of Sterling Marte? He's a free agent to be and the Pirates are unlikely to re-sign him.
-
I think Marte has two (affordable) team options, so he’d be pretty expensive. But I think he’d be a decent fit if the Pirates aren’t asking for too much.
-
You're right. I missed the options. No chance.
-
That Contreras was on one knee way too much which kept him from being in position to block pitches low and away. Can't recall the other critiques exactly but there were more.
Interesting because Girardi was on a podcast (The Score?) in May and said Contreras, with bases empty, should be on one knee MORE as it would help durability of his legs (because he starts so many games).
Like a lot of guys, there is good and not so good with Contreras defensively. Of course he’s very good dealing with running game and he’s really good on bunts/infield toppers/popups. The poor we all know. Think he’s okay/about average on blocking pitches, with occasional lapses. His athleticism helps but maybe not always focused on stray pitches. Maybe poor framing is because hands not great—opposite of soft hands.
-
Joe Girardi wasnt 1/4 the player Contreras is.
He needs to STFU.
-
Please raise your hand if you thought Tommy LaStella would have 16 or so HRs at the mid-way point. LaStella shows exactly how unpredictable MLB is!
Cubs at midway point (44-37)...a VERY mixed bag! Frustrating to all of us for all the reasons we all know, but still in 1st...I'll take that 81 games from now!
There were some great, not-so-great 1st half performances by the numbers:
*Contreras - 17 bombs in 227 ABs! .300 BA, .396 OBP, .586 SLG, .981 OPS!
(*Caratini - .293, .376, .467, .843 at back-up catcher and not a butcher at C)
*Baez - 19 HR (42 XBHs), 52 RBIs, 53 runs scored, .547 SLG, .873.
*Bryant - 16 HR (38 XBHs), 61 runs scored, .391 OBP, .531 SLG, .922 OPS
*Rizzo - 19 HR, 56 RBIs and 52 runs scored, .385 OBP, .530 SLG, .916 OPS
That's quite a CORE four offensively! They've all really produced so far this year!
*Heyward - 11 HR, .270 BA, .358 OBP, .445 SLG, .802 OPS! Hope he keeps it up!
*Bote - 9 HR in 202 ABs, .252 BA, .335 OBP, .450 SLG, .785 OPS! Pretty nice!
*Schwarber - 17 HRs in 269 ABs, .468 SLG, .787 OPS! Hanging in there hitting 1st.
* Almora - 7 HRs in 221 ABs (better for him), but disappointing .243 BA, .316 OBP, .398 SLG, .675 OPS...MUST hit better in the 2nd half!
*Russell - to me, the 5 HRs in 103 ABs suggests better numbers in 2nd half. 100 ABs still isn't a large sample size, but needs to improve his .398 SLG and .714 OPS
*Zobrist - Z has ONE XBH in 83 ABs...given his problems, upgrade over Russell?
The pitching staff also has some good/not-so-good numbers:
STARTERS
*Hamels - 2.92 ERA, 96 Ks in 98.2 IP! .231 BAA, 1.19 WHIP! Strong 1st half!
*Hendricks - 3.36 ERA, 75 Ks in 88.1 IP, .251 BAA, 1.14 WHIP. Healthy 2nd half?
*Lester - 3.83 ERA, 82 Ks in 82.1 IP with NINETY hits, 14 HRs! .274 BAA! Yikes! 1.31 WHIP...if he didn't REALLY know how to pitch, could he still start?
* Q - 4.50 ERA, 74 Ks in 88 IP with 94 hits, 12 HRs, .272 BAA, 1.40 WHIP. Not a bad number 4, but certainly not a good one! Can he have a strong 2nd half???
* Yu - WEIRD numbers! 4.98 ERA, 105 Ks in 90.1 IP, only 74 hits, but 18 HRs. WTF? .222 BAA, 1.36 WHIP.
2nd half turnaround? Maybe. Knows how to pitch in MLB? Maybe not.
RELIEVERS
*Kintzler - 2.06 ERA, 35 IP, 31 Ks, only 21 H, .178 BAA, 0.83 WHIP...outstanding!
*Cishek - 3.13 ERA, 34.1 IP, 39 Ks, only 25 hits, .202 BAA, 1.08 ERA...strong!
*Ryan - 3.45 ERA, 28.2 IP, 30 Ks, .236 BAA, 1.22 WHIP...quite strong lately!
*Strop - 4.58 ERA, 17.2 IP, 19 Ks, only 10 H, .167 BAA (YES!), 0.96 WHIP...another very nice season so far for Strop (despite the ERA)...9 of 11 in save opportunities
*Monty - MAJOR problems! 27 hits in 21.1 IP with 4 bombs! 4.64 ERA, .321 BAA, with a 1.69 ERA. Is he injured? Will he keep his roster spot?
*Edwards - a VERY mixed bag...5.40 ERA in his 15 IP, but ONLY 7 H, 17 Ks, .137 BAA and 1.00 WHIP. The stuff is obviously still there, if he's healthy (in all ways)
* Brach - some bad stats, but some VERY good ones! 5.74 ERA with 32 H and 23 BB in 31.1 IP...WAY too many walks, BUT 36 Ks and only 1 HR....276 BAA, 1.76 WHIP.
Better lately, maybe he can help in the 2nd half??
A Team mixed bag, too...44-37 is rather disappointing, but 1st place in NLC isn't.
-
Having gotten to see Kimbrel's entire performance (thanks, Youtuber) the most important thing is the stuff was there. He did lose a tick of velocity to the last couple of hitters but for a first performance, he really doesn't look like he's lost anything. It's just going to come down to command for him - if he manages to keep his walks at his pre-2018 2nd half levels you know he's going to be very tough.
-
Adrenaline is a wonderful thing.
-
Adrenaline is a wonderful thing.
SPOCK: All decks have reported green, Mister Bailey.
BAILEY: Yes, sir.
SPOCK: And when the Captain arrives he will expect a full report on
BAILEY: The cube's range and position. I'll have it by then. Raising my voice back there doesn't mean I was scared or couldn't do my job. It means I happen to have a human thing called an adrenaline gland.
SPOCK: It does sound most inconvenient, however. Have you considered having it removed?
BAILEY: Very funny.
SULU: You try to cross brains with Spock, he'll cut you to pieces every time.
-
Kimbrel wasn’t at his best yesterday. His breaking ball was ineffective and he only had one swinging strike out of 20 pitches. Wiggled through and got a good ending—kind of like we saw post-season a year ago. Think he will be mostly better going forward.
-
He was also dominating guys with his fastball. They were consistently late and Freeman's fairly routine (if Kimbrel had been awake) ground out was the hardest contact anybody made on a fastball.
-
Hamels throws two warmup pitches in the 2nd then walks off the field with an injury. Not good.
-
And the first pitch from Montgomery goes for a homer. He does not look good at all this year.
-
Hamels throws two warmup pitches in the 2nd then walks off the field with an injury. Not good.
Ugh. That's really bad.
-
Hamels throws two warmup pitches in the 2nd then walks off the field with an injury. Not good.
Hopefully, it's just something like a blister but that's not likely.
-
Jess Rogers speculates Hamels has been dealing with a back issue.
-
On top of all their other problems, now their best starter is gone. Things are looking up.
-
Hamels felt something in his left side. Hopefully it's something minor and not an oblique injury.
-
At least it's not shoulder/elbow.
-
I am old enough to remember when there was a fair amount of enthusiasm about Montgomery. Probably not so much any more. He and Brach seem like the most expendable among the current roster's pitchers. This game presumably won't help either chances much.
-
Poor MOntgomery puts on 9 baserunners in 2.1 innings... but his WHIP was already so high, will it even make a noticable difference?
I think you've just got to get him off the roster somehow.
-
I am old enough to remember when there was a fair amount of enthusiasm about Montgomery. Probably not so much any more. He and Brach seem like the most expendable among the current roster's pitchers. This game presumably won't help either chances much.
I think the issue with Montgomery is that right now he's obviously not healthy.
-
Len on the broadcast wishing Don Baylor a happy 70th birthday today.
Unfortunately, Baylor died two years ago.
-
...He and Brach seem like the most expendable among the current roster's pitchers. This game presumably won't help either chances much.
Ron, Brach's gotten out both of the batters he's faced! (At least thus far...)
-
Ron, Brach's gotten out both of the batters he's faced! (At least thus far...)
It’s a tough crowd in Today’s Game.
-
Might be time for Montgomery to feel something in his left side and go to the IL.
-
It’s a tough crowd in Today’s Game.
Just trying to fit in. :-[
-
Just trying to fit in. :-[
With tonight’s performance, half of the Cubs roster should be released.
(that’s how you fit in, Ron).
-
Len on the broadcast wishing Don Baylor a happy 70th birthday today.
Unfortunately, Baylor died two years ago.
Nitpicker
-
With tonight’s performance, half of the Cubs roster should be released.
(that’s how you fit in, Ron).
I'm a slow learner, but I'll try to improve.
-
Going to Toy Story 4 was a smart choice.
-
Yes, Goc forgive people should comment about the Cubs being mediocre and playing dumb baseball when they're mediocre for months and playing dumb baseball.
You want positivity? Brach has been pretty good the last couple of weeks. Maybe he's figured something out.
-
My comment was simply that I missed this dumpster fire. I didn’t read a single thing anybody posted. I hope Hamels is ok.
-
Deeg 50% positive tonight—-which raises overall positive quotient by 300%.
-
Sucky Cubs trying to get back in game with three-spot.
-
I believe in admitting it when you say something stupid. Mea culpa.
Bleacher Nation
Verified account
@BleacherNation
More Bleacher Nation Retweeted Ryan
Not that I want to get lulled into anything, but he *HAS* been quite good for more of his relief career than not. Struggled in the first half last year, then was fantastic. FWIW. No refunds.Bleacher Nation added,
Ryan
Verified account
@RyanQDavis
Brad Brach’s last six appearances: 7 1/3 innings, 4 H, 1 ER (so far), 2 BB, 11 K. Today he even hit 95 mph a few times. It’s possible he’s coming around.
Sahadev Sharma
Verified account
@sahadevsharma
He's had stuff all season and since the awful start with walks, those have dropped quite a bit. He's failed to execute when ahead for a stretch, but combo of his history and the stuff still being there always pointed to "give it some time"
-
Oblique strain for Hamels, immediate IR. See you in September, most likely.
-
Heyward is HOT!!!
-
Heyward, holy cow. Nice.
-
Still 1-0 after 7. Cishek nicked Dietrich, then seemed ready to walk the next guy. But he sliced one towards RF line, Heyward made nice running catch, Dietrich had thought it might be a hit and had gone too far, Heyward doubled him off on a close play, Rizzo with a nice grab of one-hop throw from Heyward.
Man it would be fun to hold on and win a 1-0 game. And would be nice to get to Kimbrel with the lead still. maybe adding a run would be fun, too?
Dietrich blunder is a reminder that other teams makes mistakes and get outed on the bases, too.
-
Baez! Opposite field grand slam. 5-0 in the 8th. Nice!
-
Nice win. Let's take the series tomorrow.
-
9 pitch inning for Maples.
Every pitch was a breaking ball.
Took longer for Bell to be ejected on the HBP than it took Maples to get three outs.
-
With Maples out there, a third HBP was certainly within the realm of possibility. That would have been top-shelf entertainment.
-
TERRIFIC win today!! Quintana beating their ace is really sweet!!
Great game by Heyward and Baez' bomb was awesome! Javy is awesome!
-
Another nice job by the bullpen, for the most part. They've gotten a lot of grief, but really it seems for the most part lately, most of them have been reasonable. Obviously in this juiced-ball season, they're not going to be great. Chatwood has been bad and little used in relief. Montgomery has been automatically consistently terrible since the Miami game.
They aren't going to be shut-down dominators, and they aren't going to be consistent, I get that. But I kinda feel like if you just got Montgomery out of there, I'd be OK to take my chances with the rest.
Ryan's been fine; Kintzler has been totally fine; Cishek is OK. Brach's often been OK, I think. Wick's been excellent in his couple of innings. Strop hasn't pitched a lot, but I think he'll be OK. Hopefully Kimbrel will be more than OK. Maples lobbed in some sliders around the zone today, too.
I've got to assume that poor MM's days are numbered, and that one of these days instead of sending down Maples or Wick, it will be MM that goes off.
deeg has noted that he's obviously pitching hurt. I wonder. Earlier during the spring, I would have thought that Maddon's spaced out usage, the absense of any back-to-back's, would seem consistent with that, and the Cubs were protecting him. But now the fact that he hasn't been DL'd het almost suggests otherwise; if he's got something that they know about, and he's pitching consistently badly, then you'd think they would have DL'd him many appearances ago. Kind of a strange deal. Almost like they can't DL him because they don't have any basis other than performance.
-
Jesse Rogers
Verified account
@ESPNChiCubs
Follow Follow @ESPNChiCubs
More
Pedro Strop on Puig: “It’s not a secret he’s stupid. He’s stupid as f—-.”
-
That will probably be on the Reds bulletin board Sunday morning.
-
Let me understand this. As soon as we spend big bucks for Kimbrel the boys begin to play "screw the closer.'
-
Didn’t see the game live, but in the highlights there were a couple *really* nice framing jobs by Caratini
-
The stats say Caratini has greatly improved as a framer.
In other news, Cishek has thrown three straight days. You'd certainly hope he gets tomorrow off.
-
Since the beginning of May, Lester has a 4.41 ERA in 65-1/3 IP with 12 HR allowed.
-
And the Cubs let Puig get some revenge.
Maples still stinks at the ML level.
-
4-run 8th for the Reds off Maples and Ryan. They are 5-8 w/ RISP. The Cubs are 1-10.
-
Cubs now 2-10 after Heyward 2-run shot.
-
First losing month since May 2017.
-
Kinda surprised Joe didn't get Kimbrel an inning today. Surely he needs regular work?
-
See we're off to a roaring start again. Down 4-0 four batters in.
-
Only 35 pitches in the 1st for Alzolay when the team badly needs innings.
-
Baez homers to start the 2nd, then the Cubs proceed to go down on 8 pitches.
-
Bell hits his second homer of the game and it's 6-1.
-
Two more hits and it's 7-1.
Theo should probably do mop-up duty to atone for this lack of farm system pitching.
-
Based loaded for Bryant in the 4th down 7-4.
-
Chris gags and chokes down the Cubs comeback so he can set up the possible Bryant failure.
-
Better than what you gag and choke on.
Why would Bryant fail though? He's an MVP.
-
If you weren't sure, nobody posted during the Cubs "comeback" which consisted of three runs helped along by an infield single, a hit batter, and a hit by Brad Brach, plus a horrible baserunning play by Almora in the middle, to pull them to 7-4 down.
Phew, now Jeff can relax his chubby.
-
Ladies and gentlemen, I present Chris27.
-
Do you think you have an audience? I realize it's clown nose off at the moment, but there IS no audience.
-
(https://i.imgur.com/zGHQb4O.gif?2)
-
Do you think you have an audience? I realize it's clown nose off at the moment, but there IS no audience.
Good Lord, the irony.
-
Do you think you have an audience? I realize it's clown nose off at the moment, but there IS no audience.
To highlight your <fill in the blank>? There is always an audience.
-
Pretty sure there is a difference between commenting on the game and whatever it is you call it when you decide to whine about what I say or don't say during a game. But if you feel that's ironic, you go right ahead.
-
Kimbrel's given up two homers and a double off the top of the wall.
-
Cubs down 5-0 in the 5th inning with Hendricks having come out after three innings and Maples and Montgomery in to allow more runs.
-
Didn't see any of the game, but Montgomery's numbers didn't look bad. If you're really stretching for a bright side.
-
Yes, I didn't have a chance to watch any of it. But box-score wise, after giving the HR, walk, and deep out to his first three batters, his subsequent several innings are his best outing since his good Miami outing. (At the time of the HR, the radio announcers notes that was 6HR in 24 innings, at that time.)
-
Montgomery came in to face a lefty batter with two outs, two runners on base, and the score a manageable 2-0 deficit.
First batter faced—three-run homer to make it a 5-0 deficit.
Nice that he pitched well after that, but the homer is a bigger deal. Would consider this a poor outing.
-
Montgomery came in to face a lefty batter with two outs, two runners on base, and the score a manageable 2-0 deficit.
First batter faced—three-run homer to make it a 5-0 deficit.
Nice that he pitched well after that, but the homer is a bigger deal. Would consider this a poor outing.
Sometimes his outings look like instant replays. Seriously.
-
Montgomery got the last out/save of game 7 of the WS, so he always will be on the hero side of Cubs history.
Will always appreciate the guy. But, now needs to pitch better.
-
Montgomery got the last out/save of game 7 of the WS, so he always will be on the hero side of Cubs history.
Will always appreciate the guy. But, now needs to pitch better for someone else.
I added three words, Reb.
-
Unfortunate that they didn't deal him when he actually had some value.
-
Contreras makes his first career start in RF tonight. Bryant and Heyward sit.
-
Montgomery came in to face a lefty batter with two outs, two runners on base, and the score a manageable 2-0 deficit.
First batter faced—three-run homer to make it a 5-0 deficit.
Nice that he pitched well after that, but the homer is a bigger deal. Would consider this a poor outing.
Sure, it's a poor outing, but compared to his other work since the Miami game, it was still comparatively less poor. Progress on the anti-awful scale! :)
-
Any word on Zobrist coming back? Descalso has not come close to providing equal value filling in for him.
-
Interesting to see both Caratini and Contreras in the lineup today. As long as Caratini keeps hitting I think that's an option you have to consider using more often.
-
Has there ever been any major Cub acquisition more maddening than Yu Darvish?
-
Has there ever been any major Cub acquisition more maddening than Yu Darvish?
Were you here for Heyward's first three seasons?
-
For me, Caratini is out there every day as long as he's hitting. He or Willy can play the OF - plenty of prime benchable options.
Darvish has a very low pitch count. Send him back out there for the 7th?
-
Would be nice to get Yu a win here. Another mixed bag of a performance but there are positives - very efficient, no walks, gave the team 6.2 when the pen was stretched.
-
Well, today should be a good test of where Kimbrel is at.
-
This is why we got him.
-
Apparently Contreras made some kind of crazy throw from RF?
-
Just a good solid accurate throw to nail the runner trying to score from second on a single.
-
It would be a killer to lose this one.
-
Everything 94-95, as low as 93.
-
you got to put your gold glover in right in ninth
-
Kimbrel was fine. Defense failed him. I’m ready to see Maddon go.
-
It would be a killer to lose this one.
You were saying?
-
Is Heyward hurt? Why wasn't he in for defense in the 9th?
-
Heyward is hurting I suppose. But why not walk Frazier? Set up the double play. Force at all bags. He fell asleep like our players have the last month. He’s got to go.
-
Heyward is hurting I suppose. But why not walk Frazier? Set up the double play. Force at all bags. He fell asleep like our players have the last month. He’s got to go.
He doesn't seem to have any answers at this point, to be sure. Since he's pretty much a lock to be gone after the season anyway, maybe you do think about making a change now and trying to get some kind of bounce out of it.
Unable to watch anything in the 9th, and I gather the D let Kimbrel down. But his velocity drop is a legit concern.
-
You missed Monday when Kimbrel gave up two homers and another ball off the wall?
-
This isn’t a playoff team.
-
Closers should be judged in closing situations. Not when they are inserted into a game down 8 runs to “get some work in”
-
I think we can judge a guy who has been dominant throughout his career getting kicked around regardless of what the score was. He wasn't dominant at Iowa, he's been bad all three games with the Cubs, and he was awful the second half last year. Velos down 4/5 mph, command's way off.
-
Kimbrel set up the inning by walking the light-hitting catcher. Stuff didn't get swing-and-miss. And the sac fly was very hard-hit ball, nothing fluky there.
Interesting that there were two misplays defensively by two guys playing relatively unfamiliar positions. Contreras just flat missed the fly ball. He had a long long run to get there, but he did get there, had to slow down a little bit at the end, and was not at full stretch or anything, he pulled his glove in a little bit to avoid overrunning. He just flat missed the fly ball. But, the guy hasn't played much outfield. Has he ever had a long-run play like that?
Then Russell, who hasn't played that much 2nd, threw to the plate unsuccessfully, including a crow-hop.
Both perhaps plays that guys with more experience at those positions might have processed more effectively.
-
The expected batting average on Kang's 9th-inning "double" is .040.
-
The expected batting average on Kang's 9th-inning "double" is .040.
Does that factor in the actual defensive positioning? They were playing pretty deep, I think, to prevent deep doubles?
-
Does that factor in the actual defensive positioning? They were playing pretty deep, I think, to prevent deep doubles?
Is defensive position taken into consideration on hit probability? I don't know. Seems rather pointless if it isn't.
-
The infield was back which ordinarily signals getting the out not cutting off the run. Russell should not have thrown home.
If Heyward is hurt, even Bryant would be a better, faster right fielder than Contreras. If Heyward isn't hurt, why are we taking our hottest hitter out of our lineup during a losing streak. I'm confused.
-
The infield was back which ordinarily signals getting the out not cutting off the run. Russell should not have thrown home.
If Heyward is hurt, even Bryant would be a better, faster right fielder than Contreras. If Heyward isn't hurt, why are we taking our hottest hitter out of our lineup during a losing streak. I'm confused.
Steve Greenberg
Verified account @SLGreenberg
60m60 minutes ago
Maddon: "If the ball's hit hard, you have a shot at it. Otherwise, just get the out."
Russell: "I think personally I was just a little bit too far back, and I had to move to my left. It would’ve had to be a perfect play. I don’t regret my decision going home." #Cubs
Jesse Rogers
Russell said getting experience on a play like that is "huge" going forward since he hasn't played a lot of second base.
I think what happened is pretty clear. Russell screwed up.
-
Heyward is hurting I suppose. But why not walk Frazier? Set up the double play. Force at all bags. He fell asleep like our players have the last month. He’s got to go.
There was nothing to lose and everything to gain by walking the bases full. This loss belongs to the manager.
In case anyone missed it, the play by Contreras in the 8th was outstanding for any right fielder. For a catcher starting in right field for the first time, ti was amazing. He charges a single to right field and threw a perfect one hop to Caratini, who made an excellent catch and tag with not an inch to spare. It would have been a play for Heyward to be proud of. It is extremely unfortunate that the next inning, Contreras made a play that contributed greatly to the loss.
-
Is defensive position taken into consideration on hit probability? I don't know. Seems rather pointless if it isn't.
Len said that the catch probability of that ball was 40 percent. Considering the positioning, that seems reasonable.
-
an experienced right fielder would have made the play
-
Contreras is faster than many experienced right fielders. Even with his speed, he barely got to the ball. Certainly, his lack of experience caused him to miss the ball, but statcast felt that 60 percent of the right fielders would not have gotten to it at all.
-
Len said that the catch probability of that ball was 40 percent. Considering the positioning, that seems reasonable.
The catcher almost caught up to the ball in time, but it knocked off his glove and down for a double, despite an expected batting average of .040.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-lose-lead-in-walk-off-loss-to-pirates
-
Think Len's got a math issue. That's 4%, not 40%.
Garcia has struck out with the bases loaded and dropped a double play ball in his first inning.
-
Cubs do have two solo homers though. It's homer or bust.
-
In 4th inning, Cubs up 21-6 in total bases (and even in walks) but only up by 1 run. Ugh.
-
ChicagoCubsOnline @TheCCO 7m7 minutes ago
Way to go Joe! For years, #Pirates have thrown at the other team. League has to put an end to Hurdle's Headhunters #Cubs
Maddon was tossed.
Earlier in the inning a Cub fouled a ball that bounced all the way back to Lyles who already had a new ball. He put both of them in his glove and then tossed one back to the plate. Joe West caught the possible deception and gave him a third ball. Maddon probably saw that too.
-
Now Bote hit in the helmet.
-
9-3 Cubs going into the bottom of the fifth.
-
Now 11-3 Cubs. Robel Garcia needs a double to hit for the cycle.
-
Cubs with 4 homers, 4 doubles, 2 triples through 6 innings. 35 total bases.
-
Cubs with 4 homers, 4 doubles, 2 triples through 6 innings. 35 total bases.
Well, that's more like it.
-
That’s how you make a statement in the run-differential standings.
-
Garcia got screwed by Joe West in the 9th with a shot at the cycle.
-
If the plan was for Russell to pimp his trade value, might be time for a re-think.
-
In 141 PAs, Russell has 0.6 WAR (both fWAR and bWAR). So, that’s about 2.5 WAR pro-rated as a regular—a slighly above average regular.
-
Cubs are 36-20 when Russell doesn't start, 10-22 when he does. Could that be a coincidence? Sure, it could. But then, that's a pretty large sample size to be a coincidence.
-
It’s not basketball. You know that, right?
-
Schwarber should hit the ball there more often, even if he doesn’t know where it went.
-
Descalso has 149 PAs as a 2B. That’s why Cubs have poor overall stats at 2B.
Russell has been MLB average at 2B offensively and above average at 2B defensively.
-
Great 5 run inning. Garcia had a good at bat to get the walk to start it off. He hit a rocket down the line for the DP to end the inning.
Cubs have had it good against Giolito.
Lester has been effective through 6. Pirates are killing the Brewers.
-
Would be fun to hold on and stretch the winning streak to 2 games. Haven't had many of those for a while!
-
Presumably Joe figures Lester's arm is shot already, so what's the harm of throwing him back out there when he's already over 100 pitches.
-
Cishek two snappy outs to finish the 7th; Strop 1-2-3 8th (Bote great play off Eloy). That's the way it's supposed to work.
With 3-run lead, if Kimbrel can pitch to his 16.88 ERA for his one inning, Maddon should be good!
-
Kimbrel velocity:
98FB-97FB-97FB
K
-
Kimbrel velocity:
98FB-97FB-97FB-86SL
HBP
-
Kimbrel velocity:
96FB-97FB-86SL-86SL
K
-
Kimbrel velocity:
96FB-97FB-97FB-96FB-97FB
BB
-
Kimbrel velocity:
87SL-97FB-88SL
K
Cubs win!
-
That was easily the best Kimbrel has looked. Command is still an issue but nice to see mostly 97-98, and a few really nasty curves.
-
Cubs win! Cubs are in first place! Cubs have a 2-game winning streak!
-
Lots of good luck tonight. The Schwarber double was key, barely blooped to the outfield grass.
The last pitch was really lucky, too, Contreras got a great bounce off the wall on Kimbrel's wild pitch to be able to throw out the whiffer. A different bounce and it could have been bases loaded.
-
The league seems to have figured out Nova. Why can't the Cubs?
-
Nova has 2.15 ERA against Indians this season in 3 starts (21 IP).
Why? Happens all the time in baseball. Just happens.
-
Cubs went 0-5 with 3 K's in the all-star game.
-
No weather forecast...no line ups...its a sad sitiation...all 0's top of the 2nd Yu 3Ks
-
5-5 after 3...K-wise.
-
JAVY!!!!....with a single....7-6 Yu leadi
ng
-
Melky ruins it for Yu, still up 7-6 K-wise.
-
Love your game log, dev! Thanks.
Best game thus far of Yu's Cubs career, it would be fun if the Cubs get him some runs and he picked up his first win in Wrigley. :) Today's going to be the day.
-
No batters have been hit yet?
-
Bryant hit a clutch, late-inning, game-untying HR. Cubs up 1-0 in the 7th.
But, too late for Darvish to get the win
-
Rizzo follows the Bryant HR with a single, and Caratini with as 8 or 9-pitch walk. Two on, no outs; chance to add some cushion?
Archer gets pulled.
-
Heyward with RISP single, Rizzo doesn't score.
Garcia sac-flies him in, 2-0.
Almora gets another RISP single, Caratini doesn't score.
Bote walks, 3-0, bases loaded, still only one out. Chance to break it wide open.
Not quite. Schwarber hits into DP. 3-0 after 7.
Just what Maddon has wanted, late inning lead, Strop for the 8th, KIimbrel for the 9th.
-
Oops, not quite exactly how Maddon wanted it to play out, though. STrop gives up a 1-out double, then a 2-out walk to set up the 3-run Marte HR. 3-3.
Rosario comes in for STrop to get the 3rd out.
-
Poor Darvish. Guy can't get a break.
-
Baez and Rizzo whiff, but Bryant walked in between, they nibble around Caratini again and walk him again.
Heyward rips opposite-field RISP single, Braynt tries to score, and barely slides under the throw for the lead run!
-
Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win!
-
Nice WIN, Rosario.
-
Phenomenal play by Rizzo getting himself to foul side of the bag to receive throw way off the mark for final out.
-
Cubs win on a call-reversal. Chopper to Bote at 3rd, tough play, throw was on the 1st-base foul-line, Rizzo stretching to the max to get it while keeping contact, and immediately left contact after the ball hit his glove. Ump thought he'd maybe been off the bag; replay confirmed a fine play by him. Pirates would have been within 1.5 had they won; big win for the Cubs.
Nice for Kimbrel to have a 1-2-3-inning save with no cushion.
-
Great win for the Cubs, fantastic start by Darvish!!
It's a bummer he didn't get the well-deserved W today, but they will come if he can keep pitching as did today! Awesome job by Yu!
-
When Robel Garcia hit a sac fly that scored that scored Anthony Rizzo in the eighth, that made me wonder how that is treated for RISP.
A sac fly does not count as an at bat but does count as a plate appearance.
The box score shows the Cubs as being 3-6 with RISP. My read of the game recap tells me a sac fly is not factored into RISP. I agree.
-
It's treated like any other sac fly. Will count against OBP with RISP (based on PAs) but not against stats based on official ABs.
-
Poor Darvish. Guy can't get a break.
You have to wonder if this is just one of those years where a pitcher has no luck. He's pitched damn well the last six weeks and gotten no breaks and no run support.
-
Tony Andracki
Verified account
@TonyAndracki23
3h3 hours ago
More
Darvish petitioned to start the 1st game of 2nd half. Why?
"Last year, I didn't do anything. I want to pitch a lot of games this year. I know the first game after the All-Star Break is tough for the pitcher and everybody, but I believe I can do it, so I told him I can pitch."
-
The Pirate fan sitting behind Pink Hat Guy can't be very happy.
7-0 Cubs after one.
-
Wow wow wow wow. What a great first inning. 7-0.
5-6 thus with RISP before the 3rd out. :)
3 walked guys scored.
-
Lester 2-RBI single in the first, adds an opposite-field HR in the 3rd. 8-0.
-
The homers by Lester and Contreras are medium-range flyouts with a normal ball. I'm surprised pitchers haven't revolted.
-
And if you think I'm exaggerating:
https://www.mlb.com/video/jon-lester-homers-1-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-center-field
https://www.mlb.com/video/willson-contreras-homers-19-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-center-field-kris-bryant-scor
-
Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win! With 10-3 lead and 2 outs in the 7th, Maddon uses 3 relievers to get the last 7 outs.
-
That would be among the half dozen prettiest double-plays I've ever seen.
-
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/video/cubs-turn-dazzling-game-ending-dp
-
Yeah, that's a pretty amazing DP. Fun. I admit with a 6-run lead, I might have advised both Baez and Russell to just go low-risk and just make sure they got one out! :) But man, the high-risk stuff sure looks flashy when it works!
-
Could be Joe was trying to get every body a little work after the layoff.
-
Despite pitching yesterday, Cishek used with a 6-run lead. Unbelievable.
Another late-inning arm has to be as big a priority as a bat.
-
Of a manager that doesn't burn people needlessly.
-
Rosario and Cishek had both pitched yesterday, so it wasn't about getting either of them work.
-
Cishek threw 8 pitches yesterday and 2 pitches today. So, think he will be just fine with this kind of heavy usage. Another 5 pitches and he might have to get oxygen from the stress.
Think that Maddon did not want to have to get Kimbrel warming up if he brought Montgomery or Brach in and they got into trouble. Another couple baserunners and you have to get Kimbrel ready.
Five relievers pitched Friday and Kintzler, who did not work Friday, pitched already this game. Montgomery has been awful, so can understand bypassing him with a Cubs lead late. Chatwood usually needs more time to warm up and is the long man or even a starter now. Maybe Maddon wants him available for the Mills start on Tuesday, who knows.
That leaves Brach—-a favorite on this board and a guy most posters want to see work whenever possible. Guess Maddon didn’t see it that way.
-
Maddon knows he's gone after the season, so he's pretty much in survival mode at this point. I doubt he's worrying about burning anyone out.
-
I guess Deeg has written off the possibility that Cubs get to or win the World Series this year and Maddon stays.
And Maddon “knows” it too!
I listen to Maddon and don’t get that. What a performer Joe is to fake that. Very impressive.
It must be miserable to watch these Cubs and already know the outcome.
-
Glad to know the checks are still clearing. Keep the fair and balanced analysis (and the lectures, of course) coming.
Might be time to give Edwards another shot. Not much for him to prove at Iowa.
-
Edwards is rehabbing is shoulder, so maybe proving he’s healthy?
-
Edwards is rehabbing is shoulder, so maybe proving he’s healthy?
Well, he's made three appearances with no reported setbacks. I suppose you could argue they're waiting to pitch him on consecutive days but they hardly ever use him that way even in the majors.
-
He did take a 9-day break between his 2nd and now his 3rd appearance? So I wonder if maybe there was a setback of some kind? I'm just speculating, beats me...
-
There was an all-star break in there for a few of those days.
-
Heyward! Pulls a 2-out homer, 5-3.
Caratini had totally ripped his RBI, but right at the RF for just a sac. Lot of hard-hit contact for the Cubs during the AB's I've had a chance to see.
Not hard-hit was a nice RISP hit by Quintana earlier, boosting his batting average above the 0.029.
-
Almora needs no juiced ball for that one! He killed it, hit it right on the nose with full leverage, way back.
-
Almora and Schwarber back to back 7-3.
-
And Schwarber follows with another, no opposite-field juiced-ball fly there, he HAMMERED that one. Wow.
-
Who are these guys and where have they been the last month or so?
-
Pi$$e$ me off that Maddon won't use Cishek.
-
Hendricks better be on tonight or the Cubs could get swept.
-
Hendricks better be on tonight or the Cubs could get swept.
Agree, this series sets up pretty unfavorably for the Cubs. Castillo is maybe the best pitcher in the league this season; Gray has been hot; and our guy tomorrow can't be expected to be very good. So it looks like three significant-disadvantage pitching matchups.
Would be great if they could squeeze out a win somehow tonight. I almost feel like if they can avoid being swept, and can get even one win out of the series, you'd almost have to be satisfied with that? But given that they just picked up their first series victory in over a month, it would be kinda fun if somehow they managed to squeeze out two victories in this series and won back-to-back series.
I wonder how long it's been since the Cubs have won a series against the Reds? They've been beating us pretty consistently for a while now.
-
I wonder how long it's been since the Cubs have won a series against the Reds? They've been beating us pretty consistently for a while now.
Uh, Cubs swept the Reds in a 4-game series in late August last season and then beat them 2 of 3 in September and won the season series 11-8.
-
If Yasiel Puig was on fire and the only way to extinguish him was to **** on him, would you bother?
-
Cubs up 3-1 after 4. Reds had bases loaded in the 3rd, couple of walks, Puig hit a rocket down the line, Bote knocked it down, scrambled and made a wildish throw, Rizzo made a long stretch and got the 3rd out on a really close play. Huge out, could have been another run, or perhaps a 2- or 3-run double.
Bote led off 3rd with a single, Hendricks failed to bunt, then hit into DP. Uggh. The Schwarber hit a monster HR.
4th, Bryant worked a longish walk, Rizzo his a feeble double down the 3B line against the shift, Caratini chased a batch of low pitches for a K, Heyward hit a hard GB down the line , Votto got it, but Bryant scored and Rizzo advanced. Nice AB for Heyward... again. Russell walked, Rizzo then scored on a wild pitch before Bote whiffed.
Really nice and productive inning for the Cubs.
-
Hendricks snappy 1-2-3 5th. Nice. His pitch count is low enough to get into the 7th.
-
Schwarber with an oppo double. He's having a nice night.
Stranded at 3rd though...:(
-
Hendricks gives up shallow HR to Puig.
-
Bases loaded, 1 out for the Cubs in the 6th...
Bote batting
-
K
-
Robel Garcia PH for Hendricks
-
Terrible AB for Bote.
-
K
-
1-9 w/ RISP, and that hit did not score a run. This shouldn't be a 1-run game.
-
tie game
-
Caratini having tough game, whiffs again after Rizzo leadoff double. Heyward with a RISP hit but not an RBI. Bases loaded, one out, but Bote whiffs badly, again; Garcia runs a full count based loaded, but whiffs on an outstanding pitch by Castillo. That guy has some really good stuff.
-
And it isn't a 1-run game anymore.
-
Cishek gives up the HR on his first pitch.
-
...then a single. Now potential double play ball eats up Baez...:(
-
Cishek gives up the HR on his first pitch.
Because Cishek doesn't get enough work.
-
4-3 as Bote also can't handle a potential double play ball
-
finally, they turn it on the 3 attempt
-
Hard to pinpoint if the defense or relief pitching has been worse tonight.
-
Reds pick up a couple more; did Rizzo miss a pop up with two outs in front of the two outs?
-
Cubs get two on, Almora hits a line drive, Russell heads for 3rd, 3B catches it pretty easily and double off Russell easily. One of those nights.
-
Well. That sucked.
-
Yeah, one that got away.
Really bad Cubs defense tonight. Errors on TWO DP grounders in one inning. Cishek threw three DP grounders in his inning.
The foul pop that wasn’t caught—think that should be the catcher’s ball there. Have noticed that with Caratini generally—not too hot on foul pops. Of course, wind made it a tougher play but that has to be caught.
-
Mills has always been a favorite sleeper of mine.
Just wanted to get that on the record.
If he gets knocked around, I'll own it!
-
Disappointing start for my man.
-
Mills is a reminder of just how special Hendricks is. Mills looks much better out here f pen with some extra velocity.
-
Mills is also a reminder of how awful the pitching in the Theo/Jed farm system is and has been.
-
Jesse Rogers
@ESPNChiCubs
·
That's out No. 40 on the base paths for the Cubs as Almora gets doubled off. First team to 40
-
The Cubs pitching pipeline is actually pretty exciting.
Dietrich is a POS. I respect it, but he is a POS. It would be nice if he was a Cubs instead of Descalso.
-
If by exciting you mean lowly ranked, not much there, 4-A pitchers being used in emergency situations, sure.
-
Cubs again doing nothing offensively despite great hitting conditions. The wind-blown homer is it. Fortunately, Mills has pitched very well since the 1st.
-
It's probably a year too early, but the Reds are going to be a real threat next season and onwards.
-
Thought it was against the rules to intentionally move into pitches.
-
Cubs again doing nothing offensively despite great hitting conditions. The wind-blown homer is it. Fortunately, Mills has pitched very well since the 1st.
There was no wind blowing when Garcia hit his homer.
-
Everyteam needs guys like Mills/Rea as an emergency starter.
There are a large number of bullpen arms in AAA/AA
Alzolay, Marquez and Gallardo are really interesting arms
Abbott, Richan, Steele, Lange, Little, Miller are nice depth guys.
Riley Thompson is all kinds on interesting
Cruz, Correa, Franklin, etc are all a ways away and interesting. The Cubs have so really interesting arms.
-
There was no wind blowing when Garcia hit his homer.
So it just kept carrying on its own then.
-
Gallardo's 17. Marquez has been mediocre at 20 in Low-A ball. Lange and Little were 1st-round picks; that they are being referred to as depth guys says something. Cruz has been hurt all year until tonight. Steele's either been hurt or subpar his career.
Alzolay and his questionable mechanics, and Abbott might be about it. We'll see with Franklin.
-
So it just kept carrying on its own then.
What is your point. Len and JD have said that there was little to no wind blowing. Do you feel that, being there, they are not in as good a position to judge the wind than you are, watching it on television? There comes a time when cynicism is merely stupidity.
-
Dammit, get Cishek in there.
-
What is your point. Len and JD have said that there was little to no wind blowing. Do you feel that, being there, they are not in as good a position to judge the wind than you are, watching it on television? There comes a time when cynicism is merely stupidity.
My point is the ball was wind blown. It clearly carried. But if you want to pretend otherwise or that saying so is cynicism--which makes no fu-king sense--or stupidity, if that makes your night, have at it.
-
There is no wind blowing tonight. At least, no wind at my house a few blocks from Wrigley.
-
As I said in my follow-up post that got the indignant response, the ball just carried then. Senzel drifted as if he was playing a flyout until it reached the front row. Len referred to it as a Wrigley homer though he was suggesting that was due to short power alleys.
-
Almora whiffs on a wild pitch, could have been an easy free base. But he didn't realize and was heading off to the dugout. Bummer, wasted opportunity. Could have had 1st and 3rd one out.
O well.
-
My point is the ball was wind blown. It clearly carried. But if you want to pretend otherwise or that saying so is cynicism--which makes no fu-king sense--or stupidity, if that makes your night, have at it.
Chris, you're being an idiot. How can a ball be wind blown, when there is no wind blowing? The announcers have mentioned it, and since I last posted, they have shown totally limp flags in the outfield several times. There comes a time when it is best to just give it up.
-
Kudos to Kimbrel for getting out of it, but that wasn't the sort of inning that inspires much confidence.
-
Schwarber muscled that one out.
-
Schwarber! Pops one just into the basket!
-
Win(d)!
-
Chris, you're being an idiot. How can a ball be wind blown, when there is no wind blowing? The announcers have mentioned it, and since I last posted, they have shown totally limp flags in the outfield several times. There comes a time when it is best to just give it up.
