I feel extremely vindicated in my confidence that the Rockies were going to be good this year. Please disregard any comments that I may have made in the podcast to open the season about how they would end up with a worse record than the Padres, that must have been deceptively edited.
Oddly enough, the Rockies record is not built on their offense. While their team wOBA of .330 ranks fifth in MLB, when you work in that whole park factor thing their offensive contributions actually rank 27th in baseball, just ahead of the Padres (vindicated!). Instead, it's pitching and defense that have led to this resurgence. The Rockies rank second in MLB with +27 defenive runs, and their team 4.09 ERA/4.06 FIP puts them at seventh in the bigs in pitching WAR. A 4.09 ERA with half your game in Coors is incredible – the Rockies team ERAs over the previous five years were 4.91, 5.04, 4.84, 4.44, and 5.22.
Team Leaders
Rockies:
- OBP: Tony Wolters (.408)
- ISO: Nolan Arenado (.282)
- HR: Mark Reynolds (16)
- R+RBI: Charlie Blackmon (95)
- wRC+: Blackmon (137)
- BSR: Blackmon (2.0)
- Defense: Arenado (8.0)
- SP K/9: Tyler Anderson (8.85)
- SP BB/9: Antonio Senzetala (2.58)
- SP FIP: Kyle Freeland (3.34)
- RP K/9: Greg Holland (12.46)
- RP BB/9: Chris Rusin (1.72)
- RP FIP: Jake McGee (1.71)
- WAR: Arenado (2.4)
Cubs
- OBP: Jon Jay / Kris Bryant (.389)
- ISO: Bryant (.263)
- HR: Bryant/Anthony Rizzo (13)
- R+RBI: Rizzo (69) (nice)
- BSR: Jay (1.9)
- Defense: Willson Contreras (6.3)
- SP K/9: Jake Arrieta (9.96)
- SP BB/9: Arrieta (2.62)
- SP FIP: Jon Lester (3.66)
- RP K/9: Wade Davis (11.95)
- RP BB/9: Koji Uehara (2.33)
- RP FIP: Davis (2.08)
- WAR: Bryant (2.0)
Injuries, Transactions, vengeance pacts, etc.
The biggest surprise in the Rockies pitching staff's performance is that they have largely done it without (Lord) Jon Gray, who has made just three starts this season. He's out with a stress factor in his left foot but might be back later this month. Starter Tyler Anderson is out with a minor hamstring injury, but given his 5.85 ERA he's not exactly the guy who has propelled the Rockies to this record.
Ben Zobrist is apparently still dealing with a wrist issue that has robbed him of his switch hitting ability. Addison Russell may be suspended at some point as MLB investigates domestic violence allegations.
Probable Pitchers
K%, BB%, ERA, projected ERA listed for each starter. No time to blurb them, so just the stats today.
Thursday: Tyler Chatwood, RHP (20.3%, 11.8%, 4.60, 4.47) vs Jon Lester, LHP (23.8%, 8.7%, 3.91, 3.26), 7:05 PM CT
Friday: German Marquez, RHP (21.9%, 7.5%, 4.53, 4.90) vs Kyle Hendricks, RHP (20.2%, 8.3%, 4.09, 3.50), 1:20 PM CT
Saturday: Jeff Hoffman, RHP (33.8%, 2.6%, 2.61, 4.40) vs Eddie Butler, RHP (17.5%, 13.6%, 3.75, 4.95), 1:20 PM CT
Sunday: Antonio Senzatela, RHP (16.1%, 7.1%, 3.56, 4.98) vs Jake Arrieta, RHP (26.1%, 6.9%, 4.46, 3.22), 1:20 PM CT
Comments
Those numbers for Jeff Hoffman look fake. Did you accidently pull a Pedro Martinez season instead?
EdwinQuote Reply
I haven’t been to Austin in so long, I’m not sure I even know what’s open there anymore. If I were to go tomorrow, I’d go to Hut’s and Franklin BBQ. Probably Juan in a Million too.
RynoQuote Reply
I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick. I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick. I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick. I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick. I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick. I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick. I will not vent about Colin Kaepernick.
RynoQuote Reply
I think Addison should get sent down. And while there he needs to get counseling on controlling his emotions.
I would like to say that he is just an asshole, but every single on of us has the capacity to commit horrific atrocities on those around us and ourselves. We as a society erroneously believe that we can keep people in line with a rod while not giving them tools to deal with emotions when they come. I have the suspicion that people who rely on reflex are more likely to trust their instincts and act on them before understanding what they are doing.
John Lennon also beat his wife at that age. And he cheated like mad. Oh, you went off to sleep in the bath, did you? Riiiggghhht. Was this before or after figuring out what to do with your Norwegian wood?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Ryno,
Torchy’s and Clay Pit were at the top of my list. I’m hoping to hit Franklin’s tomorrow but not sure if I can burn a morning, work-wise :(.
berseliusQuote Reply
Ryno,
What about Kaepernick? Is this just the whole kneeling-for-solidarity-with-BLM-during-the-anthem thing you’re talking about? Is that really still a thing people are up in arms about!?
