OSS: More of this, please.
Three up:
- Jon Lester picked up his 2000th strikeout and hit his first major league home run. He also singled in this game, which should indicate how well everyone was seeing Dbacks starter Patrick Corbin tonight.
- Anthony Rizzo also blasted two home runs, bringing his season total up to 26. He's well on pace to pass the 31-32 home run totals from his last three seasons and is having a quietly great year that is masked by a .242 BABIP. He's cut his strikeout rate by nearly a quarter, and has the best walk rate of his career (technically just below his rookie season in SD), and his ISO is right in line with last year's.
- Ian Happ and Javy Baez also went yard in this game. It's kind of funny that the Cubs loaded up on RHBs and then saw both lefties in the lineup hit homers off of the starter.
Three down:
- It was not a super efficient start for Lester, to say the least. The tone was set by the double digit pitch PA by the Dbacks leadoff hiter, though at least Lester was able to strike him out.
- Despite the home run, Javy was the only Cub to end up with a negative WPA in this game thanks to an inning ending groundout in the first inning mini-rally and a double play in the third.
- The Cubs have a much tougher draw tomorrow, and the next week and a half in general. Luckily after that it is a lot of games against teams like the Reds and Mets.
Next up: Zack Godley takes on Jake Arrieta at 7:05 PM CT. I forgot that Godley used to be in the Cubs org – he was sent to AZ in the Montero deal. I remember exactly zero about him, so he must have been a lottery ticket that the Dbacks were lucky enough to hit on.
Comments
This win was enough of a beatdown to warrant dusting off Conan.
berseliusQuote Reply
Happ is a switch hitter, isn’t he?
SKQuote Reply
SK,
Aye, you are right. And so is Zobrist of course. I tend to assume that switch hitters are better from the left side though.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Feel like Montgomery should get some kudos for mopping up and earning a wacky save.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
I.e. he not only saved the game, but the other arms too. Hector as well, that was cool.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I also thought at end of game that it would’ve been fun to put Schwarber at C to give Contreras a breather, but whatever.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Go Cubs.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
Don’t tell me what to do.
CubsQuote Reply
I can’t argue with you today.
DiamondbacksQuote Reply
Can’t we all just get along?
National League of Professional Baseball ClubsQuote Reply
I just received a call from Kyle Schwarber. He said he’s fine not playing catcher, and that I’m probably the greatest Cubs fan of all time.
EdwinQuote Reply
I believe this without reservation.
mylesQuote Reply
That’s because you stalk prospects sliding into our DMs like this.
The Candy ManQuote Reply
sshhh bby
mylesQuote Reply
Sounds like the Cubs would have traded Davis and other rental types if they hadn’t gotten off to such a hot start after the break.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
The box score is bananas. Lester doesn’t get the win and Montgomery gets the save!?
joshQuote Reply
It’s weird hearing Jeff Joniak do the highlights. He must have been filling in for Pat.
joshQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
2B Zobrist
3B Bryant
1B Rizzo
LF War Bear
C Avila
SS Russell
RF Heyward
CF Jay
P Arrieta
BerseliusQuote Reply
josh,
One should not be surprised that he normally calls football for radio. I can’t help but think of the George Carlin bit.
ceruleanQuote Reply
(Ring) “Hello” “Hello, Dave?” “Yeah, this is Dave. Who is this?” “This is Jane.” “Jane? Jane who?” “Jane” “Jane Jane?” “Jane. You met me at a party about 6 to 8 weeks ago and you said I was a real good sport.” “Oh, Christ yeah. How are you, Jane?” “Pregnant! And I’m gonna jump out the window!” “Say, you are a good sport, aren’t ya, Jane?”
EdwinQuote Reply
Why don’t football teams run a formation with 10 OL and 1 RB getting the direct snap? If you can average 3 YPC with a small standard deviation you’d be unstoppable.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
I believe it has to do with what their jersey numbers are and also how many are actually supposed to be directly on the line of scrimmage.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I don’t know how I feel about the new guy catching Arrieta. I hope he’s good at blocking wild pitches.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zobrist!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Terrible at-bat by Jay.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Really good Jake so far. Just need the bats to wake up.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wouldn’t mind second-half 2015 Jake.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jake is cruising today, great to see.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Agreed.