Dave, you ignorant sl ut. The wind is blowing straight down, that's why the flags are hanging.
-
Juiced ball, thank you very much. :)
-
Very fine outing by the bullpen. Four shutout innings, nicely done.
And very fun to have Scharber, who had such historically anti-clutch stats last year, fun to see him get a game winner.
-
See how the wind blew that straight down into the basket?
-
So, Curt, do you think Cishek will be available tonorrow?
-
Kimbrel sure as hell won't be.
-
After going 1.2 innings yesterday, and then again pitching in two innings tonight, I'm guessing Iglesias might not be available tomorrow afternoon, probably?
-
Chris, you're being an idiot. How can a ball be wind blown, when there is no wind blowing? The announcers have mentioned it, and since I last posted, they have shown totally limp flags in the outfield several times. There comes a time when it is best to just give it up.
Thanks again for the condescending personal shots.
Since you ignored two of my posts now, I'll mention a third time that the ball carried wind or not. BTW, showing a lack of wind in the 9th has no relevance to what was happening three hours earlier.
Maybe you should give it up. You are A) arguing with yourself at this point and B) having conniptions over a pretty irrelevant comment. Think about that.
-
Pretty significant win tonight. Gotta show the Reds some fight, and they did tonight.
-
Dave, you ignorant sl ut. The wind is blowing straight down, that's why the flags are hanging.
Sorry.
But in my defense, I am NOT ignorant.
-
So, Curt, do you think Cishek will be available tonorrow?
Of course, he's a horse!
-
HUGE win tonight!! Great to see Robel and Kris and Kyle put the runs on the board with big flies, whether wind-aided or not.
JeffH, your man on the mound did a REALLY nice job of hanging in there vs a tough lineup after a super rough start! Now that's a high-quality outing that enabled the Cubs to win the game!
-
Kimbrel, by the way, looked really wild. Heh heh, looked kind of like Maples with even less control! :)
-
Cubs have the exact same record as the World Champion Red Sox—-who are 10 games behind the Yankees.
-
Kimbrel, by the way, looked really wild. Heh heh, looked kind of like Maples with even less control! :)
15 balls, 10 strikes
-
Gallardo's 17. Marquez has been mediocre at 20 in Low-A ball. Lange and Little were 1st-round picks; that they are being referred to as depth guys says something. Cruz has been hurt all year until tonight. Steele's either been hurt or subpar his career.
Alzolay and his questionable mechanics, and Abbott might be about it. We'll see with Franklin.
The only guy that is concerned about Alzolay’s mechanics is the painguy you quoted from Twitter. The same guy that tweeted out Skaggs mechanics would lead to an injury days after he died. So he’s like not a great source.
Gallerado is 17 in AZL, he exciting. Marquez is a lefty that throws 100 late in games, he exciting.
-
Bryant and Russell with solo HR. No judgement on if they where wind aided or not.
-
Darvish K's Puig on a 10-pitch AB to end the 4th. Even with that long AB, he's still at 58 pitches through 4.
Not to jinx him, but I've never seen his fastball look so good. In some of the earlier games this spring, I felt like he really struggled to throw his fastball for strikes, and rarely used it. Seemed like more a change-of-pace pitch. But today he's been throwing it for strikes, throwing it pretty often, throwing some for strikes, and not missing badly for those that aren't.
Nice to see, hope it continues.
-
The only guy that is concerned about Alzolay’s mechanics is the painguy you quoted from Twitter. The same guy that tweeted out Skaggs mechanics would lead to an injury days after he died. So he’s like not a great source.
Gallerado is 17 in AZL, he exciting. Marquez is a lefty that throws 100 late in games, he exciting.
Marquez has never pitched late in a game. He hit 100 in the 2nd inning of a game earlier this year.
Gallardo is, again, 17. If he starts dominating at 17--something he is not doing--than maybe we can reassess.
The "painguy" is pretty highly thought of and many of his warnings about mechanics have come to fruition.
-
Senzel leadoff double in the 6th, advances to 3rd on Votto groundout, gets thrown out on the plate on a nice play by Bote on grounder by Suarez.
Nice play.
-
Darvish blows a fastball past Puig to get through the 6th. 2-0, 83 pitches, what a game he's having. Would be nice to score some runs, and help get him a Wrigley field win.....
In Puig AB, he was missing the target by a lot. Caratini called for fastball high; Darvish missed low. K-pitch was called for up-and-outside edge, pitch came in a little inside of middle. But at 98 or 97, he's still pretty hard to hit, and just because a catcher wants it someplace, doesn't mean it's any easier on the batter if it comes in someplace else.
-
Interesting, Maddon pinch-hits for Darvish in the 7th at 83 pitches. Schwarber slices a large drive to left, caught, bummer.
Maddon may be perhaps hoping to keep a great Darvish outing great, and not to let it get spoiled by a bad inning? If he gave up a baserunner and a HR in the 7th, maybe nobody would remember how well he'd pitched for the previous 6?
Ryan will come in for the 7th. Sure hope the bullpen can hold it for Darvish. Obviously for the team and the standings and all that too.
-
Ryan comes in and quickly hits Ervin to bring the tying run to bat.
Darvish had drilled Dietrich in the knee, he got pulled out, looked to hurt pretty bad. No fault of Dietrich on that one....
-
Caratini picks off Iglesias! Ryans gets out of the 7th.
-
Iglesias had gotten a really feeble seeing-eye ground-single. Almora made an over-the-shoulder deep-center catch for the 2nd out. Ryan got to 2-0 pitch, threw ball-three pitch before Caratini threw guy out.
reds challenge, call stands. Tie goes to the runner, so I think he maybe should have been safe, and had he been originally been called safe he'd have certainly stayed safe. Huge play. Fun.
-
Heyward! 2-run double, 4-0. Bryant and Rizzo walked leading off, Caratini whiffed, wild pitch got runners to 2nd-3rd. Heyward ripped several balls foul, finally kept one fair. Huge hit.
-
If the Cubs aren't careful, Darvish may get his first win at Wrigley
-
Kimbrel with a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save.
-
Kimbrel looked great today. Threw strikes, fastball control was good. Really nice!
-
Yu finally gets a Cubs home win!
-
Excellent outing again for Darvish. Good series win.
-
Marquez has never pitched late in a game. He hit 100 in the 2nd inning of a game earlier this year.
Gallardo is, again, 17. If he starts dominating at 17--something he is not doing--than maybe we can reassess.
The "painguy" is pretty highly thought of and many of his warnings about mechanics have come to fruition.
Marquez hold his velocity into the 5-6 inning. That is holding it late.
A 17 year old going up against 18-19 or college guys doesn't need to dominate. Gleyber Torres had a wRC+ of 119 in Arizona as a 17 year old.
Thepainguy is literally his Twitter handle. He tweets alot about various pitchers that he thinks are going to get hurt that seems to be the extent of it. Teams are adopting his philosophy, they are literally going in the opposite direction. He's a Cardinals fan, so I get the appeal for you.
-
Marquez hold his velocity into the 5-6 inning. That is holding it late.
A 17 year old going up against 18-19 or college guys doesn't need to dominate. Gleyber Torres had a wRC+ of 119 in Arizona as a 17 year old.
Thepainguy is literally his Twitter handle. He tweets alot about various pitchers that he thinks are going to get hurt that seems to be the extent of it. Teams are adopting his philosophy, they are literally going in the opposite direction. He's a Cardinals fan, so I get the appeal for you.
Not that it's relevant, but there are no reports of Marquez hitting 100 into either the 5th or 6th inning, much less "late."
And the person in question has multiple websites and works with baseball players rather than just being someone who makes claims on Twitter.
http://www.chrisoleary.com/
http://clients.chrisoleary.com/
But go ahead and keep spewing BS while taking moronic potshots instead of conversing properly. It really helps your "arguments."
-
Outstanding save by Kimbrel. One of the first times, I think, that Kintzler got the 8th inning. Gave up some hits and a couple of runs. One of the hits was after the guy had check-swung, and was kind of walking down the line knowing he'd K'd, but the umps said no.
The Heyward insurance double was huge, and getting another run in the 8th was really nice, too.
Having even one guy really hot makes such a huge difference, and Bryant has been. Hope he can sustain that for a while.
Announcers said the win was coming in, so the HR's were definitely not assisted ones, both were really well hit.
Really helpful to get a HR from Russell, getting a little offense to go with his defense is really a treat. Nice to see him pull a solid HR.
-
Getting those two HR's in the first two innings really changes the tone of the game. Going some innings straight without doing much offensively feels a lot better with a lead.
And playing with a lead helps to shape the relief usage. Cubs got the 3-runs added on, but because they'd already established the lead, they got to face the Reds lesser relievers. Had it been tied or Reds leading, I doubt they're seeing David Hernandez.
I'd thought the pitching matchups looked unfavorable for this series; really great to win the series anyway, and win back-to-back series after having now won any series in over a month previous.
Games are way more fun when you win!
-
Other thought: we might be talking differently if the relievers had lost the lead.
But I actually thought it was kind of a good move to pull Darvish early.
1. He's had a great game, two of them really. His self-confidence is probably better now than it's been as a Cub. I think it's often good to take a guy out on a high, rather than to risk letting that get clouded.
2. Darivsh pitching this way is huge. if he could do that regularly, that would change a lot. But keeping his arm fresh, and throwing a strong fastball, is part of that. Getting him out on a low, unstressed pitch count versus pushing him to his max, might pay off later.
3. He'd ended up whiffing Puig, but I'd thought his location was starting to waiver. Maybe best to take him out before he loses it?
4. Schwarber's gotten some big hits, and almost got a double pinch-hitting; Going for a run instead of keeping Yu for one more inning, when you might be pulling him if he got into any trouble anyway, made sense.
Anyway, really fun win, and series.
-
Darvish has 1 BB and 21 Ks in 18.2 IP in July (12 hits). 9 walks and 53 Ks in 48 IP since June 1.
Based on stuff, Darvish always figured to be our #1 starter. Maybe we've finally reached that point.
-
But I actually thought it was kind of a good move to pull Darvish early.
1. He's had a great game, two of them really. His self-confidence is probably better now than it's been as a Cub. I think it's often good to take a guy out on a high, rather than to risk letting that get clouded.
2. Darivsh pitching this way is huge. if he could do that regularly, that would change a lot. But keeping his arm fresh, and throwing a strong fastball, is part of that. Getting him out on a low, unstressed pitch count versus pushing him to his max, might pay off later.
3. He'd ended up whiffing Puig, but I'd thought his location was starting to waiver. Maybe best to take him out before he loses it?
4. Schwarber's gotten some big hits, and almost got a double pinch-hitting; Going for a run instead of keeping Yu for one more inning, when you might be pulling him if he got into any trouble anyway, made sense.
Anyway, really fun win, and series.
As Craig notes, pulling Darvish after 6 innings is not entirely a pitching decision, as it would be in the AL with the DH. If it were, guessing that Maddon perhaps leaves Darvish in the game for the 7th inning.
One of the components of the DH is, of course, that the manager makes pitching decisions based more on actual pitching considerations without having to balance the benefit of using a pinch hitter to open the offensive inning. Had Maddon thought Darvish could go TWO more innings, probably a different decision here.
-
I think Joe is still being overprotective of Yu, treating him as if he's mentally weak. No deeper explanation than that. Now that he's got the first win at Wrigley (and has been our best SP for the past month or longer) maybe he'll loosen the reins a little.
-
Deeg, things have gone so bad for Yu for so long that I think it is important to try to rebuild his confidence. I don't think he's mentally weak, but that long streak of mediocre-to-bad performance combined with bad luck has to affect most pitchers.
Not everybody is Jon Lester.
Joe has been doing some dopey things over the last year plus, but I think how he's treating Yu is OK. I just hope he gradually leans on him more as the season progresses.
-
I think Joe is still being overprotective of Yu, treating him as if he's mentally weak. No deeper explanation than that. Now that he's got the first win at Wrigley (and has been our best SP for the past month or longer) maybe he'll loosen the reins a little.
Darvish has had confidence issues. I thought that was obvious to everybody, no?
Would not characterize someone like that as "mentally weak"---nor do I think that Maddon thinks in those terms, nor should he. Somebody "mentally weak" would not be competing at the highest level of their sport. Those types wash out early.
Craig pointed out that Maddon may have pinch hit, in part, to ensure that Darvish felt good about an excellent effort. Ifs so, that is Managing 101. Every good manager does that, when appropriate.
-
Deeg, things have gone so bad for Yu for so long that I think it is important to try to rebuild his confidence. I don't think he's mentally weak, but that long streak of mediocre-to-bad performance combined with bad luck has to affect most pitchers.
Not everybody is Jon Lester.
Joe has been doing some dopey things over the last year plus, but I think how he's treating Yu is OK. I just hope he gradually leans on him more as the season progresses.
Jeff, to be clear, it's much more bad luck than bad performances since mid-May. He's been really good. Too many HRs, but really good.
I don't dispute that's Joe's thinking, and in a vacuum I get it. I just think he's taken it a little too far (especially given that the bullpen has already blown two potential wins for Yu in the last month). As I said, hopefully now that he's finally gotten a W at home Maddon will ease off a little.
-
Agreed. The HRs do count, though. To piggyback on Craig's earlier comment, if Yu's fastball command is improving, that should help with the HRs.
A Cubs rotation with Yu pitching well and Hamels healthy is good enough to win a title.
-
Agreed. The HRs do count, though. To piggyback on Craig's earlier comment, if Yu's fastball command is improving, that should help with the HRs.
A Cubs rotation with Yu pitching well and Hamels healthy is good enough to win a title.
The issue with the HRs has overwhelmingly been lefties. LHB are under .250 against him on the season but with 14 HR. Basically the difference between pre and post-TJS Yu has been his effectiveness against LHB. Part of that was attributed to his ditching the splitter - he's started to work that back into the mix (and it's been devastating at times). I think that's also why he's using more cutters now.
The tale of Yu's overall status - is he a TORP or a MORP - will come down to how well he can keep lefties in the ballpark. Of course, Yu has always given up very few H/IP and if he can keep his walk rate low and make the bombs he gives up mostly solo shots, he can still be very good as long as the number isn't stratospheric.
-
What's crazy is that he will probably slot in 4th in a playoff rotation. Whether or not that's right based on merit, if Hamels is healthy, and neither Lester nor Hendricks has fallen off a cliff, it will probably fall out like this:
Lester-Hendricks-Hamels-Darvish with Quintana in the bullpen.
-
All depends on how everybody pitches in the second half (except Lester, who'd get Game 1 if he had a 100.00 ERA the rest of the year). And on if we make the postseason of course.
-
And the person in question has multiple websites and works with baseball players rather than just being someone who makes claims on Twitter.
http://www.chrisoleary.com/
http://clients.chrisoleary.com/
But go ahead and keep spewing BS while taking moronic potshots instead of conversing properly. It really helps your "arguments."
Chris O’Leary having a website where he attempts to sell a product does not make him an expert. He lists zero MLB/minor league pitchers that he has helped on his website.
O’Leary routinely will blame a change in mechanics after a pitcher he likes gets hurt after the pitcher gets hurt.
O’Leary’s work has been out there for a very long time, he hasn’t been hired by a team. Driveline, who he hates, has had multiple guys hired by MLB teams to their pitching and hitting development departments. If O’Leary had the secret sauce to productive/effective pitchers he’d be hired by an MLB team. Instead he’s Mike Marshall tilting at windmills.
O’Leary has criticized Max Scherzer, Jacob Degrom, David Price etc...
-
For any pitcher, adding one extra good pitch that he can throw for strikes is a game-changer. Not sure how long that will last for Yu. But lately, he's had a useful fastball that he uses, and that's changed everything. Of course some fastballs are going to get HR'd, and some cutters are going to hang and get HR'd. But including the fastball changes everything for hitters, and changes counts too.
I have no idea if having the fastball usable is a fluke and will vanish again soon; or if it's just a matter of confidence; or if there has been some subtle mechanical tweak that's given him that pitch. But Darvish with a good fastball is a completely different, and superior, guy than the Darvish without the fastball. I'm not talking velocity; he had good fastball velocity in the spring, too, I think. But he didn't throw it much because he didn't know where it was going, and when he did it was rarely a strike. (To my recall.)
That's how it seems to me. Does Fangraphs shows a completely different story?
-
Chris O’Leary having a website where he attempts to sell a product does not make him an expert. He lists zero MLB/minor league pitchers that he has helped on his website.
Damn, you sure assert to know an awful lot about a guy you dislike and don't take seriously.
Look folks, nobody who sells their expertise should be taken seriously. We should have Bill James exorcised from the baseball community immediately.
-
I read a lot of pitching injuries/mechanics because I find it interesting. O’Leary is easy to find.
I mean nothing on the internet is ever wrong.
https://natureworksbest.com/dr-tullio-simoncini-sodium-bicarbonate-cancer-treatment/
I mean baking soda cures cancer because it is on the internet.
-
Probably should end this nonsense on that non sequitur.
-
That was a BIG win today, particularly since Brewers and Cards both won.
That Yu was absolutely DOMINANT and led the Cubs to the win was fabulous!
Let's hope he's on a role and can continue to pitch as he's been over the past few weeks...and, while wishing, I'm hoping Bryant can stay HOT for a while...he's been terrific in recent weeks, too!
-
For any pitcher, adding one extra good pitch that he can throw for strikes is a game-changer. Not sure how long that will last for Yu. But lately, he's had a useful fastball that he uses, and that's changed everything. Of course some fastballs are going to get HR'd, and some cutters are going to hang and get HR'd. But including the fastball changes everything for hitters, and changes counts too.
I have no idea if having the fastball usable is a fluke and will vanish again soon; or if it's just a matter of confidence; or if there has been some subtle mechanical tweak that's given him that pitch. But Darvish with a good fastball is a completely different, and superior, guy than the Darvish without the fastball. I'm not talking velocity; he had good fastball velocity in the spring, too, I think. But he didn't throw it much because he didn't know where it was going, and when he did it was rarely a strike. (To my recall.)
That's how it seems to me. Does Fangraphs shows a completely different story?
Well, the one he K’d Puig the third time on was 98. He actually missed his spot with it but when you’re throwing 98, sometimes you get away with that. It’s pretty obvious Yu has a good fastball.
If you look at his entire career, it’s the first six weeks of the season that are more than anomaly than what we’re seeing now. Yu has historically had a pretty good walk rate, and most of that was compiled while throwing the four-seamer a good chunk of the time. Doesn’t mean he’ll keep up as he is now, but this reversion to the mean isn’t entirely surprising.
-
He didn't have or use his fastball much last year either, at least within the zone, did he? Seemed it was a change-of-speed pitch to throw 12-inches off the plate last year, too, kind of like he used it this spring? Or was he using it often and throwing it for strikes last year as well?
Granted, nothing was every happening for long last year, small and skewed sample, so so perhaps that's not worth even remembering....
-
Darvish threw 21 called balls in six innings of work, facing 22 batters.
Pretty easy math, just under one called ball per batter.
With his stuff, one called ball per batter is a likely winning formula for him because not very likely that batters will be seeing very many meatballs on the other, non-ball pitches.
-
He didn't have or use his fastball much last year either, at least within the zone, did he? Seemed it was a change-of-speed pitch to throw 12-inches off the plate last year, too, kind of like he used it this spring? Or was he using it often and throwing it for strikes last year as well?
Granted, nothing was every happening for long last year, small and skewed sample, so so perhaps that's not worth even remembering....
If any season was ever an aberration, it's 2018 for Darvish. I don't think his arm was ever right from spring training onwards.
-
Sharma on Darvish.
https://theathletic.com/1082754/2019/07/17/im-120-percent-right-now-yu-darvish-is-finally-in-the-zone-and-thats-great-news-for-the-cubs/
-
Thanks, Ron. From that article, the paragraph that struck me the most:
"It may surprise him, but as he recently admitted, it has a lot to do with his renewed confidence in the health of his elbow. After his last start, Darvish said that last season the pain in his elbow was at its worst when he threw his fastball. To start this year, he was very tentative with the pitch, which led to command problems. But that’s completely changed over the last few months as he regained confidence in his health, himself and his fastball."
That completely makes sense, and fits with my perception that adding a fastball that he now uses, and uses effectively and for strikes, largely explains the revival. Totally makes sense, and seems consistent with a perspective that what he was last year and this spring is no longer representative or predictive of what he is now and may be going forward.
-
I know that deeg is always wanting him to pitch deeper, deeper, deeper. I do admit thinking he's a guy whose fastball is so crucial; and whose health is so critical to being able to throw all of his various pitches, and with some variably reasonable control. I think for a guy like that, keeping him relatively healthy and strong is maybe especially important. Not sure he's the best candidate for pitching through dead arm and stuff. So I almost think it's smart long-term if Maddon is pulling him an inning and 20 pitches on the early side.
He had a 9-day All-Star break before his excellent game against Pittsburgh, and he wasn't pressed to exhaustion in that game prior to his gem yesterday. It may be coincidence that his two best games have come well-rested, who knows, but there may be some connection.
There are a lot of starts left; being able to pitch as many as possible without dead-arm stuff is very desirable.
-
I like the 6-inning model, even if a starter is still pitching well or only at 80 pitches.
Nobody in the bullpen is reliable, really. But it's obviously going to be Kimbrel for better-or-for-worse for 9th innings (hopefully a lot of better....).
So if Kimbrel is 9th, and starter goes 6, that leaves 2 innings to cover for whatever mixture of Strop/Cishek/Kimbrel/Ryan/Edwards you want.
That 6-2-1 might be a good model for keeping the rotation guys fresh for September (and October?); and perhaps the same for the relievers.
This is greedy, because the Cubs aren't so good that we can count on them winning the division, even if we're all feeling enthusiastic after a good week. But I do admit I'd really love to see the Cubs sustain a hot run and build a lead for September. 2016 was the only season that they had that. Last two years, it was really close almost to the end, and none of the relievers got to have extra-careful use in September. 2017, Davis and Edwards were getting more back-to-back-to-back usage than they had all year, and I think some of the pen were kinda fried by playoff time? So I'd so love to see the offense score enough runs and win enough games, and have the deep relievers covering enough innings satisfactorily, so that the primary relievers you'd want to use a lot in October might be feeling fresh and strong and confident.
Wishing is easy, of course!
-
Brewers "wished" Hader would always strike out every one he faced too....
Baseball is unpredictable - and that makes it exciting
-
The "feels like" temperature in Chicago on Friday and Saturday afternoon is expected to be 100° - 110°.
-
Cubs optioned Randy Rosario to Iowa late on Thursday, so there will be a roster move before Friday’s game.
-
Regarding the Rosario roster spot, Rowan Wick has been lights out at Iowa this month or Carl Edwards might be ready to be activated.
-
Edwards it is.
-
Good. I'd love to see Edwards pitching healthy.
-
Cubs down 3-0 in the 3rd, 2-run Machado HR. With no outs in the 3rd, Lester has allowed 6 hits.
-
Rizzo, I mean the Cubs, up 4-3 in the 3rd! Grand slam.
-
W-DP-1B-1B-W then the grand-slam. Very nice RISP there, Rizzo!
-
I’m hoping someone punched Mai Tai Guy to get Rizzo’s HR ball.
-
Sahadev Sharma
@sahadevsharma
Since June 16, David Bote has a .489 OPS with just one extra-base hit and a 33.8% strikeout rate
-
First pitch Strop throws in the 8th goes 450 feet off the bat of a pinch-hitter with 2 homers on the season to tie the game.
There may indeed be something wrong with Strop.
-
Strop imploding. If he's not taken out this one is likely a goner.
-
Strop somehow rebounds and works his way around a walk, a 3-1 count, and Baez error.
-
It's amazing how often the saying "go to the ballpark you'll see something you've never seen before" happens.
Baez catches a fly in short left and throws over Strop's head allowing a runner to advance from first to second.
-
Huge chance after a Tatis error sets up the Cubs.
-
Rizzo singles with one out in the bottom of the eighth and Russell hits what might have been a DP grounder to short but the SS throws past the 2B. Heyward can be the hero again but they walk him. Bote up.
-
Another error gives the Cub the lead,
-
Another Padres error scores the go-ahead. Better to be lucky than good sometimes.
-
Who is closing this game out? Yahoo claims that 'Player' is pitching.
(Never mind; it's Kimbrel.)
-
Kimbrel K's Renfroe but walks Reyes on four pitches.
-
Kimbrel throws 7 pitches to Hosmer, 6 of them breaking balls, and finally gets the K.
-
8 of the last 9 pitches have been breaking balls.
I realize the velocity is down but that is beyond strange.
-
A perfect example how how pitcher wins isn't worth much as Strop get the W. Nice save for Kimbrel.
(http://mlb.mlb.com/assets/images/7/1/4/201585714/091516_cubs_flag_med_3_fqqoz3ho.gif)
-
Kimbrel fans Mejia but that was just odd.
11 of his last 13 pitches were curves.
-
Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win! 2 HR's for each team; 2 errors each; 11K's each; so a well balanced game....
Padres outhit the Cubs 13 to 7, so you'd figure they out to win.
But while each team hit 2 HR, the Cubs scored 5 HR-runs, and they got only 3.
HR's are a very efficient way to score, I guess.....
-
Nice to win a game where you don't necessarily deserve it. Let's play better ball tomorrow.
-
Kimbrel fans Mejia but that was just odd.
11 of his last 13 pitches were curves.
Think that Padres are known as vulnerable to off-speed and we’ll probably see that scouting report all series.
Fastball ratio to total pitches today:
Kimbrel 8/22
Strop 5/20
Cishek 9/18
Lester 42/105
Naylor HR off Strop was a 4-seamer at 94. Strop is throwing way too many homers—-that’s entirely his problem and something that needs to be fixed.
-
Maldonado did a great job just eating up those nasty curves in the dirt thrown by Kimbrel!
-
Baez with a big homer (and another hit) today but two inexplicable plays on defense: a dead ball throwing error and an earlier no-reason-for-holding-the-ball-before-throwing grounder that was reversed-out thanks only to replay. Even had another grounder where he looked back at 2B for no apparent reason and made the play at 1B closer than need be.
My take is that playing 162 games with focus, day in and day out and every play and every pitch, is tough for every player but is a little tougher for Baez than most.
Maddon seems to have the right philosophy about Baez. I’m sure either he or one of the coaches talks to Baez occasionally about lapses but mostly just leave him alone and let him do his thing.
Always exciting mixed with exasperating stuff, but mostly the former.
-
Maldonado did a great job just eating up those nasty curves in the dirt thrown by Kimbrel!
Yes. That had to be really tough to catch that inning.
Maldonado with two misplays earlier this game (throwing error and blockable wild pitch that wasn’t). But superb job dealing with Kimbrel.
-
I was at the game today, thanks to a friend who treated me to a seat in the 9th or 10th row behind the Padre dugout. Not the best day to be sitting in the sun all day. When I last checked my phone for the weather, the report was 92 degrees, 60% humidity, real feel 105. I'd have a hard time remembering the last time I was in conditions that hot.
I can't say enough about the job Jon Lester did today under really challenging conditions. I don't know what the on field temperature was, but I assume in the sun it had to be well over 115 in terms of "real feel." Lester obviously does not have the "stuff" he once had, but he is such a tough competitor. A rough first inning, with 25 pitches, and I had doubts he would get through 5 innings in the heat. But he got out of jam after jam, keeping the Cubs in the game, in a position to win. That seems to be what he excels at these days. As Reb noted, Lester threw a lot of off-speed pitches (including some curves around 70-71 mph). In the last few inning leading up to the 6th inning, I'm not sure he if he threw a single fastball. I was surprised when he came out to pitch in the 6th inning, with his pitch count in the 80s in that heat. But in his final inning he had some pitches at 90-91. It was an inspiring performance.
I'd echo Reb's comments about Javy's very strange throws today, all three of them that he mentioned. Very odd. The HR was nice though.
And Jason Heyward just looks like a different player from the one we've seen the last few years. He looks like the guy I remember when he came up as a rookie, or the guy who beat up the Cubs for the Cardinals.
Bryant made a very nice play in LF that could have made the difference in the game. Bryant, Almora and Heyward make for a really good defensive OF I think. Bote looked horribly over-matched at the plate, as did Russell today. But Russell sure does have nice range at 2B.
Kimbrell looked very good. Although he did throw a lot of off-speed pitches, his fastball wasn't bad at 96 mph.
-
Any news on Morrow lately? The 8th inning looks pretty terrifying right now.
-
I don't remember who the Padre hitter was but JD remarked that he must have been sitting on a fastball when he was way out in front on a Kimbrel curve.
-
Any news on Morrow lately? The 8th inning looks pretty terrifying right now.
Theo was on just on The Score and was asked about Morrow, summarized by Bleacher Report:
Morrow threw a bullpen session in Arizona yesterday and according to Epstein it went well.. Epstein said he threw his session with “controlled effort” and wasn’t “trying to to reach the upper end of his velo.” It was, by all accounts, still a good step and the plan is for him to throw another bullpen session in a few days and take it from there. Epstein said “this is as encouraged as we’ve been in a while.”
-
That's good to hear, thanks.
-
Regarding some of Ron’s comments, especially Lester.
My impression is that we talk less about Lester here on the board than perhaps any other significant Cub who’s been around awhile. That’s probably because he’s just so consistent and solid.
In any field of endeavor, management will tell you how much they value employees who do a job well, cause virtually no problems that management has to fix, and have the respect of the rest of the work force.
Lester is all that and more and we probably don’t appreciate him enough.
Regarding Bote, I think he might be working himself into the mix of “Who’s Going To Iowa” when Contreras comes back and/or if Cubs trade for a position player before the deadline. My take is that, too often, he is fouling off a good pitch to hit early in the count and then falling behind. He’s a good player but needs to get out of his slump.
-
One thing about Theo’s comments about Morrow as described by Bleacher Report—-Theo actually said Morrow threw “live BP” not a “bullpen session.” Not sure if that’s less advanced or more advanced but, in any case, Morrow didn’t max out velocity. Not really a sim game either.
Who knows about him, but good that he’s throwing to hitters in whatever capacity.
-
Padres just brought back 2B Luis Urias from AAA, their top position player prospect and a Top 30 overall prospect.
-
Cubs win another tight one. Well done.
-
Kimbrel beyond lucky to escape the 9th. He retired one batter and that was a lineout. The Padres had their most dangerous hitter in Tatis bunt after Kimbrel threw five straight balls, perhaps the dumbest decision of the season.
-
Also, Baez made another amazing tag on a SB attempt by Myers in the 9th.
-
Kimbrel and Caratini owe Baez a steak dinner.
https://twitter.com/NBCSCubs/status/1152697951950704641
-
Myers should have used a hook slide.
-
The hook slide was outlawed in 1936. Only you remember it.
-
Javy had a nice game.
-
Another El Mago game...another HUGE win! He is really, really something!
Sure hope we can take care of the Padres again tomorrow...Giants are white hot and will be a tough cross-country test before NINE with the Brewers and Cards!
-
JJ Stankevitz
@JJStankevitz
11h11 hours ago
More
Joe Maddon on if Addison Russell's sloppy game was just one of those days: "No, he’s gotta straighten some things out. He has to. There’s no question. I’m not going to stand here — he’s got to, we’ve talked about his baserunning in the past."
There's been a lot of consequences with this Cub team, but so far it's just talk (and Russell is certainly the living proof of that). We'll see if anything changes this time.
-
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112 3m3 minutes ago
#Cubs say today's game will start at 1:50 p.m.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EABNNixXoAEZNAw.jpg:small)
-
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/chicago80.gif)
-
Myers having a lousy year. Wonder how much he could cost as a pair to Scwarbs
-
Doesn't he have a terrible contract? If so, we might get him free and still get screwed.
-
Yes he does, but so do we.
-
If the Padres are willing to throw in about $40 million with Myers for Chatwood then maybe.
-
I got a great idea. Let's bring Edwards into a fight game.
-
Tight
-
Can the front office please just take Edwards away from Joe? He just never learns.
-
Madison's love affairs are going to kill us!
-
I thought he was pretty faithful to Dolley.
-
Bringing in Carl in a dirty inning. Has that ever worked?
-
P2, damb autocorrect
-
That's what they all say.
-
If your offense only scores one run...
-
If your offense only scores one run...
The Cubs increased their MLB leading number of runners put out on the bases from 40 to 42. The line between aggressiveness and carelessness is being crossed a little too often.
-
Cubs up 2-0 on 2 solo HR’s by R Garcia and Schwarber, respectively.
Addi shouldn’t start as long as Garcia’s available and playing anywhere near this level.
-
RBI hit for Almora. The throw beat Rizzo to the plate by five feet but he got in anyway.
-
Addi shouldn’t start as long as Garcia’s available and playing anywhere near this level.
Garcia needs to be protected from breaking ball pitchers. Garcia vs Hader should be a fun match up.
-
Watching the replay of the grounder that ended the 4th inning...In slow motion, Baez's throw moves faster than the slow motion...lol
-
Trouble in the 5th. A run in, runners on first and third 1 out. Kyle Ryan in.
-
If Edwards was still with the team, he'd be in the game about now.
-
Bryant makes a fine diving stop on a sharp groundball to get out of the 7th. Still 3-2.
Ryan did an outstanding job in relief. Got a DP to get out of 1st-and-3rd-one-out from Mills, then got a K and another easy out in the 6th.
Would be nice to score again.
-
Rizzo! 2-out opposite-field double drives in Bryant. Bryant had singled and stolen 2B, a helpful steal in this case.
-
Strop isn't right. Hard to see his Cubs career end like this.
-
lol
Is there a reliever you aren't ready to ditch after a bad stretch?
-
Do you have eyes? Strop is obviously not right. His velocity isn't close to what it was before.
-
Strop is a top 5 all time Cubs reliever.
It's obvious that something is wrong with him.
-
Folks, if you don't think Strop's done as a Cub you don't have eyes. News at 11:00/
So many underachieving parts on this team. Maybe they're all done as Cubs?
-
Cubs lose.
Strop is an all time top 5 Cubs reliever. He's the top 1 all time most fun Cubs reliever to watch. He's also broken.
-
Cubs lose.
Strop is an all time top 5 Cubs reliever. He's the top 1 all time most fun Cubs reliever to watch. He's also broken.
Nah, that's Beck.
-
There was a guy in the bullpen last year who had a 7 ERA, a 2 WHIP, and a negative WAR and people were ready to pay for his plane ride to Ecuador. Now everyone wants Kintzler to pitch every inning. Pens are unstable things. But being this mediocre has been a team effort.
-
Whew. We snatched defeat from the jaws of victory tonight.
-
I just got home from the game. I thought it was well played on both sides. The Giants are super hot, and the Cubs just didn't muster enough scoring chances to beat them. Our pitchers walked a tightrope most of the game, and the Giants finally came through with key hits in the 8th. Strop's fastball was consistently at 94. I don't think that's a big drop off for him. He seemed to me to have good stuff. I would tip my hat to the Giants who are playing inspired baseball and to Bochy who is leading them towards wildcard position in his final season. My big concern is not about Strop but rather about our failure to have good ABs on a consistent basis (not a new problem). If this doesn't change, it will likely keep us from making the postseason or advancing far in the playoffs.
-
our failure to have good ABs on a consistent basis (not a new problem).
Yeah, that's been a problem for a while. The offense has been dysfunctional for 3 years.
-
2016 was the anomaly. 2017, 2018, and 2019 are what one should expect.
-
If Dyson means no longer having to see Joe throw Albert Fuching Almora out there (batting 5th today, no less) every day, I could almost be persuaded. We wouldn’t be much better but at least it’d be a change.
Of course we could call up Happ any time we wanted. I’m highly skeptical there too but why not at least see what he can bring to the table.
-
Man, does that lineup look terrible without Contreras!!
Really too bad we don't have him for this game, not that he (or any Cub) is likely to hit Madbum much as well as he's been pitching lately!
Sure hope Yu can continue his string of successes tonight! He will likely need to put up 7 or 8 zeros to avoid our playing from behind...Madbum will be TOUGH, almost certainly on this lineup!
-
Decent throw from Schwarber gets him at the plate there.
-
Pablo does his beached whale impression on a Bryant hit.
-
Very un-Cub like manufactured run there. Javy with a 2-out infield hit (where he may have been out on a great play by Crawford), steals 2nd and 3rd, scores on a single by clutch Bryant.
-
Sometimes always being around the plate gets you some dubious strike calls...
-
Dunno why but Yu seemed irritated with Caratini in that inning for some reason. No damage done, though. Still looks really sharp - not even using the 4-seamer that much but 95-96 when he does, and getting a lot of bad takes and weak swings.
-
Cubs are pathetic on the road this year.
-
Yu implosion in the 4th
-
Yeah, totally jinxed him.
-
Anyone else notice that after Hotovy goes to the mound the next pitch is mashed?
-
Yu got screwed out of a couple of wins by the pen, so nice to see him get bailed out.
-
Nice to see Heyward finally earning his money in the 4th year of his contract.
-
Cubs tie the game in the top of the 8th...then they go to the guy who was in AAA yesterday? Maddon is bad at bullpen management.
-
Cubs tie the game in the top of the 8th...then they go to the guy who was in AAA yesterday? Maddon is bad at bullpen management.
Who would have been your choice?
-
As long as we're on bullpen management, what are you waiting for with Kimbrel? He hasn't pitched in three days and it's a tie game in the 9th inning.
-
Who would have been your choice?
Kintzler came in after the leadoff walk. Seems like he could've just started the inning.
-
Kintzler came in after the leadoff walk. Seems like he could've just started the inning.
Eh, I was fine with going back to Wick after a dominant 12-pitch inning. Kintzler's peripherals are terrifying anyway.
-
And still Kimbrel sits, as Cisehk gets trotted out yet again.
-
Cishek, summoned yet again, somehow gets the third out, and we move to the 11th.
-
Poor Cishek. He'll be toast by August. He did get out of the inning though.
-
Had 'em all the way.
Who'll it be for the 11th? Chatwood? Brach? Cishek in a sling?
-
Can Cishek throw with his other hand?
-
At last. Maybe he blows the game but you gotta use hm.
-
Not much velocity from Kimbrel tonight but 11 strikes in 13 pitches, and he breezes. Do you try and get another inning out of him?
-
I say have him go another inning. But I'm a much bigger proponent of multi inning relief than any of today's managers.
-
Nope, Hendricks pinch-hitting even after Bote hits into the DP.
-
Brach on to close out the loss.
-
Baez/Bryant/Rizzo go down weakly against some 26 year old rookie named Sam Coonrod. We just saw the 5 minutes he'll be bragging about for the rest of his life.
-
If we get a pinch runner for the playoffs, I want that guy on Statcast AI. He's been safe 397 times in a row!
-
Sandoval homers off Beach to win it for the Giants.
-
Brach might be worse than Edwards.
Cubs are now tied with the Marlins for the worst road record in the NL. This is a pretty mediocre team.
-
Congratulations to Coonrod for what will almost certainly be his only MLB win.
-
10 of the Cubs road losses have been by 1 run.
Weird that Chatwood hasn't pitched in a while and didn't get into an extra inning game.
-
10 of the Cubs road losses have been by 1 run.
Weird that Chatwood hasn't pitched in a while and didn't get into an extra inning game.
Maybe they are trying to trade him and don't want him to get hurt or blow up in a game.
-
Kinda my guess, but it is still weird. If Chatwood got hurt would that really affect his value?
-
It's important to win today. Gotta reverse the negative momentum now.
-
Lester is ill, so Chatwood gets the start.
-
Which explains why he didn't pitch yesterday.
-
If Chatwood wants a chance to start regularly, today's game is a big opportunity for him. If he pitches well against a hot team, interest in trading for him could expand.
-
Javy and Bryant connect and it's 3-0 Cubs.
-
Hotovey strikes again.
-
If Chatwood gets a W right here, has he found himself or is it an aberration and we trade him quick?
-
Did Rizzo and Bryant get tossed?
-
Rizzo did, not sure about Bryant
-
Twitter is saying Bryant got hurt.......
-
Hurt himself on a swing and miss - you can see him wince. Prepare panic mode.
-
Right knee soreness for Bryant doesn’t sound like a worst case scenario. I was worried it was the shoulder.
-
With the way Wick looks, Edwards should stay down a long time
-
Second time this month that Albert has jumped oddly
-
With the way Wick looks, Edwards should stay down a long time
First part was wholly unnecessary.
-
Kimbrel survives the 9th for the save. No K's over five batters and a lineout to the track with the tying run at the plate to end it.
-
Box score for Kimbrel listed line single and flyball single, and listed all three of the outs as lineouts. Doesn't sound very overpowering. Did anybody watch it? How'd he look?
Glad they won.
Did Chatwood pitch as well as his line? I'd like to see him used more. Montgomery, I just think he's shot somehow, at least for now. But Chatwood, I think a change-of-scenery and getting him away from Maddon, that he's a guy who might end up being a pretty useful relief pitcher for somebody else.
-
Kimbrel's velocity was 94-96, which continues to concern me. On the plus side he didn't walk anybody for the second straight day, and he does have 14 Ks in 10.2 IP even after not striking anyone out today.
-
If Chatwood gets a W right here, has he found himself or is it an aberration and we trade him quick?
Yes.
-
Kimbrel survives the 9th for the save. No K's over five batters and a lineout to the track with the tying run at the plate to end it.
For some reason, you didn't mention that one of the hits against him was a wind blown pop up that should have retired the side in any other circumstances.
-
For some reason, you didn't mention that one of the hits against him was a wind blown pop up that should have retired the side in any other circumstances.
I guess I post what I feel is pertinent and not what davep thinks I should post. For some reason.