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Why do you guys hate The Troops smh.
berseliusQuote Reply
I love it how people will decry others for taking symbolism so seriously—and then turn around and do it themselves. This sums up all the rightwing backlash that has given us the pussy-grabber-in-chief.
And they call us snowflakes for not tolerating the hypocrisy. Are you fucking communists? (dying laughing)
(That would explain the Russia love.)
ceruleanQuote Reply
There are few things more American than holding individuals above collectives. For better or worse.
ceruleanQuote Reply
In other news, the Cardinals offense remains inoffensive. Being shitout by the Reds. (That’s a funny fatfinger.) They have scored 7 runs in 34 innings against the Reds.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I think an investigation should be completed before any punishment is handed down. Seems like a terrible precedent to set that the only evidence needed is for a spouse’s best friend to make the claim on social media.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
He should be advised to volunteer it. If he is proactive about his role and takes responsibility for his actions before having to take responsibility, that would go a long way toward mending his relationship with his wife and his relationship with baseball.
As for sending him down, he hasn’t been right on the plate or in the field. And this investigation is almost certainly not going to help the team. I don’t think it’s a stretch to believe that his baseball troubles were a catalyst for these personal troubles. He needs time to mend his mind and his shoulder.
Send him to the DL if sending him down sets the wrong precedent. There is something amiss. If it’s “just a mental problem”, he should still be a candidate for a DL stint.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Note that both Russell and Chapman were the ones reportedly weeping in game 7. Emotions are real and powerful. They also exist for a reason—which is to say they are not irrational even though they bypass higher-level cognition.
A fit of rage can wreak all sorts of havoc if the person has not prepared to handle such an outburst. As a society, we do a pisspoor job helping people understand and handle their emotions. And lately, we have been fanning the flames.
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Cardinals just got swept again.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
+1, LSA, Rec’d, NAMBLA
PerkinsQuote Reply
Stay out of my bedroom, dude
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
(dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
I’m fine with this. Baez is probably better than Russell at this point anyway. I just don’t think we should punish someone for something that hasn’t even been investigated yet.
dmick89Quote Reply
I think the Podcast “Invisibilia” is doing emotions as their theme for this season. It’s a pretty great podcast.
EdwinQuote Reply
Damning. With. Faint. Praise.
MylesQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
CF Happ
3B Bryant
1B Rizzo
2B Zobrist
RF Heyward
C Contreras
SS Baez
P Lester
LF War Bear
berseliusQuote Reply
I would say I have experienced liget. Not fun. In such a moment, if I had the means, I would have gone full-Lanre and burned the world.
ceruleanQuote Reply
In not so surprising news, Addison Russell has denied the abuse allegation.
dmick89Quote Reply
Stupid Giants bullpen.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Smart Giants offense!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This day keeps getting worse.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jon Lester is not a team player. Doesn’t he know that he is supposed to give up a run in the first inning to make the rest of the staff feel better?
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Bryant!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Cmon, I need the (dying laughing)s on my medieval weaponry jokes today.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Ugh. Stupid BABIP.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Cubs lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
Jesus.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Time to start getting caught up on iZombie.
dmick89Quote Reply
Hey, Willson, stop appealing to the first base umpire when you check your swing. It’s dumb.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Double hockey sticks.
ceruleanQuote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
I love Torchy’s. They make their brisket tacos exactly like I do. And their queso…
RynoQuote Reply
cerulean,
Mostly about him not being employed and the public/media discussion about why.
RynoQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
CF Happ
3B Bryant
1B Rizzo
2B Zobrist
RF Heyward
SS Baez
C Montero
P Montgomery
LF Schwarber
berseliusQuote Reply
Ryno,
First, 4:32 AM is a fine time to be posting. How is Taipei?
Second, he’s available? The Cubs need arms. They should sign him.
ceruleanQuote Reply
So if the Cubs aren’t going to play Russell, are they even going to bother calling someone up?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
It’s not like they really have anyone that’s worth calling up, but it might be nice to have someone who can hit a home run to come off the bench if the Cubs even have someone like that.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
He’s available on the bench today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That was a bizarre walk.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This strike zone makes no sense.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Schwarber is not very good at baseball.
dmick89Quote Reply
Baez may not have the best plate discipline.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
To be Frank, Seth seems a little off.
MylesQuote Reply
I’m starting to think the Cubs should play for the top pick next year. They’ve got a better chance of that than they do being worth a shit.
dmick89Quote Reply
Twitter seems to be broken. I tweeted that almost 10 minutes ago, and I haven’t had any favorites or retweets.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
You were banned from twitter, check your email to confirm.
berseliusQuote Reply
I can’t believe Willson still tried to make that throw after he double-clutched.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This team seems to love the losing streaks.
dmick89Quote Reply
Delayed steals are weird.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus, Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
At least one of the two good hitters on this team will get to bat in the 9th. If Bryant can get on or hit a home run, Rizzo could then tie it up. The Cubs will lose in extra innings since they already used both of their good relievers, but game tying home runs are always fun in the 9th.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Win some, lose some more.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Davis may be the Cubs best trade piece next month. If they can find a team as desperate for a closer as the Cubs were last year, they could get quite a bit in return.
dmick89Quote Reply
Don’t swing at that, Kris.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
If Rizzo goes deep they could actually win this one.
dmick89Quote Reply
So they just pitched around the good ones. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Juiced.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Damn it, Zo.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zo knows not.