Jake Arrieta’s bank account.Quote Reply
God damn it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Is this where the wheels come off?
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Yes.
dmick89Quote Reply
Yep.
ceruleanQuote Reply
At least the Brewers are losing.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
The Cardinals might have a better chance of catching up in the standings, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I miss yesterday.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This new reliever sucks. Can we return him and get our prospects back?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Meh
ceruleanQuote Reply
8/1: All the hits and runs!
8/2: What’s a breaking ball?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
“The feeling is back,” said Rizzo, whose sore upper back didn’t stop him from launching his 25th and 26th home runs, two of the five the Cubs hit off the playoff-race-relevant Diamondbacks (60-46). “All those good vibes, all those good juices that we’ve had for the last couple years are back.
“It’s just a different look in guys’ eyes. It’s a different feeling. I can’t pinpoint it to one thing. It’s just everyone feels really good right now.”
Cubs need to stay on the juice.
EdwinQuote Reply
To-day's base ball squadron
CF Jay
3B Bryant
1B Rizzo
C Contreras
LF Schwarber
2B Happ
RF Heyward
SS Baez
P Quintana
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to login,
coybib etc
The Candy ManQuote Reply
Edwin,
Three teams players have said almost the same thing this year and immediately after they’ve lost four or five in a row.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
lmao I still have an mp3 of Milton Bradley saying “I’m back” halfway through his season-long slump in 2009.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
I have a CD of Mark Prior saying “This is our year” in 2003.
EdwinQuote Reply
SK,
I kind of remember that. The first to do it this year was Miguel Montero and since then Rizzo had done it twice (now three times). Why Rizzo needs the media to believe the team is back is confusing. Who gives a shit what they think?
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m OK if they don’t get this one in.
dmick89Quote Reply
I see Quintana is continuing to get get crushed.
dmick89Quote Reply
Quintana was great in his first start with the Cubs and has sucked since.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’d like to have this trade back.
dmick89Quote Reply
Jesus Christ.
dmick89Quote Reply
Play by play cheat sheet for Quintana starts:
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
Line drive _________ to _________
dmick89Quote Reply
Yep, Cubs sure are back.
EdwinQuote Reply
I bet the Cubs try one of their tried and true Fake Rain Delays today.
EdwinQuote Reply
That was a poor double play attempt.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Willson needs to stop arguing with umpires when they got the call right.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Maybe the Cubs should stop saying they’re back and just keep playing like they’re back.
PerkinsQuote Reply
They need to stop grounding into double plays at a ridiculous rate.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Someone should tell the starters that giving up home runs is a bad thing. I’m not sure they know it. s
dmick89Quote Reply
Brewers already got the W today.
EdwinQuote Reply
(dying laughing), true.
But were we actually expecting they’d light up Greinke today?
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Jesus, Albert.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Probably not, but they seem to have had Kershaw’s number the past few years, so anything’s possible.
What I’d not expected was for Quintana to lay an egg like that.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I dunno. Keeps the bases clean so you don’t have to pitch out of the stretch, which I would imagine can be harder on the body, and, if you give up enough of them, you get the showers all to yourself and first dibs on the post-game spread.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Outside of that first adrenaline-fueled monster start, I’ve been underwhelmed by Quintana as well, but I suppose there is a plausible defense to be crafted out of blaming most of his problems today on Paul Goldschmidt being really good at hitting baseballs.
I don’t give enough of a shit right now to make it with any kind of enthusiasm, but if any of you want to give it a go, I’ll give it a half-hearted +1.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Willllllllllllson!!!!!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I have to say I’m pleased Contreras was allowed to play baseball today.
Also, Quintana’s decision to give up a 2nd HR to Goldschmidt appears to have been a poor one.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Definitely a poor one. Worst decision of the game so far.
dmick89Quote Reply
Strop!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Remember Ben Zobrist? I miss that guy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh, not a good at-bat by Bryant.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Willson again!!!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Contreras game.
dmick89Quote Reply
WILLSON!!!!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
WILLIE
berseliusQuote Reply
Are the Cubs back now
SKQuote Reply
Some great at bats this inning, but a couple terrible ones from Zobrist and Bryant.
dmick89Quote Reply
Yes. Or no.