-
Box score for Kimbrel listed line single and flyball single, and listed all three of the outs as lineouts. Doesn't sound very overpowering. Did anybody watch it? How'd he look?
The hits were soft, not liners. The last out was a liner, however. He just isn't dominating and finishing batters off as has been his wont during his career.
https://twitter.com/TheBlogfines/status/1154160573698863105
-
Thanks. That's helpful.
I think it's not uncommon that guys in their 30's aren't as dominant as in their 20's. He's made over 500 big-league appearances. Good odds that he's not going to be the guy he used to be for his Cubs years.
He was awfully good before, so perhaps a variably-reduced version will still be really good for us, who knows.
This is also 6 appearances in the last 9 days, three back-to-back's since last Tuesday, so perhaps that may take some life of a guy's pitches?
-
Maybe, but that's pretty much where he's been velocity-wise with maybe 1 exception. Rest or no rest hasn't seemed to matter.
-
Kimbrel's Avg Fastball Velocity
2019-07-23 CHC @SFG 95.1 85.2
2019-07-20 CHC SDP 0 97.1 86.8
2019-07-19 CHC SDP 0 96.8 86.3
2019-07-17 CHC CIN 0 96.4 86.5
2019-07-16 CHC CIN 0 95.9 85.9
2019-07-12 CHC PIT 0 96.6 85.9
2019-07-06 CHC @CHW 97.4 87.1
2019-07-03 CHC @PIT 95.0 84.8
2019-07-01 CHC @PIT 95.5 85.0
2019-06-27 CHC ATL 0 96.6 85.1
Average fastball velocity is 96.2
-
I was at the game Tuesday night at Oracle and thought Kimbrel was very good. Hitters were reacting to his stuff differently than to the other Cubs relievers.
Kimbrel has thrown a total of six called balls combined last two outings in SF. That’s really all he has to do. Throw strikes.
Wednesday, only well hit ball off Kimbrel was the game-ender Belt flyout. The singles were a looper and a bloop, I think both hit with two strikes. Lucky hits.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EAbXaECW4AEeD4x.jpg:small)
-
You can't say Maddon doesn't try different things.
-
Lineups look a lot better with Contreras than Maldonado.
-
ROFL, even with Happ back he still puts Almora out there. It's almost self-parody at this point.
-
Facing a lefty, so Schwarber gets the night off. Gonzalez can throw a breaking ball so no Garcia.
-
Good grief what a horrible strike 2 call.
-
This strike zone for Gonzalez looks like the old Tom Glavine zone. If he hits the glove its a strike. There have been at least 4 bad calls this inning.
-
After Bryant walked on ball 5, Rizzo lined to center and Bryant got doubled up. Another Cub thrown out on the bases although this one was pretty tough.
-
Now Hendricks throws the same pitch but the umpire suddenly figures out the zone and it's called a ball. Then Hendricks k's Cain anyway.
-
Hendricks k's Yelich on Strike 4. This ump must be a Brewer fan.
-
Graendel walks on four pitches.
-
Man Gio getting a rather large strike zone.
-
Happ made a great catch to end the previous inning. Then k's in his first at bat.
-
I'd welcome a Syndergaard to Brewers trade under one condition: the Brewers include Hiura in the deal. That guy is going to be a menace for the next decade.
-
Brewers hit a couple of deep ones to the warning track, but both stay in. Scoreless after two.
Bote missed a foul pop up. Seemed like either he or Rizzo might have gotten it, but he had a much better angle. He was 2-3 strides from the wall, but he didn't have a sense for the wall and started tip-toe. Pretty much a straight-up miss. Batter then whacked it to the fence, but Heyward caught it anyway.
-
Craig, defensively speaking, Bote doesn't belong at 2B. He's a defensive star at 3B, but his bat doesn't play there. I'm not sure it even plays at 2B. Like most Cub farm products, he's a misfit toy.
-
Bote gets up 3-0, but whiffs, chases a couple off the plate. Poor guy is struggling in every aspect.
-
Craig, defensively speaking, Bote doesn't belong at 2B. He's a defensive star at 3B, but his bat doesn't play there. I'm not sure it even plays at 2B. Like most Cub farm products, he's a misfit toy.
Agree, he doesn't really belong at 2b, defensively. Being kinda bad defensively is more acceptable when you're getting hits, of course.
-
Small sample size, but fielding stats like his work at 2B so far.
-
Bote doesn't belong in the bigs right now.
-
I am loving this Outback commercial between innings. So peaceful and quiet.
-
No-hitter alert in Milwaukee. Cubs without a hit against Gio Gonzalez. Let that sink in for a minute.
-
Gonzlaez has thrown all of 66 pitches in 5 innings with 7 K's.
Hendricks has been really good but is up to 90 pitches.
-
I love Bote as a 2b!
-
My no-hitter post worked!
-
Offense being led by Bote and Almora, like everybody thought it would be.
-
At least Maddon brought in Cishek in early. Who had sixth inning in the pool?
-
Peak Baez refusing to take ball four there. Jesus
-
Gonzalez leaves with an injury. Get desperate Brewers, trade Hiura for a starter.
-
Quintana for Heura.
-
Baez makes a beautiful play on a ball that bounces off Cishek's body and throws in time to get Cain at first. Just your regular 1-6-3 groundout.
-
This umpire is just awful.
-
After Kintzler obviously Ks Thames on 0-2, he hits him with a pitch a few pitches later. Terrible umpiring.
-
Kintzler hits Thames with a pitch and the Brewers have runners at first and second with one out. Braun in to pinch hit; Strop coming in to pitch. Good luck, Pedro.
-
This is not going to end well.
-
It seems like Braun has killed the Cubs in these situations over the years.
-
Hit into a DP, Lloyd.
-
No way the Cubs win this game.
Still can't believe the umpire missed that call on Kintzler's perfect 0-2 pitch.
-
2 hit by pitches and a walk have loaded the bases. Game over once Pedro implodes here.
-
Wild pitch, but for some reason Hiura doesn't come home.
-
That pop-up nicked Rizzo's glove before Robel caught it, I think. A 3-4 pop-out.
-
Two run single, Cubs probably lose. Bad umpire decided the game.
-
Automate the strike zone, please.
-
LOL. Strop is personally responsible for how many losses this week?
-
The ump in this game is an embarrassment. He should never work in MLB again.
-
Strop’s last pitch was 92. He isn’t healthy.
-
The ump in this game is an embarrassment. He should never work in MLB again.
Same can be said of Cub hitters and bullpen...
-
And Wick should be used more.
-
Wick looks like a keeper. Too bad he isn't in the circle of trust for Joe.
-
Craptastic offense is the real culprit tonight against Gio Gonzalez.
-
Cardinals have taken a 5-3 lead. I predict the Cubs are about 3 minutes from never being in first place again this year. They're a pretty mediocre team.
-
Cubs lose. Again, on the road, bullpen blows it. Again.
-
Cubs lose yet again. This team is so bad on the road. Even if this mediocre team somehow backs into the playoffs, they're the 3rd or 4th seed. They'd be done in 3 games.
-
Bullpen sucks, offense still dysfunctional for the 3rd season in a row. This season has been really predictable so far.
-
(https://i.imgflip.com/36mdzo.jpg)
-
Strop’s fastball velocity is way down. Last year he averaged 95.5. This month it is 93.84. Through May he would top at 96-97 routinely. Since 5/4 he has had 3 games where he topped out at 95. He needs to go to IL so Wick doesn’t get sent down. Cubs are 5-11 in 1 run games on the road.
-
time to let Joe go! can not handle a pitching staff
-
Part of me wouldn't be upset if the Cubs just got buried in this 9 game stretch against the Brewers and Cardinals. This team needs big changes. But that's not going to happen as long as the front office can convince themselves that this mix of a few great players and a bunch of really flawed players is a championship contender.
Sitting out the offseason was a mistake. But since they did that, they should also sit out the trade deadline. They're a NLDS loser at best this year.
-
The thing is, for all the talk about accountability the only accountability has been for the coaches Maddon has thrown under the bus. To no visible positive effect, I might add.
Honestly, it's on Theo at this point. He seems to be repeating a lot of mistakes and hasn't fixed any of the problems that keep killing us, again and again. I'm not against making trades at the deadline but at this point, nothing of value for a rental - this year's team isn't worth it. Curt's "Go big or go home" mantra may not be the worst approach - this team could use some blowing up. The manager change won't come until after the season but no time like the present to start reinventing the roster.
-
Cubs 0-2 with RISP in the first and 0-2 with RISP again in the second.
-
Home run Rizzo. Cubs up 2 - 0.
-
Can Lester go 8?
-
61 thru 5 - maybe he can.
How many big games has Big Jon pitched for us already? Theo's track record with big FA contracts is mixed at best, but this one was a steal.
-
At least they dodged the Eovaldi bullet.
-
Hiura misses tying it by about 2 feet.
-
76 through 6 - not gonna get 8 out of him now, hope to get 7. Have to hope Wick can hold them down.
-
JD: "Hey, hey, hey - it's Matt Albers!"
There is no better color commentator in the game.
-
Last pitch to Aguilar best framing by Contreras in awhile
-
Probably not a good walk to the .202 hitting catcher.
-
94 pitches... I'd run him back out there, with Wick and Holland warming if there's any trouble.
-
ROFL, Cishek up again, no sign of Wick. Joe really needs to hop on that stupid RV and go drink wine in the desert for the rest of his life.
-
Contreras swings on a pitch that hits him in the hand. Ouch.
-
Not coming out of the game.
-
Fire Joe now, seriously. Just end it.
-
Joe's bullpen management is absolutely awful.
Lester was at 94 pitches. Why not let him try to get through one more inning?
-
The bloom is off the rose.
-
I feel bad for Cishek - not his fault. Just doing what the idiot in charge tells him.
-
Wick is amazing. Let's bring in Chatwood. For **** sake Joe.
-
That the same Rowan Wick with the career 4.76 ERA and 1.6 WHIP?
-
Two nights in a row Joe pulls the SP too soon
-
I'm not as sold on Wick as most here, but Chatwood has a track record of being pretty awful for the Cubs. Might as well try someone new.
Of course, if this dysfunctional offense could score more than two runs a night against this terrible pitching staff, the Cubs wouldn't be in this mess.
-
Terrible, just terrible. We all know a change is coming after the season anyway - changing managers now make at least shake the team out of their stupor. And Ricketts should be happy, since it doesn't involve adding any players.
-
This can't be good for team of SP morale. Insanity is doing exactly the same thing and expecting a different result.
-
This isn't a stupor or underachievement...it's just not that good of a team. It's four really good hitters (plus Heyward this year), a pretty good starting staff, a good closer...and not much else.
The difference between this team and the Sale/Quintana/Abreu/Eaton/Robertson White Sox that finished under .500 for a few years in a row is only about 2 or 3 good players at the top of the roster.
-
Or you could, you know, have just gone to Wick to start the inning.
-
Wick cleans up the mess. Maybe use him sooner.
The Cubs are vastly superior to Sale/Quintana/Eaton/Robertson White Sox. That team finished a 162 game season with 32.1 fWAR. The 2019 Cubs have 26 fWAR in 102 games.
-
Wick fanned Eric Thames. He didn't have to face Cain, Yelich, Braun, or Hiura.
-
Too bad fWAR doesn't translate to victories.
-
The patented Happ K to end the 9th. Leadoff walk went nowhere.
-
Too bad fWAR doesn't translate to victories.
But it does.
https://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2018/12/26/18155292/correlation-war-wins-pythagorean-expectation-second-order-wins-third-order-wins
-
The Cubs are vastly superior to Sale/Quintana/Eaton/Robertson White Sox. That team finished a 162 game season with 32.1 fWAR. The 2019 Cubs have 26 fWAR in 102 games.
Which projects to about 41.3 fWAR over a full season. That's a 9 fWAR difference, which definitely falls into the "3 pretty good players at the top of the roster" range.
The Cubs are top heavy--13.1 fWAR has come from Bryant/Baez/Rizzo/Contreras. An additional 8.3 fWAR has come from the non-Darvish starters. That's 82% of their fWAR from 8 players.
-
Rowan Wick is staying in to try to prevent Milwaukee from walking it off.
-
But it does.
It doesn't, or else the Cubs would have a better record.
-
We'll see if the Brewers can get their leadoff walk home.
-
Which projects to about 41.3 fWAR over a full season. That's a 9 fWAR difference, which definitely falls into the "3 pretty good players at the top of the roster" range.
Which projects as an 88 win team vs 79 win team. Which the 2016 White Sox won 78 games, so not really close at all.
-
It doesn't, or else the Cubs would have a better record.
I hate math is simpler. An 88 win pace would put the Cubs at 55 wins through 103 games, which I believe is the win total so far.
-
Comebacker to the mound and Wick, after looking at first, throws to third to get the lead runner.
Gamel reaches first, and the Brewers now have the winning run at first with two men out.
-
I forgot to factor in the offense from the top four starters, which has actually been pretty good this year (0.7 fWAR). The other 17 roster spots have averaged 0.229 fWAR on the season.
Which projects as an 88 win team vs 79 win team. Which the 2016 White Sox won 78 games, so not really close at all.
Maybe not that close in the standings, but close in roster construction. Much like the 2016 White Sox, there are just too many players on this team who are below average major leaguers. Roster construction is this team's problem--not underachievement, not some kind of funk, not even awful bullpen management (though that hasn't helped).
-
After a Gamel stolen base, Wick strikes Cain out to send the game into extras.
-
That's probably the hardest hit ball of Almora's career.
-
Almora puts the Cubs in the lead with a leadoff homer!
-
Almora!!!
-
They, too, can lead off an extra inning with a homer.
Yelich ties it with one swing, and it's 3-3.
-
Tie game again.
-
It's still hard to believe there just weren't many teams (including the Cubs) interested in offering anything significant for Yelich after the 2017 season. No one could've predicted this. But he was already an All Star level player and was clearly hurt by playing in that ballpark in Miami. Based on the contract, he was significantly more valuable than Stanton at the time.
Walk. Hiura up. Would be shocked if he didn't end it right here.
-
Yep, Hiura walks off. This team is a mess.
-
BOOOOOOOOOOOO
-
This is a manager loss.
What a joke this team has been.
-
Cubs now tied with the Brewers in second place. Their last day in first place this year was yesterday; last day in second place is probably tomorrow.
-
Maddon's fault the Cubs can't score against the Brewers, have a razor thin pen, and that Kimbrel's damaged goods.
-
The Cubs are really in the worst kind of purgatory right now. Just good enough to make it hard to blow it up and seriously retool, which is what they should be doing. A manager who’s clearly lost the team and would likely be fired if he weren’t already dead certain to go because his contract runs out after the season anyway. So they spin their wheels and repeat the same mistakes, putting off the inevitable that much longer.
-
Maddon's fault the Cubs can't score against the Brewers, have a razor thin pen, and that Kimbrel's damaged goods.
Maddon can still cost the Cubs wins even if those other things are true. His bullpen management tonight (and his decision to pull Lester after 94 pitches) probably cost the Cubs the game.
But the offense is the biggest problem. They've scored 5 runs in two games against a pitching staff that is basically Hader and no one else. The offense was dysfunctional in 2017. It was dysfunctional in 2018. Then the front office did nothing to shake it up, and it's still dysfunctional in 2019.
Or maybe the bullpen is the biggest problem. According to Fangraphs, Kyle Ryan is the best reliever on the team this year.
-
You guys watch more and know better than I do, I'm sure. But I'm not sure I can fault Maddon all that much. Who's he supposed to be putting in? Over the season he's been needing to choose among Cishek, Brach, Edwards, Strop, Montgomery, Rosario.... All bad choices.
2b? Should he play Descalzo, Russell, Zobrist, Garcia, Bote? Not a lot of winning choices.
CF? Almora? Happ? Heyward? Not a lot of winning choices.
Just a lot of no-good-choices choices he's got to make.
Theo and Hoyer of course blame the players for not trying hard enough, and Maddon for not using them well enough. But player evaluation/procurement by upper management hasn't produced.
-
Joe, like Montgomery, will always be a hero in Chicago, and I hate being negative...I avoid this topic during games because it is usually over the top, but Joe has jumped the shark. He has been praised so often for being the most inventive, creative managers in baseball and it's gone to his head. Crazy lineups...how many games have we lost this past month because of the pitcher batting 8th. No, it's not his fault that scoring opportunities keep coming up when he does that, but it hasn't benefited in any way either. Schwarber leading off has worked five or six times. It has failed 50 times. And the bullpen management is horrid. His love affair with Edwards, his changing pitchers for no reason, his overuse of some guys who now need a couple weeks off...terrible. Theocracy much be seeing this too. Let's not be shocked if the ax falls.
-
Firing Maddon at this point is meaningless. It doesn't matter who manages this team...this just isn't a championship roster. At best, they get lucky for a couple weeks and barely back into the playoffs over the other two mediocre teams in the division. They did nothing to address the obvious problems after last year, and it shows.
It's a roster with 8-10 good players, and 15 roster spots that are barely above replacement level. It's not a good team.
-
Craig, ESPN had an article about your questions today, but I can't find it now. They suggested securing a lefty relievers and a rh outfielder and a leadoff man. They said to get Schwarber out of leadoff and stop worrying about 2B. Plenty of coverage there. Stop looking at things aren't the problem.
-
Firing Maddon at this point is meaningless. It doesn't matter who manages this team...this just isn't a championship roster. At best, they get lucky for a couple weeks and barely back into the playoffs over the other two mediocre teams in the division. They did nothing to address the obvious problems after last year, and it shows.
It's a roster with 8-10 good players, and 15 roster spots that are barely above replacement level. It's not a good team.
You have a lot of young players who have regressed under Maddon. Does he have no accountability for that? Only the coaches he scapegoated do?
Firing Maddon now instead of in October won’t win the World Series, but it’s not meaningless. I’d still rather sneak into the playoffs than not, and maybe a new manager bounce gets you there. Maybe you find out if Loretta should be a serious candidate long-term or not. Maybe some of the players who’re sleepwalking through games get a shock to the system when they realize consequences actually do exist in this organization.
-
Lester said he was gassed. Asked out. Just getting over being sick. Was even coughing some in clubhouse.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1155316102311882752
-
Lester said he was gassed. Asked out. Just getting over being sick. Was even coughing some in clubhouse.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1155316102311882752
Thanks, Chris. At least that mystery is solved, but his immediate choices...
-
I just don't think there are players who are sleepwalking through games. I think this roster is about 60% mediocre players, which gives the impression that they're sleepwalking. The young players haven't really regressed...they were just never all that good. They surprised the league when they debuted, then the league figured them out.
It doesn't matter who the manager is. Mediocre players like Almora, Schwarber, Happ, Descalso, Russell (if he ever comes back), etc. will still be mediocre after Maddon leaves.
-
I was at the game tonight, the game last night, and the game in SF on Monday. Pity me.
-
Lester: “Not too many times I go up to Joe or Tommy...but tonight was one of them. I was gassed. The sixth and seventh inning got to me.”
“Today was my last day of Z-pack.”
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1155321306302296064
-
No way Joe would have pulled Lester unless he was gassed/unwell.
-
Anyone still think Kimbrel's fine?
In 542 appearances before becoming a Cub, Craig Kimbrel had given up multiple home runs in an outing just once.
In 12 games as a Cub, he's done it twice.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1155326681785221121
-
Anyone still think Kimbrel's fine?
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1155326681785221121
How many times has he sat out half the season before trying to pitch?
-
I just don't think there are players who are sleepwalking through games. I think this roster is about 60% mediocre players, which gives the impression that they're sleepwalking. The young players haven't really regressed...they were just never all that good. They surprised the league when they debuted, then the league figured them out.
It doesn't matter who the manager is. Mediocre players like Almora, Schwarber, Happ, Descalso, Russell (if he ever comes back), etc. will still be mediocre after Maddon leaves.
So the whole leading the world in baserunning outs thing - how do you reconcile that?
-
So the whole leading the world in baserunning outs thing - how do you reconcile that?
Teams with 60% mediocre players are not very good at baserunning. This just isn't a good team. They're playing at their talent level.
-
How many times has he sat out half the season before trying to pitch?
Not sure why that's relevant. He never surrendered two in spring training after having five months off.
If he's this off because of time off then someone did him a disservice letting him pitch in the majors with little buildup. But this was his 12th appearance so I don't know how long that excuse flies.
-
I was at the game tonight, the game last night, and the game in SF on Monday. Pity me.
Finally, we have a solid reason for the debacles.
-
During last year's second half struggles, Kimbrel's problem was mainly allowing a high percentage of baserunners to score. Batters still only hit .149 with 2 homers against him. As a Cub they are hitting .244 with 4 homers--almost 5--in 12 appearances.
-
Not sure why that's relevant. He never surrendered two in spring training after having five months off.
If he's this off because of time off then someone did him a disservice letting him pitch in the majors with little buildup. But this was his 12th appearance so I don't know how long that excuse flies.
The track record of holdouts who sign mid-season is horrid for a reason. This was pretty predictable if you bother to look at it objectively. If he's still struggling next season then you have cause to wonder if he's "damaged goods".
-
The track record of holdouts who sign mid-season is horrid for a reason. This was pretty predictable if you bother to look at it objectively. If he's still struggling next season then you have cause to wonder if he's "damaged goods".
So everyone expected him to stink and not be a factor?
Who are all these holdouts who signed mid-season? I don't recall.
-
Holland and Lynn were a different story. Holland was a poor man’s Kimbrel over five seasons with the Royals before he missed all of 2016 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Holland signed a one-year deal with the Rockies that offseason and led the NL in saves in 2017, but found no suitors until the 2018 season had already started. Holland signed with the Cardinals on March 31, and nine days later made his debut, which was a disaster: 19 pitches, six strikes, five batters faced, four walks, one earned run in a third of an inning. And things scarcely got better from there. In 32 appearances over four months with the Cardinals, Holland posted a 7.92 ERA and walked almost a batter an inning.
Lynn signed March 12, debuted April 2, and also struggled out of the gate. In Lynn’s first eight starts, opponents hit .313/.422/.507, and Lynn allowed 31 earned runs in 37 1/3 innings, a 7.47 ERA.
The good news is that both Holland and Lynn eventually righted the ship. After the Cardinals released him in late July, Holland signed in early August with Washington, where he struck out more than a batter an inning, held opponents to a .130/.250/.188 batting line, and allowed just two runs in 24 appearances. On May 22, Lynn held the Tigers scoreless over 6 2/3 innings, and from that point on posted a .249/.325/.358 opponent batting line and a 3.92 ERA in 21 starts and two long relief appearances, making him an above-average American League pitcher for the Twins and Yankees over the final four months of the season.
-
I...guess. I mean Holland had unsustainable success after going to Washington in the second half of last year. But he's back to mediocrity this year with an even worse FIP than his early 2018 which got him released.
But if this theory is correct, it doesn't really speak well of the Cubs who then had no business letting Kimbrel pitch in the majors until he had a long time to prepare beforehand. Unless we're fine giving games away until Kimbrel's back to normal.
-
Kyle Schwarber's grand slam
https://twitter.com/i/status/1155546574543564800
-
Schwarber has added a 3 run shot. He just needs a 2 run homer and a solo homer for the cycle.
-
You’re up 7...so of course you should walk a bunch of hitters.
The Cubs are back to being predictably boring.
-
You’re up 7...so of course you should walk a bunch of hitters.
The Cubs are back to being predictably boring.
Boring.
And up 10-3 after 7, for what it’s worth.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Bullpen is less of a problem when the offense does their job.
-
Cub win! Cubs win! 11-4. Holland pitched a 1-2-3 9th, first two hitters whacked it pretty hard but right at Baez and Bryant. Fastball was running 94-95, so basically lefty with Kimbrel velocity. All shooting for the top of the zone, elevation fastballs. Kind of fun to watch a new guy and figure out how he works, a little bit.
Cardinals down 6-1 in the 8th. So unless they pull off a thriller, the Cubs will probably get a couple of nights in first place. :) Fun.
Great day for Schwarber, 3-hit game lifts his batting average up to .228,
-
That was the longest grand slam in Statcast history.
-
4 straight curves from Yu to Edman (ending with a K). Interesting.
-
Then Ks Martinez on all fastballs, the last one 98.
Damn, Yu looks so good most of the time. Easy heat, great movement, weaving in 5 pitches effortlessly. He's gotten back to "pretty good" but if he could just avoid that one bad inning that seems to bite him a lot of the time, the jump to "dominant" isn't a big one.
-
Happ will not finish the season hitless.
-
https://twitter.com/TheBlogfines/status/1156378952929181696
-
The Robel Garcia experience is exactly as expected so far: come up, ambush the league for about a week, then the league adjusts and he does nothing but strike out.
If they don't make a trade tomorrow, Bote is still by far the best option they have at second base. Just play him.
-
Really good so far from Yu again - 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 Ks in 5 IP. 84 pitches though so 1 more inning max. His usual crappy run support along with it.
-
The version of Heyward the Cubs have gotten this year is pretty much a perfect leadoff hitter.
-
Baez walks!!!
(intentionally)
-
Bryant **** that inning up. Probably the game there.
-
The Cubs have 15 baserunners this inning and haven't scored yet. At least Cy Wainwright's out.
-
Huh, so that's why they got Goldschmidt.
-
Four baserunners in the top of the 6th, and the Cubs can't score a run.
Then it takes a couple pitches for the Cardinals to take the lead.
Don't trade anything valuable at the deadline, this team is going nowhere.
-
Ultimately, the problem is the offense. Unless that's fixed (likely next year at the soonest) improvements to the bullpen can only take you so far.
-
Leadoff walk in the 7th, and Almora is the best they can do as a pinch hitter.
Now Robel Garcia up to (probably) strike out again.
-
Robel Garcia strikes out again.
-
Garcia was a fun story, but it's not surprising that a guy who struck out 35% of the time in AAA is completely overmatched in MLB.
-
Yeah, Garcia was never going to last. At this point just play Bote and hope Zobrist somehow comes back as his 2018 version.
-
Almora smoked the ball.
-
Heyward is really swinging it well. A shame it's being wasted.
-
Another game-on-the-line chance for Bryant. Two on, two out.
-
Wick still good.
-
Happ should also get a shot at lead off.
Garcia should start against Mikolas, but not Flaherty.
-
Garcia should go back to AAA.
If he keeps playing, he'll have a 50% strikeout rate by a week from today.
-
lmao @ the 3-0 call on Schwarber.
-
That strike 1 call on Schwarber is one of the worst automatic 3-0 strike calls I've ever seen That was brutal.
He walks on the next pitch, but it's embarrassing that an MLB umpire called that a strike.
-
With Happ its either a walk or K.
Take a guess at what it was in that clutch situation.
-
Needs moar bullpen
-
10 LOB, 7 over innings 6-7-8.
-
Dysfunctional 2017-18 offense continues to be dysfunctional in 2019. [purple]Shocking.[/purple]
-
Robel Garcia with another strikeout.
-
Robel Garcia with another strikeout.
Posted that when he had a 1-1 count. That's how confident I am that he'll strike out almost every time.
-
And Heyward grounds out to end it.
-
Garcia can’t hit a breaking ball. Wainwright is a horrible match up for him. Mikolas has a FB and below average breaking balls. He is a hitter that currently needs to be heavily protected in his match ups and has no business hitting lead off.
At least Darvish looked good again.
-
Garcia needs to be heavily protected by going back to Des Moines.
-
2016 Cubs Runs Allowed 556, Runs Scored 808
2017 Cubs Runs Allowed 695 (+139), Runs Scored 785 (-23)
2018 Cubs Runs Allowed 645 (+89), Runs Scored 761 (-47)
2019 Cubs Runs Allowed 461, Runs scored 531
Over a 162 game schedule 704 RA (+148) 811 Runs Scored (+3).
Why the pitching gets a pass when people complain is beyond me. If the Cubs where still pitching like 2016, no body cares about the offense.
-
If they were hitting like they did in 2016, nobody cares about the pitching...
-
For the third year in a row, it's not about total runs scored. The offense is dysfunctional. They just don't score runs when they really need them, and they go off when the game is already over.
There are no reliable hitters on this roster past Rizzo, Bryant, Contreras, and Baez. On any day, they have at least half a lineup that any decent reliever can blow away.
-
2016 112 wRC+, ERA- 76
2017 108 wRC+, ERA- 91
2018 108 wRC+, ERA- 91
2019 109 wRC+, ERA- 92
One of those isn’t like the others. (Updated it for the non-pitcher wRC+)
For the third year in a row the Cubs offense is having to score more runs because the pitching has allowed a lot more runs. The 2016 Cubs had Bryant, Rizzo, Fowler and Zobrist as above average hitters that started. Ross was league average. Montero, Baez, Russell, Heyward were all below average. Contreras 283 PA of above average production. The 2016 Cubs didn’t NEED runs.
-
The Cubs are the only team in baseball to hold a lead in all their games since the all-star break but they're just 9-7 in those contests
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1156421578126700544
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 43m 43 minutes ago
Tonight's game is on ESPN btw. Grandpa Rossy and @PerezEd are in the house.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EA0_zcqWwAE2CcQ.jpg:small)
-
Another baserunning error. Something you can really afford when you can't score runs.
-
Just dumb by Contreras.
-
Now a terrible throw by Baez with Mikolas running and the Cardinals are set up to win again.
-
Slime ball Mikolas grabs Happs arm as he runs past the base. Umps miss it and now the Cubs are in big trouble.
-
How the heck isn’t that reviewable?
-
Cannot believe that's allowable. Note to Cubs baserunners: next time there's a close play at first, apparently it's ok to intentionally collide with the 1B defender.
-
So Dietrich running into Rizzo on purpose is interference, but Mikolas grappling Bote’s arm on purpose isn’t. Great rule MLB. Hendricks K and 2 weak ground balls gets out of it.
-
Good to know the Cubs aren't the only team that can screw up a glorious chance like that.
-
Baez' OPS since the break is around .720
-
Kyle Ryan is actually pretty good. The front office finally hit on one of their lightning in a bottle relievers after all these years.
-
You mean like Rondon, Strop, Motte, Richard, Cahill, Duensing, De La Rosa, Garcia. Yeah the never find useful relievers on the scrap heap.
-
According to Derrick Goold, the Cardinals are 3-39 with RISP with no RBI since the weekend.
-
.118 hitting Revelo just one-hopped the wall. Tying runs in scoring position.
Kimbrel's A-OK though.
-
Cubs are about to blow another game. Tying run on second with 1 out.
If only this "good hitting" team could score runs so that these late inning situations weren't so easy to blow.
-
I think it is fair to say that this just isn't the Cubs year.
-
Grounder to Bryant for the 2nd out. Kimbrel still not finishing people off, however.
-
Cubs are about to blow another game. Tying run on second with 1 out.
If only this "good hitting" team could score runs so that these late inning situations weren't so easy to blow.
Mikolas is a great pitcher. The Cubs are up 2 runs with Kimbrel on the mound. If they don’t win this, that’s not on the offense. All Kimbrel has to do is put up less than an 18.00 ERA.
-
Kimbrel seems to be a little scared to use his fastball now.
-
Had ‘em all the way...
-
Cubs barely escape with a win.
-
In all seriousness, have we seen anything on what’s up with Kimbrel? 97 is plenty fast, and his curve still makes major league hitters look like, well, me. What gives?
-
When your fastball is more 95-96 than 98-99 like it used to be, I guess so.
Quality breaking ball to Munoz though.
-
In all seriousness, have we seen anything on what’s up with Kimbrel? 97 is plenty fast, and his curve still makes major league hitters look like, well, me. What gives?
There haven’t been many 97s is part of the problem. 95 is still fast but he’s not blowing it by anybody if they’re sitting on it.
-
Cards had 5 doubles tonight and couldn't score.
-
Terrific and much needed win. Big hit by Happ and Javy being Javy. Let's hope the offense gets a shot in the arm from the addition of Castellanos.
-
The Cubs have won every game since they made their trade deadline trades. If they keep this up, they should be all right.
-
Did Javy know Wieters would make a bad throw - or did Javy MAKE him throw it badly with his mind
-
Note the one hour earlier getaway day game time
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EA6C-UFXYAEoSFo.jpg:small)
-
Unless you think Kemp is an everyday player (and I think he's better as a super-utility guy) 2B still a major problem against RHP. Bote against LHP, presumably - though you need him at 3B if you want Bryant in the OF. And he's pretty much sucked the past two months anyway.
-
Joe Sheehan with a correct observation.
Joe Sheehan @joe_sheehan
I can't square the difference between the #Cubs offense on the page and the Cubs offense I see every time I watch them play.
-
Cubs with no hits and only one base runner through 4 innings.
-
Why pitch to Wong
-
I assume bc they want to lose.
-
Through 6 innings, Castellanos has a hit, a walk, and another 9 pitch AB that ended in an out. He’s seen 23 pitches.
The rest of the team is 0 for 19 with a walk. They’ve seen only 62 pitches. The new guy is the only reason they’re not on pace to get no hit on about 95 pitches.
-
Boooooooo
-
This is not a good baseball team.
-
3-0 now with 2 on, nobody out. Feels like 25-0 with this offense.
They’re back to being the second half 2018 Cubs. On this road trip, it seems like they go several innings between hard hit non-grounders.
-
Score doubled while I was typing my last post.
-
3-run homer by Wieters off another great Theo acquisition.
-
Cubs haven't won a road series since mid-May.
-
Tough to win when Bryant, Rizzo, Baez and Contreras are hitting for less than Almora on this road trip.
-
Embarrassing.
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9M_fWNFU4g
-
well at least they didnt lose 1- 0...
-
The Wrigley Field scoreboard clock is stuck on 12:00. As Bruce Miles said, it will be right twice today.
-
is that the doomsday clock?
-
Do we think the home vs road record is a real thing, or just statistical noise? What would meaningfully impact those respective records?
-
Do we think the home vs road record is a real thing, or just statistical noise? What would meaningfully impact those respective records?
Cubs pitching
Home 3.36 ERA/4.01 FIP/4.09 xFIP, 14.4% HR/FB , .684 OPS, 23.4% K%, 7.8% BB%, .277 BABIP, 77.4% LOB%
Away 4.73 ERA/4.63 FIP/4.58 xFIP, 15.5%, .781 OPS, 21.6 K%, 9.3% BB%, .308 BABIP, 72% LOB%
Cubs Hitting
Home .254/.338/.447, 10.5 BB%, 23.5 K%, 17% HR/FB
Away .245/.321/.442, 8.8% BB%, 24.7 K%, 19.6 HR/FB
The pitching seems to much worse on the road and the hitting just a little bit worse.
-
Cubs offense home/road OPS differential is almost exactly what to expect. Clubs tend to hit a bit better at home.
NL teams in the aggregate:
.767 OPS at home
.736 OPS on the road.
So, Cubs differential at .22 OPS worse on road is slightly less than what we see around the league.
Cubs vast pitching differential is another matter. Is there a logical explanation?
NO! It’s just a weird baseball thing to be that different, no? What could possibly explain the bulk of that?
-
The Cubs are now 7-6 against Zach Davies; for some reason I thought he had dominated us historically. Turns out that after pitching six shutout innings against us in his rookie year, he has been pretty even against us (https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/split_stats.cgi?full=1¶ms=oppon%7CCHC%7Cdavieza02%7Cpitch%7CIP%7C) since then.
-
Wick is good. He needs to keep pitching in high leverage situations until he proves he shouldn't be.
-
If Wick continues as he has been, he's going to earn the right to wear his hat askew.
-
Just so his breasts are not askew.
-
Hamels is pitching well. Baez scored on a wild pitch. He was aggressive in going for a triple, then was aggressive on trying to score on the wild pitch. Throw to the plate actually beat him, but Gonzalez didn't get to the plate fast enough to field it anyway. Cubs hit some solid line drives, with some bad luck, off of Gonzalez early, but he's been cruising over the last coupe of innings. Cubs have gotten some opposite field hits, but nothing hit hard since the 2nd inning.
1-0 Cubs after 4. I'm guessing 1 run might not be enough, so somehow the offense will probably need to get something else.
-
Gio can't locate his fastball and the Cub hitters should be looking offspeed. But they still can't lay off offspeed pitches out of the zone. Poor hitting.
-
Leg injury for Contreras, looks like he'll be on the IL tomorrow.
-
Contreras is leaving the game with what appears to be a hamstring injury. Extremely devastating if he has to go back on the IL.
-
Almora! Pulls HR, 2-1 Cubs.
-
The Cubs have scratched across two insurance runs in the 8th by showing some patience.
-
Kimbrel allows a double to Thames but K's Arcia to end it.
Cubs win 4-1.
-
Wish we still had Maldonado.
-
May need to go get Lucroy.
-
Two well played games in a row. Timing is uplifting
-
Good call PR...
-
It might be difficult to get Lucroy, though. Can't trade for him, and anyone can claim him on waivers. But if the front office had to beg ownership for the $2.5 million needed to add Castellanos, then they might not be able to get the $1 million or so they'd have to pay Lucroy if they claimed him.
If Lucroy ends up a free agent, though, he'd be a good pickup.
-
Let's hope Contreras won't be out too long!
Great job by Hamels, Wick, Almora, Baez and others!
BIG win...sure hope Yu has his A-game tomorrow! EVERY game is a BIG one now!
-
Lucroy may be damaged goods. He took a major league hit.
Aren't the Angels responsible for his salary if he's claimed?
-
After missing three weeks following his collision with Houston 's Jake Marisnick, Lucroy returned Wednesday and went two for four with a double in a loss to Detroit.
-
After missing three weeks following his collision with Houston 's Jake Marisnick, Lucroy returned Wednesday and went two for four with a double in a loss to Detroit.
Then why did LA DFA him? Seems odd.
-
The claiming team would be responsible for the salary.
If he ends up getting released and becomes a free agent, then his new team would only be responsible for the prorated MLB minimum.
-
Leg injury for Contreras, looks like he'll be on the IL tomorrow.
Lucroy time almost certainly if we were under the old rules. Now? Not easy.
-
How is it possible for Rizzo to be that f’n slow
-
How is it possible for Grandal to make that no-look, under-handed flip in the perfect spot?
-
Lucroy may be damaged goods. He took a major league hit.
Aren't the Angels responsible for his salary if he's claimed?
No. If anyone claims someone off waivers, they get the contract, as well as the player.
-
Grandal could have gone to the dugout and grabbed some seeds and still have time to get Rizzo
-
Rizzo's jump is that of a tortoise, but that play by Grandal probably gets any runner.
-
Disagree but whatever
-
Kemp had made 1 error in 104 chances as a second basemen, just made one on his 6th chance as a Cub.
-
Heyward's OPS'ing over 950 since late June. Could've knocked me over with a feather on that one.
Shaw not exactly contending for a gold glove with that play on the Castellanos grounder.
-
Every time Kemp hits a fly ball should have to do push-ups like Willie Mays Hayes.
-
Well, he just struck out.
-
More push-ups!
-
Darvish has been excellent but his pitch count is at 93 through five.
-
Darvish now 44 K's, 2 BB in July.
-
Schwarber bomb makes it 4-1.
-
SCHWARBER .800 OPS ALERT!
Now at .808.
-
Joe goes with Holland with the lefties up in the 6th. Darvish worked really hard the last two innings.
Yelich singles but Holland fans Thames.
Moustakas lined out to Heyward and then Holland fanned Gamel.
Holland throwing 94-95 with lots of run.
-
Think that was a very good decision by Maddon. Fans don't seem to get it, but it made sense.
-
Kemp singles and eventually scores on a force out in the 6th.
-
1-2-3 seventh for Chatwood.
-
Sac fly Kemp makes it 6-1.
-
Bote rolls one through the shifted infield to make it 7-1.
-
Darvsh and Chatwood lboth look like the guys we thought we were getting.
-
3-inning save for Chatwood. Gave up a homer and fanned five.
-
Cub offense is a lot of fun to watch when they perform like this. And Rizzo displaying some leadership in showing how to beat the shift over and over.
-
Pretty demoralizing series for the Brewers coming out of the trade deadline. They made a number of solid acquisitions and then got stomped on.
-
Brewers offense really looks bad. Yelich, Hiura, other than those guys I didn't feel like there was anybody else that was dangerous, even though Moustakis is hot.
I feel kinda bad for the small-market teams like that; they had a really good team and got the World Series, but didn't convert, and now their window may be closing fast. Don't have the limitless payroll that Theo has, the financial window tightens pretty quickly too.
Everything's better when you score runs. Kind of great to have a relatively "easy" game, get ahead early, stay ahead early, kind of the Cubs game all the way.
-
Kelly Crull @Kelly_Crull 1h1 hour ago
Darvish ill, was gassed according to Maddon after the 5th. He said Chatwood & Schwarber weren’t 100% either...something going around the clubhouse. “Don’t shake their hands right now.”
-
Yu now with 1 or 0 walks in 6 straight starts.
-
Yu is pitching very, very well. Hats off to him.
-
Hats off to Yu too, Jeff😀
-
Kemp starting at 2B tonight for second day in a row.
-
Umpires for #Athletics (64-48) at #Cubs (60-51):
HP: CB Bucknor
1B: D.J. Reyburn
2B: Paul Nauert
3B: Fieldin Culbreth
-
Gargantuan strike zone from Bucknor for Kyle in the 1st.
-
Castellanos is a professional hitter.
-
I hope Wick gets a chance to close sometime. I'd like to see if he could handle it.
-
Kyle bringing the 89 MPH HEAT.
-
Really good AB by Schwarber there.
-
Followed by a great AB by Caratini.
-
I don't love that baserunning by Schwarber there. He's getting doubled up anyway if Simien makes the catch.
-
Wow - first walk by a Cub starter in 36.2 IP.