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Cubs walked 9 times and scored 3 runs.
dmick89Quote Reply
Some much excitement, so little payoff.
ceruleanQuote Reply
This is a year.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Sigh. Another game the Cubs should have won easily and didn’t.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Jhonny Peralta ——> DFA
berseliusQuote Reply
Yes please
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
The possibility of making some trades in the next month or so is more interesting to me than this team right now. They’ve got some pieces that could bring them back some prospects. They’ve also got some players that they shouldn’t even consider trading.
dmick89Quote Reply
This is how Ron Coomer sounds to me
SKQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
Schwarber
Bryant
Rizzo
Zobrist
Heyward
Almora
Contreras
Russell
Butler
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Oh great. Schwarber is back in the lead off spot. Nothing like an automatic out to get things started for you.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Spotting the other team a run in the first every game wasn’t generous enough, I guess.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Welp, that didn’t take long.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
First inning run! *buys another price gouged airport beer*
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
X2
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Sigh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
More bad throws by Russell.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jake Arrieta might be a better hitter than Schwarber. The Cubs should consider platooning the two so they can always have the platoon advantage at the top of the lineup. It will be just like it was with Dexter.
dmick89Quote Reply
What the hell was that?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That was weird.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This team sucks.
uncle daveQuote Reply
uncle dave,
You are correct.
dmick89Quote Reply
This is the worst defending world champion since last year.
dmick89Quote Reply
The way this team has performed this year has made me reevaluate what their true talent was last year and I doubt they were the best team in baseball. Cole was right after all.
dmick89Quote Reply
The last time the defending world champs won their division was the 2009 Phillies.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
4 runs is the number this team scores in a week.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
No one will fault the Cubs this year with tough competition like the Brewers, Reds and Cardinals.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Don’t forget the mighty Pirates! They’re only a few games behind the defending world champions!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a runner get thrown out advancing on an infield fly before.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh. This team.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
So much tough competition for the defending champs. It’s really amazing they’re even near .500.
dmick89Quote Reply
Another wild pitch Willson should have stopped.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I blame Donald Trump.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Good a reason as any I guess.
dmick89Quote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
Jay
Bryant
Rizzo
Zobrist
Heyward
Baez
Montero
Russell
Arrieta
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
I looked into the future and saw the Cubs losing today (obviously) and then they get swept by the Mets.
dmick89Quote Reply
Damn it, Jake.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jake forgets to cover first, forgets how to throw strikes.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zobrist!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zo!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Two straight called third strikes with the runner on third and less than two outs. I know the first one was the pitcher, but ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It feels like four runs is not going to be enough today.
berseliusQuote Reply
Jake isn’t missing a lot of bats.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
God damn it, Jake.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
THROW STRIKES
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Oh look, it’s the inning where Jake falls apart. And it’s right after an inning in which the Cubs failed to score with runners at the corners and nobody out.
PerkinsQuote Reply
You, too, CJ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Hey, Russell did something positive.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Also, Schwarber.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
War Bear!!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
WAR BEAR
berseliusQuote Reply
Screw the closer.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Defending champs are back to .500.
dmick89Quote Reply
Inverted M
berseliusQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Wasn’t it 2007 that we regularly needed the other team to lose so we could win the division? I seem to remember that becoming a thing on ACB back then.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Probably. The Cubs were in second place as late as September 11 that year.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
So the 2017 Cubs are on pace with the 2007 team. Can’t wait to get swept by the Dbacks.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
That Brandon Webb is a real Cub killer.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Too swamped for any new shit anytime soon. Cubs and Mets start a series to determine which team has had a more disappointing start to the season.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
I hate the fucking elitist MLB and their only ever listing the AL and east coast standings first.
SKQuote Reply
Is everyone excited about a bunch of 17- to 23-year-olds being assigned a new employer tonight?!
RynoQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
All three of those things are overrated.
EdwinQuote Reply
If all goes well, most Cubs will have a few days of break come All-Star weekend.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
MylesQuote Reply
If I were to wildly speculate without evidence, I wonder if there is some horrible clubhouse presence that is ruining the vibe of this team.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Except it’s pretty much the same exact team that it was last year. When I think about this team entering the season, I knew the pitching would be quite a bit worse and so would the fielding. The Cubs just couldn’t sustain that level for two reasons: they weren’t as good as they pitched and fielded and all their pitchers are a year older, not to mention the additional extra work during the postseason. If someone asked me to point out two Cubs position players that I thought would underperform their projections, I’d have pointed to Schwarber and Russell. I expected big things from Schwarber, but it’s not that surprising that a guy who strikes out so much isn’t very good at the plate. Russell just isn’t that good a hitter. I still think the Cubs are an above average team, but I don’t think they’re that much better than average. It’s a good thing they play in the NL Central, but if one of the other teams in the division gets hot, the Cubs don’t have much of a chance in my opinion. Their best bet is to win the division with about 84-86 wins and then hope for the best come October.
dmick89Quote Reply
Strange to think the Cubs might not break 90 wins this season.