It could go either way.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Oh shit—there is a game on and I missed all the bad parts! Hopefully I can feel the crushing weight of disappointment again!
ceruleanQuote Reply
willywillywillywillywillywillywillywilly
uncle daveQuote Reply
Wild CJ is no fun.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wish Goldschmidt would return to his ancestral occupation of smithing gold.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Might’ve considered using Davis in the 8th and rolling the dice in the 9th against the bottom of the order, but whatever.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Please don’t walk everyone, CJ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Damn it, CJ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Carl Edwards requests that you hold his beer.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Oh yeah, we got this guy now. Forgot about that deal.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Jesus Christ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wish the cubs had a bullpen.
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Goddamnit.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’d like both of these recent trades back.
dmick89Quote Reply
I fucking hate this bullpen.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
Agreed. They’re horrible. They’ve got one guy I trust and he’s good for a 27-pitch save every single time so you can’t use him on back to back nights ever.
dmick89Quote Reply
It’s silly to say the bullpen is horrible. They’re probably above average as bullpens go.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
You keep saying that and they keep doing this.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Except in the days they don’t. Which is most days.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh. Middle infield defense lets us down again.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zobrist adds nothing.
uncle daveQuote Reply
I am not not disappoint!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Over/under on the number of times Javy falls down during this AB?
uncle daveQuote Reply
When did Zobrist turn into Baez?
dmick89Quote Reply
(dying laughing) Zobrist
…(dying laughing)brist
PerkinsQuote Reply
Come on, Jon.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
He just wants to get home in time for Matlock.
(Edit: shut me right up.)
uncle daveQuote Reply
Crazy game.
dmick89Quote Reply
Come on, Kris.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So if the Cubs take the lead here, Wilson is in line for the vulture win, right?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Damn, that looked great off the bat.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Sheeeeeeeeeit.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Hitting the ball hard is overrated. He should have followed Zobrist’s example.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Time for Heyward to deliver a rousing speech.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus.
dmick89Quote Reply
God, I hate Goldschmidt.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Fucking Paul Goldschmidt.
PerkinsQuote Reply
FFS
uncle daveQuote Reply
Christ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
On the plus side, the realistic best case for the DBags this year is getting swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS.
PerkinsQuote Reply
That was ugly.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Why bunt?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That’s odd.
dmick89Quote Reply
Did Willson think this was a one-run game?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That was dumb.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I can’t believe Rodney has stuck as the closer for so long.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wasn’t Rodney on the Cubs in 2015?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Ugh!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Perkins,
Yup.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That was an infuriating game.
PerkinsQuote Reply
FTR, That may have been a good take by Happ, even though it got called a strike and may have caught part of the zone.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Len and JD mentioned that as well. Technically in the zone, but very rarely called a strike.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Yeah, and I’d like to see Happ protect the zone on 0-2, but that’s a real swing-and-miss pitch in any case.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Perkins,
I wouldn’t say that a third of the time is rare. I think it was a good take, but it wasn’t a bad call by the umpire either.
dmick89Quote Reply
Seven hours into the game, I’m guessing that the zone gets a little larger.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m also not 100% sure that Contreras’ bunt attempt was a bad idea, since he’s pretty good at bunting for a hit and it would have been nice to get the potential tying run on with no outs. That said, I think I’d rather he swung away and possibly got an extra-base hit.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I’d have been ok with it until he got a strike.
dmick89Quote Reply
Don’t care. We hates them. Curse them! Curse them! Filthy little bullpenses! Tricksy. False.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
dmick89,
Agreed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
i was just reading through the minor league daily at BN…i don’t know ANY of these names anymore
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
I have a feeling one team in the Cubs/Nats series is going to sweep the other. I wish I could say I thought it would be the Cubs, but I don’t think the 44 mph fastballs that Hendricks throws is going to result in a win today.
dmick89Quote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
The good news is that you’ll never need to know who those guys are.
dmick89Quote Reply
Love Brett and all, but man is bleachernation ugly to look at these days.
mylesQuote Reply
myles,
I’ve generally found the content there (particularly from Cerami) to be pretty decent. The audience/commenters, however…that’s another story entirely.