-
How can a guy up there to bunt look at two strikes right down the middle?
-
Baez draws the walk...
When you're outhitting the opponent 5-1 and losing, you kinda feel like you know how that game is going to turn out.
-
How can a guy up there to bunt look at two strikes right down the middle?
FEAR
-
Baez' walk had more to do with Bucknor than Baez.
-
Baez' walk had more to do with Bucknor than Baez.
If you mean him actually calling the pitches hat missed balls, sure.
-
Wick is no candle in the wind. Kid can pitch.
-
Happ!!
-
Treinen looking really really good
-
Wick could get his second vulture win here.
-
Wick could get his second vulture win here.
His fortunes are definitely waxing.
-
If you mean him actually calling the pitches hat missed balls, sure.
They were strikes if one goes by K-zones.
-
That Baez homer was basically hit with one hand while reaching and out front.
-
Happ 474 feet.
-
Well, looks like Joe has managed to kill Cishek.
-
Home plate ump costs the Cubs 2 runs as Cishek clearly had the batter caught looking for strike 3, but called a ball. 5 pitches later, HR.
-
25 pitches for one out. 3 runs given up so far but Cishek is still in there.
-
The innings have caught up to him, Cishek is broken.
-
I guess the plan was for Kintzler to close it out, but what now? Ryan?
-
Yep. Ryan
-
Let’s hope it’s saving Ryan. Hopefully the carriage stays a carriage for one more day.
-
The left handed Cishek. He probably should have been unavailable tonight.
-
Interesting you’d do a double switch and get weaker defensively at 2B with the lead in the 9th at home.
-
Nice to have a weapon like Davis when you need a HR late.
-
Ugh.
-
Welp
-
Who’s left? Underwood?
-
Oh, Phelps. This is sure to work out well.
-
Winner!
-
Had ‘em all the way.
-
Nice job again by the offense. Very encouraging.
-
Go Doyers
-
Wow, I was sure that was gone.
-
Nice win!
Hendricks was really, really, really good.... again.
-
Kintzler looked to be hurt. We'll see how that goes. That would be a bummer if he as well as Kimbrel are both out.
-
Dodgers are beating up on Wacha so if that holds the Cubs have a 2.5 game lead.
-
Umpire had a lot of interesting ball/strike calls. A couple worked against the Cubs, but I think they got a whole lot in their favor, too.
Castellanos, really good game.
So nice for Happ, after the year he's had, to get a big tie-breaking hit. What a thrill.
-
That was too damb close.
-
Kemp may be hurt also. He took that hard one hopper off his chest, and barely made a blooper throw to first. He was clutching his rib cage as he came off the field. That may be the reason Bote came in.
And Bote made a nice play on a tough chance.
-
Question, can Brach be re-signed after he clears waivers?
-
Kintzler with right pec discomfort. Mills, Norwood, Alzolay or Maples would seem to be the options.
-
Brach has cleared waivers and, like any free agent, he can sign with any club.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 14m14 minutes ago
Maddon called tonight's bullpen situation a 'juggling act'
Cishek down. Strop won't go in late in high leverage. Unless maybe it's a match up situation. Chatwood down as well
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 14m14 minutes ago
Maddon called tonight's bullpen situation a 'juggling act'
Cishek down. Strop won't go in late in high leverage. Unless maybe it's a match up situation. Chatwood down as well
Davep, warm up the wing. They may need you tonight.
-
Underwood or bust.
-
At least 7 innings from Jon Lester would be helpful.
-
Basically throwing BP at this point.
-
That's the third miss by Almora in the past few weeks. He gets to the ball, and then flat out misses it
-
Might have to let Lester take one for the team here - go 100 pitches even if he gives up 10 runs.
-
Who even is the long guy with Chatwood down? How many can Underwood go?
-
4-0. Bases load. Lester at 40 pitches here in the second...
Time to do other things.
-
That was almost really, really ugly. Hopefully Caratini is OK.
-
Might have to let Lester take one for the team here - go 100 pitches even if he gives up 10 runs.
As I said...
-
Good to see the offense fight back at least.
-
6 faced, 6 Ks for Underwood. Can he improve on that in his next outing?
-
Could see that coming a mile away.
-
Professional AB by Holland.
-
The Davis-Schwarber battery works a scoreless inning!
-
Might be time to give Happ a start or three.
-
Most of Davis' offerings were apparently too slow to register on the radar gun.
-
The rally falls short as Bryant whiffs and pitcher Davis flies out. Oakland wins 11-4.
-
Jesse Rogers
Verified account
@ESPNChiCubs
11m11 minutes ago
More
Jon Lester on Duane Underwood striking out 6 in 2 innings: “That was impressive. He probably should have started the game.”
-
Grand slam for Happ and 3-run shot for Schwarber. Quintana has sailed thus far and the Cubs lead 9-1.
-
Kyle Schwarber is one strong man.
-
Christopher Kamka @ckamka 34m34 minutes ago
#Cubs have 8 grand slams this season...
by 8 different players
Taylor Davis, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora Jr., Willson Contreras, Javier Báez, Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber and now Ian Happ
-
Watching the replay of the Schwarbomb, he just flicks his wrists at a pitch outside and goes oppo on an almost excuse-me swing. I know the ball is juiced, but that’s still just nuts. Whatever rebuild may be coming for the Cubs, it sure feels like there’s more to be gotten out of Schwarber.
Also love the two oppo-field RBI knocks from Baez. How he produces so much value with such a terrible contact rate is mind boggling.
-
Javy fouls a ball off his leg and hobbles around for a few minutes then stays in the game. With a 9-1 lead get him out of there and put some ice on it.
-
Bote now at short.
-
Strop returned to finish the game. Was a bit shaky.
10-1 the final after a Caratini homer in the 8th.
-
Pedro Strop pitched the ninth. He threw 18 pitches with four of them at 93 mph. All but one of the rest were 81-83.
Another fine outing for Quintana.
-
Great bounce back game. Now let's keep the offense rolling on the road.
-
Yeah, that was a terrific win. Nice outing for Quintana, and what a difference having a stretch of hot Happ makes.
-
And hot Schwarber.
-
Happ at 2B every day until he proves otherwise.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBeDX1dW4AAMGCj.jpg:small)
-
Good spot to get Lucroy out there with Hamels pitching.
-
Caratini may need a break after taking a foul ball off his arm Wednesday afternoon.
-
Umpires for #Cubs (62-52) at #Reds (54-58):
HP: Jordan Baker
1B: Ed Hickox
2B: Carlos Torres
3B: Angel Hernandez
-
Castellanos!
-
I’m starting to warm to the idea of bringing Castellanos back.
-
Man, Javy is so much better on offspeed stuff now.
-
What a hideous AB by Almora.
-
What a hideous AB by Almora.
I hope he still has options
-
Happ!
-
Happ picks him up. Keep playing him.
-
Wow, was that ball by Aquino crushed.
-
Yeah, Happ should definitely be the everyday second baseman until he shows he can’t do it.
I wouldn’t hate extending Castellanos either, but I think they need to find a CF no matter what—the metrics aren’t very kind to Heyward there. If they bring back Castellanos, I think they need to move on from Schwarber and play him in LF.
-
Cole needs to move to the third base side of the rubber
-
Cole has nothing tonight.
-
Chatwood should be good to go, right?
-
Good or able?
-
One hitter too many.
-
LOL. Lucroy already having an impact.
-
Nitro Nic!
-
Castellanos is really an impressive hitter. Works ABs, uses all fields. A professional to be sure.
-
Aquino’s was the hardest hit ball in MLB this season. In the same game he has the hardest throw by an OF (101.5 MPH).
Chatwood’s stuff plays out of the pen, if he can just avoid walks.
-
Javy is ridiculously good in pitcher’s counts.
-
Lucroy looking like a pro hitter himself.
-
Castellanos looks like J.D. Martinez.
-
Who is this guy wearing Chatwood"s uni?
-
Who is this guy wearing Chatwood"s uni?
That seems unduly harsh to me. Chatwood has been pretty decent this year. Inconsistent, but on the whole not bad.
-
Terrific 3 innings by Chatwood. Nice job again.
-
PLAY HAPP
-
Happ!
-
That seems unduly harsh to me. Chatwood has been pretty decent this year. Inconsistent, but on the whole not bad.
Wasn't intended to be harsh. He's been a pleasant help.
-
Jordan Baker has impressed me behind the plate. Consistent, and actually calling the high strike.
-
I think everyone back in spring training expected this team to be led by Ian Happ and Nic Castellanos late in the year.
-
Jordan Baker has impressed me behind the plate. Consistent, and actually calling the high strike.
Of course, maybe the fact that he's the tallest ump in MLB (6'7") has something to do with that.
Another great AB by Castellanos, who works a walk on a pitch a bad ump might have called a strike. Of course he did miss an absolute hanger on 2-1.
-
Wow, that was comically bad defense.
-
Don't think he gets Bryant even if he barehands it cleanly. Quite a break to get two out of it.
-
Chatwood's last two appearances: 6-4-1-1-1-11
-
Let him get the third out. Jiminy Christmas
-
Overmanaging by Joe as usual.
-
Weird, you've got a thin bullpen, so he's got to do mid-inning switches with a 6-run lead? Yykstra Dykstra.
Underwood wasn't looking wild or anything either. Let the guy finish.
-
Seven Cubs with multiple-hit games.
-
That Penn Station Sandwich advert behind the plate is just awful. Ohio is a miserable place
-
Let's see if we can get Cishek some work tonight.
3 hits for Lucroy. And damn - Aquino has a ridiculous arm.
-
Watching Heyward try and hit those ephus pitches from Farmer was pretty hilarious.
Pitch Speed: --
-
Maybe take a step deeper, Jonathon.
-
Hard to recall the last time a catcher got called for interference twice in one game.
-
Have the Cubs set the all time catcher interference record this year? I think this is the second time this year a Cub has had two catcher interference calls in the same game.
-
Caratini breaks up Farmer's perfect game.
-
LOL - Javy bats lefty and flies out.
-
Hard to recall the last time a catcher got called for interference twice in one game.
La Stella reached twice in one game last season. I’m assuming it was the same catcher each time.
-
Bryan O'Grady finally gets his first major league AB at 27. Good for him.
-
Not to spoil the fun, but Maddon has basically taken his best LH reliever out of the next two games.
-
Yykstra Dykstra.
I wish you Dutch guys would remember you are Americans, and speak English.
-
Important win with Bauer and Castillo looming.
-
Not to spoil the fun, but Maddon has basically taken his best LH reliever out of the next two games.
Didn’t want to bring in anybody who wasn’t fully warmed up.
Apparently.
-
Ah, so the same reason he left Chapman in with a 7-run lead.
-
Still lamenting World Series Championship?
-
Still building straw men every chance you get?
-
I don't really get the logic, reb. 6-run lead, two outs one man on. Or, I guess, maybe I don't agree with it.
Why bring in anybody? That's just a Maddon commitment. His logic begins with the premise that a 6-run lead is unsafe in the 7th inning, and that if a runner reaches base it's time to go with mid-inning matchup relievers.
I assume he was committed to going with a lefty specialist if Underwood allowed a baserunner. He knew a lefty bat was 4th, and I think he'd pre-planned to go to Ryan if that situation arose.
He'd known for some time that Chatwood wasn't going to pitch the 7th inning. So he had plenty of time to warm up anybody he wanted. And he did, and that was Ryan.
Interesting that he had Holland warm up earlier while Chatwood was pitching. I don't know how many times. Apparently he'd pre-determined that since Holland had been up, he wasn't going to get him up again, and this time if a baserunner reached, he was going to Ryan. Simple as that.
Personally, I'd have left Underwood in with 2 outs, just one baserunner, and a 6-run lead. But Maddon had already pre-determined that he was NOT going to allow that. That's a point of disagreement. 2nd, he'd pre-determined that it was going to be Ryan. I'd have though Holland would make more sense; use the lesser lefty today with the 6-run lead, and save Ryan your better guy for tomorrow. Perhaps Maddon prefers Holland, and now views Ryan as the lesser guy? Or else perhaps he's got a policy that once a guy has been up a time or two without going in, that he's done? So even though Holland hadn't pitched, he was already pre-determined to be done for the night?
I'm curious on the Holland thinking, myself.
What another fine outing by Chatwood. He's got a sub-4 ERA in relief; he's been good. I admit I'd like to see Maddon go to him more often, particularly now with Edwards, Cishek, Strop, Kintzler situations.
But whatever. Hopefully they score runs early tomorrow and have a lead to protect. Maybe Holland will give you a good appearance tomorrow.
-
I didn’t feel game was a done deal there either....and neither did Maddon. Reds can put up runs quickly in that park. Underwood was not nearly as effective as the other day and if he gives up a 2-run homer there (or worse), you have to get late inning guys ready and that group is thin. The move to Ryan is just not worthy of criticism. Let’s just put the game in the bank with a reliever who has been effective. Maddon did that.
.
-
I too wish Underwood had been left in to finish that inning (or the game), but I can't fault Maddon that much for wanting to take his inexperienced guy out after another good outing, before that outing was potentially spoiled. Hopefully U will get a little more rope next time out.
-
I like that psychological thought for Underwood, Tuffy. And it may be with the bullpen issues, it could well be that come Saturday and a close game, maybe having a reasonably fresh Underwood will itself be helpful and he'll get used again in a game with a <6-run differential. Who knows.
I really like how Chatwood has sequenced some solid games. 3.76 ERA in relief, <4 overall, over last 7 games he's got 1.05WHIP and 2.03 ERA, 18K/3BB/13IP.
I wouldn't mind seeing him get used in some shorter relief situations. Cishek, Strop, all of these guys have control issues, inconsistency issues, etc.. I'm not really sure Chatwood at this stage is really any wilder or more inconsistent than those sort of guys.
Heh heh, perhaps I'm just impacted by recentism. And perhaps I'm sentimental, and think that after some of Chatwood's control issues last year, that it would be such a happy human-interest story to have him emerge and be respected as a protect-the-lead guy rather than just as a long-man or when-you're-losing guy.
-
No doubt Chatwood has earned the right to try his hand pitching in higher leverage spots. It's just that his ability to pitch multiple innings makes him valuable in the long relief/spot starter role.
-
No doubt Chatwood has earned the right to try his hand pitching in higher leverage spots. It's just that his ability to pitch multiple innings makes him valuable in the long relief/spot starter role.
Yeah, he's been really useful as a spot starter.
Long-relief outings, maybe less so? He's really helped out there, with two this week. But prior to the Darvish-ill game on Sunday, I don't think Chatwood had pitched a meaningful long-relief outing since May?
Most "long relief" situations aren't that meaningful because long relief is required when your starter has gotten hammered and you're going to lose. Very unusual to pull a starter in a tie game after 3 innings. Or even to pull the starter after 5 when you're winning, as with Darvish on Sunday.
Both of those games could be a great way to use a long-man in winning situations, though. I almost like the idea of having a planned piggy-back schedule for Chatwood. Every 3rd or 4th day, it's his turn, and you plan on that being a rest-day for most of your "use-when-winning" relievers. If you're up 3-2 after 6 on Sunday, just give the next 2-3 innings to Chatwood, and don't wear out your overworked "use-when-winning" short relievers. If you're losing 5-1 on Chatwood's scheduled day, let your "use-when-losing" relievers finish it, and save Chatwood for another day.
-
I think that would be a sensible approach, craig. It would give Chatwood regular meaningful minutes while allowing Maddon to ease up on the late inning relievers.
-
After being pummeled by Cubs yesterday (on top of several previous bad outings), Reds have DFA reliever David Hernandez.
-
Castellanos!
-
He's no fluke.
-
Thinking the 980 SLG% might not be sustainable.
-
That strike 3 swing by KB was almost as bad as the one the other night.
-
Bryant has one extra-base hit his last 53 at-bats.
-
That split that K'd Votto is the pitch that can make Darvish a #1 starter again if he keeps throwing it. Lefties are the problem - that pitch neutralizes a lot of it.
-
Man, what an inning.
As JD notes, Yu was last in baseball in walk rate pre-June 10th. Post June 10th, he's #1 in the NL.
-
What a tease.
-
Last night there was speculation that David Hernandez was hurt, so DFAing him today is kind of harsh.
-
Why are the Reds wearing military tribute uniforms today? Today is the anniversary of the Nagasaki atomic bomb; you would think that the day the treaty to end the war was signed (September 2, I think) would be a better day.
-
I think Bauer has a blister
-
Let's hope so.
-
Great AB by the Riz.
-
Nice job by Bryant there
-
Bauer is going to get out of this. Damn
-
Trash AB from Baez, Happ and Schwarber after Rizzo battled
-
Don't feign surprise.
-
We really let Bauer off the hook there.
-
Classy stuff there Blue. And certainly warranted.
Meanwhile, Suarez homers again against the Cubs.
-
Yeah yeah yeah ::)
You triggered me. So did those three AB.
I still love you Cristobal
-
Darvish being haunted by the long ball again. Too bad because he continues to rack up a ridiculous K/BB ratio 9-0.
-
Darvish K/BB since the start of July: 53 K, 2 BB
Since June 10th: 80 K, 7 BB
-
If he could keep the ball in the ballpark, he'd be right up there with his career best production.
-
With the bases loaded and no outs, Rizzo ensures that we won't blow such a situation by getting hit with a pitch. 5-2, Reds.
-
Jesus, Javy. Work an at bat man
-
The three putzes. Good job good effort tonight
-
Darvish K/BB since the start of July: 53 K, 2 BB
Since June 10th: 80 K, 7 BB
Wow!
-
Jesse Rogers
@ESPNChiCubs
5-6-7 in the Cubs lineup, Baez, Happ and Schwarber have combined to leave 19 men on base
-
That was some Cub-like baserunning by Van Mieter.
-
Somebody's gotta get miked up when Votto and Rizzo are at 1B.
-
He ran a long long way, so I'm not being critical, but that's the 4th fly in The past month that Almora has failed to catch. I guess I'm just used to him making fantastic catches I'm spoiled.
-
He ran a long long way, so I'm not being critical, but that's the 4th fly in The past month that Almora has failed to catch. I guess I'm just used to him making fantastic catches I'm spoiled.
A ball hit right at you is hard to judge. That's what happened.
-
Javy needs a few days off.
-
I think Aquino needs to take a few days off too
-
He ran a long long way, so I'm not being critical, but that's the 4th fly in The past month that Almora has failed to catch. I guess I'm just used to him making fantastic catches I'm spoiled.
Almora consistently grades out about average in CF, which would be fine if he hadn't been one of the worst hitters in baseball for the past calendar year. Having him lead off is especially perplexing.
-
What’s wrong w Kyle tonight?
Also, if the Reds are gonna be good, I’m so glad that nasty tongue-wagging Puig is gone. Way less painful.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Coulda used Taylor Davis for mopup duty on the mound today.
-
Some nights you're the dog
Other nights you're the fire hydrant
-
By all means, keep throwing them right down the middle, Kyle...
-
They're out-hitting us 12 to 0.
-
Coulda used Taylor Davis for mopup duty on the mound today.
I blame you for this mess, Deeg. It was only 3-0 with 2 outs and nobody on at that point!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I'm really concerned about Chris. Where is he? I hope he's OK.
-
I blame you for this mess, Deeg. It was only 3-0 with 2 outs and nobody on at that point!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hendricks was visibly throwing nothingballs. Handwriting was on the wall.
-
Almora leading off, and no Happ? WTH?
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 1m1 minute ago
More Jesse Rogers Retweeted Tom Kalal
Let's take a breathe. Lucroy had 111 innings behind the plate with Hamels on the mound compared to Caratini's 92. He throws a change up. Has for 15 years. Jesse Rogers added,
Tom Kalal
@TomKalal
Replying to @ESPNChiCubs
Both times LuCroy started pitcher didn’t make it past the third inning. Maybe, let him watch one time through to get an idea of what everyone is throwing
-
How stupid are our pitchers?
Aquino has already shown he will swing at balls off the plate.
But yeah, keep grooving them...
-
I hope none of you are being forced to listen to Thom Brennaman tonight.
-
Almora leading off, and no Happ? WTH?
Almora is literally a replacement-level player (0.0 WAR) - which is hard to do for a guy with as many ABs as he'd had. Truth be told if it were just a baseball decision, Russell has more of a claim to a roster spot than Almora, who really should be in the minors.
-
I am...every time these 2 teams play.
Thom loves him some Punisher.
-
It shouldn’t be anything but a baseball decision.
Put Russell back at 2B and Happ in CF.
-
Remember when Sammy had three homers against in Colorado and Don Baylor pulled him so as to not embarrass the Rockies?
Maybe the Reds will pull Aquino.
-
It shouldn’t be anything but a baseball decision.
Put Russell back at 2B and Happ in CF.
Well - the role should be as a bench player. Assuming your OF is going to be Schwarber, Heyward and Castellanos against RHP I'd keep playing Happ at 2B. But I think Russell offers more value in baseball terms than Almora. He's actually good at the position he'd be used rather than just average, for starters.
Still - this is not just a baseball decision and we're kidding ourselves if we think otherwise. And Russell's shocking string of mental blunders only made that problem worse.
-
The mental blunders are a baseball decision, and reason enough to send him down.
If it was for other, obvious reasons, just cut him and move on.
Too bad for Bote there...he nutted that ball...
-
Nice cut, Albert...
-
Brennamen has done nothing but talk about how Happ just destroys the ball at GABP. He’s top 3 career in both OBP and SLG.
Where is he?
-
Happ-Bote-Kemp-Caratini around the horn now...
-
I guess this is why you recall Mills - let him go the rest of the way and spare whatever bullpen you have left in case you don't get blown out tomorrow.
-
Is Heyward hurt?
-
The next pitch Aquino sees should be in his ear hole.
-
Thom announces that he loves the wave.
I’m not surprised.
-
wtf
-
the mets are more....basebally
-
aq with a k
-
After failing repeatedly last night when it mattered, Schwarber hits the big homer down 10-0 in the 9th.
-
So, if Heyward isn't injured, why wasn't he leading off against a righthander?
So why wasn't a lefthand hitting 2B in there? We have Happ and Kemp.
Why does Joe hate winning so much that he reverts to a proven rotten lineup (against for Castellanos)?
-
So, if Heyward isn't injured, why wasn't he leading off against a righthander?
So why wasn't a lefthand hitting 2B in there? We have Happ and Kemp.
Why does Joe hate winning so much that he reverts to a proven rotten lineup (against for Castellanos)?
Len made a big point at the start of the game that Sonny Gray is a reverse split guy.
-
Cubs embarrassed again on the road, now looking to salvage a split in a series that started with a big win. That's about right for this team.
-
Yet they're in 1st place and have been the majority of the year.
-
It's true the Cubs are still in first place. By 1 in the loss column over the Cardinals who are 60 runs worse than the Cubs, and by 2 over the Brewers who are 90 runs worse. Neither of those teams are very good and this division could've already been in the bag if the Cubs would play to their potential. Or maybe I'm overthinking it & this is the Cubs' ceiling.
-
The Cubs are a different team since the trade deadline. Their record is 6-4 and in most games their offense has looked much improved. It might be wise to avoid pigeonholing them on the basis of two poor road games against a team with solid pitching.
-
The Cubs are a different team since the trade deadline. Their record is 6-4 and in most games their offense has looked much improved. It might be wise to avoid pigeonholing them on the basis of two poor road games against a team with solid pitching.
Agree. Except when Joe decides to go back to basically his old lineups expecting different results.
BTW, Chatwood and other bullpen guys got Aquino swinging at crap in the dirt. Maybe our starters should try watching the games.
-
Agree. Except when Joe decides to go back to basically his old lineups expecting different results.
BTW, Chatwood and other bullpen guys got Aquino swinging at crap in the dirt. Maybe our starters should try watching the games.
It is perhaps a mild concern that both starters got absolutely hammered with Lucroy catching so far.
-
The Cubs will go as far as their pitching can take them. The Cubs pitching staff has given up less than 5 runs twice this week and somehow the Cubs are 4-3.
-
It is perhaps a mild concern that both starters got absolutely hammered with Lucroy catching so far.
Agree with that too
-
I don’t think Hendricks fastball velocity and poor location was Lucroy’s fault.
The Cubs went with a rotation/bullpen dependent on contact management. They are going to have games where they get blown up.
-
I hope the FO is smart enough to at least try to resign Castellanos.
-
Happ's swing from the right side is less loopy than the left.
-
That was a fun win. Lester did just enough, another big day for Happ, fairly smooth 9th for Strop after great work from Phelps and Wick, and of course, the huge swing from KB. Good way to go into an off day.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Nice win, great work by the bullpen, good comeback by the offense versus the great Castillo, super-clutch blast for Bryant.
I checked the score, down 2-0 against the great Castillo, I didn't really expect a win. Pretty sweet.
Fun for Bryant, he's gotten criticism for not being the most clutch; neat to hit a good late-inning game-winner.
Nice to see Phelps being usable.
Pretty fun to be able to split a tough road series including Bauer, Gray, and Castillo, despite 3 awful starts and a mediocre one by our rotation.
-
Wick could be the guy that gets us to the postseason if Maddon uses him properly.
-
Yes. Wick has been lights out for us, both with Cubs and at Iowa.
Sure hope he can maintain his velo and command (knocking on wood)!
-
Wick is future closer, I believe.
-
Don’t sleep on Underwood either.
-
Kris Bryant.
-
Wick is future closer, I believe.
Hopefully not before 2022.
-
But it might not be for us.
-
But it might not be for us.
Considering our bullpen has been in desperation mode every fall and Wick isn't a FA for 6 more seasons, if he winds up good enough to be anybody's closer it would seem pretty foolish to trade him.
-
He’s ex communcado
-
Seriously, either Maddon or Almora has to go and I'm fine if it's both. They can't be allowed to be part of the same organization.
-
This is becoming Craig versus Nic Jackson-like in its bitterness.
-
Robb's BFF looking good so far.
-
That play on Castellanos at the plate was way closer than it should have been.
-
He runs weird.
-
And he needs to tuck in his back pocket.
-
What HAPPened on the pop up to Ian? I missed that play.
-
He didn't really get under it. Had his glove in an slightly awkward position.
-
Wow, 10 Ks in 4.2 for Quintana.
-
Realmuto gives Philly the lead. Cubs have two infield singles in five innings.
-
Castellanos again.
2-2
-
Quintana immense
-
14 K's but likely done after 6.
-
Quintana has enough games like this that really make you wonder why he's such a nibbler so often.
-
Quintana has enough games like this that really make you wonder why he's such a nibbler so often.
Fire the pitching coach again?
-
That was... bad baserunning by Kingery.
-
Bullpen's gonna bullpen.
-
Lucroy deeked him.
-
Lucroy deeked him.
Ummkay
-
More crap baseball on the road for this team. Two runs against Jason Vargas and a Phillies bullpen missing about 75% of their opening day pitchers.
-
Now you go to Schwarber, surely?
-
Schwarber was already used.
-
Oh NVM, he pinch hit while I was walking home.
-
My Goc, that wasn't even close. Kemp is like 4'10".
-
1-9 w/ RISP, an infield single off the pitcher that didn't result in a run.
-
That was one of the worst strike calls I've ever seen.
-
I know you're probably losing anyway, but that call on Kemp was huge. Terrible.
-
Shame to waste Q's effort
-
Brewers just took a 5-4 lead in 7th.
-
Twins reclaimed their time
-
Sometimes Jason Vargas is able to dipsy-do opposing hitters like tonight but a frustrating loss. Feels like a game Cubs should have won.
-
Chicago Cubs
Verified account @Cubs
1h1 hour ago
Jason Heyward has been scratched from the #Cubs lineup due to left knee inflammation.
He is day-to-day.
-
Six officers shot in Philadelphia. No word if that will have any impact on tonight's game with the Phillies.
-
Bryce Harper with a two run shot in the first inning. 2 run lead feels insurmountable.
-
Phillies are about to put this game out of reach after Hamels walks a speedster hitting .192 on the year before giving up a rocket double. I am tuning out at this point. I don't have time for this.
-
Gonna be time to get out the Wild Card standings pretty soon.
-
Hamels definitely seems to be seriously off, broken or not. Without him as a lynchpin in the rotation we're in deep shitt.
-
Maybe the Wednesday night ESPN game is worth watching.
Nope.
-
We're gonna need to call up another mop-up man (or Davis) to cover the rest of this road trip.
-
11-0 Phillies in the 6th. Tough one for Hamels and the Cubs.
-
Alec Mills is eating some innings tonight; the rest of the bullpen should thank him. At 48 pitches through 4 innings; I wonder how much longer he'll go.
-
11-0 Phillies in the 6th. Tough one for Hamels and the Cubs.
The comeback needs to start soon or we're going to lose.
-
Looks like I got out just in time.
-
Six innings of relief for Mills, meaning that unless a miracle occurs, the Cubs will only have used two pitchers today.
-
Mopup by committee tomorrow.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECCMZBTXYAci1Q7.jpg:small)
-
Why is Almora hitting leadoff? This is has gone so well the other times..............
-
The FO may be forced to edwardize him
-
Jesse Rogers
Javy Báez has been scratched due to illness.
Bote at SS and entire lineup has been redone with Darvish batting eighth and Rizzo leading off
Mark Gonzalez
Maddon said 6-7 players have experienced flu-like symptoms. No inkling of Baez’s illness until he arrived three hours before the game with a high fever
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECCi8MlXsAApaee.jpg:small)
-
No hits against Smiley through 2.
Smiley has an ERA of 7 and a WHIP of 1.65 while allowing 23 homers in 75 innings.
-
And now he's looking like it.
-
4-0 Cubs in the 4th. Almora with a 2-out RISP, then Rizzo with another.
Smily providing some value to the Cubs!
-
Darvish appears to be having another wonderful game.
-
Schwarber with a bomb to center.
5-0
-
This is an odd and ominous pitching coach visit.
-
Huge play by Caratini there.
-
That was one strange inning but Darvish escaped somehow.
-
That was a very strange inning indeed. An inexplicable time for a mound visit, and Yu seemed oddly discombobulated. But all's well that ends well.
-
71 MPH yacker Ks Harper.
-
Darvish is such a fascinating guy to watch. So many pitches, so much movement, so many faces and gestures.
-
Darvish last 8 starts: 2 BB, 61 Ks. I can't imagine that line has been duplicated or bettered all that often in MLB history.
-
Darvish up to 61 K's and 2 BB's since the start of July.
-
If those fat ladies don't mess us up Big D will finally get the win.
-
Hmmm. Joe should have challenged that one
-
Well - the ace certainly filled the stopper's role today.
-
That’s 16 swinging strikes for Darvish thru 7.
-
Only 93 pitches, but with a rested bullpen and a 5-run lead I'd be very tempted to let this one stand as a gem for Yu and make a change here.
-
93 is plenty, this bullpen is suspect to say the least, it's almost comical.
-
Totally fine using Wick and Strop to close this. Gotta have the win and neither has pitched in three days.
-
The @Cubs' Yu Darvish has had 8+ strikeouts and 0 walks in 4 straight starts.
That ties the longest such streak in the live-ball era - Jeff Samardzija had 4 straight in 2017.
https://twitter.com/StatsBySTATS/status/1162176620414853126
-
Has there ever been a SP go from an obscene walk rate to an equally absurd walk rate in the opposite direction as quickly and dramatically as Yu has? It’s a stunning transformation.
-
This won’t end well
-
Pulling Darvish from this one might be the nail in the coffin for Maddon.
-
Pulling Darvish from this one might be the nail in the coffin for Maddon.
Meh, even this bullpen should have been able to coast with a 5 run cushion, with Wick rested.
-
Yu is simply cursed this season. Every mistake is a home run, bullpen blows every lead he gives them. Pitchers have years like that.
-
Wow. Just wow
-
Cue Adlai Stevenson.
-
Tough one. Cubs weren't able to score anything off their pitch-while-losing relievers.
Some poor defense, Bote errored what probably would be a pretty easy out for most big-league SS's. And the single past Happ is probably one that most big-league middle infielders get, too. He didn't get much of a jump on that ball, I didn't think.
-
Still tie with Cards for division, and up a game on Phillies and Brewers in wild card. Mets 2.5, DBacks 3, and Giants 3.5 games back.
-
Anyone still think this is a different team since the trade deadline? They're the same mediocre team they've been all year...they just played 6 of the first 7 after the deadline at home.
Remember early in the season when some fans had conspiracy theories about Yelich's extreme home/road splits? I wonder if those people have the same home/road conspiracy theories about this Cubs team.
-
Until Theo showed up, every year Cubs found new ways to snap defeat from the jaws of victory, but this one takes the freaking cake!!
Unbelievable loss!!
NO idea how the Cubs recover from this, if they can.
I sort of doubt any of us will...at least for a while. Awful!!!!
-
More proof that W-L is the worst possible metric by which to measure a pitcher.
-
Unbelievable loss!!
NO idea how the Cubs recover from this, if they can.
I sort of doubt any of us will...at least for a while. Awful!!!!
Eh, it's just another loss. This isn't a good team, so they're going to drop some like this. The Cubs are lucky they play in a division with no good teams...in any other division, they'd be buried by now. They could still back into a playoff spot.
It's much harder to believe that they sat out an offseason in what was supposed to be a championship window.
-
Stats By STATS
@StatsBySTATS
Bryce Harper's walkoff grand slam capped the @Phillies' comeback from a 5-1 deficit entering the 9th inning.
Prior to tonight, the Cubs had won 489 straight games when leading by 4+ runs in the 9th or later, the longest active streak in the NL.
-
I hope the Phillies didn’t just do to us what we did to the Nationals last year on the Bote walkoff. Some losses do mean more than others, and that one was brutal.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Thought that both grounders that got past Happ in the 9th were playable and should have been outs.
Bote at SS and Happ at 2B is the weakest MIF defensive combo Cubs have put out there in a long while and cost the Cubs this game.
Should have been 4 outs made this inning (including the actual flyout to first batter). That ‘s how you lose a game like this.
-
I hope the Phillies didn’t just do to us what we did to the Nationals last year on the Bote walkoff. Some losses do mean more than others, and that one was brutal.
I still think it's just another loss. Mediocre teams blow games like this sometimes, and the 2019 Cubs are a mediocre team (who could've been good if they'd addressed any of their weaknesses last offseason).
Their upside was always backing into the playoffs in the worst division in baseball, and that's what they have a chance to do. The 2006 Cardinals won 83 games and became the worst team to ever win a championship. The 2019 Cubs have a chance to back into the playoffs and be the second worst team to ever win a championship.
-
Perhaps this will be more a wake up call than a game that crushes their spirits.
-
Thought that both grounders that got past Happ in the 9th were playable and should have been outs.
Bote at SS and Happ at 2B is the weakest MIF defensive combo Cubs have put out there in a long while and cost the Cubs this game. ...
Agree. I saw Happ not get the one, but didn't see the whole inning and didn't realize another got past him too. He's pretty bad at 2nd.
-
I thought they bottomed out when Hamels just didn't cover first. I was wrong.
-
This off season it is time to start over. This group of players for some reason do not equal the whole. It's like 1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1=4 for this group.
-
Today is Yu’s birthday, btw. Quite a present his bullpen gave him yesterday.
-
I'm blaming it on the full moon.
-
DFA Strop, sign Barraclough...can't be worse
-
If Russell was at either MI position last night, we win that game.
Bote-Happ up the middle in the late innings is ridiculous. Absolutely no excuse for that at all.
Russell should be on a plane right now.
-
I was thinking the same thing last night. The choices of players for the roster right now are obviously somewhat determined by the injuries, but some are head-scratchers. I also think that if the Cubs were to make a move with Maddon, they've waited too long. The move needed to have been made at the break.
-
Blow
It
Up
-
Russell is a 5th year player who has attention lapses during the game and admits he hasn't ever bothered to learn his team's signs. If he's a better use of a roster spot than players who are currently on the roster, that just shows how poorly this team was constructed.
-
Some folks will always have it in for Russell—I get that—but we saw his value last night due to his absence.
Harper never even gets to the plate, with better MIF defense.
In any case, because of Baez’ unavailability, Maddon unable to move Happ to LF late for Schwarber and Bote to 2B. And, with a short bench, Kemp already PH.
With Baez/Bote-at-2B, outs get recorded or, better yet, Baez/Russell.
Sometimes, the ball will find you and when pitchers have to get five outs to finish an inning, bad stuff happens.
Not the best time to make broad negative pronouncements about a team’s future after a bad loss. More credible to do that after a great win, if you’re so inclined.
-
Maybe Ian Happ was one of the six or seven players affected by the bug going around the team. Hamels had it when he pitched Wednesday night.
-
I don’t blame Happ. As noted, typically he wouldn’t be playing there late. Is what he is. Just a combination of circumstances and ball finds you and exploits your weakness.
-
Lineup delayed waiting for Javy Baez status
Umpires for #Cubs (64-57) at #Pirates (50-70):
HP: Mark Wegner
1B: Jim Reynolds
2B: Stu Scheurwater
3B: Alan Porter
-
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/8/16/20808993/cubs-roster-move-albert-almora-jr-iowa-addison-russell-recalled?utm_campaign=bleedcubbieblue&utm_content=entry&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR2un0ZSoBau1gcL9NDiIXtLcT1F8EeOB3ZJ7MV6Mw_2VWWsuBKmAVGYmAg
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECHo5R4XkAAyZAi.jpg:small)
-
I'm not understanding the use of Kemp. He hasn't impressed me. Is playing him over Bote, Happ, and Russell Joe"s FU to the FO?
-
I'm not understanding the use of Kemp. He hasn't impressed me. Is playing him over Bote, Happ, and Russell Joe"s FU to the FO?
This is Kemp’s second start in Cubs last 9 games. That’s fewer than every other position player on the club.
-
So what? He's played not than that. I simply opined that he didn't impress me. He's a guy we got off a DFA. I think the other 3 would be fine.
-
Sahadev Sharma
Verified account
@sahadevsharma
32s33 seconds ago
More
Six shutout for Musgrove on 75 pitches. Nine Ks, no walks and just two hits allowed. Nine Ks ties his career high. He had a 6.19 ERA in his previous seven starts.
-
Kemp made a pretty spiffy play to initiate a DP in the 6th.
-
Now another double play, 6-4-3 this time, and the Cubs are out of the 7th.
Let's see the Professor get a complete game today.
-
Likely only need 8 to accomplish that.
-
Happ is pinch hitting for Hendricks with Lucroy on first and one out.
-
Sticking with Kemp here, huh?
-
Go figure.
-
Anchor Down!
-
That's what it looks like when Happ tries to do a Javy slide.
-
Little Tony doing what Big Tony hasn't today. Wow.
-
No, nobody can take another bullpen meltdown, it just can't happen.
-
Castellanos hits into a double play and we don't get the insurance run. Could be huge.
-
Always liked that Kemp kid
-
Kemp:
“I’m only trying to impress Curt.”
-
Tony MF Kemp!!
-
Kemp:
“I’m only trying to impress Curt.”
. LOL
-
Turns out Castellanos is human after all.
-
I was watching on my phone, was Happ choking up with 2 strikes?
-
Phelps gets through the eighth with no problems.
Let's get some insurance runs!
-
. LOL
What, you think I’m kidding?
Jesse Rogers
@ESPNChiCubs
Heard Tony Kemp say to Maddon in the dugout: “that should impress Curt.” Any of my Twitter followers have a clue about that?
-
Ryan to close it, apparently. Who would have believed it.
-
Jd said it but kemp was perfect there. You knew he’d make contact.
-
Jd said it but kemp was perfect there. You knew he’d make contact.
Vazquez had struck out 19 of the 43 lefty hitters faced this season.
-
F Bote. Same S diff day.
-
After an infield hit, Ryan out, Kintzler in. Would be a well-earned save if he can close it out.
-
Bote has been brutal at 3B this year.
-
F Bote. Same S diff day.
??
-
Woof, had to bare-hand that BK? Don't think so.
-
Comebacker to the mound and Kintzler coolly handles it for the second out.
Now they walk Bell to get to Moran, putting the winning run on base.
One out to go.
-
Not fond of intentional walks, especially when it puts the potential winning run on.
-
Moran walks on four pitches and the bases are loaded.
Not a good feeling about this game.
-
Adlai picks up the mic and clears his throat.
-
Kintzler walks in the tying run.
-
With a full count, Newman singles up the middle, and the Pirates win.
-
Kintzler looking like last years version.
-
Please fire Joe.
-
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight, I wish to God I'd never seen your face, I'm sorry that you ever was born.
-
To match that 79-win pre-season PECOTA prediction, the Cubs would have to go 15-25 the rest of the way. The way they're playing now, that actually looks possible.
-
Please fire Joe.
. Too late. Joe is trying too hard. Switching Bryant off third in the 9th was not a good idea.
-
To match that 79-win pre-season PECOTA prediction, the Cubs would have to go 15-25 the rest of the way. The way they're playing now, that actually looks possible.
Until they go and play like the Dodgers.
-
Maddon got go
-
. Too late. Joe is trying too hard. Switching Bryant off third in the 9th was not a good idea.
Yeah, the ASB was the time to make the move if they were going to do it. Now it's just basically Xs on the calendar until the day after the season ends and it's official.
-
Don't worry, they're back at home for 11 out of 14 games starting Monday. They'll be back in first place before you know it so they can **** it away again on their next long road trip.
-
. Too late. Joe is trying too hard. Switching Bryant off third in the 9th was not a good idea.
That’s a routine defensive move late. Bryant has moved from 3B to a corner OF spot 15 times this season so far. Schwarber out.
Cole Tucker has 3 walks in 83 PAs against righties this season. So, he walks against a righty to tie the game. That shouldn’t happen.