EdwinQuote Reply
The MLB draft is on tonight. I expect the Cubs to take some players who will be young and have a lot of upside, and could be good potential big leauge players someday if everything works out right.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
huge upside. potential ace. top of the rotation. hits for a high average. gets on base. hits for power. strong arm. great baseball iq (this means he’s white, not black or brown). overreach. great pick. some or all of the above will be taken by the Cubs in the draft.
dmick89Quote Reply
One thing a Cubs draft pick won’t be (hopefully) is a registered sex offender.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Like most pro sports teams, they’ll stick to the unregistered.
EdwinQuote Reply
Advanced scouting report of the pitcher: Has a good fastball that reachs the mid-90’s. Has a breaking ball which already shows signs of being a plus pitch, and is working on a changeup which could turn into a possible plus pitch at some point. Projects to be a solid #3 or possible high leverage late inning reliever.
EdwinQuote Reply
Do the Cubs have any chance of winning tonight?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
It could go either way
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Predictable Baez strikeout.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
These stranded runners in scoring position are driving me crazy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
This sort of reminds me of what it felt like when I got suckered into rooting for the 2014 A’s. I don’t think that they got a hit with RISP for the whole second half of the season.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Surprised Lackey hasn’t gone on the DL with a sprained neck from watching all those balls leave the yard.
uncle daveQuote Reply
I’m also getting pretty sick of all the home runs this rotation has allowed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
You’re just now getting sick of it? It pissed me off 6 weeks ago. These days I’m just excited when a ball doesn’t leave the yard.
dmick89Quote Reply
The good news is, there is a good chance we’ll see a pinch hitter for Lackey.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Lackey still hasn’t struck anyone out except the opposing pitcher.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing) jk
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
STOP HITTING INTO DOUBLE PLAYS
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This is getting ridiculous.
uncle daveQuote Reply
I just found this show on Netflix called “Fraiser”. It’s really good, they should put it on real tv.
EdwinQuote Reply
Sigh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So that’s their plan. I was getting concerned this team wasn’t any good.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Brendon Little, LHP, age 20
Alex Lange, RHP, age 21
—MLB Draft Rankings
ceruleanQuote Reply
Brendon Little has the best Twitter handle:
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Both of them are already better than Anderson.
dmick89Quote Reply
I am guessing the Cubs are going to go for some HS arms with their savings on Abbott. MLB had him ranked at a murderous 187th, 120 places later than he was chosen.
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Brewers drafted someone named Lutz, and I really want him to get to MLB so I can start making more 30 Rock jokes.
EdwinQuote Reply
I searched for Cory Abbott on Bing. I’m happy the Cubs drafted Cory Abbott the pitcher, and not Cory Abbott the Stone Ridge man charged with felony drunk driving.
EdwinQuote Reply
Bronson Arroyo is still pitching somehow (if you call that pitching).
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Edwin,
He’s from the same high school that produced Myles Garrett.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno, wasn’t there some pitcher you mentioned that the Cubs should look at?
EdwinQuote Reply
Brewers have a good looking draft so far. Reds got some interesting names. I can’t seem to find who the Cardinals drafted though.
EdwinQuote Reply
This team is marginally more fun to watch than the 2005 Cubs.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I think the Stone Ridge man might be a better pitcher.
RynoQuote Reply
Edwin,
I did a story on Alex Scherff (http://on.nbcdfw.com/wMiJoS0), who’s been ranked in most people’s top 60s before the draft.
Pros: Easy delivery, athletic, fastball touches high-90s, very advanced changeup, good breaking ball
Cons: Already 19, strong college commitment, height (listed at 6’4″, but he can’t be more than an inch taller than me [6′])
I would’ve been fine taking him in the second round if I knew he were signable.
RynoQuote Reply
Perkins,
I can’t believe some of the names I rooted for…
Jeromy Burnitz
Ronny Cedeno
Freddy FU Bynum
Matt Murton
Koyie Taped Fingers Hill
RynoQuote Reply
We tried to get ahold of him, but he went AWOL after school ended. Even his coaches couldn’t reach him.
RynoQuote Reply
I had completely forgotten about that guy.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man didn’t.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
At this point I’m assuming he gets drafted, but is unlikely to sign? Seems like an interesting pitcher. Always cool to see a younger pitcher with a good change up, I thought that was a pitch that most don’t end up developing until later, especially RHP.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
I’m assuming he’s falling due to signability, but the signability thing is just a feeling that I got from talking to him. I asked him if being eligible for the 2019 draft (because he’s 19) would factor into his decision to sign and he gave me a knowing nod.
