Did The Cubs Win?
OSS: (one of the) 24-year olds homered twice, and the 22-year old homered once.
Three Up
1. Anthony Rizzo now leads the NL in HR, and he is sneaking up on the ML lead. I thought Rizzo’s peak was a .250/.350/.500 guy, and he’s at .283/.385/.539 right now. Just enjoy the ride, however long it lasts.
2. Kyle Hendricks had a great stat line, but only a good game. He allowed no runs on 5 hits, 3 walks. He only struck out 5 (and had many of those came late in the game), and he relied on superb defense behind him. That’s what Kyle is going to be; he won’t make many mistakes (early walks again in this game, but still measured), and he’ll let a team full of shortstops play defense behind him. That actually sounds pretty good.
3. Justin Ruggiano had 2 RBI and went 2-3. Ruggiano has quietly improved his slash to .291/.357/.442, and he looks to be a contributor in 2015 (as a 4th OF). For Brian Bogusevic, I’ll call that a win.
Two Down
1. Mike Olt is now the AAA 1B/LF. He went 0-4 with 3 SO, and he just is not a major-league caliber player. I’d be surprised he was on the 40-man this time next year.
2. Junior Lake is going to follow Mike in September. He went 0-4 with 2 SO, and the two combined can not make consistent contact in the majors. Kyle Hendricks outperformed them at the plate and that is actually not a debate (0-2, 2 SO, BB)
Crystal Ball
I’m predicting a Vitters DFA in short order to coincide with Olt’s demotion. Vitters isn’t worth the roster spot at this point, and if Olt joins that crowded outfield, someone’s gotta give. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Brett Jackson outright also, but that is probably more a more for the offseason than now. My darkhorse prediction is that Kyuji Fujikawa comes back and Neil Ramirez is sent down and stretched out. We’ll see. I don’t love the idea, but I think it could definitely happen.
Next Game
Tonight, 7:05 PM CT
Wada v Kennedy
Stubhub: Section 532: $12 Bleachers: $28
Will The Cubs Win?