This is why Cubs signed Kimbrel...and he’s out. A lot to ask of Kintzler just off the IL but he’s got to get Tucker there.
-
Perhaps this will be more a wake up call than a game that crushes their spirits.
Apparently they hit the snooze button?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Putting Kemp in LF and leaving Bryant at third would have been another option. He's played a good bit out there.
-
Getting Kimbrel has really fixed things.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1162554621128298496
-
Chris will be jerking off to highlights from these last two nights for a long time.
-
Getting Kimbrel has really fixed things.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1162554621128298496
Kimbrel has two blown saves of the 10 referenced in the link. His injury has hurt the club of late, which is the point I made.
As you may know, most blown saves are accumulated by non-closers. As an example, see NL leaders in BS linked below.
http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/leaders.asp?cat=161&lg=NL
-
"That’s a routine defensive move late. Bryant has moved from 3B to a corner OF spot 15 times this season so far. Schwarber out." Maybe it shouldn't be. Schwarber has actually done okay out there, or use Kemp...or Happ instead of bringing out Castellanos. It's another tinkering move by Joe.
The Cubs are playing badly, and Joe, who makes a lot of good moves, is trying too hard to be the genius he's reputed to be. It ain't workin'.
-
Chris will be jerking off to highlights from these last two nights for a long time.
Good to confirm you're as big a know-nothing creep here as you are in the political section.
-
As you may know, most blown saves are accumulated by non-closers. As an example, see NL leaders in BS linked below.
http://hosted.stats.com/mlb/leaders.asp?cat=161&lg=NL
Uh yes, the pen problem was always about more than one guy. Kimbrel alone was a band-aid barring returns to form from the Strops and Edwards. That was my point.
-
Uh yes, the pen problem was always about more than one guy. Kimbrel alone was a band-aid barring returns to form from the Strops and Edwards. That was my point.
Bullpen was shaping up nicely before Cubs three late inning guys went down. And Wick and Ryan throwing well and Chatwood useable to support those three.
Kimbrel was/is a key element. The closer as a band-aid? Hardly. You just saw what happened without him.
-
Putting Kemp in LF and leaving Bryant at third would have been another option. He's played a good bit out there.
Russell (and Happ) came in the game in bottom of the eighth for defense. Kemp (and Castellanos) came out (Castellanos made final out in the eighth). You don’t want to replace Schwarber with Kemp at that point because Schwarber was due up fourth in the next inning and it’s a 1-run game. You want him hitting. So, as the manager has to fit all the moves together, the best overall move was to take Schwarber out AFTER he got to hit.
-
Good to confirm you're as big a know-nothing creep here as you are in the political section.
Make sure you use a lot of lube. It’s going to be a busy night.
-
Kimbrel was/is a key element. The closer as a band-aid? Hardly. You just saw what happened without him.
The problems have not been 9th-inning only problems and everyone has contributed. Kintzler and to an extent Ryan have been the only consistents.
-
"That’s a routine defensive move late. Bryant has moved from 3B to a corner OF spot 15 times this season so far. Schwarber out." Maybe it shouldn't be. Schwarber has actually done okay out there, or use Kemp...or Happ instead of bringing out Castellanos. It's another tinkering move by Joe.
The Cubs are playing badly, and Joe, who makes a lot of good moves, is trying too hard to be the genius he's reputed to be. It ain't workin'.
As explained in previous post, you want Schwarber in there to hit in the 9th....and then you get him out defensively for the ninth.
The notion of just leaving Schwarber out in LF because he’s “okay” is incorrect. He’s a weak link defensively.
So, follow me now:
If you substitute Happ for Schwarber in the eighth, you lose Schwarber hitting for the ninth. Castellanos came out because you have to put the pitcher somewhere (Happ hit for the pitcher in the eighth) and Castellanos made the last out. That’s a good place for pitcher’s spot. Plus you upgrade defensively at two positions for the eighth (Russell for Kemp/Happ for Castellanos). If you don’t take out Castellanos for the pitcher but substitute out Schwarber in the eighth, pitcher has to go in Schwarber’s spot and you likely have to pinch hit your last guy on the bench for no good reason, as that spot comes up 4th in the ninth, and you’re putting in a lesser hitter.
It’s not “tinkering.” It’s Managing 101 in the big leagues. These moves made sense. Problem was a rusty Kintzler—with the closer on the IL and Cishek too—lost the strike zone.
-
In the end, it was a miserable loss, any way you look it.
And followed another miserable loss.
Everybody here is bummed out.
With one miserable exception here on the board, at least we’re talking baseball.
-
If Schwarber is a weak link defensively, then how would you refer to Bote’s play at either 3B or 2B this season?
Bote has been an iron glove all season long.
-
(https://i2.wp.com/www.cubssuckclub.com/wp-content/grand-media/image/thumb/cubs-meme-now-warming-bullpen.jpg?w=586)
-
Dave, Reb differs from us in how he values positions. As a coach, I valued SS, 3B, CF, 2B, 1B, RF, LF in that order. I would have preferred Bryant at third last night. That does not m ean that Bryant would have handled that chopper last night, just that he might have done a bit better. (I left catcher out of that list, because you have to live with whatever you have there.) I agree with you that Schwarber keeps getting called a butcher in left, and I don't think he deserves it. Castellanos is not considered a good outfielder, but both guys have made some outstanding plays and obviously work hard to be decent.
-
Bases loaded in the first. Maybe they will just lose it early today and save everyone the heartache.
-
Brutal defense KB
-
A road win and a save for Wicks. Maybe that'll get them going.
-
Wow. That was a good nap I had.
-
Wasn’t Bote spectacular on defense last year? What gives this year?
-
I don't think he was spectacular, but he was steady and made some very good plays. This year he's been a little stiff at times.
-
I remember at the beginning of Spring Training there was one picture that showed Bote next to Schwarber, and Bote was just as big. It looked like he'd been in the gym all offseason. I wonder if he sacrificed some of his athleticism for strength and that's why he's looked so much worse on defense this year.
-
In their last eight games, the Cubs have scored more than two runs only two times.
-
Dave, Reb differs from us in how he values positions. As a coach, I valued SS, 3B, CF, 2B, 1B, RF, LF in that order. I would have preferred Bryant at third last night. That does not m ean that Bryant would have handled that chopper last night, just that he might have done a bit better. (I left catcher out of that list, because you have to live with whatever you have there.) I agree with you that Schwarber keeps getting called a butcher in left, and I don't think he deserves it. Castellanos is not considered a good outfielder, but both guys have made some outstanding plays and obviously work hard to be decent.
Describing Schwarber as a “weak link” defensively (true) is very different than describing him as a “butcher” (not true). I don’t know who described him as a butcher, but it wasn’t me.
The point of taking Schwarber out late is to improve the club defensively to prevent runs. Maddon has done that repeatedly all season. Pretty simple, actually. Kinda surprised that anyone is taking issue with that.
As to Bote, he is making way too many errors at 3B (4 throwing, 5 fielding). He was good there in 2018. He’s been better at 2B this season, which I recall the scouting reports said when he was a prospect. In 2018, I would have said he’s been better at 3B. Maybe the 2019 3B errors are an anomaly, we’ll see over time.
No, LF is not more important than 3B on the defensive spectrum. Never said anything remotely like that. Nobody believes that. But, Maddon believes Bryant-to-Bote at 3B is not a defensive downgrade and, over time, maybe it won’t be. Bote in 2019 at 3B is still a SSS.
-
Describing Schwarber as a “weak link” defensively (true) is very different than describing him as a “butcher” (not true). I don’t know who described him as a butcher, but it wasn’t me.
The point of taking Schwarber out late is to improve the club defensively to prevent runs. Maddon has done that repeatedly all season. Pretty simple, actually. Kinda surprised that anyone is taking issue with that.
As to Bote, he is making way too many errors at 3B (4 throwing, 5 fielding). He was good there in 2018. He’s been better at 2B this season, which I recall the scouting reports said when he was a prospect. In 2018, I would have said he’s been better at 3B. Maybe the 2019 3B errors are an anomaly, we’ll see over time.
No, LF is not more important than 3B on the defensive spectrum. Never said anything remotely like that. Nobody believes that. But, Maddon believes Bryant-to-Bote at 3B is not a defensive downgrade and, over time, maybe it won’t be. Bote in 2019 at 3B is still a SSS.
You said the moves were managing 101. You are wrong. But thank you for understanding Dave and my views.
-
If Schwarber is a weak link defensively, then how would you refer to Bote’s play at either 3B or 2B this season?
Bote has been an iron glove all season long.
When you lump together Bote’s play at 2B and 3B together this season—as if both are problematic—let me suggest that you take a second look.
Overall, he’s been very solid at 2B this season. His range at 3B is good too but he has made 9 errors at 3B in limited action, which is not good. Advanced defensive metrics say he’s been above average overall defensively. He was above average overall in 2018 too.
If you want to say he’s been error prone at 3B this year, that’s accurate. But, no problems at 2B and, overall, he seems like a solid guy defensively in his career so far.
-
I am merely comparing his defense from last year to his defense from this year...nothing more.
When I think of late inning defensive substitutions, Bryant for Schwarber and Bote for Bryant would be pretty low on my list.
I actually think that weakens both spots. I’m sure Joe has data that would prove me wrong.
-
Yeah, the increased 3B errors this season are not good. Let’s hope it is a SSS oddity.
-
A road win and a save for Wicks. Maybe that'll get them going.
With nobody giving PBP or even mentioning today's action, I thought this post was what we were hoping to see, not what actually happened!
Great to see a shutout win, solid pitching from Lester, another good multi-inning relief outing from Chatwood, and another scoreless inning from Wick. If the Cardinals lose, we're back into a virtual tie for first place!
-
All the unfiltered Mic noise tonight is annoying.
-
What is up with Kris Bryant's defense?
-
I missed the beginning of the game. Where are they playing, and why are they playing there. It seems as if it has something to do with Little Leagues, but I can't figure out what else.
-
Some guy's backyard in Florida.
-
I looked out the window. Not mine.
-
While Schwarber was probably safe, you have to wonder about bailing out a rookie pitcher who's totally on the ropes.
-
I thought he was safe.
-
Someone probably gonna get beaned soon.
-
Someone probably gonna get beaned soon.
Are the Cubs playing the Pirates or something?
-
Quintana!
-
Whoo hoo! Cubs win a series on the road, the streak is broken.
-
How’d Kimbrel look? No gun, sadly.
-
Not really a road game with 5K there, mostly kids and no atmosphere. Probably more Cubs fans than Pirates fans.
-
Not really a road game with 5K there, mostly kids and no atmosphere. Probably more Cubs fans than Pirates fans.
Seriously? You may be trying a bit too hard to live up to your reputation.
-
Seriously? You may be trying a bit too hard to live up to your reputation.
I guess if you think that was an actual Pirates home game good for you.
But by all means, please tell me what my reputation is Ron.
-
Well, the video of the kids behind the plate imitating Kimbrel was funny, anyway...
-
Ron, that was a poor example of Chris' negativity.
-
I didn't see any of the game. Why did they take Kimbrel out with a 7-1 lead and two outs in the 9th?
-
Pitch count, presumably. Joe wanted to get him some work but not too much in what was effectively a rehab appearance.
-
Whoo hoo! Cubs win a series on the road, the streak is broken.
I don't think it was a road series win either. They split in Pittsburgh and won a game at a neutral site. I am still holding their feet to the fire on the road series win.
-
I think it was unnecessary to pitch Kimbrel with a 7-0 lead...WTF...give him an extra day (2 with the off day) and throw on the side...I understand what Maddon did and why, but it blew up in his face. Maddon has been snakebit enough.
-
I think it was unnecessary to pitch Kimbrel with a 7-0 lead...WTF...give him an extra day (2 with the off day) and throw on the side...I understand what Maddon did and why, but it blew up in his face. Maddon has been snakebit enough.
He's been resting for two weeks. It was effectively a rehab appearance. What was wrong with it? The guy needs to get some work in as he comes back. What could be better than 20 pitches with a 7 run lead?
-
I agree. I wish they had done the same thing with Kintzler. Trying to have pinpoint command after a couple weeks away from competition has to be a difficult situation.
-
Yeah, see no issue either with using Kimbrel or pulling him, especially with the day off today. He skipped a rehab assignment so it was really a freebie.
-
Umpires for #SFGiants (63-62) at #Cubs (66-58):
HP: Angel Hernandez
1B: Paul Nauert
2B: Ed Hickox
3B: Carlos Torres
-
No Bumgarner this series. It would behoove the Cubs to sweep.
-
Does Kemp ever hit the ball on the ground?
-
It's 4-3 Cubs but with all the baserunners they've had it could easily be 8-3.
-
Kemp hitting in the air finally pays off.
-
Cubs win 5-3. Ryan, Wick, and Kimbrel with a strong final three.
-
All 97s and 98s for Kimbrel according to Statcast. That’s encouraging.
-
...Ryan, Wick, and Kimbrel with a strong final three.
Yup. 3 innings, no walks just one hit. Outstanding.
That's exactly the kind of win I'd hoped the Cubs might win lots of, before the season began. Offense scores runs, pen shuts things down, rotation guy doesn't need to be excellent.
-
I think Wick is the find of the season. His stuff is nasty and he has a demeanor to match.
-
Announcers jinxing Darvish
-
Castellanos is trying to drag the Cubs to to the postseason single-handedly.
-
Is Castellanos human?
-
Quintana should start drinking from darvish milkshake soon.
-
Great K/bb rate though ::)
-
Considering how many times he's pitched great and gotten a ND, it would be only fitting for Darvish to win a mediocre start.
As much fun as it is to mock a guy for walking nobody when he gives up HRs, one of the reasons Yu is having a great two months despite the HRs is precisely that he's not walking anybody.
-
Yu serves up another bomb.
7-6.
Next
-
And another bomb.
7-7.
Somebody wake up Joe
-
How is it possible, really, that Maddon could let Holland face a righty in a high leverage situation? Is he even trying?
-
Giants lead 9-7. And here I was thinking we'd have a nice encouraging stress-free win.
-
A double, a single, and a fielder's choice send Heyward, Bryant, and Rizzo homeward and the Cubs retake the lead, 10-9.
-
Giants retake the lead. Cishek has been summoned *yet again*.
-
Hi Kris
-
Hi Kris
runner wasn’t in scoring position so it really wasn’t that clutch.
-
Another meaningless Bryant HR.
Goc bless bad bullpens - they take with one hand and give with the other.
-
Kimbrel in for the ninth with a one-run lead.
-
CK is locked in.
-
Electric 9th. F yeah Kimbrel
-
Had 'em all the way.
-
Had 'em all the way, right?
-
Christopher Kamka
@ckamka
Kris Bryant this season
Innings 1-6: 13 Home Runs, .488 SLG
Innings 7-9: 13 Home Runs, .692 SLG
#Cubs
12:28 PM - 22 Aug 2019
-
Well, that win makes up for at least one of the games they gave away recently. Very fortunate not to get no-hit today.
-
Cubs win, Cubs win, Cubs win! 1-0 win.
Different game from yesterday. Hendricks only two singles and double, 7K/0BB.
Samardz allowed only two singles, the second a clutch two-out RISP by Rizzo, and then one walk in 7th inning.
Kintzler-Ryan-Wick one hit over two shutout innings.
-
Bullpen has had some late-inning closings. Huge.
-
Sam only allowed one legitimate hit. He deserved better.
-
Man, Wick and Ryan have been really good scrap-heap pickups.
Much complaint about front-office decisions and lack of $$-investment last winter, but they really did well with Wick and Ryan.
-
I didn't know Wick was scrapheap.
-
Today was Kyle Hendricks 5th outing this season of 7+ IP with 0 ER, T-2nd-most in MLB, trailing only Hyun-Jin Ryu [8]
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1164643371698282496
-
Today, Giants pitchers pitched to two batters over the minimum and Cubs pitchers pitched to three batters over the minimum.
-
Quote
Today was Kyle Hendricks 5th outing this season of 7+ IP with 0 ER, T-2nd-most in MLB, trailing only Hyun-Jin Ryu [8]
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1164643371698282496
That is really fascinating.
-
I was glad Joe didn't try to pitch Kimbrel for a 3rd straight day and 4th straight game. Especially so when it worked.
-
Wick is looking Sick. He's a closer.
-
I was glad Joe didn't try to pitch Kimbrel for a 3rd straight day and 4th straight game. Especially so when it worked.
No way Kimbrel should ever throw three days in a row at this point. It helps that Wick is pitching like a legit auxiliary closer but even if he wasn’t, I think you’d have to roll the dice with somebody rather than pitch Kimbrel.
-
I agree completely, deeg.
-
I didn't know Wick was scrapheap.
He was caught in the Padres 40 man roster crunch. The guy that the Red Sox was supposed to be the better of the 2 guys that the unloaded.
-
Thanks
-
Yeah, they were bumping him off their 40, and traded him for Jason Vosler. Maybe "scrapheap" isn't the right descriptor, but a 40-man bump-off with Vosler-level value isn't an expensive and highly-coveted acquisition. Really fine acquisition.
-
Vosler was subject to the Rule 5 before the trade. Think expectation was that Cubs were unlikely to roster him, before the trade.
Wick was going to be claimed on waivers (by Cubs, at the least). Presumably, Cubs told Padres they were going to claim Wick (aware of Padres roster crunch) and offered up a player. Padres needed a 3B in high minors and liked Vosler’s power potential. Padres didn’t have room for Vosler on their 40-man but probably thought he might get thru Rule 5 unclaimed, which is what happened.
So, nice scouting and maneuvering by Cubs. Wick has basically stepped into The-Good-Carl Edwards-Shoes (remember that guy?).
Vosler is playing 3B and 1B regularly at Padres AAA club in El Paso—a real launching pad—and has a .907 OPS and 116 wRC+. Has a decent chance to have a major league career of some kind.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECqbVzrX4AEuILE.jpg:small)
-
Castellanos breaks up Anibel Sanchez no-hitter in the 4th with a single, but Cubs don't score, 4-0. Lester's at 85 pitches through 4. Gamecast shows lots of line drives; is that correct and he's getting hit hard? Or a lot of soft contact and bad luck?
I assume Joe will try to get him through the 5th, if possible, and then hope the offense gets enough runners to pinch-hit for Lester in the bottom half.
-
Lester's been atrocious since the break: 5.60 ERA, 1.7 WHIP
If I'm the Dodgers I'm praying Washington doesn't get the WC.
-
Why couldn't the Giants and their pedestrian talent stay in town?
-
Cubs with 1 hit after essentially being 1-hit yesterday.
-
MLB pitchers are REALLY good! When they're ON, some are almost unhittable.
Teams run into stretches in which they face two or three starters in a row who are REALLY on...seems like Cubs have faced that phenomenon in Samard. and Sanchez.
Good thing Cubs won yesterday! Too bad we will also see Strasburg Sunday!
Sure hope he's not ON, but he might be. Hitting AND pitching are contagious!
-
Castellanos with both Cubs hits.
Then Holland bats down 9-2 in the 9th.
-
Loss puts the Cubs % points behind Cardinals for division, two games behind Nats for first WC, 1.5 and 2 up on Mets and Phillies for last wild-card.
Can't win em all.
Lester has had some bad ones, and in recent years he's had some dead-arm periods. I wonder if it might have been best after the 4th inning when it was obvious he had nothing today to just get him out, rather than trying to push his arm for the 5th inning.
-
I don't recall Lester ever being this bad for this long. And truth be told he's been pretty bad all season if you look at the peripherals. We might need to accept the fact that he's not going to get it back this time. If nothing else it makes the decision of who to leave out of the rotation easier if we somehow sneak into the postseason.
-
Except Joe will decide, deeg.
-
I told you Casty is going to be your best hitter. He's massively underrated.
-
Except Joe will decide, deeg.
Yes, that is a concern. We could be seeing a Game 1 lineup of Almora leading off in center, Kemp at 2B and Lester on the mound.
-
Caratini and Happ both *hosed* by the home plate ump in major RBI situations. Inning should still be going with at least 1 if not 2 runs scored.
Robo. Umps. Now.
-
Happ was tossed after the bad 3-2 call with the bases loaded, but the Cubs have had umpteen other chances with runners on and in scoring position. Two GIDP, 4 K's, a foul out, and a pop out in those chances. Also, Kyle Ryan got thrown out at 3rd on a passed ball to end an inning with two on and Castellanos at the plate.
-
Lucroy's double going out of play preventing Bryant from scoring didn't help either.
-
The Cubs are mediocre. I expect them to get handled by hot teams like the Nats. I expect them to handle bad teams like the Reds and Pirates. If the Cubs had handled the Reds they would be leading the division.
-
This explains what confused Len and JD
Jordan Bastian @MLBastian 1h1 hour ago
Maddon went out to talk to the umpires in the 5th inning because Willson Contreras had been ejected for yelling from the bench.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EC0vIqWXoAAELso.jpg:small)
-
I'm probably a minority of one, but I think these white with silver lettering uniforms are ugly.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EC0vkNTXsAAxbg0.jpg:small)
-
Baez looked like he had a pretty short and easier throw to 3rd to get the 3rd out, but instead makes a long throw to first and Soto beats it out pretty easily. 3-2 Nationals. Given an extra out, Nationals get another hit, 5-2.
-
The Cubs are going to have to win nearly every game head-to-head against the Cardinals in September.
-
Have I mentioned the pen issues aren't fixed by Kimbrel?
Wick and Ryan both failed this inning.
-
Wick got squeezed on the first two pitches to Eaton. At least one if not both were strikes. Changed the whole inning.
-
This team is very dull. They are the epitome of what’s wrong with baseball. Every AB seems as if it will be either a strikeout, HR, or walk. They seem to place minimal pressure on the opposing team. I have zero confidence that they will take advantage of opportunities and a ton of confidence they won’t escape other teams opportunities. We’re back to very predictable Cubs baseball.
-
Baez looked like he had a pretty short and easier throw to 3rd to get the 3rd out, but instead makes a long throw to first and Soto beats it out pretty easily. 3-2 Nationals. Given an extra out, Nationals get another hit, 5-2.
Replayed this several times and hard to tell whether Baez had a play at 3B if his first move was to do that. Maybe. But, there was a play to be made at 2B. Think he had an out there.
Least likely out on that play is getting a fast runner like Soto at 1B.
A poor decision, for whatever reason.
-
Have I mentioned the pen issues aren't fixed by Kimbrel?
Wick and Ryan both failed this inning.
You actually think that entrusting 7th inning to Wick and Ryan is indicative of “pen issues” that need fixing? These guys have been lights out for some time.
-
Neither Ryan nor Wick have any kind of ML body of success. Wick's been good for a couple months, Ryan the same. The pen as a whole has issues.
-
Course, could have a pen where 42-yo Fernando Rodney is pitching in crucial spots.
-
Three out with 32 to go.
-
No Rizzo
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EC_3s7kXYAUAcLW.jpg:small)
-
For all the reasons we all know, this is a HUGE game for us tonight...so, it's really BAD that Rizzo isn't available to start tonight and Happ has to play 1b!
Not a good time to lose one of our CORE guys!
As the season wears on and our playoff hopes seem increasingly bleak, I'm SO thankful we DID win a World Championship in 2016!
I can only speak for me, but before 2016 I'd have gladly made a deal with the Devil that IF Cubs could have ONE season like 2016, I'd agree to last place for the next 25+ years!
(heck, that's about the way it was rooting for the Cubs for so many decades before Theo arrived!)
-
I have written off their chances for making the playoffs this year. Obviously, there is still a mathematical chance. But they are going in the wrong direction.
-
FWIW,
Fangraphs has Cubs at 64.4% to make post-season (36% division, 28.4% WC).
538 has Cubs at 53% to make post-season (24% division, 29% WC).
-
FWIW,
Fangraphs has Cubs at 64.4% to make post-season (36% division, 28.4% WC).
538 has Cubs at 53% to make post-season (24% division, 29% WC).
Well, yeah, but are they Cub fans? I say this as a Cub fan who is not feeling terribly optimistic at the moment.
(Actually Nate Silver is, but he seems to be good at compartmentalizing his personal emotions with his statistical analysis)
-
The Mets may put them out of our misery this weekend.
-
I really miss those snazy white uni's with the silver lettering
-
Said NO ONE ever!
-
Jinx alert: 34 IP without a walk for Yu. What odds would you have gotten on that bet at the end of April?
Yu already has the MLB record for consecutive starts with 0 BB and 8+ Ks.
-
Classic summer Darvish. Overall great, no walks, solo HR, bupkis support.
-
Last 6 Darvish starts:
Walks allowed: 0
Walks taken: 2
-
Y Ks the first 2 guys in the 7th on 7 pitches and... a mound visit?
-
Another cracker from Darvish. 90 pitches - I think you need to send him back out there.
-
Dervish needs to ditch the ugly green glove.
-
Dervish needs to ditch the ugly green glove.
And stop with the whirling.
-
Wow, actual situational hitting by KB there.
-
And Javy comes through. Great night for him - HR, 2 doubles and a walk.
-
Very, very impressive for Yu tonight. 69 MPH yacker, splitter, cutter... All working.
-
And now the change.
-
8-5-1-1-1-7. At 104 pitches I'd be tempted, but I think you pull the plug here.
-
Addi having a great night at the plate, along with Javy...
-
Kintzler for the 9th. Not a bad call.
-
Baez with 8 total bases and Russell with 6 total bases. Combined, 14 of the Cubs 22 total bases tonight.
-
Cubs win!
We really needed that one.
-
Stats By STATS
@StatsBySTATS
16m16 minutes ago
With today his last scheduled start of the month, the @Cubs' Yu Darvish finishes August with 42 Ks & 1 BB.
The only others in the live-ball era (since 1920) to have that many Ks with no more than 1 BB in a month are Cliff Lee in Sep '13 (54/1) & Jeff Samardzija in May '17 (49/1)
-
That was an unexpected win. Glad to see it. The next two will be very unlikely.
-
Baez leads the majors in opposite field home runs. Tonight was #14 oppo.
-
Nice win, you guys! Getting some HR runs changes everything. Fun to have Russell contribute offensively. Very nice outing by Darvish.
Nice help from other teams. Pirates beat the Phillies, so with Phillies and Mets both losing, Cubs lead is up to 2 and 3 games, and the Cardinals are leading the Brewers so they might go to 3.5 back. Nats lost too, shut out by the mighty Orioles, so their lead drops to 3 games.
-
Because we all knew the problem was he needed an eighth pitch.
Jordan Bastian
Verified account @MLBastian
Darvish said he got two strikeouts with his new knucklecurve tonight. Yu: “Kimbrel taught me that a week ago.”
-
He's a veritable quote machine:
Jesse Rogers
Verified account @ESPNChiCubs
49m49 minutes ago
Darvish: "I don't throw the 4 seam a lot against lefties. I use hard cutter for lefties. That's almost same as fastball. So The Kaplan makes sense."
Hahaha
-
Darvish is a bright, funny dude who pitched a whale of a game again tonight! Javy was great and Russell's bomb was BIG, too!
Hope Hendricks can find his groove tomorrow...will be another tough one!!
-
Syndergaard has given up total of 1 homer in his last 54 IP.
So, Cubs may need to figure out other ways to score on Wednesday.
-
And he`s the beatable one.
-
Cubs are winning 4 - 0 with one out in the first half of first inning.
A rain out is therefor certain.
-
Cubs now ahead 6 - 0 at the same point in the first.
A rain out has become even more certain.
For those not watching the game. 2 run homer for Happ. 2 run single for Russell. Castelanos single, Schwarger RBI single and Baez on an error. I think Caratini had a single also.
-
hOw wIlL wE sCoRe ThIs SeRiEs
-
Castellanos was hit by a pitch.
-
Right.
-
First three Mets batters get on base. A rain out may not be so certain.
-
Happ's homer ended an 0-16 streak.
-
Schwarber goes yard to make it 8-1.
-
Russell Ks for the second out.
It's about time for the Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! Liberty! commercial.
-
Them Cubs going for the jugular tonight.
-
Nic!
-
Who is this homer-prone Thor guy?
Guessing he’s been giving up a ton of homers in his last bunch of starts.
-
Jordan Bastian
@MLBastian
Javier Baez leads the Majors with 14 opposite-field home runs this season. Kyle Schwarber is now right behind him with 13.
-
2 home runs and it's s 10-4.
-
The Cubs pitching **** blows.
-
10 - 5. New pitcher coming in.
-
I look forward to complaints about the offense going into shut down mode.
-
The Mets are getting closer; it's 10-7 now, heading for the 9th.
-
Rajai Davis up as the tying run; what could possibly go wrong?
-
My mistake; Davis walked to bring up Amed Rosario as the tying run.
Come on, Kimbrel; why are we paying you these millions?
-
Kimbrel hangs on for the win; we're back to 2 games behind!
-
Really fun game to watch thru 4 innings and then really NOT fun game to watch innings 5 thru 9, until final fun pitch.
-
What’s this about Wick freaking everybody out with his reaction to a routine fly ball?
-
What’s this about Wick freaking everybody out with his reaction to a routine fly ball?
What happened?
-
He got a pop up for the third out but his reaction, which was a celebration of sorts, looked in the moment like he was upset. It was one of those pop flies that, on TV, looked like it could be better hit than it was. So, that combined with his reaction, made it seem for a moment like it could have been a disastrous home run.
-
Thank you, Jack.
-
Now they have finally won a road series. The Pittsburgh one was a tie 1-1 with a neutral field win. This is a legit won at least 2 of three in an opposing teams home field.
Now they can come home and get swept by the Brewers and lose 2 of three to Oakland before they go back on the road and split with Cin get swept by Phi and lose 2 of three to Pit.
That is just what this team does.
-
Now they have finally won a road series. The Pittsburgh one was a tie 1-1 with a neutral field win. This is a legit won at least 2 of three in an opposing teams home field.
Now they can come home and get swept by the Brewers and lose 2 of three to Oakland before they go back on the road and split with Cin get swept by Phi and lose 2 of three to Pit.
That is just what this team does.
You’re not a very good reader.
-
Now they have finally won a road series. The Pittsburgh one was a tie 1-1 with a neutral field win. This is a legit won at least 2 of three in an opposing teams home field.
Now they can come home and get swept by the Brewers and lose 2 of three to Oakland before they go back on the road and split with Cin get swept by Phi and lose 2 of three to Pit.
That is just what this team does.
Going to be a tough month for the Cubs if they lose games to teams they don’t even play. Maybe those losses won’t count?
-
DirecTV is not making tonight's ABC7 telecast of the Cubs/Mets available through Extra Innings.
For the past few days, the channel guide has had the Mets telecast on 729 but no listing for the ABC7 although DirecTV.com has said Len and JD would be on 728. Now that has disappeared.
MLB Network has regional coverage of the Reds/Marlins or Cubs/Mets.
-
Going to be a tough month for the Cubs if they lose games to teams they don’t even play. Maybe those losses won’t count?
OK. So my phone scrolled up to the three game Milwaukee series from Aug2.
How about... Now they can come home and get swept by the Brewers and lose the 2 game series with SEA. Then go to Milwaukee and get swept for 4 there.
It's what this team does.
Like scoring 10 runs one day then get no hit the next day.
-
1 hit through 5 innings. Doing great so far. Jekyll and Hyde like last year.
-
OK. So my phone scrolled up to the three game Milwaukee series from Aug2.
How about... Now they can come home and get swept by the Brewers and lose the 2 game series with SEA. Then go to Milwaukee and get swept for 4 there.
It's what this team does.
Like scoring 10 runs one day then get no hit the next day.
What you described does not sound anything like this generation Cubs team. I wonder when they last lost 9 games in a row?
-
Vic!!!
-
The Caratini game.
-
Victor Caratini! Wow wow wow wow.
-
br was right. We need a better backup catcher.
-
Glad Caratini is proving me wrong on that one.
With the lack of good catching around the league, you've got to wonder if Caratini might be in high demand this offseason. He might actually be gaining some real trade value at this point.
-
What you described does not sound anything like this generation Cubs team. I wonder when they last lost 9 games in a row?
5-15 to 5-27, 2012 they lost 12 in a row.
-
The Cubs weren't 5-27 at any point that year. They went from 15-20 to 15-32, though.
I had completely forgotten about that and would have guessed that their last double digit losi g stream was the 14 in April 1997.
-
All the whinging and they swept them.
Let’s go
-
Those are dates not records. May 15 to May 27 they lost 12 in a row.
http://mcubed.net/mlb/chi/astrkgla.shtml
-
Caratini's OPS is within 8 points of those of Castellanos and Baez.
-
Really impressive series for Cubs. Again, Lester regroups after first couple of innings. What a pro.
-
All the whinging and they swept them.
Let’s go
Yep. God forbid anyone enjoy successes when they come. For some, it seems that whenever good stuff happens, surely it must be followed by bad stuff. Guess being a fan means different things to different people.
-
Craig, when you called for the sweep of this Series, facing those 3 starters, I felt that was a bit ambitious and, like others here, was hoping for one win of the three.
Nice call, Craig!
I'm hoping you keep feeling those Ws!!
GO Cubs!!
-
Ben, Ben, Ben. You didn't believe? I am devastated.
-
FROM ELIAS: Caratini is the first Cub with a multi-HR game against a reigning Cy Young winner since Ernie Banks on May 26, 1968.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1167264646962864129
-
Kimbrel averaged 97.1 tonight on the FB.
All five curves were called balls.
-
Glad Caratini is proving me wrong on that one.
With the lack of good catching around the league, you've got to wonder if Caratini might be in high demand this offseason. He might actually be gaining some real trade value at this point.
So might Contreras.
-
Carrie Muskat @CarrieMuskat 4m4 minutes ago
#Cubs arrived in Chicago around 2 am from New York. Time to face the Brewers:
Pitching (ICYMI):
Today: Quintana (11-8, 4.05) vs. Anderson (6-3, 4.34)
Sat: Hamels (7-4, 3.73) vs. Davies (8-7, 3.90)
Sun: Darvish (5-6, 4.25) vs. Gonzalez (2-2, 4.34)
The Brewers were off on Thursday. Blame it on the Cubs not being able to schedule night games on Friday nights.
-
Carrie Muskat @CarrieMuskat 4m4 minutes ago
#Cubs arrived in Chicago around 2 am from New York. Time to face the Brewers:
Pitching (ICYMI):
Today: Quintana (11-8, 4.05) vs. Anderson (6-3, 4.34)
Sat: Hamels (7-4, 3.73) vs. Davies (8-7, 3.90)
Sun: Darvish (5-6, 4.25) vs. Gonzalez (2-2, 4.34)
The Brewers were off on Thursday. Blame it on the Cubs not being able to schedule night games on Friday nights.
Or on MLB for not banning Thursday get-away night games.
-
Or on MLB for not banning Thursday get-away night games.
I'm too lazy to go back and find it but the U.S. Open tennis tourney had something to do with Thursday's game being played at night.
-
I'm too lazy to go back and find it but the U.S. Open tennis tourney had something to do with Thursday's game being played at night.
aha
-
Caratini continues to climb the ladder in framing stats. He’s currently 18th of 104 catchers according to BP (Contreras is 97th).
-
No Bryant today, for some reason.
-
Bruce Levine
@MLBBruceLevine
Ian Happ leads off for Cubs today . No Bryant , ( maintenance day) Rizzo ( back) or Heyward ( R&R)
-
Good play by Bote after 9 pitch at bat to Cain...Huiri flys out average pitch count 5.5
-
Happ doubles, Cast HRs
-
Not too bad of a deal
July 31, 2019: Traded by the Detroit Tigers with cash to the Chicago Cubs for Alex Lange (minors) and Paul Richan (minors).
-
carat out at 2nd trying to stretch a double...why a catcher thinks he is fast?
-
Caratini continues to climb the ladder in framing stats. He’s currently 18th of 104 catchers according to BP (Contreras is 97th).
Is this on cumulative or rate stats? If cumulative, that's very impressive considering he's caught many less innings than those above him on the list.
-
Javy Ks and schwarb doubles that may have driven in a speedy carat...riussel guy flies out probably Bote
-
bote and q with baclk to back doiubles
-
Cast again...and he knew it
-
Not quite sure what we did to deserve Castellanos. The Cubs have to at least look into what he's looking for in a new contract.
-
Chase is getting his a$$ spanked.
It's like t-ball.
-
That second Castellanos home was on a pitch *so far* inside. The bat speed and control to pull the hands in and get the barrel on the ball to drive it out without pulling that pitch foul... WOW.
Cubs can't QO him, right? Cubs *have* to look into resigning him, right? Theo (and br!!!) have identified that Nicholas is the cure to what ails our lineup. Further, Zo is gone, Almora sucks, and Happ has not proven worth a starting spot...
Schwarber/Heyward/Castellanos is by no means the best defensive OF, but I think it's probably sneaky good. Great arms on both Schwarber and Heyward, and while range is limited overall, the trio will do a good job of catching what they can get to.
-
I haven't had opportunity to watch a lot. But Phelps allowed a fly ball to right today, and Castellanos had it bounce a step in front; I suspect most RFers catch that. I'm guessing he's probably going to be a variable liability in OF wherever you park him. But, there's a lot of margin for defensive imperfection when you can hit.
-
Man, Quintana is really a pro and really an overachiever to get out of trouble as often as he does. He is a cool cucumber. Don't love his stuff, but really admire his composure and poise.
-
Phelps with an effective game today. He's not overwhelming by any means, but as a 6th-inning guy, he's decent. I like his knuckle curve.
I'd be OK with Maddon using both Phelps and Chatwood more often in protect-the-lead situations.
-
For the first time since April 8, Schwarber has reached .500 slugging %.
Now at .502 with his 8th inning homer.
-
Schwarber's homer was a frozen rope.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/video/kyle-schwarber-homers-32-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field
-
Pedro Strop:
The old baseball saying about pitchers having a hard time knowing when to retire is still accurate: "Listen to the hitters. They'll tell you."
-
Both of Schwarber's hits were pulled, and his out was a sharply hit liner/grounder to the pull-side, right into the shift but advancing Baez from 2nd to 3rd with the first out.
I mention that because often it's seemed to me that Schwarber has often been super-committed to going opposite field, and trying to air it to left. So much so that even when pitches were inside or slow, he'd still have his stride and weight transfer so committed to left that he wouldn't yank some balls that would have been better driven pull-side than sliced/lofted to left. So I'm glad to see him with some sharp contact pull-side. May mean nothing, other than some slow pitches that were easily pullable; or that he was simply pre-guessed and pre-committed to pulling. But I like to see him use all fields.
He's got his average up to .230 now. I think it would be cool if he could finish out the season .230 or better.
-
The Cubs week has opened up their wildcard lead to 5 over Brewers and DBacks, 5.5 over Mets, and for the moment a full 3 over the Phillies.
Mets and Phillies play each other this weekend, so *IF* the Cubs could win one or both of the Brewers games, one of the Mets/Phillies will be losing every day. Would be fun to build up some padding in the 5th-place-race.
Having just played the Brewers and Mets, and recently the Phillies, it's a reminder that the 6th-7th place type teams aren't that good. Some pretty vulnerable lineups. **IF** the Cubs were to play .500 the rest of the way, I wonder if .500 might not be sufficient to hang onto the 5th-place playoff spot?
-
Quintana got the first extra-base-hit of his career today.
-
Craig, if we can beat Stroman-Syndergaard-DeGrom at Citi Field on consecutive nights, we can (possibly) catch the Cards!
-
Is this on cumulative or rate stats? If cumulative, that's very impressive considering he's caught many less innings than those above him on the list.
Rate stats. Still pretty impressive progress though.
-
Not bad beating the Brewers 7-1 without Bryant, Rizzo, Contreras and Heyward.
-
I think the Brewers are pretty much toast. Finish them while they're down.
-
I think the Brewers are pretty much toast. Finish them while they're down.
Famous last words...from last season.
-
Rizzo returns
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDTkviEW4AAIfiW.jpg:small)
-
Brewers pitching has come unglued. Chacin was DFA's, Chase Anderson looks like he should be too, Davies has been erratic, Woodruff is hurt...
-
Lineup correction:
Schwarber bats sixth, Caratini seventh.
-
Adam McCalvy @AdamMcCalvy 1h1 hour ago
Keston Hiura will be down two weeks or so at minimum with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. That’s just the start of the Brewers’ injury issues:
• Moustakas tried to hit yesterday and it didn’t go well.
• Braun’s back has flared up.
• Cain’s knee has flared up.
-
Russell starting for the sixth game in a row.
-
Hamels has been excellent since the 1st but the Cubs are doing nothing offensively. Cardinals about to win the first game of their DH too so ground could be lost.
-
Cubs load the bases in the 6th but Schwarber K's and Russell grounds back to the mound.
-
The comebacker-to-pitcher by Russell with bases loaded was a pitch right down the middle perhaps a bit above the belt. Really good pitch to hit. That was our chance.
-
The comebacker-to-pitcher by Russell with bases loaded was a pitch right down the middle perhaps a bit above the belt. Really good pitch to hit. That was our chance.
Yup. Strike-three call on Schwarber was a really good pitch and seemed off the plate, bad call.
But Russell had good pitch, and didn't convert.
You mention just above the belt. Don't think his swing does well with near the belt or up. He seems to struggle if the pitchers can keep it in the upper 2/3 of the strike zone. I wonder if his Iowa trip was intended to try to address that?
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 2m2 minutes ago
Cubs moves: Tyler Chatwood starting. Darvish w right forearm tightness. Skipping one start only at this point.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 8m8 minutes ago
Darvish has been feeling it for the last month or so.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 11s11 seconds ago
Anthony Rizzo is ok. Plan was start one then take one off etc. no setback
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDYxlVHXoAE4y99.jpg:small)
-
Tyler, it's 60 feet 6 inches, not 58.