I’ve heard his parents are pretty wacko, though. Like they might be in his ear about going to school if an MLB team doesn’t offer him a large bonus.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
I wonder if having a year of college next year wouldn’t make him quite a bit more valuable. Pitchers get hurt so it could ruin his career, but at least he’d have an education.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
A 21-year-old college pitcher with his stuff would likely get a much larger bonus than a 19-year-old HS pitcher. He has a ton of leverage right now too, only having to pitch in college for two years.
RynoQuote Reply
Rizzo – New Leadoff Hitter.
EdwinQuote Reply
Anthony Rizzo———-> lead-off hitter
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Damn, too late.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
It’s my fault, I was too early.
EdwinQuote Reply
I wonder what a team like the Brewers will choose to do at the trade deadline. They obviously wouldn’t want to buy at the deadline, since they’re clearly a rebuilding team. Ideally they’d like to be sellers, but with where they’re at and with how the Cubs are doing, it would strange to try and unload some of their better veterans right now.
EdwinQuote Reply
Nick Allen just got drafted by the A’s. I know that was a guy the Cubs were connected to at one point.
EdwinQuote Reply
White Sox drafted Luis Gonzales. Don’t they know he retired in 2008?
EdwinQuote Reply
St. Louis finally making their first pick.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Probably just look to add a minor piece. They can win the division if they can they’re just slightly better than average the rest of the way. I’ll be a little surprised at this point if any team in this shitty division wins even 85 games.
dmick89Quote Reply
I barely slept last night for reasons unrelated to this shitty team, but in my fugue state at 230 am I briefly considered that if Arrieta rebounds and becomes elite again that we could move him to the Yankees at the deadline for Gleyber Torres and I started giggling uncontrollably.
MylesQuote Reply
dmick89,
I think the Cubs will make a trade or two, and can probably rebound enough to win 88 games.
EdwinQuote Reply
Cubs draft another college pitcher, Keegan Thompson. I like this blurb from MLB.com “Thompson throws strikes with all his pitches and scouts have noted that he’s more mature as a pitcher now, focusing on getting outs and not worrying as much about velocity.” Nothing says Cubs Pitcher like not worrying about velocity.
EdwinQuote Reply
Hopefully we can develop him to be a Randy Wells/ Dallas Beeler type.
MylesQuote Reply
MLB draft Tracker is not tracking for me. Apparently the Cubs drafted another pitcher, who also doesn’t care about velocity, maybe. I’m relying on the BN comment section, so who knows.
EdwinQuote Reply
One thing that stands out so far is a most of the pitchers the Cubs have taken seem to have curveballs that grade out fairly high. I’m not sure that means anything, but as someone who likes good curveball pitchers, I’m happy.
EdwinQuote Reply
Yeah, I don’t get that part of this front office.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
Depends on the curve. I loved Kerry Wood’s curve, but Rich Hill’s has always bored me. Kerry’s looked like it came at the same velocity as his fastball and then just fell off the table. It was beautiful. Hill’s looks like it’s thrown at 12 mph.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I actually liked Rich Hill’s curveball. It reminded me of that slow Zito type of curveball.
EdwinQuote Reply
MLB on the Cubs 4th round pick: “On the Cape, Uelmen was up to 93-95 mph with his fastball, but that was typically earlier in his starts there. As a starter this spring, he’s lived generally in the 89-91 mph range, though it plays up because of the terrific two-seam movement he gets on it from his low three-quarters slot, generating a ton of ground-ball outs. The right-hander has average secondary offerings, with a decent slider he uses to get people to chase and feel for a changeup. He’s more control over command, but he largely stays in the strike zone. Largely because he shows better velocity in shorter stints, there are some who feel he might be better suited for the bullpen, where he could be a rally-killing ground-ball machine. A team that takes him early will likely at least give him the chance to start at the next level.”
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Both were tough to hit and that’s all that really matters (Sean Marshall’s was kind of the same too), but if Wood threw his well, it was impossible to hit. This conversation just makes me miss Wood and wonder again what his career could have been if he’d stayed healthy. Despite the injuries, I’m at least thankful that front office was a fan of high velocity and I wish this one was. That front office was useless in most other ways whereas this one is not, but maybe Thoyer should call up past Cubs front offices for some advice on drafting pitchers. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs 5th Round: some OF from Puerto Rico, maybe? Whoever he is, and wherever he’s from, he’s an OF. I assume he does the normal baseball things that a 5th round pick does. Also he probably doesn’t care about velocity, but I’m assuming he does care about position, but never both at the same time.
EdwinQuote Reply
Shameless grab from BN (who grabbed from BA) about Cubs 5th round pick Nelson Velasques: “He had an outstanding showing at the Excellence Tournament in May, solidifying him for most as the second-best player in the Puerto Rico class behind the toolsier Heliot Ramos. He’s a physical specimen and shows plus raw tools. He ran the the 60-yard dash in less than 6.5 seconds at the Excellence Tournament, a 70-grade time on the 20-to-80 scale. Velazquez shows plus bat speed and average to slightly above-average raw power and he has a plus arm. Scouts describe Velazquez’s pure hitting ability as very raw; he’ll have to adjust his aggressive offensive approach against better pitching.”