PerkinsQuote Reply
At least 44 mph fastballs would mean that he could throw twice as many pitches, and spare us from the bullpen.
berseliusQuote Reply
Addy ———> DL (foot injury)
Zastryzny ——> Cubs
berseliusQuote Reply
I enjoy the content, but the layout is horrible as is the comment section.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
The comment section is a mountain of garbage begging for a cleansing fire. But that would probably hurt Brett’s traffic quite a bit.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I think he knows and had disengaged to some extent.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
See, I never read the comments. I know when I come to OV I usually just read the articles and never scroll below the equator. It’s a very rewarding experience.
uncle daveQuote Reply
uncle dave,
I was to understand that if I didn’t read every word at OV, there would be no dinner. Have I been doing it wrong?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Did you not receive the telegrams informing you of your violations?
BerseliusQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
Jay
Bryant
Rizzo
Contreras
Zobrist
War Bear
Heyward
Baez
Hendricks
BerseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
Can Zastryzny play shortstop?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Berselius,
If they came by carrier pigeon, my cats may have gotten to them first.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
I mean, if you’re ok with the slop that’s being served here, I guess dinner is a good thing.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I’m guessing that Zobrist is the emergency backup
BerseliusQuote Reply
Berselius,
Though it would not surprise me to see Maddon put Bryant there again at some point in the next ten days (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Perkins,
There’s this commentor named “Marlow” who posts over there, seems like a real loser. I guarantee you he’s bad. He’s not going to be a wonderful person who goes on to work for the local milk people.
EdwinQuote Reply
If the Cubs allow fewer than 100 runs combined today and tomorrow I’ll consider it a win.
dmick89Quote Reply
That was shocking.
dmick89Quote Reply
Fucking Daniel Murphy
PerkinsQuote Reply
Hendricks sucks now
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
I’d rather have Monty in the rotation.
dmick89Quote Reply
And I’d rather have Zastryzny than Lackey. This rotation sucks ass.
dmick89Quote Reply
I haven’t checked the score yet. Are good things happening?
EdwinQuote Reply
If the Cubs can’t beat Edwin Jackson tomorrow, they should forfeit the season.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Lackey is pitching. The Cubs still can’t avoid the losing streaks. It’s like the Cubs forgot how to do everything this year.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Now would be an alright time for Bryant to remember he has some power.
dmick89Quote Reply
I miss the Ben Zobrist who was good.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Who do you all think has more trade value: Russell or Baez?
dmick89Quote Reply
10 pitch walk!
mylesQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
I hope Daniel Murphy tears both of his ACLs before the NLDS.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
The Cubs, Brewers and Nationals are playing for the honor of getting swept by the Dodgers in the LCS.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwards walked a batter. (dying laughing) that’s all he does.
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs going for the old “set up a force out at any base” strategy. Let’s see how this works out.
EdwinQuote Reply
dmick89,
Almost certainly so, though the team with the best regular season record in history lost in the World Series, and the second best team lost in the ALCS. So weird shit is definitely possible.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I think it might be time to reevaluate Edwards’ role.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Perkins,
i really, really hope there is a houston/LA world series (assuming the cubs don’t make it). i would watch the shit out of that.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
Assuming the Cubs aren’t in it, I hope the Indians beat the Dodgers.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
i would definitely be fine with that too (and i think it’s more likely). an ALCS between houston and cleveland would likely be the most fun series of the playoffs.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Perkins,
I’ve watched way too many Dodgers games over the years to not root for them if they’re in the World Series. Vin Scully was fun to listen to.
dmick89Quote Reply
Javy can be so frustrating.
dmick89Quote Reply
o9r
uncle daveQuote Reply
i’m not sure if it was a temporary glitch in gameday or just my eyes playing tricks on me but i’m pretty sure that for about 3 seconds, gameday was showing that javy baez struck out on a one-pitch AB. i wasn’t even surprised. i just assumed he swung at a first pitch that was so far out of the zone that the ump just called him out.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
dmick89,
I just really dislike Los Angeles and the roughly 50 mile radius around it, so I’m happy to see the Dodgers lose.