-
When Chatwood is on, and painting 96-97 right at the bottom of the zone, it’s not hard to see what scouts love about him...
-
Don’t get cute here and bounce something...
-
Today's lineup: Baez Castellanos, Bryant, Caritini followed by the Iowa Cubs.
-
Gio Gonzalez removed after 3. He threw 34 balls and 22 strikes in his three innings. The Cubs got no hits or runs in that time frame.
-
Baez somehow walks for the second time today so of course Castellanos follows by lining into a DP.
-
Caratini singles and Rizzo gets hit again batting for Lucroy. Now Heyward hits for Almora. Schwarber already pinch-hit so Maddon's going for it this inning.
-
Took two pitches to make three outs after those two reached.
-
I mean, why Heyward pinch-hits for Almora just to sacrifice is anyone's guess but then stupidity seems to run throughout the organization.
-
Yeah, the unsuccessful sacrifice rarely is a good play.
Cubs sacrifice slightly less than NL average.
The most? Dodgers, who lead NL in runs.
Guessing that Heyward might have done that on his own.
-
Any explanation for Javy being taken out of the game?
-
Pretty sure the point was:
Why burn Heyward--a poor bunter who would have to face a lefty--for Almora just to bunt?
The Dodgers reference is pure non sequitur.
-
Cubs offense is better when wind is friendly and HR's are flying. No HR's, no runs. Setting it up to get opportunity vs Hader.
-
Christ, the Dodgers are 132 runs better than the Cubs. I'm guessing they aren't using sac bunts by position players to win games.
-
So. Shut out two days in a row at home or is the game still going?
-
Not yet but they're trying.
-
Tying run at 2nd, nobody out in the 8th.
Caratini K's.
Rizzo K's.
Heyward K's
None of that against Hader, incidentally.
0-10 w/ RISP
-
3-run homer off Kimbrel by Yelich.
-
Why a curveball there?
Bears start in 5 more nights...
-
Well, at least Hader couldn't fan the side.
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 25m25 minutes ago
Maddon said he told Heyward if he felt comfortable bunting to 'take one shot at it' then swing away....
-
Can't even chew a bone, all the bile rises up in the throat and last night's supper still sits there like a greasy balloon with your name written all over it because it is your fault, you tried to fool yourself, you win some and lose some you said, you tried to rationalize it, sugar coat it, you idiot, you Scoop DeVille, you good for nothing and nothing good, you should be fired or at least sent back to Iowa.
-
Can't even chew a bone, all the bile rises up in the throat and last night's supper still sits there like a greasy balloon with your name written all over it because it is your fault, you tried to fool yourself, you win some and lose some you said, you tried to rationalize it, sugar coat it, you idiot, you Scoop DeVille, you good for nothing and nothing good, you should be fired or at least sent back to Iowa.
Dude...don't let it get to you, all that acid reflux will end up giving you esophagus cancer....try Tums, or Rolaids
-
This team is so hard to figure out. The offense shined on the road against three of the best starters in the league. Then come home and get shutout two times in a row against the Brewers awful starters.
-
Its slipping away boys and girls.
-
Robb, to some degree I feel like it's partly just the randomness of the HR. HR's come in small volume; they were stacking 2-HR games back-to-back-to-back-to-back, and won them. Now we've sequenced 0-HR games back-to-back, so lost those.
When the offense lives on the HR, it's hard to predict which days you won't get them?
-
I recommend following this team passively. I've only occasionally watched games for the last 2+ months, and that's been much more enjoyable than watching the previous 2 1/2 years of the 2017-19 Cubs.
Until they make some major changes, this team is going nowhere.
-
Observation. The last two days have been brutal with Russell at the plate. Again today, like yesterday, he was at bat with a chance to do something special and failed.
I also noticed that Maddon can't wait to get people like Albert back in the lineup.
-
The other option was Heyward who hit .156 in August and has hit .196 against lefties for the season.
There just aren't that many great options and I'm starting to think Craig's right about the talent level.
-
When Pollyanna jumps, you know the ship is sinking.
https://www.bleachernation.com/2019/09/02/the-real-2019-chicago-cubs-are-not-real/
-
That's not at all what I take away from that piece. The point was that the team is a roller coaster and there is little likelihood of that changing over the next month.
-
Chatwood pitched very well again yesterday. The run came on two soft-contact bloop singles. On the second bloop single, the runner took a risky run from 1st-to-3rd. Happ's throw had him beat by 5 feet, but the throw was well off line so he got in there. I suspect a lot of good defensive left fielders would have gotten the out on that play.
If Darvish is out for a while, I'm not sure that giving Chatwood one or more additional starts is necessarily a bad thing.
-
Was also interesting, Gonzalez had the no-hitter going, but manager already had relievers warming in the 3rd inning; and then of course pulled him after 3. I kinda respect the don't-mess-around perspective there.
-
Wind in a little bit today, so the Cubs may need to hit the ball pretty solid to hit HR's and score?
Heyward, Schwarber, Russell, LuCroy, and Garcia all starting today, so lots of maybe easy outs today. Not sure how many of those you want to count on to get a RISP RBI hit....
-
Hit? How about just contact?
-
0-5 w/ RISP
No runs through 3 against a guy with a 7.94 ERA.
-
Russell doubles with none on in the second, strikes out with one aboard this time. This team is very predictable.
-
0-7 w/ RISP
22 innings without a run.
-
Mariners RISP: 1-1
1-0 Seattle
-
Cubs are 0-23 in their last RISP AB, I think they said?
-
Pinchhitting for Hendricks, with two outs and nobody on. Only 81 pitches and one run allowed through 6. WTH, Joe?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Hendricks out after 6 excellent innings.
Cubs 0-8 w/ RISP, 9 LOB, 9 K's, and 24 innings without a run.
-
I was hoping that would lead to a Happ homerun, but he grounds out to end the inning and force us into the pen. Not a fan of that move, Joe.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Getting shutout again by a pitcher with an era of almost 8! But I’m told there is nothing wrong with this team and they are a good team. This team is average at best and getting worse every year.
-
Heyward's hitless his last 25 at-bats but manages a leadoff walk in the 7th.
-
Cubs have not been shut out in three straight games since 1992.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Rizzo a RISP hit! 1-1.
-
I don't believe...what I just saw. - Jack Buck
-
Walking AA to get to Schwarber.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Bases-clearing triple off the 1st base bag!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Cubs win, Cubs win!
Underwood and Wieck wrap up the 8th and 9th innings.
-
I think they said this was only Seattle's 3rd game this season in which neither team hit a HR.
-
Wieck looks kinda wild, but he does look kinda interesting. Might not be the worst guy to make it next spring.
-
Contreras catches Lester
Russell still at short
Zobrist is the 2B and leads off
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDkGpKYXoAADTf7.jpg:small)
-
Bryant has been scratched due to right knee soreness.
-
Ian Happ getting the start at 3B in Bryant's absence.....Baez unavailable and Bote optioned.
Happ has played everywhere except SS and C.
-
Get the boy a mask and some shin guards!
-
Adjusted lineup. Lots of speed at the top of the order.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDkfrh7XsAAI7KC.jpg:small)
-
Hayward looks like last year's version. Bucketfooting on one pitch, pulling his head on the next, flailing at the next. Needs to go look at film.
-
Yes, retirement speech film.
-
I know it's a small sample size, I know he doesn't have a track record of maintaining this kind of production, (who does?) but please sign Castellanos and make it quick. This guy is a stud.
-
Jeez, how do you walk Broxton to load the bases? The guy has a .520 OPS and 100 K's in 200 at-bats.
-
Lester gets out of it though. That's either true grit or lousy Mariners talent, or perhaps both.
-
Castellanos now has more homers with the Cubs this season than he had with the Tigers.....in 1/3 the ABs.
-
Make that one homer, a single, a double, and a walk for Schwarber...
-
Baez OPS .848
Schwarber OPS .844
-
Schwarber OPS up to .844!
-
Kyle Schwarber's Last 30 games:
87 AB
9 HR
.287 BA
.392 OBP
.675 SLG
-
Boost that trade value.
-
Maddon messed up failing to challenge the run in a timely manner.
Once Mariners challenged the out call at 2B, no excuse not to challenge the run right there and then. Umps then look at merits of run at home if overrule challenge at 2B.
Len and JD said manager first needs to know final ruling at 2B before challenging. Don’t get that argument. Just make the challenge once other club invokes replay. Don’t have to wait.
-
Nice win, guys! Nice to be back on the HR train.
Lester, that guy is such a competitor. Admire him a lot.
-
Maddon messed up failing to challenge the run in a timely manner.
Once Mariners challenged the out call at 2B, no excuse not to challenge the run right there and then. Umps then look at merits of run at home if overrule challenge at 2B.
Len and JD said manager first needs to know final ruling at 2B before challenging. Don’t get that argument. Just make the challenge once other club invokes replay. Don’t have to wait.
There are a lot of blind spots in the replay rule. On a double play and you think your guy was safe both second AND first. So you challenge. On the challenge the guy at second is confirmed out, so what about first. Sorry, can't challenge because you just lost your challenge, even though everyone in the stadium can see the Hugeatron showing he was solidly safe at first. What does a manager have to do? Challenge the one he has absolute confidence will be overturned? Doug Glanville said tonight that replay has had unexpected consequences in that players have had to learn how to tag and how to slide all over again.
-
There are a lot of blind spots in the replay rule. On a double play and you think your guy was safe both second AND first. So you challenge. On the challenge the guy at second is confirmed out, so what about first. Sorry, can't challenge because you just lost your challenge, even though everyone in the stadium can see the Hugeatron showing he was solidly safe at first. What does a manager have to do? Challenge the one he has absolute confidence will be overturned? Doug Glanville said tonight that replay has had unexpected consequences in that players have had to learn how to tag and how to slide all over again.
I don't believe that is correct. A manager can request review of multiple portions of the same play, in this case both at first and second on a DP.
From MLB replay rules:
"The manager may request that the umpire review multiple portions of the same play, but he must specify exactly which portions of the play he is challenging.
If any portion of a challenged play is overturned, the manager who challenged the play will retain the ability to challenge one more play during the game."
As to Glanville, he was talking about something we've discussed here several times: the runner coming off the bag during a slide by a mega-inch that is visible only by stop action video and not to the eye. Never liked that part of replay but it is very difficult to write a precise rule that exempts that type of play from the more obvious type of coming-off-the-bag play that umpires have called forever. We know the difference but tough to draft a standard that can be applied.
-
Imagine scolding Jon F’n Lester because he walked a guy.
-
Thanks, Reb. As to the rules, hope that's the case. As to Glanville, I didn't say we haven't discussed that here.
-
I don't think the Cubs have had nearly as many guys outed by coming off the bases this year as last year. I think they've made some adjustments.
-
Imagine scolding Jon F’n Lester because he walked a guy.
Scolding. lol
Imagine making a comment this petty about an innocuous comment during game action.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDuiIBiX4AAB08E.jpg:small)
-
Baez scratched, Russell at SS.
-
These injuries could demoralize the team. Or perhaps those playing will step up. We'll soon find out.
-
Zobrist, Contreras and Schwarber are kinda on fire right now, eh?
-
Schwarber with a *MASSIVE* grand slam off the lefty Pomeranz.
-
Zobrist, Contreras and Schwarber are kinda on fire right now, eh?
No. They are demoralized. Ask p2.
-
Zobrist drawing walks and getting on base. Old or not, he does bring an element we desperately need.
-
Z with 3 singles and 2 BBs in 5 trips - I confess, I never thought we'd see that sort of performance from him. Maybe he really would have made a big difference this year - but if anything, this underscores the desperate need to acquire that sort of hitter (in multiples) this offseason.
-
Yeah, I totally didn't expect Zobrist to add anything. Nice treat.
-
Another excellent night for the bullpen. 4 innings, 1 run and 1 hit. Outstanding. Again.
-
Nice for the Cubs to convert and win the Chase Anderson game. That's how it worked last weekend, too, but then it wasn't so easy against Davies and Gio. Would be nice to win tonight, or tomorrow, against one of those guys, and then have a shot with Hendricks on Sunday.
Gio is almost a bullpen game. Last time Gonzalez was not at his best, of course; but even with a no-hit shutout Counsell was warming up reliever already in the 3rd inning!
As always, works best to score early and get the lead against the starting pitcher if possible.
-
I am looking forward to next year when teams can't load up an unlimited stable of relievers in September.
-
As long as we can load up also, I see no problem with it. September roster increases have always been a great way for the average fan to see some of the young kids that they had heard about but never got a chance to see. And it has been a good way to inject a reason for fans of the struggling teams to watch games that otherwise would have no reason for them to watch. I think the roster change is not in the best interests in baseball, especially at a time when the younger generation is losing interest in some of the major sports like baseball.
-
A normal team is keeping 12-13 pitchers pre-September. I think it's somewhat unusual for contending teams to entrust many meaningful innings in close, crucial games to extended-roster callups. How many crucial games do you want to entrust to pitchers who were 14th-18th on the August pitching depth chart?
-
Remember that next year the rule about relievers have to pitch to a minimum, so loading up with arms instead of bats makes little sense
-
Since not all teams may agree with CurtOne, I believe the rosters will be limited to 13 pitchers during April-August and 14 in September
-
Javy still out
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDzy-PSWwAwBtGc.jpg:small)
-
Last night's game clocked in at 3:59, and it felt that long. While I generally agree that September callups adds interest, I'm thinking the length of games and boredom waiting for pitching changes is a bigger turnoff to younger fans. I like the strategy of matchups as much or more than the next guy, but so many changes is a real drag on the game.
-
3:59 is way too long to play a 9-inning game. But, think it has more to do with the # of pitches thrown in the game than the number of pitching changes. Not sure that the latter correlates with the former.
Cubs game last night had 345 pitches and 10 relievers. Tigers/Royals played a game an hour shorter last night, with 283 pitches and 9 relievers. An extra 62 pitches is going to take considerably longer to play, although one extra hour seems a bit much. Maybe players take more time to do stuff in a more crucial game.
-
That game was played at the laborious pace most playoff games and Yankee/Red Sox tilts are played at these days.
-
Hitters today are taught to work counts much more so than in years past.
Look at stats from 1985 or so and earlier...the number of hitters with 100+ Ks in any given season pales in comparison to the numbers today. Same with walks...hitters from earlier generations were taught to put the ball in play...get a strike and hit it.
-
All of the above plus a few more reasons like the time between innings and no limit on how long New York gets to look at replays.
-
The increased time between innings is huge. That's 2:55 every half inning in the postseason; it was something like 1:30 during the regular season in the '80s. Longer TV commercials thus add 1 minute and 25 seconds every half inning.
Nothing else even compares to that. Deeper counts; more relievers; intentional walks -- combined those things do not add the 25.5 minutes per game that we have to endure in extra commercials.
-
Castellanos with a two-out double into left center. Lorenzo Cain shouldn't be in there if he is hobbled that much. Normally he catches it easily.
Cubs don't score in the top of the first even though there were some hard hit outs.
-
Hamels pitched himself into trouble but wriggled out of it. Probably should have just IBB'd Braun.
-
According to Len, Hultzen will be called up to the Cubs this month.
-
Russell looks totally lost.
-
0-4 w/ RISP through 2.
-
Castellanos tater!
-
Castellanos was just a real bargain. Man...
-
Could see that coming a universe away.
-
Yelich hits a three-run homer on a 3-2 pitch; Brewers lead 3-1.
-
With the bases loaded, pitcher Davies grounds into a DP to limit the damage, but Milwaukee leads 4-1.
-
A lineout then another HR. 5-1. Joe is not going to take advantage of expanded roster tonight, he's going to get Hamels up to his pitch count.
-
Cardinals gonna win again too behind former Rookie of the Year actor Thomas Ian Nichols.
-
Well maybe not. The Pirates just put up three to tie St. Louis in the 7th.
-
Heyward's now 1 for 33 with the hit being a routine grounder to short that beat the shift.
-
Zobrist just took 3 straight balls followed by 3 straight strikes.
-
Pirates have opened up a 7-4 lead, so that's a silver lining. Would be nice to steal this game somehow.
-
I kind of wish Maddon would have either used Chatwood sooner, when it was evident Hamels didn't have much tonight and it was maybe still 3-1; or else not used him at all. Wasting 2 perfect innings from Chatwood probably will preclude him from helping if Darvish off the DL isn't sharp or durable.
-
Pirates hang on and do us a favor.
Eventually the Cardinals are going to play some decent teams but damn, this has been an easy month for them.
-
Statcast has Yu's velocity way down in the first.
-
Well, a 95 there.
Given Caratini was going to start today for sure, why rest Willson yesterday the way he was swinging the bat?
-
Certainly fascinating to watch Darvish pitch. He has the biggest arsenal in baseball and even on the same pitch he seems to tweak his velocity constantly.
-
This winter, Joe or Albert has to go.
-
2 on, nobody out, top of the order up. Almora GIDP. Castellanos grounds out to the pitcher. That went south in a hurry.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
In brighter news, Darvish looks great so far. Through 3 on under 40 pitches with five Ks.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
This winter, Joe or Albert has to go.
Why not both?
-
We should have traded for Gio just so's we wouldn't have to face him.
-
Man, Yu is a filthy beast.
72 pitches thru 5 - you have to figure one more inning and that's it, given he'll be on a short leash.
-
Scratch that, pulled after 5. May Goc have mercy on our bullpen.
-
Two things pretty much guaranteed when Yu pitches. No run support, and if he does leave with a lead the bullpen will blow it.
-
Once again a base knock after a Hotovey visit
-
Brewers tie it and Yu once again will not get the win.
-
Ryan had been really good this year but he lurched that inning scared. He nibbled against Yelich. I understand that. Then against Thames, he nibbled again. You can't come into the game scared to throw a strike.
-
The Zo comes through again and the Cubs have first and third with no outs.
-
Pomeranz is coming in to pitch. I'd go with Hader, but I'm not Craig Counsell.
Happ up. Come on, Ian, punch the ball through the drawn-in infield and give us the lead.
-
11 straight starts with 0 or 1 BB for Yu.
-
Happ walks; bases loaded, no outs. Hader coming in to face Castellanos.
-
1 run out of all that is reason to feel queasy as hell.
-
One pitch was all it took.
-
Thames gives us a scare, but it's caught at the wall, and Yelich goes back to first.
-
1 run out of all that is reason to feel queasy as hell.
They're saying the same thing in the bottom half, as Wick gets a fly ball to Castellanos with the bases loaded to end the inning.
-
Kintzler is coming in to try to hold them in the ninth.
-
This team just isn't good. I hope they miss the playoffs so the front office has no choice but to make big changes.
-
With two outs, Yelich doubles to left and Austin comes around with the winning run; Brewers win.
-
How dumb can you be to pitch to the only person who can beat you.
-
Guessing that if Maddon was confident that Ryan Braun unavailable to pinch hit, he is more likely to walk Yelich intentionally and have a Wieck/Thames match-up there. Thames is a sub .200 hitter against lefties. Seems more likely that Yelich is going to double (or homer) to win game than Thames singling off a lefty to win game. But, Braun different story against Kintzler (or a lefty). Braun tweaked his back on Friday and seemed like Counsell didn’t want to use him, but never know. Yelich is just ridiculously good.
-
Cubs defense kind of let them down. Schwarber's lack of range kind of exposed on the game winner, and Russell's throwing error was pretty extreme on Austin's ball. Russell fielded the ball kind of weirdly in the first place. Was hit very hard, but he kind of overstepped it and tipped over wrong-ways. Ball was hit a bit to his left, he shifted over to his left, then tipped over to his right. Just seemed awkward from the start.
-
They said Yelich was like 1-9 or 1-11 or something career versus Kintzler.
-
This team just isn't good. I hope they miss the playoffs so the front office has no choice but to make big changes.
BR- permit me to suggest that you take a day and ponder whether you really hope that the Cubs miss the playoffs.
-
They said Yelich was like 1-9 or 1-11 or something career versus Kintzler.
I suppose Maddon might point to that post-game. I hope not. So few ABs means very little in that situation.
As I noted above, if Maddon is concerned about facing Braun with a single to win the game, I get that. And, it’s an unorthodox move to intentionally walk any hitter to put winning run in scoring position, obviously.
But, it’s Yelich and a good match-up on deck UNLESS it’s Braun. Maddon couldn’t really be sure he would get that lefty/lefty matchup I suppose.
But, Wieck vs. Thames is a good match-up to get an out. Hard to believe you’d rather pitch to Yelich if you’re going to get the lefty match-up next. Or, rely on a 10 AB history. Will be curious what he says.
-
I don't know, but when you have the bases loaded and nobody out and your best hitters up and you can't make any contact of any kind, you aren't going to win many games.
-
I don't know, but when you have the bases loaded and nobody out and your best hitters up and you can't make any contact of any kind, you aren't going to win many games.
The question isn’t whether the offense is fundamentally broken - of course it is. The question is whether Theo is going to be able to meaningfully overhaul it with so many cards stacked against him. He knew it last winter and did nothing, and if anything he’s holding an even worse hand now. The past couple of go-arounds have been scapegoat the coaches and hope for the best - I suspect this time it’ll be scapegoat the manager and do the same.
-
Cubs defense kind of let them down. Schwarber's lack of range kind of exposed on the game winner, and Russell's throwing error was pretty extreme on Austin's ball. Russell fielded the ball kind of weirdly in the first place. Was hit very hard, but he kind of overstepped it and tipped over wrong-ways. Ball was hit a bit to his left, he shifted over to his left, then tipped over to his right. Just seemed awkward from the start.
I ran the Statcast exit velocity/launch angle numbers and the Yelich ball is a hit 78% of the time based on EV/LA. Given where it was hit, going to be at least a double if not caught. Maybe a better fielder somehow is able to keep the runner at 3B, I don’t know, but doubt it considering two outs and runner is moving on contact. So, wouldn’t put blame on Schwarber. A really great LFer maybe catches the ball.
Kintzler pitch to Yelich was on the outside corner, maybe a bit outside, but probably higher in the zone than intended. Not a bad pitch at all. But, it’s Yelich.
-
Here’s the chart on the Kintzler/Yelich match-up. What can you do.
https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/1170548450599014401
-
No Kris Bryant
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ED81v9AXsAM9KKP.jpg:small)
-
Addison Russell HBP in the head by 93.7 mph fastball but is surprisingly staying in the game.
-
And steals second on the next pitch.
-
Bote singles to right and a bad throw by Yelich makes a bad throw to allow Russell to score.
1-1.
-
Lester doubles down the line in right to score Bote.
2-1.
-
Zobrist doubles into the right field corner to score Lester.
3-1.
-
Len and JD wondering if the delay while they looked at Russell affected Houser.
-
Hotovey to the mound, and my, srprise, a home run.
-
I mean, let's be honest, this team just isn't all that good.
-
For the first time in Jon Lester's career, he's allowed at least six runs in five games in a single season.
-
Lester since the break:
5.72 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 10 HR in 61-1/3 IP
-
Hultzen just debuted with 3 K's after hitting Yelich and giving up a single.
-
A positive amongst all the slop:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1170802035500957697
-
The second K was an umpire strikeout but Hultzen deserves some good fortune.
-
Amazing story, Hultzen. Things are going to hell generally but you have to feel good for him.
-
The Cubs are going to wear NFL jerseys on the flight to San Diego. That ought to get things turned around.
-
So what's the general impression on Hultzen? Struck out 3, 92-94 on the fastball - but how'd he look overall?
-
Umpires for #Cubs (76-66) at #Padres (66-76):
HP: Fieldin Culbreth
1B: CB Bucknor
2B: D.J. Reyburn
3B: Ramon De Jesus
-
Bryant MIA
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEDpECXXYAEH_eu.jpg:small)
-
I guess everyone had tuned out by the time Hultzen pitched. Can’t blame them.
-
Saw the Hultzen inning. Was impressed that his demeanor was the same (nonplussed) throughout the inning—even with the first two batters reaching.
Had 5 swinging strikes in 21 pitches. His slider is not a late-breaker but more of a bigger, loopy breaker. Not sure if that’s going to be deceptive to big league hitters. Pitched to all or most quadrants of the zone, liked that. Averaged 93-94 with 4 and 2 seamers, mostly 4-seamers. Would have to see him more to get more of a fix on him, especially that this outing not a crucial inning and batters probably more in swing mode this kind of inning.
-
Cubs lead 2-0 early. Let's hope the Professor can get us a nice easy win.
And welcome to the majors, Nico Hoerner!
-
Yahoo lists him as number 49, but Nico Hoerner gets jersey number 2.
I don't think anyone has worn number 49 since Arrieta left; somebody, preferably a pitcher, should wear it again.
-
Yahoo lists him as number 49, but Nico Hoerner gets jersey number 2.
I don't think anyone has worn number 49 since Arrieta left; somebody, preferably a pitcher, should wear it again.
Somebody posted that CarGo wore it.
-
Cargo was the previous 2, not 49. And I think he took it from Zagunis... isn't Zagunis still in the organization?
-
What’s with Contreras? Hurt again?
-
2-run triple for Hoerner.
He's 2-2 w/ RISP. Not sure what he's doing on this roster.
Make that 1-1.
-
Nico hits his first major league triple to bring in two runs, and the Cubs lead 6-2.
-
And now Nico has his second major league run; 7-2.
-
What’s with Contreras? Hurt again?
I don’t know, but what I do know is that there shouldn’t be such a thing as maintenance days in September.
-
That "strike one" call on Zobrist was laughable. Robot umps are needed.
-
I don’t know, but what I do know is that there shouldn’t be such a thing as maintenance days in September.
Hasn’t he only played a couple of times since he came off the IL?
-
I don’t know, but what I do know is that there shouldn’t be such a thing as maintenance days in September.
Maybe we should defer to the medical and training staff regarding a player coming back from a hammy, especially a player who has to crouch throughout a game.
-
So now Hoerner's 2-2 w/ RISP.
Have this man checked for steroids.
-
Great that Hoerner is having a monster debut, but first games are notoriously unreliable indicators. Now expectations are going to be off the charts.
If nothing else he makes contact, and we certainly need guys who do that. Not like he lit the minors on fire this season but even so his K rate was very un-Cub like. As always, now we wait and see how he adjusts when the league adjusts to him.
-
Cubs with 11 singles so far.
Last time Cubs did that was Cap Anson era, I think.
-
Very impressed that Len into Nico and The Velvet Underground.
-
Hopefully this game makes Kyle forget about this.
https://twitter.com/VanHicklestein/status/1171275616714469376
-
Not sure what this says about either of them:
https://twitter.com/FrySportsRadio/status/1171274375837999104
-
Alec Mills in position to get a save tonight if can go three.
-
Always liked three-inning saves. I want to say that Lee Smith used to get them all the time, though he probably didn't have *that* many.
-
Mills out. Norwood in.
-
That "strike one" call on Zobrist was laughable. Robot umps are needed.
CB Bucknor calls balls and strikes Tuesday night.
-
Good job by DelMarFan. Glad he'll be at Petco for the rest of the series.
-
Norwood certainly throws hard if nothing else.
-
Well, that was certainly fun. Nice debut for Hoerner. Did the chants of "Nico, Nico!" come through on TV? They were really loud in the park.
I called the Schwarbomb, although it didn't hit the Western Metal Supply Building like I asked for. Came close, though.
Hoping the good fortune keeps up.
-
Way to make it happen, delmar. Do it again!
-
Bryant is back
Nico dropped to 8th
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEIo-gdXUAcwk4O.jpg:small)
-
Clown car second inning for the Cubs. This team is just not good.
-
It's hard to believe that people thought this mediocre, boring team might be a dynasty just 3 years ago.
-
Cubs have pulled to within a run. Hopefully Chatwood can keep the score close and we can have a late-inning rally.
-
Chatwood has certainly kept the game close. Now it is up to the offense.
-
Chatwood has been terrific. I wish Maddon used him more. Not sure if he'd hold up pitching every 5 days, but his ERA is better than any non-Hendricks starter, and his stuff is on a different planet from Lester, Q, or Hamels.
-
Chatwood has been terrific. I wish Maddon used him more. Not sure if he'd hold up pitching every 5 days, but his ERA is better than any non-Hendricks starter, and his stuff is on a different planet from Lester, Q, or Hamels.
Whoever the new manager is next season, I imagine Chatwood is going to be very much in the conversation for the rotation.
-
Kintzler sucks tonight. Cubs waste an opportunity to kind of get back in this division race...but really, they're done. It's second wild card or bust for them at this point.
-
Kintzler sucks tonight. Cubs waste an opportunity to kind of get back in this division race...but really, they're done. It's second wild card or bust for them at this point.
Regression to the mean is a bltch. Kintzler has been giving up so much hard contact all season that it's a miracle he's held out this long before imploding.
-
Rizzo single, Bryant homer. Too bad Kintzler's magic wore off last inning.
-
Wow, Heyward ties it.
-
Munoz throwing 99-101 and getting tattooed.
Velocity ain't everything, folks.
-
Heyward has no middle ground this season. He's either raking or completely ineffectual.
-
Bucknor sucks. Calls strike 2 on what should've been ball 2 for Happ, then calls strike 3 on what should've been ball 2 for Kemp. He might have changed that inning.
MLB needs robot umps.
-
Then Yates throws 93 and is basically half Eckersley, half Gagne.
-
All eight of our runs today have come off pitchers with tildes in their names, and non-tilde'd pitchers have held us scoreless.
Let's hope there's a Núñez or a Montañez in their bullpen to bat against in extra innings.
-
All eight of our runs today have come off pitchers with tildes in their names, and non-tilde'd pitchers have held us scoreless.
Let's hope there's a Núñez or a Montañez in their bullpen to bat against in extra innings.
Or Tilde Swinton.
-
Cishek walks a .100 hitter to load the bases in the 10th. Cishek is as broken as Strop.
-
This Cubs team just isn't good. Sitting out last offseason was such an awful decision.
-
Maddon really asks too much of Cishek. Hopefully next year Wick can take a bigger role.
-
Cubs lose again as Cishek walks in the winning run on 4 pitches. This team is awful.
-
An infield hit and three walks to end it.
Clearly Kimbrel was all that was needed in this bullpen.
-
The "old" Pedro Strop would have been useful in the 10th inning.
-
If by some freak Maddon is back next season and looking for one of his stupidass catch phrases for the season, he should keep "just not that good" in mind.
-
It was at least an entertaining game up until the appalling ending. Slow hook for Q, who had nothing after the first inning and was giving up nothing but rockets, but the homers were fun.
I wish I'd left after the top of the 10th like I wanted to. Watching Cishek walk Austin Hedges (who has damaged the Cubs previously despite his .580 OPS) and then Jankowski (who has also damaged the Cubs despite his .280 OPS) and then Margot on four pitches . . . I mean, how does that happen? In a pennant race?
I hereby officially relinquish any expectations or even particular hopes for the post-season. This team is just Not All That Good. After tonight, I think I've slipped into the "Thanks for 2016 and all you've done, but that'll do, Joe" camp. I'll be surprised if he's back.
I will, however, be back out there tomorrow.
-
Wonderful comeback effort by the Cubs. I found this game to be encouraging.
-
David Kaplan @thekapman
I cannot believe that a major league manager would watch his team lose a crucial game by watching THE SAME RELIEVER WALK THREE CONSECUTIVE BATTERS TO LOSE THE GAME. I’m sitting here speechless.
Joe Maddon on the third and final walk (on four pitches): “That was kind of a surprise”
Really?
-
A year or so ago, I made a post saying Joe Maddon was one of those people who say "If you don't know how good I am, just ask me". The only comment disagreed with me.
I haven't changed my mind. Have you?
-
You think it’s a bad thing if the manager thinks he’s smart?
-
Nope. It bothers me if he's arrogant.
-
You wish you were as cool as him...
-
that would be a step down for me and my peeps
-
Nope. It bothers me if he's arrogant.
What does that even mean in terms of the manager doing his job and winning games?
-
It means sometimes refusing to listen to your coaches and your own common sense to continue throwing pitchers and players who aren't preforming into the fray.
-
I suspect the criticism is that Joe is not capable of admitting when he's made a mistake (and thereby doesn't learn from them). There may be some truth to that, in which case he's probably not much different from other managers (and people in general). Learning from mistakes is obviously better than not though.
Whatever Joe's faults (all managers have them), he is far and away my favorite Cubs manager during the time I've been following them (going on 50 years). There is no question in my mind that he was a key reason the Cubs won the championship in 2016, and that they've been one of the best teams in baseball since he came here (up until this year).
I trust Theo et al to make a smart decision about who manages the team after this year. I am guessing it won't be Joe, but I admit it will make me sad if this is his last season with the Cubs.
-
It means sometimes refusing to listen to your coaches and your own common sense to continue throwing pitchers and players who aren't preforming into the fray.
That’s a new one (for me, anyway): Maddon messing up because not listening to his coaches? Really?
As far as playing guys who aren’t performing, I guess that’s a reference to Cishek yesterday.
There were no good moves available with bases loaded there. Can’t bring in a lefty there because Margot has huge lefty/righty splits. Strop, no. Norwood, Mills, Underwood are blah choices in these circumstances. Just gotta plan that Cishek rights the ship and gets a grounder, which is his forte. Didn’t happen. Naturally, some folks have to blame the manager. Part of the job.
-
In terms of running out of righties, a key decision was pinch-hitting for Chatwood after the 6th inning. I'm not saying it was wrong or that most managers wouldn't do the same. Down a run in the 7th, you pinch hit, that's standard.
But given that the Cubs had already scored 5 runs, that Padres don't have a shut-down bullpen, I felt at that time that we were going to score some more. And given that Chatwood had been dominant for 3 perfect innings, I kinda thought at the time it might actually be best to just let him hit for himself (he's not much less of a hitter than Bote, probably....), and let him pitch the 7th and 8th innings while he's in a groove. If the pitching could hold the line, I thought the offense would get some more.
I know, to let a pitcher lead off the 7th would have been non-standard. But the game would have gone a very different direction had he done so. O well, that's the way it goes.
-
The biggest cliche in baseball fandom is blaming the manager. That’s what fans do when they’re upset. Been the case for 150 years. That’s also what the David Kaplans of the world fall back on to trigger an audience reaction.
Maddon’s 5-year run as Cubs manager has been terrific. I grew up in L.A. during the legendary Walter Alston Dodgers years. Same story: the manager is an idiot. Learned a lot about fans and manager back then.
When Maddon got here, we saw right away that he had a certain schtick—ways of doing and saying things—that some folks liked and some folks didn’t like so much— from day one. Same story, but 5 years later.
Managers are fungible, so maybe Maddon is out after this season. His salary doesn’t help him in that regard. His in-game decisions are almost always rational but occasionally wrong as it turns out. If only YOU were making those decisions.....
-
Joe Maddon was the right manager for the Cubs when he was hired in 2015. He was able to use his considerable “people” skills to have the players put the “curse” into the background and focus on the job that needed to be done. Joe Maddon will forever have a place in the hearts of Cubs fans everywhere for his part in winning the 2016 World Series.
Times change. The zoo animals, pajama parties, and other gimmicks are passé and the Cubs can no longer afford his shortcomings in in-game strategy. The 2019 Cubs need every edge they can get to play at a consistently high level. In other words, their needs no longer match with Joe Maddon’s strengths and weaknesses.
-
Just need to get a manager with no strategical shortcomings...
-
Or give him another batch of new coaches next year. That seems to be helping.
-
Whatever Joe's faults (all managers have them), he is far and away my favorite Cubs manager during the time I've been following them (going on 50 years). There is no question in my mind that he was a key reason the Cubs won the championship in 2016, and that they've been one of the best teams in baseball since he came here (up until this year).
This is very well stated, and I agree completely. The fact is that the team has not performed to expectations for the past few seasons. There are questions about the actual talent levels of individual players, to be sure, but I think there's a persuasive argument that this year's team has performed much worse than the sum of its parts. When that happens, it's natural to look at the manager. I will love Joe forever, but the team may well need a change at the helm. There's some truth to Bennett's assertion that while Joe was what they needed then, he may not be what they need now (although to harp on the gimmicks is to sell Joe short--he's a lot more than that).
Again, as a fan, it was a horrific ending to the game last night. Cishek walked two pathetic hitters to load the bases before walking in the winning run of the game on four noncompetitive pitches. Yes, the team showed resilience to get back in it, but to lose like that? They *needed* that win, and it was right there for the taking, and they blew it. Again. As a fan, I want to know why it happened and how it was allowed to happen, and those questions start with Joe.
-
Guys, Madden is not your problem.
It’s been below average pitching for the last two seasons. The starting pitching is aging, missed on FA signings and relief pitching has been awful.
Madden is just a convenient target.
-
It’s been below average pitching for the last two seasons. The starting pitching is aging, missed on FA signings and relief pitching has been awful.
Madden is just a convenient target.
To say that Cubs pitching has been below average last two seasons is flat wrong.
Cubs have 3rd best ERA in the NL in 2019.
In 2018, Cubs had 2nd best ERA in NL.
That kind of statement is the residue of the 2016 WS team that had dominant starting pitching. When you fall short of that, 2nd and 3rd best become “below average.”
-
On the incompetence level that has to rate a 10.
-
If I've ever seen anyone score while picked off trying to steal home, it's been when a throw goes to 3rd, not home plate. That's a first for me.
-
Cubs are 6 outs away from being tied with the pathetic Brewers for the second wild card. This team is pretty bad.
-
It was a terrible play but it doesn't matter. The offense can't muster a single run tonight so the tack on isn't going to matter. I am beginning to think this team has quit. It sure looks like they have. They know they're not good enough so they are beginning to accept who they are.
-
It is probably best long term if they fade away and don't come close to that last playoff spot. Big changes are needed. A short-lived playoff run would not help.
-
The lineup has one intentional walk and twelve strikeouts against Paddock, Bednar, and Wingenter.
-
Strop pitched a scoreless inning and struck two guys out, so there's that.
-
Cubs lose again.
If you take away that fluky early season 23-7 stretch, this team is well under .500. They are a bad team who are only in the playoff race because they got lucky for a few weeks in April/May.
-
We left early.
-
Getaway day and a chance to split the series
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EER079KXoAUjXhX.jpg:small)
-
Looks like another maintenance day for our catcher...
“A mental and physical break”...per the boss...
-
The boss needs a mental health day.
-
In retrospect, the highlight of last night’s game was seeing a dude wearing a Cole Liniak jersey. After that, not so much. Today is a new day, though.
-
Boy there's a name from the prospect past right there...
-
Brewers win, so the Cubs currently do not hold a playoff spot.
-
I've been at work, haven't seen anything. Darvish with 11K through 5 innings. At 88 pitches. Push him for one more?
Cubs up 3-0. They've scored 3 runs without a single HR, crazy!
-
Darvish ERA at last under 4. Hard to overstate just how great he's been after the first month - a shame it's largely been wasted.
-
Darvish has been lights out today...he’s making the Padres look like little leaguers...
-
CB Bucknor must have taught his strike zone to plate umpire Ramon DeJesus.
-
5th time in 10 starts with no ER allowed. Up to 204 Ks on the year. Hard to believe there’d even be any debate who our SP would be if we backed into a wild card playoff, but that just shows how unmoored our manager is from reality.
-
This team probably isn’t worth my being this nervous.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
(http://mlb.mlb.com/assets/images/7/1/4/201585714/091516_cubs_flag_med_3_fqqoz3ho.gif)
-
Cubs win!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Cubs have had 6 different starting 2Bs in the last 10 games. Wonder when the last time that happened was.
-
Cubs win!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
See you at Clark and Addison?...LOL
-
Two batters in, and the Pirates have already scored from first on a walk. Brutal defense.
-
Bad Lester again today. Already 3-0 Pirates in the first inning. Not going to waste the rest of my afternoon watching this.
-
Rizzo singles, Castellanos homers. 4-2 Pirates with no outs in the first.
Contreras hits another. 4-3.
Schwarber doubles.
-
Gameday says wind 20 mph out to center.
-
Nico homers. 5-4 Cubs.
-
I know Maddon loves Lester's veteran professionalism, and will want to extend him and protect the bullpen. But man I'd kinda like to go for the win, and not ensure that he's given up at least 8 runs before pulling him.
I know Chatwood has already pitched twice within the last 12 days, and he threw a full 3 innings only 3 days ago. And he'd pitched two innings last week too. But I wonder if Maddon wouldn't be wise to pull Lester fast and get Chatwood in there to try to win the game, rather than waiting? With a wind-out game, Chatwood's groundball orientation might be extra useful today?
-
Br, come back. Come back br. Momma wants you too. Come back, br.
-
Nico was using a 3 iron on his homer. True gopher ball.
-
10-4 Cubs! Rizzo granny didn't need any wind.
-
Nico's was a wind-blown one. Rizzo and Contreras this inning, didn't need the help.
-
Five walks, a single, and two homers in the 3rd. Left the bases loaded as Schwarber K'd for the second time in the inning.
-
Hoerner's homer probably wouldn't have gone out on a normal day, but it was still smoked on a low pitch. Wasn't a routine flyball that carried out.
-
Contreras gives two back with an error.
-
Lester should've been out of this inning but that doesn't change the fact that he looks like he's on his last leg.
-
Rizzo was way too far over for that throw too. He didn't give Contreras a good angle at all.
-
Nico up with the base loaded and two outs
and he singles up the middle
12-7 Cubs.
-
Maybe Hultzen actually gets a shot today.
-
Hoerner didn't hit that one hard but it often pays to make contact.