EdwinQuote Reply
I’m not sure if the Cubs FO doesn’t care about velocity, but for awhile they sure didn’t seem to care about K/9, at least at the minor league level. That might not be true though, it could just be that they spent more resources on position prospects. Either way, they’ve yet to produce a solid starting pitching prospect to reach the high minors, other than if you want to include Hendricks.
EdwinQuote Reply
Enough from me for now, I need to get back to work.
EdwinQuote Reply
Good point.
dmick89Quote Reply
So, robocalls in exchange for a pitch clock? I am suddenly feeling quite sanguine about a pitch clock.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Cubs draft a HS pitcher #6 round Jeremy Estrada: “If one was to base Estrada’s Draft status on his summer showcase performance, he’d be approaching the top group of high school right-handers in the country. Looking at how he’s pitched this spring, however, could lead an evaluator to leave him off of the Top 100 completely. Over the summer, Estrada showed electric stuff from his slightly under-sized frame, starting with a fastball that was 93-95 mph. This spring, he’s been topping out at 92 mph and often sitting in the upper-80s. He showed one of the best changeups in the country last summer, but hasn’t been throwing it much this spring. And he’s lost sharpness in his breaking ball as well, a pitch that flashed plus at times and was up into the mid-80s but this spring has come in closer to 80 mph.”
EdwinQuote Reply
As a pitcher’s velocity falls, the Cubs interest rises.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Sounds like this guy is going to need Tommy John surgery before his career even begins.
dmick89Quote Reply
cerulean,
A pitch clock could seriously hurt the Cubs with their pitching prospects. It takes 25 seconds for the ball to reach home after they release it.
dmick89Quote Reply
When Billy Beane writes his next book about how low velocity pitchers with curveballs and arm problems are the next inefficiency, this FO is going to look amazing.
EdwinQuote Reply
Cubs 7th round pick: LHP Ricky Tyler Thomas. I’ll probably remember him as rikki-tikki-tavi after he throws a Perfect Game against Arizona.
EdwinQuote Reply
Scouting on RTT:
“The slight-bodied 6-foot-1, 185-pounder was consistently better in 2016, earning a spot on USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. Thomas competes and has a changeup that at times earns 70 grades, though that was not the case frequently this year. He didn’t command his 87-90 mph fastball this spring, with his walk rate jumped from 1.38 per nine to 5.16 this season. Thomas has a fringy to below-average breaking ball, and he wasn’t holding his velocity over the course of the season.”
No word on whether those 70 grades were 70 good grades, 70 bad, or some kind of mix. At least he wasn’t holding his velocity over the course of the season, so he’ll fit right in.
EdwinQuote Reply
For the remaining available pitchers in the draft, I’m just going to do a quick search for “lacks velocity”, “lost velocity”, “falling velocity”, “low velocity”, and “velocity trended down” so that we know who the Cubs will pick next.
EdwinQuote Reply
70 on the 45 to Blort scale.
MylesQuote Reply
(dying laughing) the MLB equivalence of a walk rate like that is probably 400 or something.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
We might even hear my name by the 40th round.
dmick89Quote Reply
Worst BB/9 in MLB right now is 4.93 amongst qualified starters. Also, 2nd worst is 4.61 for Matt Harvey, who has a K/9 6.65. When did Matt Harvey get so terrible? It’s not like he lost velocity either, he just straight up sucks right now. Have fun being Chris O’Leary’s next psychic claim to fame.
EdwinQuote Reply
Cubs 8th round pick: Austin Filiere, 3B MIT.
EdwinQuote Reply
My source has been slow to upload his analysis (hurry up Brett). All I know is he was BA’s choice as the top Division III prospect heading into the season. Plus maybe this helps the Cubs out during bar trivia night.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Celebrity Jeopardy
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs 9th round pick: Chris Carrier, OF. U Memphis. I don’t have anything funny or clever to say about this one (INTERNET: Did you have anything funny or clever to say about the others or something?)
EdwinQuote Reply
Interesting link on Austin Filiere http://www.gammonsdaily.com/peter-gammons-austin-filiere-future-third-basemangeneral-manager-from-mit/
Could be a future GM. Cubs are in this for the long game, I guess.
EdwinQuote Reply
10th Round Pick: Brian Glowicki, Minnesota. RHP.
EdwinQuote Reply
Hendricks – throwing session not good. Will probably miss another start, possibly more. Cubs pitching is on the thinnest of ice right now.
EdwinQuote Reply
More on Glowicki: College Senior (i.e. no leverage, huge cash savings). Seems to be a RP. He’s from Downer’s Grove IL. Not very impressive, but we’ll take those cash savings, thank you.