But Vin Scully was the very best.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Well, I figured the back end of his contract would be pretty ugly when they signed him. Wait, he has two years left?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I think we can all agree that the Christian thing to do in this case would be to retire.
uncle daveQuote Reply
I thought the Christian thing to do was take rights away from whoever disagrees with them. Was I wrong?
dmick89Quote Reply
At least the Cubs have a great farm system, with wave after wave of prospects coming up in the next few years to help their sustained success.
EdwinQuote Reply
We also like coffee and potluck dinners.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Based on my experience, the potlucks are a lot better than the coffee. I mean, I like coffee in my coffee. Not a strong point of the Wesleyans, tbqh.
uncle daveQuote Reply
This is quite true, though they are going to miss their top prospect, Jeimer Candelario. I also noticed that about 50% of their minor league prospects are pitchers so there’s that too.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’d rather drink the coffee – in my experience potlucks always consist of 70-90% pasta salads, which I find disgusting.
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
I don’t trust people I barely know to make food that I find edible. I don’t drink coffee, but if it’s coffee and potluck, I’m going with coffee. I’ll starve and drink something that repulses me.
dmick89Quote Reply
berselius,
dmick89,
Tough crowd here. First the egg salad thing, now this.
uncle daveQuote Reply
This is a sentiment that I did not think anyone shared with me. I hate coffee but it’s a billion times better than potlucks. Awkward conversation and shitty disgusting food…i’ll pass.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Analysis: The Rays should stop striking out with runners in scoring position.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
7 left on base through three for the Rays against the Brewers.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Rays also need to stop making outs on the basepaths. This is embarrassing.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rays lose (Brewers win by default).
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
This is like 2007. If you’d told me in August or September of 2015 that in just two years the Cubs would have to fight and claw to get to the high 80s in wins, I’d have laughed. The worst part is that this team really has declined in talent that much.
dmick89Quote Reply
The TV crew is informing us that Jackson’s career numbers at Wrigley are bad. Well, yeah.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Now a reporter is asking if we remember Murphy in the 2015 playoffs. I think I have a vague recollection…
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
He’ll throw 7 shutout innings today.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
False.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs somehow scored before they had even finished the sixth inning.
dmick89Quote Reply
Lackey will need at least 15 runs of support.
dmick89Quote Reply
Nice throw by Harper. I don’t think I can blame Willson there.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Avila!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
EDWIN JACKSON!
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Jesus, Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jay got screwed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Stop pitching around Difo. Harper is on deck.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Of course. He walked Difo to bring up Harper. Brilliant.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh. Jay has no power whatsoever.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Willson!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Strop!
BerseliusQuote Reply
Remember back when we were all worried about Strop?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
No-out four-pitch walks in the late innings with a multi-run lead are the worst.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
THROW STRIKES.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Another day, another botched DP.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
You, too, Wade.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Maybe they should have traded Davis, after all.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zach Davies is one-hitting the Rays because of course he is.
PerkinsQuote Reply
The Rays just left the bases loaded because of course.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Brewers have decided on the strategy to not allow any runs. It should be an effective strategy.
dmick89Quote Reply
To day’s base ball squadron:
Jay
Bryant
Rizzo
Contreras
Schwarber
Happ
Heyward
Baez
Lester
I get that his bat is scorching hot, but it would probably be a good idea to get Contreras an actual day of rest sometime.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Didn’t he have a day off right before this homestand?
dmick89Quote Reply
Damn it, Kris, stop hurting yourself.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
They actually turned a double play this time!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Baez!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Just watching on gameday here, but seemed like a good PA for Javy.
berseliusQuote Reply
dmick89,
I think so; Caratini caught the Sunday game last week, so that would have been two days off with the Monday off day. I’m thinking more about the cumulative effect of his catching about 6 days a week for most of the season.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Blech.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Disagree.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Shut me right up. (dying laughing)
PerkinsQuote Reply
Pretty sharp outing from Lester today.