-
Jason Heyward hits for Almora with the bases loaded
and clears the bases with a double to make it 15-7. Still bottom of the fifth.
-
Nick doubles (his 50th of the year), Kemp scores; it's 17-7.
-
Still 17-7 after 6 innings.
I wonder how many baseballs have been used today.
-
The Knickerbocker rules that Len and JD have been talking about during the game
https://www.baseball-almanac.com/rule11.shtml
-
This third base ump Rayhack is well-named. He's awful.
-
Cubs win 17-8; Mills gets the first save of his career -- and the easiest save he'll ever get.
-
Time of game was about 3:55. At one point it looked like way more than four hours.
-
Wieck K'd the side in his inning. He's now 9K/0BB/1hit with the Cubs in 6 appearances.
I'm really happy for him, that's cool. The fastball doesn't look all that fast or electric, and the curve looks like it could be hard to control and could hang and get wasted at times. So I have no confidence that next July we'll be glad to have him entering game situations. But he's sure earned a fighting chance to win or hold a job in camp. Having some small successes from back-of-roster no-expense guys is really helpful.
-
Not to nitpick it what does Hultzen have to do to get into a game? Wouldn’t it be good with a 9 run lead to see whether he might be someone you could use in a close game?
-
Did br ever come back?
Big win today. For differential lovers now have more evidence that there's nothing wrong with this team. Hip hip hooray.
-
Not to nitpick it what does Hultzen have to do to get into a game? Wouldn’t it be good with a 9 run lead to see whether he might be someone you could use in a close game?
Consider the possibility that Cubs have information about this and you don’t have that information.
-
I'm honestly not sure what Hoerner is ready to bring now, never mind long-term - injury notwithstanding, a .741 OPS in the mid-minors is hardly eye-catching. But the 2 Ks in 20 ABs part isn't a mirage, and that's certainly something the Cubs can use more of. Plus he looks legit enough at SS to suggest he can be at least average once he moves to 2B.
-
Consider the possibility that Cubs have information about this and you don’t have that information.
Treat yourself. Take a day off every once in a while.
-
But it is true. Quite often an inexplicable action by the manager turns out to be explicable after we find out the reason.
-
Did br ever come back?
I pulled up the MLB app around the 7th or 8th inning (expecting to see a final score by then) and was happy to see they were winning.
-
Treat yourself. Take a day off every once in a while.
Yeah, it’s a startling and shocking notion that the club and its leadership might know something that a guy on the internet might not know. Hard to believe.
-
You must be a lot of fun at parties.
-
Not sure there needs to be anything to 'know" on Hultzen? For the moment, he's the #7 lefty on the roster and the #4 lefty in the bullpen. How often does anybody's 4th Loogy get used?
Ryan is obviously THE go-to lefty. Wieck has emerged as the 2nd lefty. Based on the Hultzen observations from his single appearance, and from Iowa, both of those guys have similar velocity, in the 90's but not high-90's or overpowering. Wieck's been getting his curve over often enough, and his fastball, to be walk-free in 6 appearances. Hultzen's breaking ball may have some advantages, I'm guessing, but not sure there's any reason for the moment to be trying to push him past Wieck.
The odder one, probably, is Derek Holland. Obviously he throws harder than Hultzen, but I think we kinda know that his stuff isn't that good. But Holland's lefty splits on the season are quite solid, and Maddon has been giving him the occasional low-pressure inning. His ERA with the Cubs is 3.86; so my sense is that he's looked very unimpressive the time or two I've seen him, but management may see him as a tough-on-lefties guy and his output versus lefties and overall during short window with Cubs has been OK. Heh heh, in perspective he's been better in veteran lefty relief than any of our three veteran lefty starters have been over the 2nd half.
Obviously Wieck being good and Holland being meh-but-not-bad with Cubs are very small samples. If you actually put either of them into several game situations in the next week, they may be quickly exposed, beats me. But to me it just looks like Hultzen is just on the bottom of the ladder, he wasn't a Sept 1 callup, he wasn't a July or August callup, for now he's just the last in line.
Think next camp is the window for him. Could be very interesting to see what happens then. Ryan will be a lock, although whether his success this year will carry over, I'd not assume that either. But he'll certainly make the roster. Wieck and Hultzen will be there. Holland I assume not, but who knows, maybe yeah on a minimum or perhaps a non-roster contract? The team has so many other needs (offensively, right-handed relief, and rotation) that whatever money Theo has may have higher priorities than lefty relievers to spend it on. So I think it will be on Hultzen in camp to look usable enough and confident enough and consistent enough to make it as one of the 2-or-3 lefties.
-
Cubs facing a pitcher named Marvel
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEbtgHkWsAA2i4V.jpg:small)
-
8-pitch 1-2-3 first for Hendricks. Last year there was fuss that he often struggled in the first; he seems to have fixed that this year.
Gameday lists the wind as 6mph to center, so that won't be as crazy as yesterday, but still is favorably conducive to the Cubs greater HR power and proclivity to depend heavily on HR's to score.
Big game, the 6th place Brewers face the great Flaherty today, so they've got a shot to lose again. Phillies face Martinez and Mets face Ryu, so challenging games for each of the 6th-8th place teams. A Cubs win could add potentially add some cushion. And would of course ensure a series win, rather than depending on the inconsistent Quintana to help win the series finale.
-
So much luck involved. Castellanos and Schwarber both whack the ball, but for outs. Yesterday every bloop and grounder seemed to fine a hole.
-
Castellanos! 3-run double, 3-0. Nice, nice, nice.
-
Wow, Ben Zobrist hit a HR. Wasn't expecting any more in his career. 5-0 in the 4th.
In the 2nd, he had a really funky looking swing to bounce a weak grounder down the left field line for a hit. Hoerner's hit was a nice opposite-field RF-line hit, which also looked kinda funky but seemed perhaps skillful, rather than just lucky?
-
Solid pull HR for Bryant. 7-1 in the 5th.
Castellanos with two doubles today. There's been some talk about how to make the cubs lineup more consistent, maybe less vulnerable to good pitchers. seems to me that Castellanos seems to be a pretty professional guy, and with 60+ doubles and 20+HR's. He actually seems like a pretty good fit for what they'd want. Obviously not a 2B or a CF guy, but just in terms of pure hitting, I'd love to keep him. How you address CF I don't know, but *IF* you could come up with a pretty good CF, while also keeping Schwarber, I think you'd have some flexibility and slump-protection and matchup protection and injury protection. CF + Heyward + Castellanos + Schwarber, that would seem to give you some coverage. Obviously that's paying for two salaries, Castellanos plus the new CF, so may keeping Castellanos plus buying another guy, maybe that's too pricey. And yeah, I know the CF to buy is hypothetical. Any Japanese CFers available, by any chance?
I'm kind of hesitant on Hoerner, he hasn't gotten scouted yet, and thus far every grounder seems to find a hole; next year all those grounders might be DP's. But **IF** they decided to just commit to Hoerner for 2B, kept Castellanos, and somehow conjured up a CF out of this air, I think the lineup might have a chance to be pretty competitive.
Pitching, that's a different and weirder thing. Sometimes pitchers turn up in weird and not that expensive places. But yeah, *if* you're committing the cash (and/or trade resources) to get BOTH Castellanos AND somebody decent for CF, that might not leave much cash left to work on pitching.
1. Obviously you're contractually obligated to another year of Lester, who should be yet another year slower. Yu-Q-Hendricks are locked in.
2. I almost feel like it might not be the worst to just wing it at 5th starter spot, and let Chatwood and Graveman and Rea or whatever cheap guys that budget will allow shake it out for 5th guy; Alzolay, Abbott might enter that discussion sooner or later, too?
3. LH: Let Ryan, Wieck, Hultzen, and somebody cheap or non-rostery compete for lefty relief spots? (*IF* there's a a good lefty available, that's fine too, of course.)
4. RH: That's where the $$ needs to go. I assume they're going to pretend or assume or gamble that Kimbrell will be able to contribute. I'm not confident, myself, but they'll assume so, I guess. Wick will be there. Presumably one of Chatwood or Graveman will be there. (I could imagine under a new manager, that Chatwood might become much more heavily used in relief?) If they could somehow get serious and pay serious for one more excellent RH reliever, then maybe bring in one veteran guy, probably none of them but perhaps somebody in the modest-cost Strop-Cishek-Kintzler type caliber?
So: Castellanos + CF + Good RH-reliever + modest-priced vet RH reliever.
Enough cash for all that? Probably not. And obviously as reb has noted, wanting a capable CFer is not equivalent to having one available.
Defense, I think won't be excellent. But I admit I do feel like having Bryant just play 3B might be better for him defensively. Hopefully HOerner would be good at 2b. Castellanos-Schwarber will be kinda crummy when they play, and Heyward if used in center.
-
Norwood warming up. Have a feeling he might plunk a guy
-
Nico!!!!!!!
-
Nico, kind of a funny swing on his HR. Seemed to adjust on the fly and pull his hands in and yank it. On RF-line double he also seemed to be manipulated his hands on that, too. Encouraging to perhaps have a guy who might have some adjust-to-the-pitch aptitude, and it isn't all about guessing right.
-
Hultzen 1-2-3 inning. Was pretty steady 94 on the fastball, I saw one at 95. Man his arm-slot suggests he could be really tough on lefties. Not sure how he attacks righties.
He looked kinda wild, some of his misses were well off the plate.
But I'd sure rather have him make the team next spring than Derek Holland.
-
Maples is in to hit batters in the 9th. Or maybe that's happening just because he's Dillon Maples.
-
Maples has no clue where the ball is going but gets tossed anyway.
-
Maples whiffs batter one in short order,
Get's 0-2 on the second, than hits the RH guy on a slider that was so wild that it was behind the guy, but with the sharp break still came back and got him on the back of his leg.
Following RH batter, he threw it behind his head and curved in and got him from behind too, up on the shoulder.
So very wild. IN thinking next year, sometimes I think, "o well, you could just leave one RH-relief spot for one of the Maples/Norwood/Underwood type guys. But then I watch Maples do this, and I'm not so willing! :):)
-
The last 28 hours have probably moved the Cubs dramatically in RISP stats, as well as Curt's run-differential! :):)
-
Who have these guys thought they were the last couple of games, the Astros?
-
Maybe it means nothing whatsoever, but it is interesting the recent lineups have included 4 guys who seem to fit the Theo profile of hitters who control the strikezone: Rizzo, Castellanos, Zobrist and Hoerner.
-
Memo to Pirates manager Clint Hurdle: If you don't like being down by double digits, get some better pitching.
-
Memo to Pirates manager Clint Hurdle: If you don't like being down by double digits, get some better pitching.
And if you don't like your batters being hit, stop encouraging your pitchers to hit batters.
-
https://twitter.com/mlbastian/status/1172960894520872960?s=21
-
https://twitter.com/mlbastian/status/1172960894520872960?s=21
To quote a fellow BleacherBummer: "Kris f'n Bryant!"
-
Hultzen 1-2-3 inning. Was pretty steady 94 on the fastball, I saw one at 95. Man his arm-slot suggests he could be really tough on lefties. Not sure how he attacks righties.
He looked kinda wild, some of his misses were well off the plate.
But I'd sure rather have him make the team next spring than Derek Holland.
Whaddaya know, I guess he was fine.
-
Whaddaya know, I guess he was fine.
What Cubs might know internally, compared to a guy on the internet, is how much time between appearances is best for Hultzen—rather than whether’s he’s “fine” or hurt or whatever.
Seems a complex mix getting that right, given his minor league usage this season with time off here and there and IL stints.
Seems simple enough here to just defer to Cubs thinking on this one.
-
Seems simplest to just defer that Maddon views Hultzen as the #4 Loogy for now, and as such not a playoff guy. If he's not a playoff-roster guy, why make a point of getting extra looks?
I'm very interested in Hultzen from a Buildican perspective. But Maddon is understandably fully Nowacrat at this point.
-
Why would Maddon not even allow the possibility that Hultzen could make a theoretical postseason roster, when no one at any level has managed to hit him this season when he's actually been healthy enough to pitch? Are Wieck and Holland that good?
-
A sweep would be very useful
Another game where MLB Extra Innings provides only the broadcast of the opponent
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEg4hpZXYAMta8I.jpg:small)
-
Seems simplest to just defer that Maddon views Hultzen as the #4 Loogy for now, and as such not a playoff guy. If he's not a playoff-roster guy, why make a point of getting extra looks?
I'm very interested in Hultzen from a Buildican perspective. But Maddon is understandably fully Nowacrat at this point.
Cubs have been giving Hultzen significant days off (including IL stints) the entire season. Not just here but everywhere.
Seems to be an organization decision, not just Maddon. This is a player with a unique injury decision, so should not be surprising if that’s the 2019 plan. Indeed, can be argued that this is a Builican perspective by Cubs, if that’s the plan.
-
Bryant with a non-clutch 3 run HR in the first inning.
-
Cubs have been giving Hultzen significant days off (including IL stints) the entire season. ... Seems to be an organization decision, not just Maddon. ...
Oh, absolutely. But there were periods where he'd pitch with only one day off in between, and then two days off. Several time where he pitched 3 times within 6 days. (Pitch-off-pitch-off-off-pitch). So I don't really think the six-day-six-day thing now seems to reflect an all-year schedule. I think it just happened that way.
Having at least one or two days, for sure. But needing 5 off-days isn't precedented. So, I think when he didn't pitch on day 3 or 4, I think that was just Maddon's choice.
-
Rizzo turns his ankle fielding a bunt and has to be helped off the field.
-
If memory serves, one of the things the 2016 Cubs had going for them was the absence of significant injuries (though Russell had one at the end of the season I believe). Not so much this season.
-
And now Quintana melts down. 4-3 Pirates.
-
Bryant with another HR. Kemp gets 2-run 2-out triple, 7-5 Cubs in the 3rd.
-
This is most runs allowed by Pirates in a 3-games series since 1950, say Bucs announcers.
-
The run scoring on an error on an appeal play is one of those things you may never see again.
-
It's an ankle sprain (no fracture) for Rizzo. An MRI will determine severity tomorrow.
He's obviously going to miss at least a few games. I'd like to see them play Contreras over there if that lets them keep his bat in the lineup. He's played a little first and third base in the past.
-
Oh, absolutely. But there were periods where he'd pitch with only one day off in between, and then two days off. Several time where he pitched 3 times within 6 days. (Pitch-off-pitch-off-off-pitch). So I don't really think the six-day-six-day thing now seems to reflect an all-year schedule. I think it just happened that way.
Having at least one or two days, for sure. But needing 5 off-days isn't precedented. So, I think when he didn't pitch on day 3 or 4, I think that was just Maddon's choice.
Think it’s probably fair to say that brass has told Maddon that Hultzen’s usage has to be different than anybody else in bullpen. To some extent, he’s under wraps.
He’s had two IL stints since June. Except for one time, needed multiple rest days between appearances at Iowa.
Not saying the current plan is 5 days rest but doubt Hultzen would be here if had 8-man bullpen, given apparent usage limitations of some kind. The # of relievers around now allows Maddon to pitch him here and there, it seems.
Point is that we can’t really know the precise limitations and maybe we should be willing to just defer to whatever way Cubs/Maddon see fit to use him.
-
The last time the Pirates allowed 13 or more runs three games in a row was in 1897.
-
13-6 after 6. Great comeback after getting down 5-3 in the 3rd, and great adding-on after taking the lead.
Maddon pulled Q with one out in the 3rd, down 5-3, and runners 1st-and-3rd. Often over the season he likes to let his veteran starters get behind by more than 2 runs before pulling them; nice move to limit the damage.
Great work by the bullpen. The unstoppable Wieck K'd both guys to strand those runners, huge.
Then Chatwood pitched 3 innings. 1 run over 3 innings with wind out on a scoring-fest weekend, very effective work by him, again. He's been really useful down the stretch. What a nice personal success story he's been, I'm really happen for him.
Last winter, there was some board discussion questioning whether he perhaps had the yips and had Steve Blass disease, and there was some question about infrequently Steve-Blass guys ever come back. So nice that he has come back, and I'm guessing the fact that he has is perhaps evidence that it wasn't ever really Steve-Blass disease.
-
Braun grand slam with 2 outs in the 9th. If the scores hold, it could be a two game deficit for the Cubs.
Hopefully they finally avoid playing terribly against the Reds this week for the first time this year.
-
..Maddon pulled Q with one out in the 3rd, down 5-3, and runners 1st-and-3rd. Often over the season he likes to let his veteran starters get behind by more than 2 runs before pulling them; nice move to limit the damage...
Cubs have a 14-man bullpen. Gotta think that willingness to remove Quintana in 3rd inning perhaps influenced by all the alternatives available later, aside from the Kintzlers and Cisheks, no?
There always a big picture regarding availability in the bullpen pre-September. Many of us not really thinking about that, but the manager always keenly aware. Hence, the complaining about this and that bullpen move based on today’s game only. In September, the manager can do some different things with a 14-man pen.
-
The last time the Pirates allowed 13 or more runs three games in a row was in 1897.
davep had seats behind home plate. He complained about looking through the chicken wire
-
It's an ankle sprain (no fracture) for Rizzo. An MRI will determine severity tomorrow.
He's obviously going to miss at least a few games. I'd like to see them play Contreras over there if that lets them keep his bat in the lineup. He's played a little first and third base in the past.
Caratini is the guy who's played a lot of first, so assume he'll get the bulk of the playing time there. Maybe lead off too, as his OBP is quite good. I suppose you could risk Contreras over there on his "days off" but he's started all of 3 games at 1B in his big league career - that's quite a gambIe.
-
Joe has used Happ at first as well as Lucroy today.
-
It was a slow hook on Q last time out.
-
Darvish, Ky(a)le, pray for hail.
-
The Reds are pushing Castillo back one start so the Cubs miss him. Cubs are getting the best best pitching matchups they could hope for while the Cards have the worst against the Nate. This could (maybe should be) tied when the Cards come to town.
-
Thanks for mentioning that, birdbath. That's a nice break to not get Castillo. Still will get Gray, who's been great.
I'm sure I'm mis-remembering, but it has seemed like every 3-game series with Cinci this year, we've gotten both Gray and Castillo every time. Nice not to this week.
-
The Cubs this weekend outscored every team in the NFL. Heck, the Bears may not get to 47 if you give them the whole month.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Caratini is the guy who's played a lot of first, so assume he'll get the bulk of the playing time there. Maybe lead off too, as his OBP is quite good. I suppose you could risk Contreras over there on his "days off" but he's started all of 3 games at 1B in his big league career - that's quite a gambIe.
This team needs to gambIe and try to win the division. Willson's bat should be in the lineup as often as possible. If they're going to have to keep giving him every other day off as a catcher but can potentially play him almost every day at first base, then take the chance. If he proves he can't handle it after a couple games, then do something different.
-
Lorenzen's playing RF tonight and hitting 7th.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEm7f9mWkAE8-Ua.jpg:small)
-
Jesse Rogers @ESPNChiCubs 18m18 minutes ago
Joey Votto has called in sick. He's scratched
-
Hamels walks a couple, but gets out of trouble. Wind blowing in modestly from center tonight; but Schwarber pops one to deep center and it make it 3 rows deep! 3-0 Cubs.
Gausman is really HR-vulnerable, so that's the way to get him tonight. Awesome to take the lead early. Zobrist and Bryant had singled in front of Schwarber.
-
Hamels has just been terrible since he came off the IL. 54 pitches thrown so far tonight, 30 balls.
-
5 walks and a HBP by Hamels through 3 1/3 IP, then Cishek walks the first batter he faces. Brutal pitching tonight.
Cubs somehow still lead though, 3-2 after a sac fly. Suarez up with two runners on.
-
Hamels walked in only one in the 3rd, and escaped as Lorenzen chases 3 bad balls.
Hamels has a harder time now with no fastball. Last year he was doing a lot of 93-95 when he first came over. He now seems to need to go all-out and kind of muscle up and overthrow to try to get it up to 91 now, and doesn't have any location. All-out as a changeup guy.
Kind of a shame that Mills and Chatwood already got used up relieving the other worn out vet lefties over the weekend.
Hamels gets pulled with 2 on in the 3rd after his 5th walk, plus a HBP. Lucked out with a number of lineouts to limit the damage.
So, too many walks from veteran Hamel? Maddon brings in Cishek, who immediately walks the first guy to load the bases. Wind keeps a deep drive to the track in center in the park, would have been gone several of the weekend games, but just a sac, 3-2 Cubs.
-
Suarez is so shocked that a Cubs pitcher actually threw a strike that he watches a pitch right down the middle to K and end the inning.
Going to need some more offense tonight. Schwarber's first inning homer wasn't enough.
-
Cishek escapes, Suarez did some chasing, then took a full-count breaking ball that broke right over the plate. 3-2 mid 4.
-
I don't think the Reds have swing at a ball all night. Such contrast against Cub hitters.
-
Cubs get first two on in the 6th. Opportunity inning.....
-
Heyward! Rips a double to left center, thought Lorenzen was going to get it, but not quite! 4-2, chance for more.
Hoerner with RBI opportunity.
Heh heh, I'd like him to get a hit and make it 6-4, then keep the great Alec Mills in for some extra innings! Mills has been great, two shutout innings, just one single allowed and 3 K's. He's been really solid in his rare appearances. 3.42 ERA right now, one of the best on the staff. :)
-
Hoerner hits it directly to the infield-in SS, no progress.
-
Happ pinch-hits for the great Mills, grounds it directly to the infield-in 2B, no progress.
-
Zobrist! Grounds it through the infield, 5-2.
-
Nice to have a contact guy taking professional at bats in that spot.
-
Wick gets flyout to lead off 7th, after a very in-the-zone strike 3 was called ball 3.
Next batter, a very out-of-the-zone ball gets called strike 3.
Wick had a fastball that the clock read as 98.
-
Interesting that Joe burned Wick in the 7th. He’s not planning to let Strop close for cripes’ sake, is he?
-
Wick six up, six down. Gave up some hard contact. Rocket that Bryant made a really fine play on; drive to the warning track in right this inning; 3rd out was to the wall in the 7th. Think the reds have maybe had more hard contact today, but one 3-run Homer changed everything.
-
Boy that Castellanos trade has been a big time bargain.
Glad to see the Cubs taking care of business in the 8th.
-
Castellanos 55th double. All time record is 67. At the rate he's been going the last few days, he might have a chance.
-
Doubles Castellanos, 8-2. Nice! Anybody can close now.
-
Hmm, he goes with Kyle Ryan. Suppose Maddon had him planned and warming and psyching up, and didn't want to change once they added the 3 extra runs.
Who'd have guessed in February that in a crucial and close September game, you'd be giving the innings to Mills, Wick, and Ryan. Crazy game.
-
Cubs are trying to blow a 6 run lead in the 9th.
-
Unsuccessful attempt to blow it. Five Ws in a row!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Cubs win!
-
Phelps with the save.
-
Phelps with the save.
Not a save.
-
Win pulls them within 1/2 game of Washington. If we get into the wildcard, it would be fun to play at home instead of road. Would be fun to catch Washington. And the way the Brewers are winning, and with their easy schedule, perhaps beating out Washington will end up being easier than holding off Milwaukee, who knows?
-
I'm really impressed with Milwaukee. They seem to be serious overachievers.
-
Tuesday: 7:05 p.m. CT, WCIU-TV, CW-26. Note: This is a change from original schedules. This was supposed to be an ABC7 Chicago game, but it got bumped for the season finale of ABC’s “Bachelor In Paradise.” This should not affect you if you are watching outside the Chicago metro area. This game will also be on ESPN, a full national broadcast available in the Cubs and Reds market territories. ESPN announcers: Karl Ravech, David Ross and Tim Kurkjian.
I always enjoy listening to Tim Kurkjian and hope those of you who would ordinarily be stuck with Thom Brennamen can too.
-
I always enjoy listening to Tim Kurkjian and hope those of you who would ordinarily be stuck with Thom Brennamen can too.
Yeah I didn't enjoy having to listen to Brennamen last night.
-
I still remember when Haray Caray did the middle three innings of each game on WGN radio and Thom Brennamen took his place on TV. One game Harry returned to the TV booth and said "How in the world can a guy smoke that many cigarettes in three innings?".
That's probably changed.
Wednesday night is Marty Brennamen's last broadcast from Wrigley Field.
-
Joey Votto returns to the Reds lineup
Caratini catches and Contreras (who was said by Joe Maddon to be unlikely to play 1B) is at first.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEsHvjtX4AEwiW0.jpg:small)
-
Wednesday night is Marty Brennamen's last broadcast from Wrigley Field.
I'm okay with that.
-
Bad Darvish tonight, already 3-0 with 1 out in the first. Not good with Sonny Gray pitching for the Reds.
-
Yeah, definitely bad Darvish tonight...
-
Darvish has settled in and now has 11 Ks in 4 innings. Schwarber has two RBI extra base hits (a double and a triple), but no one else has done much so the Cubs trail 3-2.
Too bad Darvish didn't get locked in about 10-15 pitches earlier, because we'd be watching potential history right now.
-
Hoerner doesn’t look overmatched at all to me...
-
Darvish has 8 straight K’s right now.
The ML record is 10...Tom Seaver in 1970.
-
Ugh, darvish gets a lineout.
-
Bad Darvish shows back up in the 5th.
-
Gray about to break the ML record for consecutive starts allowing 6 hits or fewer. He's tied at 31 with Nolan Ryan coming in.
-
Cubs hitters go down weakly in the 5th. Face a real pitcher for the first time in 5 days, and it's back to reality with this dysfunctional lineup. Schwarber has two extra base hits, the rest of the lineup has one single.
-
Huge spot for Castellanos.
-
Hultzen brought into a tight game for the first time walks Votto and is pulled.
-
5 hits through 8 innings for the Cubs tonight. Schwarber is 3/4 of the way to the cycle, and the rest of the team has two singles.
-
Dysfunctional Cubs offense fails again against a decent pitcher. Cubs lose.
-
Gray's pretty darn good.
Strikeouts or not, Darvish has to be better than 4 runs in that spot.
-
Yeah, Gray is pretty darn good.
And the Cubs just don't hit pretty darn good pitchers. They crush bad pitchers, and they struggle against anyone who is average or better.
-
24 Ks in 9 innings. Has that ever been done?
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EExMpCFX4AIHCtz.jpg:small)
-
Cubs with yet another out on the bases as Bryant tries to take second on a ball that got away from the 1B on a DP attempt. It wasn't even close
No score after one.
-
Schwarber out between second and third on a comebacker. Unbelievable.
-
Schwarber was bad base running. But, the Bryant play was bad luck, don’t you think with the ball ricocheting right back to the fielder?
-
You'd think in this kind of almost-must-win game you wouldn't let Suarez be the one to beat you, but he we are.
-
Castellanos should have been out stretching a single for a double, but somehow the 2B who had the ball when Castellanos was aobut 5 feet away didn't actually tag him. Huge lucky break for the Cubs.
-
Schwarber hits a fly, Castellanos scores. Throw had him beat by a lot, but was way up the line. Aggressive base-running, this time it pays off. 1-1.
-
Yeah, lucky base running by Castellanos at 2B. Poor decision.
Also, would have been out at home by 10 feet if accurate throw on SF, but had to send him there in any case.
-
Castillo throws bunt to 2B for a really close force-out.
Hoerner tried to turn the DP; can really see the different in arm strength watching him turn-and-throw compared to Baez, or Russell too who's super quick-and-smooth at turning it. Not a strong SS arm at all.
-
Hoerner's arm is fine for 2B though.
-
Right, for 2B it'll be OK. He played some CF in AA too; guessing it will be kind of Almora-esque if he's used in center.
-
Lester walks the leadoff guy, gives up a single.
Tie game, 6th. It's Phelps who comes in, and it's Derek Holland as the lefty warming up.
-
Big K, sticks with Phelps against the lefty PH. Holland is the left warming, Norwood warming as the post-Holland righty. Interesting selections.
-
Phelps goes to full count, throws several strikes, gets a DP. Caratini with a poorish throw to 2nd, but Hoerner does a nice job making the catch and getting a tag placed.
-
Reds take a 2-1 lead on a sac fly. For some reason, Joe thought it was a good idea to bring Strop in to a tie game in the 7th in a must win game, even though Strop has been pitching mop up for a few weeks now. After he put a couple on, Ryan came in and gave up the run.
Of course, if the Cubs could do what every other team in the league does and hit Tyler Mahle, allowing a second run wouldn't be that big of a deal. Coming into tonight's game, Mahle was 0-6 with a 6.05 ERA since the end of May. Tonight, he has allowed 1 hit through 6 innings while thowing only 75 pitches.
-
Willson! Ties it up, wasn't sure it would make it. 2-2. Huge hit. Cubs, 2 hits, 2 runs. Very efficient.
-
On the Reds 2nd run, Schwarber played it rather poorly. High non-deep fly, he had all day to get set up. But he ended up badly positioning himself, basically had momentum for the throw, and caught it weight back and then had to do his hop-steps to get the throw off, and the throw was about 10 feet off target. Really poor throw setup and really poor throw execution.
-
I would hate to see them trade Contreras. He just about shuts down the other team's running game, and his defense is better than average, other than his framing, which I personally believe is greatly over rated. Even if it isn't, his offense far outweighs any deficiencies in framing.
-
Chatwood looking like Eric Gagne out there.
-
Chatwood, nice, K-K-K.
-
Chatty really should get a crack at the rotation next year.
-
Happ hits for Chatwood with two out and nobody on. I guess there's a chance Happ could pop one, but I'd be reluctant to remove Chatwood at this time. It's a percentage decision.
Happ doubles.
-
Doesn't pay as Zobrist pops out.
-
Yeah, I'd have just left Chatwood in to finish the game, unless he came up with a real scoring opportunity in development.
-
Bote just in the game as a double switch makes an error with two out.
-
Lorezen stealing bases now.
-
Garrett mows down the heart of the order. Three hits for the Cubs.
Sure would be nice to have Rizzo and Baez.
-
Horrible framing by Contreras on balls 3 and 4 there. Textbook poor.
-
Norwood unravels after two were out. Reds lead.
-
Reds take the lead.
Unless they rally, the Cubs are going to finish 8-11 against this bad Reds team. When they miss the playoffs, it's because they couldn't beat this bad Reds team.
-
I'd suggest looking at that 10-day stretch when they blew one late lead after another.
-
Morons blaming Maddon for letting Norwood pitch, complaining that Maples should've been in instead. Really. Dillon Maples.
-
Which 10-day stretch? It seems like they've consistently blown games all season, no 10-day stretch is that memorable.
-
Caratini's one of the few hitters on this team I trust to give a quality at-bat and potentially hit a guy with good stuff. He doubles with one out.
-
One out Caratini double. Teaser rally...the bad 2010-14 teams did this all the time.
-
Heyward and his 27M K's.
-
Reds win. This is the kind of game the 2015-16 team would have pulled out.
-
19-23 in 1-run games now.
-
Likely need to go 6-1 against St. Louis now to have a chance at the division.
-
Likely need to go 6-1 against St. Louis now to have a chance at the division.
The Cardinals have won the division unless the Brewers stay hot. The Cubs finished 8-11 against the Reds, and the Cardinals are much better than the Reds. Going 4-3 against the Cardinals is a stretch. 5-2 is a pipe dream. 6-1 is laughable.
-
One final f you from the Reds.
-
Cubs did not get a baserunner to 3B tonight, aside from the Castellanos run in the 4th inning (plus the homer of course).
And, but for a poor non-tag at 2B and a poor off-line throw to home from RF, Castellanos is out by 10 feet at both bases. And a wild pitch getting him to 3B.
Not a good offensive showing.
-
Just not that good.
-
Hoerner hit the ball hard to end the game. I thought that would be a hit. O well. Still tied for 5th.
-
That was a mistake pitch—slider up where Hoerner could reach it and he hit it hard, nice piece of hitting. Too bad it didn’t fall.
-
Hoerner now 3 for his last 17 with no extra-base hits. Adjustment period kicking in.
-
The Cubs are 140 runs better than the Brewers and have the same record.
-
Note the early starting time
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EE2OfIVXkAA_-In.jpg:small)
-
Umpires for #STLCards (85-67) at #Cubs (82-70):
HP: Bill Welke
1B: Mike Everitt
2B: Lance Barrett
3B: Chris Guccione
-
Lineup change: Rizzo leading off.
-
Well, the season starts tonight, and we start three games down.
-
Lineup change: Rizzo leading off.
Isn't this a much faster recovery than was expected?
-
I'm not surprised.
-
The ankle was supposed to be immobilized for 5-7 days and then figure out rehab from there...so yeah, getting back in 4 days is pretty ahead of schedule.
Hope it’s not a bad decision. As I said earlier today, the medical staff hasn’t seemed to earn a lot of confidence this year.
-
The Onion article on Rizzo must have been true after all
-
Odds the season ends due to Tommy Edman or Harrison Bader: 50/50
-
Hendricks survives near disaster by K'ing Goldschmidt on the 9th pitch of the at-bat while Contreras guns down Wong at 2nd.
-
Lineup change: Rizzo leading off.
Unbelievable. If this doesn’t charge them up, what will?
-
Love that Rizzo used the Undertaker's music as his walk-up to start the game.
-
Flaherty put away Rizzo on 4 pitches.
-
And Bryant on 6.
11-pitch 1st.
-
10-pitch 2nd for Hendricks. He'll need to be great tonight.
-
Leadoff Schwarber walk goes nowhere.
-
Flaherty avoids Chernobyl level events in the 2nd
-
Edman hits one out of the stadium but foul.
-
And now cracks a single to lead off the 3rd.
-
And a walk to Bader.
Just as predicted.
-
Flaherty bunts and nobody comes to get the ball. Bases loaded, nobody out.
-
GIDP for Fowler. 1-0
-
Rizzo looked bad on that bunt. He's not very mobile yet.
-
Of course not, he shouldn't even be playing.
-
Terrible defense on that bunt. The play can't be to have a lame Rizzo field a bunt up the third base line.
-
Could've been a lot worse but that could be all Flaherty needs.
-
I think it's fine that Rizzo is playing, but they have to protect him on a play like that.
-
Terrible defense on that bunt. The play can't be to have a lame Rizzo field a bunt up the third base line.
Hendricks never left the mound so that had to have been the strategy.
-
Rizzo!!!
-
Guess Rizzo should be playing.
-
Unbelievable. If this doesn’t charge them up, what will?
Rizzo homering?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Edman stumbling, bumbling and fumbling all over the place.
-
Wut Edman prevented a double there.
-
At least he made him work hard for the out.
-
Can't question Hendricks' toughness. He gets two K's and a flyout after a leadoff double.
-
Edman triple to start the 5th.
-
Bader singles him in.
Rinse and repeat.
-
Why do the Cardinals always find guys like Edman? Cubs can’t consistently develop good prospects like Schwarber, Russell, Happ, and Almor. But the Cardinals come up with a new Edman or two every year.
-
You might get your fandom card revoked for that question.
-
br, it's because Theo Epstein is a vastly overrated MLB executive who simply does not understand player development, nor do his cronies Jed "May I get you some coffee" Hoyer and Jason "Are those shoes shiny enough" McLeod.
-
Edman has homers off Scherzer and Hader in the last week.
-
How about the Cardinals just out their lead off hitter at second to start the inning? That would save pitches and they end up there anyway.
-
Stellar defense from Kyle and Contreras there.
-
Hendricks removed for fear of facing Edman again.
-
RBI double by Bader.
-
4-1. With this offense facing a competent pitching staff, it might as well be 10-1.
-
No idea why Bader wasn't IBB'd with Flaherty coming up and 2 out, but maybe Maddon's given up too.
-
Since murdering the Pirates, Bryant is 1-14 w/ 0 RBI and 7 K.
-
Add a terrible baserunning mistake to everything else.
-
Never has this lineup's dysfunction been more obvious than this week. 47 runs in a 3 game series against a pathetic Pirates pitching staff, then they can barely buy a hit in the last three games against the Reds and Cardinals.
They can be dysfunctional AND score a lot of runs overall at the same time.
-
Cubs get the first two on to start the 9th. The teaser rally is on.
-
Schwarber gets up 3-0 then Ks by hacking wildly at two sliders down and in, then takes a half swing at one above the zone. Terrible AB after getting way up in the count.
-
Zobrist double off first base. 4-2, runners on second and third.
Baez pinch running for Zobrist.
-
Contreras quickly down 0-2.
-
Teaser rally indeed...
-
Bryant scores on a dribbler that goes about 30 feet. 4-3, tying run at third.
-
Martinez pulled.
-
Game should be tied already. No excuse for pitching to Bader in the 6th with 1st base open.
-
Andrew Miller in. Almora is so bad that Maddon is sticking with Heyward.
-
Heyward watches ball 1, but the umpire calls it strike 1.
-
Ground out, tie game. Wow.
Good play by Edman at second to stop that from being a hit.
Up to Hoerner to get a big hit.
-
Hoerner looks hopeless against Miller through two pitches.
-
Javy scores on a Heyward groundout; 4-4 tie; GO CUBS GO!
-
That's a hit against almost all drawn-in infields. Edman saved the game there for the time being.
-
Hoerner hits it hard, but Bader is there.
It would be a real gut punch if the bullpen immediately blows this.
-
Kimbrel pitching off the IL? Not Wick? Come on, Joe.
-
Fowler Ks. Still not a fan of going to the guy coming off the IL who hasn't been good even when he's been healthy this year.
-
Joe goes right to his worst reliever, Kimbrel wastes no time.
-
Carpenter homer. Brutal. Awful managing by Joe. It's time for him to move on.
-
This Kimbrel pickup continues to pay dividends.
-
I’m at a loss...
-
7 homers in 19-1/3 against Kimbrel.
That ties his career high set last year of 7 in 62-1/3.
-
Wick has thrown 3 innings in the last week, and he's been their best reliever since he joined the team. He's available.
But Maddon goes to the guy who has been good in the past, but hasn't pitched in a few weeks because he's been hurt and has been unreliable all year. Managing doesn't get any worse than that.
-
Carpenter homer. Brutal. Awful managing by Joe. It's time for him to move on.
Who would you have gone to?
At some point Theo's great signings have to produce.
-
Who would you have gone to?
At some point Theo's great signings have to produce.
Wick.
Ryan.
Or even Cishek.
Anyone but the guy who hasn't pitched competitively in a few weeks and has also been pretty bad when he's been healthy this year.
-
Well then why even roster Kimbrel? He was brought in for this type of thing.
-
Wick had thrown 51 pitches over the previous three days. Is he even available?
-
Cishek was clearly available because he pitched after Kimbrel failed. He was a better option.
Happ pop out, Bote K. Worst loss of the season is 1 out away.
-
Carpenter had been 0-7 w/ 3 K lifetime against Kimbrel.
2-4 w/ a double against Cishek.
I just think Kimbrel has to get people out at some point. That was the whole idea of signing him.
-
Cubs lose again.
I'm looking forward to a different team and different manager next year. Maybe they'll be fun to watch again.
-
Cubs 19-24 in 1-run games.
If Maddon walks Bader the Cubs might win. If Contreras holds on to Schwarber's throw the Cubs might win. If Edman doesn't rob Heyward in the 9th the Cubs might win.
But in the end, they probably didn't deserve to win.
-
You two are so cute.
-
If Wick pitches a scoreless 10th Kimbrel likely has to pitch the 11th anyway. He has to get people out.
-
“I’m never watching the Cubs again!!!!”
-
7 AB samples are meaningless. I bet most (if not all) of those ABs came before Kimbrel went to the AL in 2016. Pre-2016 Kimbrel was a much, much better pitcher than 2019 Cubs Kimbrel.
I don't know what you're not getting about what I'm saying. Kimbrel has been terrible this year--he's sub-replacement level. He's coming off the IL and hasn't pitched competitively in three weeks. You just don't give that guy literally the most important inning of the entire season.
-
7 AB samples are meaningless. I bet most (if not all) of those ABs came before Kimbrel went to the AL in 2016. Pre-2016 Kimbrel was a much, much better pitcher than 2019 Cubs Kimbrel.
I don't know what you're not getting about what I'm saying. Kimbrel has been terrible this year--he's sub-replacement level. He's coming off the IL and hasn't pitched competitively in three weeks. You just don't give that guy literally the most important inning of the entire season.
I disagree about the importance of that one inning and I think you do too. This team lost the division weeks ago. They could still get a WC even after tonight but does anyone see them winning in Washington?
Anyway, Kimbrel has been bad, but he has to pitch. Can't wait until the Cubs are up 10 runs. That won't be until they are in Pittsburgh next week.
-
O well, gave it a shot. Castellanos hit it to the track, but not enough. Hoerner's ball was pretty deep in the 9th, too.
Not quite enough.
I know the Cubs are kinda old-school, but I wonder if the Brewers twice-through-the-order-and-go-pen might not be a good policy during September with lots of arms?
Tonight, Hendricks had been in constant jams, but Maddon had him bat for himself in the 5th. One out and more trouble later, he pulled him. Yesterday Lester had kind of lucked his way through 5 with constant traffic on the bases, and Maddon pushed him back out for the 6th where he got into trouble right away. (Phelps bailed him out, fortunately.)
I wonder if the Brewers' way isn't just a better approach?
-
I disagree about the importance of that one inning and I think you do too. This team lost the division weeks ago. They could still get a WC even after tonight but does anyone see them winning in Washington?
Anyway, Kimbrel has been bad, but he has to pitch. Can't wait until the Cubs are up 10 runs. That won't be until they are in Pittsburgh next week.
Okay, you got me...there were probably hundreds of more important innings from mid-May through the end of August when this team played sub-.500 baseball and really blew their playoff chances. But that inning probably was the last important inning they play this year.