EdwinQuote Reply
Sometimes the brain sees what’s there. And then there is the rest of the time.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I think Rizzo likes leading off.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I think other teams like hitting against Cubs starters this year.
dmick89Quote Reply
Ugh. I just noticed what a terrible job Rizzo did setting the table. Imagine if he would have just stayed on base. The Cubs could have bunted him along instead of striking out. Awful.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Neil lives up to his name. Hopefully no Homer is in the lineup.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Happ!!!!!!!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
If Rizzo drives in a run every at bat from the lead off spot, the Cubs might get to 90 wins.
dmick89Quote Reply
Prediction: Maddon keeps using this lineup.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs should score eight runs more often. That seems like a good way to win ballgames.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I don’t know if Lester is gonna be happy pitching every single game.
Wenningtons Gorilla CockQuote Reply
Wenningtons Gorilla Cock,
Well, does he want another ring or not?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Lester probably didn’t come to chicago for a haircut either.
dmick89Quote Reply
Heyward!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs should probably save some offense for the rest of the week.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I have witnessed only one run scored this game—the one by the Mets. (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
Lester has a walk and a hit in addition to pitching well.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Neil Ramirez sighting.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
He needs to give up some home runs if he wants to keep his job in this rotation.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’ll need to check the numbers, but I feel the Cubs usually win games in which they hit four home runs.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bryant will hit 35 home runs and have 57 RBI this year.
dmick89Quote Reply
Javy!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I didn’t watch the game last night, but I assume the “Rizzo as a Leadoff hitter” experiment failed?
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Total disaster. They got lucky.
dmick89Quote Reply
Alex Scherff went in the 5th round to the Red Sox.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Saw that. Good spot for him if he signs. He’s supposed to get back to me later this week about an interview, so we should find out what’s going on soon.
RynoQuote Reply
https://theringer.com/amp/p/155cd21108bc
Looks as though a change in the balls might be partially responsible for the recent home run surge.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Yup.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Baseball is crazy.
dmick89Quote Reply
Yup.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Deja vu all over again.
Wenningtons Gorilla CockQuote Reply
Bruce gets a hit on that one?
dmick89Quote Reply
Stupid Bryant.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That should be his second error in the inning.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
The Cubs should probably trade him after an inning like that.
dmick89Quote Reply
This would be a good time for Kris to redeem himself.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Kris, if the ump is going to call that pitch, you shouldn’t keep taking it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ouch.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Schwarber!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs should trade for Matt Harvey. All of the runs he gives up are on long balls—he’d fit right in.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Schwarber cannot hit and is a defensive liability.
ceruleanQuote Reply
He might have to lose a little more velocity to fit this rotation.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Bosio would set him straight.
ceruleanQuote Reply
(dying laughing) at the Mets. Obviously you pinch hit a pitcher with a pitcher.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Cubs lose
dmick89Quote Reply
I really don’t like Montgomery as a starter.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus Christ
dmick89Quote Reply
Shut me right up.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
It’s something Maddon would have done.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Yep. And now we know how others feel when it works out.
ceruleanQuote Reply
It would be nice if Cubs fielders would stop bobbling the ball.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jay!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This umpire sucks.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Strop will walk 14 with this umpire.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
He called a big zone against Bryant and Rizzo!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Crap.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bah.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Why the hell was Almora playing so shallow on that triple?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Great news! Edwin Jackson is available. He is a good candidate to shore up the pitching…problems.
ceruleanQuote Reply
This feels like a game we lose.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Enderman should go two.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jesus, Kris.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Correct.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Not the first time Rondon completely forgot about the baserunner.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Uggggggh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Fuck. Enderman turns into Carls Jr.
Then #neverGonnaBeGoodAgainRondon.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Here’s the start of a four game losing streak.
dmick89Quote Reply
In other news, some crazed “feel the Bern” liberal opened fire on some Republicans. It’s no wonder this happened given how Sanders repeated incited violence at his campaign rallies.
(If only those Republicans were carrying guns, they never would have gotten shot. It’s a right, not a privilege, to bear arms. Abdicating that right by not carrying leads to innocent people dying.)
ceruleanQuote Reply
Meh.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I actually watched Jackson pitch a couple innings last Saturday. He was on Baltimore, and they were the Fox Saturday game. Jackson was actually doing ok. Then a guy got a bloop single. Then the next guy hit a fly ball that should have been caught, but the fielders collided and it turned into a double. Then Jackson let up another single off a pitch out of the strike zone, and the Yankees had a big inning. Just seemed to sum up my Jackson watching experience pretty well. Seems to pitch ok, then a ball doesn’t roll his way, and then dumpster fire.
It’s too bad. I liked Jackson, and he seemed like a nice guy who other players in the clubhouse generally liked. He never blamed others for his failures, didn’t shy away from talking to the media and answering the tough questions. I wish his tenure with the Cubs would have gone better. http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/236412412/edwin-jackson-plays-for-13-baseball-teams
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
It wasn’t a terrible contract when the Cubs signed him. It was probably a bit much, but the projections at the time had him being worth what the contract was paying him.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I remember there were some legit red flags concerning his velocity, but overall it seemed like a solid deal at the time. His FIP was even decent the first season, before crumbling the next 1.5. It was frustrating seeing how quickly fans turned on him. It was also frustrating how personal some of the attacks seemed to be.
