OSS: All the double plays!
Three up:
- The Cubs defense turned seven double plays in this one, which tied a MLB record, including one to end the game. Six were on the ground, and the Cubs also got a lineout DP to end the eighth. They have an okay defense this year, I guess. It must have been stupid frustrating for the Pirates.
- Cole Hamels had another great start, giving the Cubs seven shutout innings (and inducing five DPs). He allowed five hits and two walks, though only struck out 3 this time around. His updated line as a Cub is 4 GS, 25 IP, 16 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 23 SO, good for an ERA of 0.72.
- Kyle Schwarber was the one providing all of the offense today, hitting a solo shot to RF that would be all the Cubs needed.
Three down:
- It would have been a two-run shot if Rizzo weren’t doubled off of first on a Baez liner one batter before War Bear’s HR.
- The Cubs were adventurous on the basepaths today and that wasn’t the only TOOTBLAN. Happ was thrown out trying to steal third base in the eighth inning.
- The Pirates gave the Cubs plenty of opportunities to score, adding three fielding errors on top of the Cubs six hits and three walks but they could never really get things going. Something tells me they will need more than one run to win on Saturday.
Next up: Tyler Chatwood fills in for Monty. He will face Joe Musgrove at 6:05 PM CT. Something tells me this will not be the third straight 1-0 game, though I would not be surprised to see a line like 4 IP, 1 R, 7 BB, 5 K for Chatwood.
Comments
Don’t think Chat gets away with 1R tomorrow if the Pirates draw 7BB. Something tells me they won’t need a hitters’ meeting to be ready to go.
BVSQuote Reply
https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/kyle-schwarber-is-who-we-thought-he-was/
PerkinsQuote Reply
Hopefully the Cubs saved all of their runs scored in the series for this one. Their offense has to be better than it’s been the last two days.
dmick89Quote Reply
I think it would be funny if the Cubs scored all their runs in this series on four solo homers and still swept.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Who was the pitcher who threw a no hitter with the Dbacks while walking 8 batters? Was it Edwin Jackson? I think that’s about the only way Chatwood manages to get out of the game without a run scoring and even then it’s unlikely he’d hold them scoreless.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I think AJ Burnett had one of those with the Marlins too.
berseliusQuote Reply
149 pitches for Edwin Jackson in that no hitter. I knew it was in the 140s, but that’s crazy and it’s not like it was three decades ago. It happened in 2010.
dmick89Quote Reply
berselius,
9 walks, 7 strikeouts and somehow only 129 pitches. That was back in 2001. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN200105120.shtml
dmick89Quote Reply
Greg Maddux threw 167 pitches on May 17, 1988. That explains why he was so injury-prone later on.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Only 25 starts in 1994 and 28 the next year. He must have been injured because nothing else could explain that.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Ten-pitch 2-1-3 inning for Chatwood. Obviously, he’ll pitch a Maddux.
ceruleanQuote Reply
A’s are tied with the Astros (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rizzo is very, very slow.
dmick89Quote Reply
That must have been a long Maddux game, it might have even gone two hours.
berseliusQuote Reply
cerulean,
And no Cy Young awards after those years.
dmick89Quote Reply
berselius,
2:41 and it was an 11-inning game. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m not convinced Caratini would be worse than Chatwood.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’d just let Chatwood throw until he hurts himself. No point wasting the bullpen.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Chatwood looking… normal 😐
ceruleanQuote Reply
The only pitcher in this game on pace for a Maddux is not named Chatwood. I could not have predicted that.
ceruleanQuote Reply
ZO!!!
ceruleanQuote Reply
He is just so, so terrible.
Myles HandleyQuote Reply
Pretty sure Chatwood is one of the 12th best starters on the team.
BVSQuote Reply
Zaidman was way too excited about that bunt… I thought Contreras must have gotten into one (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
I think Russells finger injury is worse than they say.
BVSQuote Reply
Marte DPlay please
ceruleanQuote Reply
May be gauche to post during the game, but here goes:
To the tune of Joy to the World.
Joy to the world
Barney’s dead
And we barbecued his head
Don’t worry bout the body
We flushed it down the pody
Around and round it goes,
And around and it goes,
And round and round and round it goes.