Yes, Kimbrel needs to pitch if the Cubs are going to win. But making his first appearance off the IL in a critical situation when there was at least one (and maybe as many as three) better options? It was the wrong move.
-
I'd suggest if you aren't comfortable with Kimbrel pitching in that situation then you aren't comfortable with him pitching in any close situation. In which case he is a bit irrelevant and useless. Like I said, even if Wick pitches the 10th Kimbrel was likely to see the mound at some point. Unless you wanted Phelps, Maples, or Mills in there following Wick.
In other words, when do you want Kimbrel in a game at this point? Is he suddenly going to be in top form if needed in game two after 2/3 of an inning? They have him on the roster, he's not going to get rehab outings, he has to pitch. I don't think that one pitch to Carpenter is a result of anything more than he's not throwing 97-99 anymore, and his command ain't what it used to be.
-
I don't think you can use the "he'd have to pitch eventually" logic in an extra-inning game. The whole point is you're trying to win it, right? You you use the best option and then try to win it in the bottom of the inning. If you don't, you go to the best remaining option. To suggest doing otherwise because a guy will "have to pitch eventually anyway" seems extremely silly to me.
As to the real question - was Kimbrel the best option? I would certainly prefer Wick over Kimbrel in his first game off the DL but Wick threw about 26 pitches yesterday I think, so he may not have been an option. I'm with BR in that I think making that Kimbrel's first appearance was a really bad idea - if Wick couldn't go there's always Cishek and don't forget, Chatwood only went an inning yesterday and he's been as good as anybody the last few weeks.
-
I'm with BR in that I think making that Kimbrel's first appearance was a really bad idea -
So, again, when is Kimbrel supposed to pitch? Are you hoping to wait for a blowout that may never happen in this series to put him in? Is one outing in one, non-close game that may never present itself going to suddenly make him razor sharp?
If he's too "rusty" to pitch in close games then he's of little use the rest of the way in nearly all must-win games.
-
How about not in a tie game in the 10th inning?
Tie game - in the 6th inning. Down a run in the 7th. Ahead 4-2 in the 8th. There are limitless possibilities - to suggest it's all or nothing is ludicrous.
-
How about not in a tie game in the 10th inning?
Tie game - in the 6th inning. Down a run in the 7th. Ahead 4-2 in the 8th. There are limitless possibilities - to suggest it's all or nothing is ludicrous.
None of those situations presented themselves last night, for one, and I fail to see how they're a whole lot different than the one he was in if you don't think he can get people out.
-
Chris, they were down 4-1, so the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings were good open innings in which he could have gotten a game-situation appearance instead of Hultzen, Underwood, or Strop. He's been really wild, and been our worst pitcher this year other than Montgomery; so I think using a non-save or non-tie-game could hypothetically have been a good "rehab outing" opportunity.
Chatwood's been our best RH pitcher, and had pitched only one quick inning since Sunday; and only 2 appearances and 4 innings in the last 9 days. So I'd guess he'd have been available, perhaps even for a couple of innings if the game extended.
I'm not arguing strongly on this, I don't have a big problem with the usage, and perhaps any second-guessing is hindsight-driven, had he pitched a clean inning I'd have thought it was cool and empowering how Maddon just goes to guys and lets them perform. But just saying that yeah, there were options to use him in a situation other than tie-game or save-situation; that his contract notwithstanding, you aren't obligated to use him if doing so isn't necessarily conducive to winning; and that there were some other options, Chatwood included, Cishek included, and it isn't actually legally required to have pulled Strop after 1 inning, you could have sent him back for a 2nd inning. Granted, I think Maddon had come back with Strop, and he'd lost it; or if Maddon had come out with Cishek, and he'd walked a couple of guys and lost it, we'd have been questioning those choices too. Don't think deeg would have been approving had Strop or Cishek been used and lost the game in the 10th! :):)
-
I wonder if Chatwood has some injury issues? Obviously other than Darvish he's got the best stuff of our RHP, and he's pitched very well lately. 2nd half: only 1 HR, WHIP <1.1, 38K/11BB/31 IP, so he's been K'ing guys like crazy, and not walking a lot.
But yeah, he's only pitched 31 innings and appeared in only 17 games over the 2nd half, so he's really been used very sparingly. Typically on a multi-day rest after a 2 or 3-inning appearance.
Probably just Maddon's choice and the role he's chosen for him. But as reb has noted, sometimes the team knows stuff that we don't that dictates actual usage, and maybe they've got him on something of a Hultzen-type plan or something that we don't know about for health reasons?
Speaking of Hultzen, last Friday he wasn't used in a blowout on 6 days rest and there was some discussion about whether that was manager's choice or an organizational health-rest plan. He then pitched the next day, and has now pitched 3 times within 6 games. That he didn't pitch on 6-days rest, but has now been available on 2-days rest and 1-day rest, probably suggests it wasn't about the rest, it was just manager's choice.
He looks pretty good. Kinda wild for sure. But I'd be very comfortable just writing in Ryan, Wieck, and Hultzen for my three lefties for next spring and not expend any budget on lefty relievers this winter.
-
One of the problems in paying these guys so much money is that managers feel obligated to use them. You don't pay Kimbrel to watch from the bullpen. I agree, right off the DL, I would have gone to Wick or Wieck, but if one of them had given up the home run to Carpenter, we'd be criticizing Maddon for using a rookie.
Carpenter is unreal. His batting average with the game on the line in extra innings is other worldly. I wouldn't pitch to him.
-
One of the problems in paying these guys so much money is that managers feel obligated to use them. You don't pay Kimbrel to watch from the bullpen. I agree, right off the DL, I would have gone to Wick or Wieck, but if one of them had given up the home run to Carpenter, we'd be criticizing Maddon for using a rookie.
Carpenter is unreal. His batting average with the game on the line in extra innings is other worldly. I wouldn't pitch to him.
Yeah, that's probably true; but you really should play to win, not to try to justify the GM spending choices.
-
Yeah, that's probably true; but you really should play to win, not to try to justify the GM spending choices.
Totally agree. I like Wick.
-
Could be that with Mills going today Maddon wanted to save Chatwood as a piggy-back.
-
Really good point, Robb. Thanks.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EE6ou_pXoAMVjdE.jpg:small)
-
Kimbrel won't be used today, per Maddon.
Accordingly, look for Brandon Kintzler to be the reliever of choice when a clutch situation comes up...
-
Kimbrel won't be used today, per Maddon.
Probably because they will be getting their asses kicked and wouldn't need a closer.
-
Schwarber leads off the bottom of the second with a double off the ivy, goes to third on a 6-3, and scores on an E-4
1-0 Cubs
-
Rizzo's bad wheel vs. Ozuna's rag arm...might have been a close play...
-
They better get their heads out of their asses and start scoring some runs. A split this weekend is unacceptable.
-
Nico is hitting into bad luck these past few days...he's still squaring balls up...
-
Three consecutive walks to start the 6th and a Molina single, Cubs trail.
-
One pitcher to get the first 14 outs, and then five more to get the next 7 outs.
All expanded rosters do is give Maddon more chances to find the reliever who doesn't have it on any given day.
-
Back to back bloop hits for Heyward and Hoerner to start the 7th.
Happ skies a cookie to Bader, 1 out. I hate bunting, but would have considered it there, the way Happ is swinging it...
-
Looks like an unintentional intentional walk to Castellanos to load the bases in front of Bryant.
-
Zobrist flies out to Bader in medium-depth LCF...2 down...
-
Bryant flies out to rag arm on the track in LF...another inning wasted...
-
Bryant flies out to end the threat.
It seemed to me like Heyward should've been on third on the Hoerner hit. It never looked like Fowler was going to get there in time, then it bounced by him. Bader got to it quickly, but it seemed like Heyward should've had a good enough read on the ball to be almost to second when already when the ball got by Fowler.
-
Pitcher #7 is Rowan Wick...
-
Seems like only yesterday the Cubs were scoring touchdowns against the Pirates' AA pitching staff.
-
Watching it on TV, looked like Hoerner's no-out 7th-inning blooper would easily get Heyward to 3rd, and probably Hoerner to 2nd. The replay from different angle, understandable that it would have seemed catchable, a DP wouldn't have been great.
Bryant ripped his ball hard, and perhaps on a wind-friendly day it might have been different, but pretty much straight to the track and Ozuna was deep to start with, fairly easy catch. Bummer.
I thought it was interesting that they kinda pitched around Castellanos in that inning in front of Bryant. May have been unintentional.
-
7 walks today by Cubs pitching, and Wick starts Bader 2-0. This has been an ugly series so far.
-
The Schwarb drops a bunt down 3rd to start the 8th...very well done! Off Andrew Miller, no less...
And of course, Contreras grounds into a 4-6-3 on the next pitch...
-
Caratini K's to end the 8th...
-
One more inning and the Cubs will be 4-4 over their last 8 with a +33 run differential. Hard thing to accomplish!
-
Pitcher #8 is Derek Holland.
Pitcher #9 is Pedro Strop.
-
9 walks. Will the Cubs get to double digits?
-
If that 2-2 had been called a strike to Kemp, I think he might have lost his mind...
McLaughlin and McCarver both whined that it was close. It wasn't.
-
LMAO, the 1-0 to Zobrist on his shins is called a strike...
-
The 2-1 is low as well, also called a strike...
-
3 hours and 56 minutes to see a 2-1, 9 inning game...that's just pathetic...
-
Schwarber K'd on some bad balls last night with the game on the line, and hit into DP with bases loaded today. But with the double and the bunt hit, his batting average is actually up to .241, first time over .240 since 2015. And his OPS is up to .852, career high. (Ball wasn't always so juiced, of course.)
-
Chatwood faced one batter and threw 4 pitches. Will he need to be rested for a few days?
Phelps has been good, so I don't fault Maddon for putting him in.
But I admit I was a little surprised that with a lead to protect, that he didn't go with Chatwood, his hottest and best-stuff guy. Might have been a different ending if he'd gone with his best arm.
-
Schwarb with bad defensive plays on consecutive days. its not just the streakiness of the offense that improves when he is replaced.
-
We will not get to watch the ivy change color this year.
-
Mills has the best ERA of the Cubs rotation, 2.90.
-
I’d say it’s been fun, but it really hasn’t. What a canker sore of a season.
Would anyone be surprised if the Cubs won the next two games, just to prolong the agony as long as possible?
-
Chance of a thunderstorm increases throughout the game
No Cubs feed on MLB Extra Innings. Maybe the MLB Network will use Len and JD again.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EE_oULdXUAAPJ1S.jpg:small)
-
Well we still need to take 5 from the Cards and 2 from the Pirates to have a chance.
When the Cubs traded for Quintana it signaled that the Cubs brass believed in windows of contention and were ok with a window closing-date of late 2021. Hard for me to come to grips with the reality that it may have closed yesterday.
-
Q starting, wastes no time getting behind. 1-0 Cardinals.
-
Somebody had a great idea when they put a camera on top of the scoreboard. The unique perspective provides some very interesting views of Wrigley.
3-1 Cubs after one. Nearly 40 minutes for the first inning.
-
Cubs come back, double for Castellanos, 4 walks and a sac. 3-1. Wind out strong today, so there may be some runs today.
-
So Nico, a rookie, has a 3 -0 count from a pitcher who's walking everybody, and he swings? Yes, baseball has changed.
-
Pitcher up next, and he knows a fastball is coming...I would have green lighted him as well...
-
Q gets 1-2-3 2nd. Zobrist made an excellent play. Carpenter chased ball four. Nice for Q to get some breaks.
-
Rizzo does not look great running the bases.
-
Q gets out of 3rd with only one run allowed. Breaks going his way, ball 4 to Ozuna was way high, but ump called it strike. He then threw ball 5 to the same spot, and having just gotten it called a strike Ozuna swung and missed.
-
Schwarger doubles but gets thrown at 3rd on iffy call on Zobrist fly.
-
Quintana with another terrible start. This team needs a lot of work this offseason if they want to compete for a playoff spot next season.
-
5-3 Cardinals. Cubs came into the series hoping they could get back into the division race. But if they lose this one, they could be mathematically eliminated tomorrow.
-
Happ game tying homer.
-
Nico!
-
Happ and Nico with the big HR's. Who'd have guessed that a couple of months ago? Fun.
-
Quintana with another terrible start. This team needs a lot of work this offseason if they want to compete for a playoff spot next season.
I've mentioned this recently, but Q is NOT on a guaranteed contract. It's always been assumed that Q at $10.5 was a certainty. But man, I've got to say I hope they opt out of bringing him back next year and reallocate that money elsewhere.
-
Two batters, and the Cubs trail again.
-
Leadoff walk and Ozuna follows with HR. 7-6 Cards.
-
Interesting that in yet another game Chatwood has not been used. He never looks injured when he actually pitches. Or maybe Joe has just decided he doesn't have the mental toughness, and just doesn't even consider him for close situations unless he's run out of arms?
-
Kemp!
-
The outrage on the Cardinals telecast is a beautiful thing.
McCarver...after Heyward broke his bat over his knee after waving at strike 3, which drew a roar from the crowd...”oh, that’s really something to cheer about!”
-
For those not watching, with Zobrist on 2nd, Kemp whiffed on an 0-2 fastball. But the ump called a balk. I'm not sure what the reason was. Maybe the pitcher was kind of fidgeting or tapping his foot a little bit on the mound or something? Totally nothing deceptive or anything to do with batter or baserunner or anything. But instead of 2 outs, Zo on 2nd, Zo got to 3rd with now only one out, and Kemp got a new life. Hoping to make contact and get the tying run in, he popped it up high to center, and the wind blew and blew and blew it into the seats! Unbelievable.
-
Wieck gets the opportunity, and walks the leadoff man.
-
We’ve seen this movie all season...they will lose.
-
My fan card is sure to be revoked again, but that wasn't a balk. OTOH, that kind of crazy **** usually happens to the Cubs. Probably still won't matter.
-
With the season on the line, we are relying on Wieck? This team is wieck.
-
Heeeeeeres Tommy......
-
Was afraid they were gonna get Edman out there for a second.
-
This is a joke.
-
Wieck stays in and gets Goldschmidt to pop out and blows away Ozuna.
-
Wieck gets it done! Nice outing for him. He's been kind of freaky with how many curves he's able to throw for strikes, called strikes not chase strikes. A couple of nice ones on Goldschmidt. Fun story to see him succeed.
-
I think the balk was for not coming to a complete stop before pitching.
Technically, the call was right, but it’s never called...I wonder if someone brought it to the 2B umpire’s attention at some point prior to it happening...
-
Wieck beat Ozuna with fastballs up, however.
-
My fan card is sure to be revoked again, but that wasn't a balk. OTOH, that kind of crazy **** usually happens to the Cubs. Probably still won't matter.
Yeah, that was the weirdest thing. I don't doubt there's some nuanced justification for it. But man, if there's some rule against that, in this case it seems like a dumb rule. And for the umps to call something so trivial in a situation like that, just really odd. Great break for the cubs, they've gotten several today.
-
Here's the balk and Kemp homer. I don't see any failure to pause. It's slight but it's there.
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/video/stl-chc
-
Wieck beat Ozuna with fastballs up, however.
Yup. He's fast enough with those, and I assume that's what they had scouting reports on Ozuna.
-
That’s not enough pause, and most umpires would call that if brought to their attention.
-
Strike one to Contreras was at the top of the Cubs logo on his chest...even Cards announcers were stunned...
-
Why, Joe? Why?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Kimbrel needs one pitch!
-
I don’t understand.
-
Kimbrel needs 2 pitches!
-
Batting practice isn’t as reliable for seeing home runs as Kimbrel is.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
I almost can't believe what I'm seeing.
I mean, the Molina one - a 97 MPH neck-high fastball, what are you supposed to do?
-
It went so well in the first game when Joe brought in Kimbrel that he decided to do it again.
-
No one even up in the pen yet.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
-
Kimbrel has now given up 9 homers in under 20 IP. Wow.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Joe has a plan, just wait.
Maybe using Wieck confused Joe into thinking he had already burned Wick.
-
Kimbrel has now given up 9 homers in under 20 IP. Wow.
He's healthy though. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
-
Kimbrel's only supposed to pitch in blowouts now. That's apparently the new mantra. I'm sure that's why Theo signed him.
-
When I mentioned this after the first instance I was told it was because Kimbrel wasn't pitching in a save situation.
Kimbrel allows 2 HR in a game for the 3rd time this season (23rd appearance). Prior to this season, he'd only allowed 2 HR in a game once in 542 appearances
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1175537207903477766
-
Joe has a plan, just wait.
Maybe using Wieck confused Joe into thinking he had already burned Wick.
31 pitches yesterday.
-
Fortunately, we have Bryant up in the 9th to tie the game.
-
We're getting all the breaks and still can't win.
-
Garcia up for the Hollywood ending.
-
Garcia got a first pitch meatball and took it. Won't see another one like it.
-
Took the meatball, blown away with the cheese.
-
Well, this would be something...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Or, more of the same.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
WTF, using Baez there? I hope Joe made that call on his own and Theo is pissed.
-
That was definitely over the top desperation to use him there.
-
Joe has fires his last bullet.
-
Joe has fires his last bullet.
Hopefully he saved one.
-
Last time Cubs lost 4 straight games by 1 run was April 23-26, 1972.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1175543754306072576
-
Craig Kimbrel = Vinko Bogataj
-
While I dont agree with some that our run is over I do believe this season is.
Time for change.
-
When Javy Baez hit for Craig Kimbrel in the bottom of the ninth, the alternative was David Bote.
Bote is 0-2 vs Martinez.
Javy 4-26
-
Sunday forecast
67% chance of rain
Wind out to center at 14 mph
70°
The Cubs are off on Monday but the Cardinals play in Arizona Monday night. Any rained out game would probably be meaningful for the Cards so can you imagine the Cubs having to return to Wrigley after their season should have ended?
-
Baez is also an MVP caliber player.
-
For those who live near St. Louis, this is galling. Even Cardinal fans admit we have a roster of great players, best in the NL Central. They just claim to have the better TEAM.
-
They're right, the Cardinals do have the better team. The Cubs are a dysfunctional combination of players with a lot more talent than the Cardinals (and they've been that way for longer than just this season). The Cardinals have Flaherty, aging Goldschmidt, and a lot of non-star players who compliment each other enough to win this division.
-
The Brewers are going to win the division and have a better collection of players than either team.
-
The Brewers and their negative run differential. Good call, otto.
-
otto is forgetting that the Cardinals still get to play the Cubs 4 more times this season. The division is a lock
-
In the last two years, the Brewers have won the most games in the division.
To start this year we lost our closer. During season lost our top pitcher, another starting pitcher and reigning league MVP, yet...
-
The Cubs have massively underachieved for two years and are still 134 runs better than the Brewers in that time.
-
How many WINS are you behind?
And good luck with that aging pitching staff next year.
-
You can say the Cubs massively underachieved, but that is a meaningless statement after 150+ games.
You are who you are.
-
The Cubs didn't underachieve this year. They just weren't very good.
They had big holes last year, then they sat out the offseason. No one should be surprised that they still had all those holes this year.
-
The Brewers really aren't very good. To say that they're fortunate to be 15 over .500 with a negative run diff is putting it mildly.
-
You can count on every effort being made to get today's game in
(https://lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/usa.gif)
-
Paul Sullivan has suggested moving up the start of the game, Good idea.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFE2sKgWwAAlwD7.jpg:small)
-
Reading this thread, its like "Better win percentage Brewers 2019 = Better win percentage St. Louis 1980-2018".....I saw this last year...Cubs kept losing 1 run games to st Louis in sept
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 18m18 minutes ago
Sad day as I will miss seeing these two professionals at Wrigley:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFE5B73X4AAXarr.jpg:small)
-
(https://cdn.lmgcorporate.com/kmov/radar/animated-loops/comp/960x540/chicago80.gif)
-
Mark Gonzales @MDGonzales 18m18 minutes ago
Sad day as I will miss seeing these two professionals at Wrigley:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFE5B73X4AAXarr.jpg:small)
As a happy retiree, I can't blame Bruce Miles for moving toward retirement, but he will be missed for sure.
-
Anyone know why Bryant was taken out of the game?
-
Turned his right ankle when he slipped off a wet base running to first. Looks very much like what happened to Rizzo last week.
-
https://twitter.com/Kelly_Crull/status/1175852880772894721
-
Darvish pitching a heck of a game again. Still, I am surprised that he wasn't pinch hit for in the bottom of the 8th, after throwing 96 pitches. Wick should be available (along with that closer guy).
-
I can't help but wonder for how many of these Cubs it will be their last home game in Wrigley Field. Zobrist, presumably. But I suspect at least one other significant player as well, maybe more?
-
Cubs trying to pull off the unheard of five-peat of 1-run losses.
-
It's pretty hard to manage these types of things. Reminds me of the team prior to the 2015 turnaround.
-
Now 7 games worse than their Pythagorean record. If they were just even they'd have 89 wins and probably have the leads the Cardinals do.
-
I have been a real fan of Joe Maddon since the Cubs hired him, through this season. Yeah, some of his in game decisions, particularly bullpen decisions, including the 2016 World Series were enormously frustrating. I try not to nit pick or second guess in game decisions, because as is occasionally pointed out, Maddon and the coaching staff have information we do not have.
But I would welcome an explanation for why he left Darvish in to hit for himself and pitch the 9th inning after he already had 96 pitches.
-
I have been a real fan of Joe Maddon since the Cubs hired him, through this season. Yeah, some of his in game decisions, particularly bullpen decisions, including the 2016 World Series were enormously frustrating. I try not to nit pick or second guess in game decisions, because as is occasionally pointed out, Maddon and the coaching staff have information we do not have.
But I would welcome an explanation for why he left Darvish in to hit for himself and pitch the 9th inning after he already had 96 pitches.
He didn't have Carl Edwards Jr. available to go to!
-
But I would welcome an explanation for why he left Darvish in to hit for himself and pitch the 9th inning after he already had 96 pitches.
Because Darvish was cruising, the pen is exhausted, and there is no closer.
That's one of the easier questions to answer about this team.
-
This is like old times when the Cubs did the near impossible.
FROM ELIAS: The Cubs are the 2nd team in MLB history to be swept in a 4-game series at home, losing each game by 1 run. The previous instance was 100 years ago, when the Red Sox were swept in 4 straight games at Fenway Park by the Indians.
https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1175900136867803141
-
Because Darvish was cruising, the pen is exhausted, and there is no closer.
That's one of the easier questions to answer about this team.
I thought Wick was available. No?
-
I thought Wick was available. No?
What? You trying to show Joe and Kimbrel up?
-
People are awfully trusting of Rowan Wick.
96 pitches, 12 K's, 0 walks. Only way I'd have removed Darvish was if Kimbrel was still the pitcher he was prior to becoming a Cub.
-
Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel blew Saturday's save and was unavailable for Sunday's contest, but Maddon said he would have left Darvish in the game either way.
-
Because Darvish was cruising, the pen is exhausted, and there is no closer.
That's one of the easier questions to answer about this team.
Chatwood had only pitched 4 pitches on Thursday, and one other this week.
So not really a case of no options or everybody exhausted. he just didn't want to use non-exhausted options.
-
I can't help but wonder for how many of these Cubs it will be their last home game in Wrigley Field. Zobrist, presumably. But I suspect at least one other significant player as well, maybe more?
Let's hope so.
-
Chatwood had only pitched 4 pitches on Thursday, and one other this week.
So not really a case of no options or everybody exhausted. he just didn't want to use non-exhausted options.
Sure. And Chatwood's had one legit save opportunity all season back in May which he was shaky in. Darvish was cruising and the Cubs' defense was not exactly stellar in the 9th behind him.
-
As shaky as the bullpen has been this week (and as bad as Maddon's managing has been at times), I have no problem with leaving Darvish in. I'm sure Maddon is hoping that Darvish pulling off a complete game would finally energize this dead team. Didn't work...but the way this series went, any reliever would've blown it too.
-
Sure. And Chatwood's had one legit save opportunity all season back in May which he was shaky in. Darvish was cruising and the Cubs' defense was not exactly stellar in the 9th behind him.
Yes. He chose to stick with Darvish because he liked him better than Chatwood or Wick for the situation. I'm just saying that it was a strategic decision, not that it was necessitated because everybody else was exhausted.
-
No hitter for Hendricks through 5 innings, both base runners reached on errors.
7 hits and 2 walks so far for the Cubs, but only one run against a guy who came in with an ERA close to 8.00.
-
Hendricks is a soft spoken Jim Nabors/Dick Van Dyke lookalike, but he is such a bad ass.
Newman breaks up his no-no. He utters a quiet "F u c k!", then proceeds to pick Newman off first.
Awesome.
-
Wheels fall off for Hendricks in the 7th. 3 runs in already, and runners on second and third, no outs.
-
And 5-1 on a Zobrist error.
-
Maddon apparently went to Manny’s BBQ for a sandwich...
-
Q: How do you know when the game is over?
A: Danny Hultzen makes an appearance.
-
We need to lose out now so Theo resigns in shame.
-
When we won our 82nd game, I remember thinking, "Well, even if we lose every game the rest of the way, we'll still have a winning record!" ...but I wasn't serious when I thought this. Wasn't serious then.
-
When we won our 82nd game, I remember thinking, "Well, even if we lose every game the rest of the way, we'll still have a winning record!" ...but I wasn't serious when I thought this. Wasn't serious then.
What was PECOTA again?
-
I think PECOTA had us at 79 wins. Whatever. It's the way baseball goes some years...ask Cardinal fans about 2015 - 2018.
We've been extremely fortunate to have had FOUR really good years in a row with well over 90 wins in each, including ONE World Championship none of us will ever forget!
Before 2016, if we could have, somehow, made a deal that the Cubs would win ONE World Championship in the next 30 years and miss the playoffs every other year, I'd have signed up for that in a heartbeat!
Of course, as of 2016, I had experienced 60 years of Cub history/futility and, in those years, the worst were those in which we were good into the dog days, then fell apart!
It's gonna be ok. Maybe we will be good in 2020...and maybe we won't. Either way, we will still have 2016!
Thanks Joe. Thanks Theo. Thanks Cub players!
-
In other news, Schwarber made another out on the bases.
-
And Schwarber threw out a guy at home.
-
So?
-
The Brewers really aren't very good. To say that they're fortunate to be 15 over .500 with a negative run diff is putting it mildly.
88-70....
-
And they've finally squeezed into the positive run differential line. Only took six months.
-
Lost again. 8 in a row. Now they have even fallen behind the Mets in the WC standings. Arizona should pass them soon and I expect the Phiilies as well before it's all said and done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TnkJ8_BmSI
-
I enjoyed watching the day games this year - even if they lost - takes me back to my youth - watching after school almost every day
-
The Cubs are pretty much obligated to field a competitive lineup against the Cardinals over the weekend so starting this lineup makes sense.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFaYdV0XUAURhlc.jpg:small)
-
MLB Network should be stoked!
-
Back in 2015 and 2016, I never imagined that 2019 Addison would be hanging with the Kemps and Robel Garcia's of baseball.
-
That's your 2020 Opening Day lineup.
-
You should have heard St. Louis sports radio today. They aren't celebrating being in the playoffs, they aren't worried about the Brewers, they're just gloating at how they put the Cubs in their downward spiral last weekend. They're already saying they will stomp the Cubs this weekend because they (the Cubs) will just want to go home.
-
Pointless. The Cubs have already gone home. Nothing the Cardinals can do this weekend will hurt more than the team has already been hurt, but hey, I guess if you have to live in St Louis you're desperate for entertainment.
My condolences for those of you living among Them.
-
Quintana on his game, has scattered 8 hits over 3 innings, 5 runs. Could have been worse, but Happ throws guy out at the plate. ERA up to 4.74 now. Still not sure why everybody is so convinced that a team with limited discretionary cash should commit the first $10.5 of it's modest dollars to lock up a 4.74 guy.
-
Put me down for not wanting Q back...I’d rather have the 10M to spend elsewhere.
Give Rea his starts...or give it to Hamels if he wants it...or both...
-
The Pirates are about to sweep the Cubs after losing 9 straight coming in.
-
Awesome post, DelMar! LOL!
-
Wow. Makes me wonder if this isn't Joe's f u to the front office.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFfu4DLXoAAoTiL.jpg:small)
-
Umpires for #Cubs (82-77) at #STLCards (90-69):
HP: Will Little
1B: Fieldin Culbreth
2B: Doug Eddings
3B: CB Bucknor
-
Chicago Cubs @Cubs 1h1 hour ago
Nicholas Castellanos was scratched from tonight's #Cubs lineup due to right groin tightness.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFgIj6NWsAA92OV.jpg:small)
-
With his double in 1st inning, Schwarber now batting .250.
Everything kind of falls into place offensively for Schwarber if he hits .250 or better.
-
I'm not sure there has been a better catch all season than that right there. Almora timed it perfectly, then hung in the air just long enough to rob Molina. The look on his face as he stopped circling the bases was priceless. Of course then Mills promptly gives up a homer to Carpenter on the next pitch.
-
Being 2-hit by Dakota Hudson.
-
16 game winner Dakota Hudson with the 1.00 ERA in the second half? Why are you surprised?
-
Happ now slugging .519.
-
Nico being Nico.
He takes what the pitcher is giving him better than anyone on the team, except maybe Zobrist. You wonder if he’s big league ready? Yeah, he’s there...
-
LOL, how the hell can anyone ridicule Schwarber’s defense when Ozuna is a complete **** show out there...
-
Didn't they give Ozuna a gold glove?
-
Nico being Nico.
He takes what the pitcher is giving him better than anyone on the team, except maybe Zobrist. You wonder if he’s big league ready? Yeah, he’s there...
I'm not convinced yet. He has to answer the same question Almora did - how does a guy who doesn't walk or hit home runs with regularity provide offensive value? I think Hoerner has a chance to be a good offensive player and I expect him to be better than Almora, but the jury is still out. And relying on him too much next season could be a mistake.
-
Is it bad when you have a six run lead in the 9th inning and you wonder if you can hold it?
-
Didn't they give Ozuna a gold glove?
Not sure...let me call Rafael Palmeiro to see if he knows...
-
I enjoyed watching the day games this year - even if they lost - takes me back to my youth - watching after school almost every day
And they lost almost every game back then too...oh for a Rudy Meoli visit to the booth.
-
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFkr_4XWsAEcdQF.jpg:small)
-
Molina is getting all indignant after his plastic armguard is nicked by a pitch to put him on base to lead off the inning.
Hamels gets out of the inning pretty easily, though, with a fly out to left, a strikeout on a bunt, and another strikeout.
-
Molina is such a dick.
-
Happ is trying to convince the Cubs not to trade him.
-
On the Fox broadcast, the top of the strike zone rectangle is just slightly below the batter's belt, and the bottom is well below the bottom of the batter's knees. Ridiculous.
-
Taking accuracy lessons from Fox News.
-
Happ hits what looks like a soft fly down the left field line and it just keeps carrying until it's over the wall; 5-0, Cubs.
-
Now Caratini -- I had no idea he was Puerto Rican! -- hits a no-doubt blast into the right field bleachers, and it's 6-0.
I would love to sweep the Cardinals and hand Milwaukee the division. The Cards are already fretting about how to arrange their starters.
-
Shildt coming out to get Waino with one out in the fifth. Let's tax their bullpen tonight and really mess them up for tomorrow and the WC game that they will soon be in.
-
Happ is trying to convince the Cubs not to trade him.
Same for Schwarber. Schwarber up to .251, OVER .250! Obviously juiced ball, so EVERYBODY really ought to have a career year this year. But he's career-year tops in every category, now.
Same for Happ, obviously having only 151 PA his volume numbers are way down. But all his rate numbers are now career-year-ish. His batting average is up to .272, pretty astonishing.
He's always going to be a hot-and-cold guy, but it's probably more fun to go through the winter coming off a "hot".
-
Cardinals begin their comeback with a home run from Bader off Kyle Ryan. Why was Hamels taken out?
-
Cardinals begin their comeback with a home run from Bader off Kyle Ryan. Why was Hamels taken out?
That's what bad baseball managers do.
-
A triple from Edman makes it 6-3. Why does this already feel like a loss?
-
Murdered by Tommy Edman: The 2019 Cubs story.
-
Tony Kemp makes a great grab on a long drive to the wall to end the inning. Off the bat it sounded like a homer.
-
Keep everybody!!
-
Fowler-Wieck. Two on. Cards down by 3. HR?
-
Ball four is called on a pitch right down the middle and at the letters, and now the heart of the Cards' order is coming up with no outs and runners at first and second.
Bear down, Wieck.
-
Another letter-high pitch is called ball four, and Cub-killer Edman comes up as the winning run. Still nobody out.
-
The 2019 story continues.
-
Yadi jumps on a pitch, flies to center, and the Cubs are finally out of the inning with the score 6-5, and it feels a lot closer than that.
-
It's OK, Tuffy. Joe's got this.
-
Why was Hamels taken out?
Hamels apparently only started because he asked Maddon for the courtesy of doing so. Hamels missed his last start with shoulder fatigue and wasn't even supposed to go as long as he did.
-
This time it's our guys getting two men on to start an inning. Somehow it doesn't feel nearly as threatening as when they did it.
Almora pinch hitting. Let's get some insurance.
-
And Almora tries to bunt and pops it up. One out.
Andrew Miller is coming in to pitch. We owned him yesterday; maybe we can do it again today.
-
#MaddonblowsbutisbetterthanwhoeverTheowouldchoosetoreplacehimCubsarefuckeduntilTheoleaves
-
TONY! Kemp singles to right and Russell comes in to score; 7-5.
-
Hoerner hits a sac fly to left; Bote scores; 8-5.
Miller looks like he's about seven feet tall out there on the mound. Wieck is a monster but Miller looks even taller.
-
Nico just doesn't fit. I fully expect Theo to trade him.
-
#MaddonblowsbutisbetterthanwhoeverTheowouldchoosetoreplacehimCubsarefuckeduntilTheoleaves
-
Martinez is going to homer off Strop.
-
Crazy.
-
Cubs get some two-out hits in the 9th but can't get them in.
Heading to the bottom of the ninth; Cards down by two against Kintzler.
Is it too much to ask to just have a nice easy inning?
-
Something called Hilliard just homered off Hader with 2 out in the 9th to tie the game in Coors.
-
And they hit Edman with the first pitch of the inning.
I supposed it's better that what Kimbrel would have offered.
-
2019: a paradox.
-
A fly to center, a fielder's choice to Nico at second, and the Cubs only need one more out.
Will Yadi make me hate him even more than I already do?
-
Cubs win!
-
Kintzler gets the save.
Brewers, you can do it!
-
Maybe not.
Story homers and the Rockies win.
-
Same for Schwarber. Schwarber up to .251, OVER .250! Obviously juiced ball, so EVERYBODY really ought to have a career year this year. But he's career-year tops in every category, now.
Same for Happ, obviously having only 151 PA his volume numbers are way down. But all his rate numbers are now career-year-ish. His batting average is up to .272, pretty astonishing.
He's always going to be a hot-and-cold guy, but it's probably more fun to go through the winter coming off a "hot".
I noted in a recent post that Theo had praised Schwarber and Happ for the adjustments they had made at the plate late in the season. They have been validating his assessment going down to the wire. They have seemingly positioned themselves to be either in the mix at the beginning of next season or as pretty good trade bait. I suspect the former, but we'll see.
-
I agree, Ron, I think they'll probably both be back. I think both have too many questions for other GM's to make really strong offers. But I'm guessing Theo will like their upside too much to accept what's offered as good value. Time will tell whether their adjustments will result in long-lasting sustained success. But if so, I don't think what you'll get in exchange now will be worth it.
Happ is also in some ways a good fit, *if* he can hit, because he can play at five positions, even if not necessarily well. But *IF* you thought he was going to hit .270 with .850-OPS, I expect you'd be OK letting his defense play in CF or LF or RF variably often, and perhaps even some 2B if the alternatives don't hit at all.
-
A serious question to those who want Happ and Schwarber back, and don't want to dangle Bryant or Contreras. How, exactly, do you propose to try and fix this roster? It's pretty clear the budget isn't going to be increased (and this is a lousy FA class anyway) and you can't seriously think guys like Almora, Quintana or Russell have meaningful trade value.
-
Who knows what Theo is thinking...but my best guess is Contreras takes his bat (and mitt) to the AL.
-
More guesswork: with Hoerner around to back up SS and provide a good glove at 2B - as a starter or sub, maybe after some AAA time to further develop his bat - Russell and several others will go, too.
Guessing Theo tests the off-season waters on extensions for Baez and Bryant...and, if he doesn't like what he hears (and nothing is likely to change with Boras/Bryant), either will be a trade candidate, if another team wants to pony up big time...I wouldn't be surprised if that kind of major trade happens next summer, if the team is scuffling again.
My best guess is that Baez is the most likely to get a big deal down the road. Rizzo remains the soul of the team and won't be moved.
-
There's no way Baez is getting traded unless things completely crater and Tank 2 comes to pass. Which I don't see happening.
-
We've beaten the first place team two straight days without our "stars" in the lineup. Some may be less important than some think.
-
That last comment wasn't directed to Deeg's comment about Baez, but supporting his comment about Bryant and Contreras.
-
More guesswork: with Hoerner around to back up SS and provide a good glove at 2B - as a starter or sub, maybe after some AAA time to further develop his bat - Russell and several others will go, too.
Guessing Theo tests the off-season waters on extensions for Baez and Bryant...and, if he doesn't like what he hears (and nothing is likely to change with Boras/Bryant), either will be a trade candidate, if another team wants to pony up big time...I wouldn't be surprised if that kind of major trade happens next summer, if the team is scuffling again.
My best guess is that Baez is the most likely to get a big deal down the road. Rizzo remains the soul of the team and won't be moved.
I generally agree with ben on this. Although I mostly expect Russell be gone, it's possible that Theo et al want to find out if he can get back to where he was a few years ago as an excellent defensive middle infielder and a useful bat.
I don't expect Baez to be dangled, but I do expect Bryant to be, and possibly Contreras.
-
Derek Holland "opens' for the Cubs this afternoon.
Does Tyler Chatwood follow?
-
Nico in center
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFpEH3mXYAUHTft.jpg:small)
-
Is Maddon managing or is the bench coach?
-
He must be managing. Who else would start Holland in this situation?
-
A meaningless situation?
-
Schwarber removed from the game hitting exactly .250 for the season.
Which shows that .250 is the new .300 (if you hit home runs).
-
Zobrist strikes out a future HOFer.
The guy can do anything.
Thanks for the memories.
-
Zobrist hit the 80s on a few pitches. Though pitchtrack had all of them as sliders, ROFL.
-
The Cubs saw 91 pitches today. Must be a golf course awaiting.
The Cardinals saw 170 in 8 innings.
-
...Although I mostly expect Russell be gone, it's possible that Theo et al want to find out if he can get back to where he was a few years ago as an excellent defensive middle infielder and a useful bat....
Russell was $3.4 this year. Assuming the Cubs non-tender him to get out from underneath his $3.4 contract, I wonder what kind of contract he'll get as a FA? With his baggage and bat, is it possible he won't get a guaranteed contract anywhere, and might settle for some kind of a split contract?
-
Yes.
-
Russell was $3.4 this year. Assuming the Cubs non-tender him to get out from underneath his $3.4 contract, I wonder what kind of contract he'll get as a FA? With his baggage and bat, is it possible he won't get a guaranteed contract anywhere, and might settle for some kind of a split contract?
If Russell is non-tendered and signs a full major league one-year deal for 2020 only, that deal typically is not guaranteed until the season starts. Even a major league deal. (A multi- year deal is different—-see Daniel Descalso).
A split contract is something else entirely, with different major and minor salaries.
Will be surprised if Russell doesn’t get a full major league deal in the event he’s non- tendered, as a superior defensive SS entering his prime age years and a .150 iso. That would be unusual for a player of his caliber, even with his domestic abuse history.
Think it's even conceivable that there will be a limited trade market for him with a club willing to take on the arb salary into spring training, perhaps as a piece in a multi-player deal. Don’t think the domestic abuse history will be quite the impediment it was a year ago regarding a market for him .
Think it unlikely Russell is back with Cubs one way or the other, in no small part because of Hoerner’s arrival. Cubs just don’t really need him anymore. Think it also likely that Cubs actively pursue a leadoff guy, perhaps impacting games available at 2B for Russell.
Russell is a premier defensive SS and these kind of guys, one way or another, end up playing SS. So, clubs needing a SS will take a look.
-
I believe that Russell's return to the Cubs depends upon whether or not he is willing to be non-tendered and sign at a lower rate, probably 1.5 million. As Reb says, superior defensive shortstops are valuable in the MLB, but probably not as valuable as 3.4 million, especially with his backgroung.
But he probably has more value than most defensive shortstops, because he DOES have more power than most strictly D shortstops, and has some history of good offensive value at the MLB level. If the Cubs sign him as a defensive backup, they enjoy the possibility that a resurgence in his offensive could raise his trade value immensely, just about the time that Hoerner is ready.
And my personal opinion is that Hoerner is NOT ready at this point. Even the adjustments that the league has made in the short time he has been here has dropped his offensive production from the 350s down to the 280s. I would like to see him with a full year of AAA experience behind him before he comes up again. A young player has only 6 years of control at the MLB level before he is able to leave. Why waste the first one or even two at relatively poor performance levels, and lose him just as he hits his prime?
-
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/27735243/cards-beat-writer-helps-save-life-cubs-dugout
-
The Brewers are going to win the division and have a better collection of players than either team.
Narrator: The Brewers didn't win the division and failed to win the wild card game, nor do they have better players.