EdwinQuote Reply
Yeah, that’s something I’ll never understand. I don’t follow basketball, but I’ve heard some of the attacks on Kevin Durant and all he did was enter free agency and sign with the best team in the league. Apparently that makes him all kinds of a horrible person.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
dmick89,
That’s random. If there is some common theme between those two athletes, I don’t see it.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
That’s definitely a big part of it, but I even saw that LeBron took a swipe at Durant for it and if memory serves, he did the same fucking thing when he joined the Heat. I can at least understand part of that as frustration for losing and he did at least give a more level headed response, but it just irritates me how athletes are treated when they don’t do what a large number of fans want them to do. From everything I’ve read, Durant is a superb human being. All he did was sign a free agent contract with the team that gave him the best chance to win. And most importantly, it’s none of my damn business why he chooses to sign with any team in the sport. It’s a personal decision and it’s not for anyone else to question.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I don’t even know what fans want. Player signs for big money deal: “He’s being greedy and only thinking of himself, he should take less money so that the team can surround him with other stars and he can win a championship”. Player signs for less money to team up with other stars: “He doesn’t deserve to win, he’s just gaming the system”.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Player signs with large market team: “The system is unfair”. Player signs with small market team: “He’s too soft to play to play with the big boys”.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
this reminds me of one of my favorite movie lines of all time from raising arizona
Parole Board chairman: You’re not just telling us what we want to hear?
H.I.: No, sir, no way.
Parole Board member: ‘Cause we just want to hear the truth.
H.I.: Well, then I guess I am telling you what you want to hear.
Parole Board chairman: Boy, didn’t we just tell you not to do that?
H.I.: Yes, sir.
Parole Board chairman: Okay, then.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
Coen brothers have always been great at writing dialogue like that.
EdwinQuote Reply
I understand how NBA fans were upset about the Durant signing. I’d be pretty unhappy if I knew before the MLB season started that the Yankees would win the World Series. You could make a case that super-teams are bad for sports. That said, it’s not rational to blame a guy for responding to incentives.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I can understand why they might be upset at the NBA. I don’t know anything about the NBA rules regarding free agency and maybe they need to be changed. Seems to me it’s been the same teams winning for as long as I’ve been alive. I always thought it was funny when baseball writers complained about parity in baseball. Baseball hasn’t always had great parity, but it’s been fantastic compared to the NBA. You can probably narrow down the possible champion to four teams prior to the start of any NBA season. That’s been true for as long as I’ve been alive. For as dominant as the Yankees were, I never felt that you could narrow down the possibilities to four teams. As great as the Cubs were entering the 2016 season, they still only had about a 13-15% chance of winning the Series.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Isn’t basketball a sport that’s pretty much always been defined by super teams? I can see fans being dissappointed if Durant didn’t sign with a fans favorite team, or being frustrated that a favorite team is stuck in basketball purgatory, but that’s the NBA for you.
EdwinQuote Reply
dmick89,
I think it’s more the nature of the respective games than anything else. Baseball has a much smaller skill gap between elite players and replacement players, and the impact of even the best player on a team is minimal. In the NBA, it’s just 5 on 5, and a great player can basically carry a team all the way.
EdwinQuote Reply
Whelp, I’m heading up north for the weekend, hopefully the Cubs don’t get swept. Later taters.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Exactly. Celtics, Lakers, Bulls, Spurs, Warriors. In a few years it will be some other team.
dmick89Quote Reply
Perhaps, but even by that standard, the winningest team in history sigining a superstar is pretty extreme.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So the Cubs draft focus seemed to be on the best curveballs they could get. Did they read that recent SI piece about the pitch’s resurgence or something?
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
I think they read some articles about how they have no pitching in the minor leagues.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Honestly, I’m just glad they finally read that article about how it’s good to win the World Series.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
Good thing they found a copy after game 4.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
My understanding of the NBA salary cap rules is that a player can get a better deal once he’s out from under the first four (?) years of rookie contract control by staying on with the same team. (Now that I look at it, they’re expanding that rule to apply to players past their initial contract as well.) The NBA is really sensitive to this issue, and the initial exception granted under the cap (the “Bird Rule”) allowed teams to go over the cap to keep players.
That all said, I have zero issue with what Durant chose to do. These guys come into the league, and if they’re good enough to warrant multi-year contracts they have like three, maybe four points in their career where they get to have any control over where they play, who they play for, and, yes, who they play with. It strikes me as brutally unfair to criticize a guy for taking advantage of that no matter the reason.
uncle daveQuote Reply
uncle dave,
So Durant could have gotten more money if he stayed with OKC?
I’d think a big part of the fun in basketball is playing with people you want to play with and guys who have fun together. It’s not as much of a big deal in baseball because it’s not as much a team sport as basketball is. The pieces aren’t working together in baseball like they do in basketball.
dmick89Quote Reply
zobrist -> dl
tls -> cubs
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Peasants!
New Shit
http://obstructedview.net/series-preview-chicago-cubs-32-33-pittsburgh-pirates-30-36/
mylesQuote Reply