/knocks on wood
berseliusQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
JD pronounced wOBA wobba.
I say woe-ba
SKQuote Reply
SK,
I say WHOOOOOOOOOAHHH-bah
berseliusQuote Reply
Willson again!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
I don’t know. Willson looks pretty tired right now.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
This is the worst thing you’ve every said. (dying laughing)
PerkinsQuote Reply
War Bear!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
All these trips around the bases must be taking a toll on Willson’s knees.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
JD dragging Dusty for his treatment of the rookie
SKQuote Reply
This Willson guy. Is he any good?
dmick89Quote Reply
I love Murphy’s defense.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Live shot of Willson Contreras
berseliusQuote Reply
They must have seen the video from Lester’s last game to bring in the lefty here rather than wait for Jay (dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
Ugh. That sucked. And they probably shouldn’t be bunting with one out anyway.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Really wishing Lester had been pinch-hit for there.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I don’t really mind it in this case, I think it only looks bad post-TOOTBLAN
berseliusQuote Reply
What the hell was that?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
berselius,
I didn’t like it at the time, either.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bullpen, please.
dmick89Quote Reply
For someone who is supposedly a good manager, Joe sure does a lot of dumb shit.
dmick89Quote Reply
What a frustrating inning.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I guess one plate appearance and six or so batters faced is better than never.
dmick89Quote Reply
This is going to end well.
dmick89Quote Reply
This is so frustrating.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus. This bullpen fucking sucks.
dmick89Quote Reply
I don’t like CJ with no room for error.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That one is partly on Maddon.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing) wow
dmick89Quote Reply
FFS
SKQuote Reply
I’m done.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
😐 😐 😐 😐 😐 😐
berseliusQuote Reply
OMG
SKQuote Reply
I’d say it’s time to stop using Edwards in high leverage situations.
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs trying to bring some of that first inning magic into the eighth.
berseliusQuote Reply
In all honesty the Cubs should be happy they got a year and a half of decent production from Edwards. That was a year and a half more than anyone expected. It’s just too bad Joe has no idea how or when to use a bullpen.
dmick89Quote Reply
At least the Cubs have cool and fun biker jackets to wear on their west coast road trip. That worth at least a handful of wins.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
don’t they usually go 0-for the west coast? (regular season anyway)
SKQuote Reply
SK,
Was that the year before last year that they did that?
dmick89Quote Reply
Something about that little dribbler by Harper had “this is where the wheels come off” written all over it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Willson hit 21 home runs last year between AAA and MLB in 523 PA (240 in AAA, 283 at the MLB level). He’s hit 21 already this year in 365 PA.
dmick89Quote Reply
bump
uncle daveQuote Reply
It might be time to consider if Willson Contreras is the best player on the team, now. I still think it’s clearly Bryant, but I’m willing to listen to arguments to the contrary.
mylesQuote Reply
Contreras is a career 126 wRC+ with very good defense at a premium defensive position.
Bryant is a career 140 wRC+ with pretty good defense at a middle defensive position.
(Rizzo is a career 131 wRC+ with elite defense at the worse defensive position.)
mylesQuote Reply
uncle dave,
His role should be pitching in games the Iowa Cubs are getting blown out.
dmick89Quote Reply
myles,
If Contreras walked more he could be a great hitter. It would probably help him to have someone who can hit hitting behind him. Since zobrist sucks, I wouldn’t mind willson leading off.
On another note, I miss Kris Bryant’s power. It’s been gone for awhile now.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I think the hand injury is sapping Bryant’s power. If the race weren’t as close as it is, I think he would have done a DL stint rather than playing through it.
PerkinsQuote Reply
RIP Don Baylor
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
is there a reason that no one is really talking about jen ho tseng? great in 2014 then sucked the past two years but fantastic again in 2017. obviously a small sample size but at this point i’ll take what i can get from a completely barren farm system.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Found out his middle name was “Smoak-Inmeerors.”
MylesQuote Reply
new shite: http://obstructedview.net/cubs-4-nats-9/
JonKneeVQuote Reply