…My 6th grader and her friends
BVSQuote Reply
I’m so old, I remember when the Cubs were averaging 5 runs scored per game.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
How many games in a row will the Cubs score only 1 run?
BVSQuote Reply
BVS,
6th grade? Let’s not raise the level of discussion here.
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
She was cracking us up.
And the game was boring me.
BVSQuote Reply
Brewers ——> third place
berseliusQuote Reply
My money is on Baez to get the solo homer in today’s game, probably on a bunt or something.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
First inning, Joe says to Javy, under no circumstances are you to swing. La Stella at 3rd. Everyone knows not to throw a pitch in the zone. 3 straight balls each about 1 ft off plate. Ball four bounces away, Javy walks to first but because Pirates are distracted with LaStella scoring, he continues on to 2nd. Taillon throws wild to 2nd and the race is on…
BVSQuote Reply
Kris Bryant should play for the Cubs.
andcountingQuote Reply
The game is better when
is in it.
BVSQuote Reply
I was hoping the Cubs would score at least 5 runs in the first with Quintana on the mound today.
dmick89Quote Reply
Double steal time.
andcountingQuote Reply
Cubs lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
You have too much faith in Happ
BVSQuote Reply
Damn, Schwarber.
andcountingQuote Reply
There’s the solo homer.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
False
BVSQuote Reply
Quintana got a hit!
PerkinsQuote Reply
BVS,
You’re correct. I have no money.
andcountingQuote Reply
Perkins,
Quintana is better at hitting than Chatwood is at pitching.
dmick89Quote Reply
It would be really nice to get a shutout here, because we know the Cubs won’t score again.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
What’s this? A rundown with only one throw?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
How was that scored a double?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I guess Chatwood is in the rotation the rest of the season. Cardinals win.
dmick89Quote Reply
Ugh
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So I assume Darvish is finally going to have surgery and now miss all of next season. I was hoping they’d sign Darvish over Arrieta, but I was way off on that one.
dmick89Quote Reply
Hell, just let Duane Underwood would probably be better than Chatwood for the rest of the season.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Maybe Darvish felt so good they cut it short.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’m fine with that. Even if he isn’t, you can at least argue it’s part of getting him ready to pitch at this level. Best argument for Chatwood being on an MLB roster is that someone was foolish enough to pay him ten time what he should have been paid.
dmick89Quote Reply
The Cubs are going to score four runs in this series and win 3 games.
andcountingQuote Reply
So I guess working on the back as a way to fix the arm pain isn’t a long-term solution after all.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Sounds like the Cubs need to get Darvish a foot massage.
berseliusQuote Reply
Happ is such a frustrating player.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I get much more frustrated with Baez for swinging at half the shit he does. Imagine Baez with half the plate discipline of Rizzo, Bryant or Schwarber.
dmick89Quote Reply
What a terrible defensive game this has been.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Not a good situation to give up a walk, Q.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Cubs lose.
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89,
I get that, but it’s hard to be disappointed with Báez this year.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
CJ doesn’t seem to have it today.
berseliusQuote Reply
Whew.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Whew
berseliusQuote Reply
Contreras obviously blocked the plate.
dmick89Quote Reply
Welp, I bet this gets overturned because of the Posey Rule.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Whew!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wow. That’s a terrible call that works out well for the Cubs.
dmick89Quote Reply
Runs, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I am tired of single solo honeruns. Score something please…
ceruleanQuote Reply
Caratini? Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Victory, please
ceruleanQuote Reply
Maybe Báez can steal third and home.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Never slide feet first, Baez. That’s how injuries happen
ceruleanQuote Reply
Victor the conquered 😐
ceruleanQuote Reply
For all that’s gone wrong with the Cubs, it’s kind of crazy that they’re still the best team in the NL.
I’d really hate to be a Nats fan right now. Have to believe Dave Martinez won’t get another shot at managing, whether or not that’s fair.
PerkinsQuote Reply
A 7 pitch inning? What planet did Cishek come from?
BVSQuote Reply
Jesus Christ. Score a stupid fucking run.
dmick89Quote Reply
36 innings. 4 solo homeruns.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Remember in 16 the Cubs were good at running up the count and tiring out pitching staffs. This team doesn’t do that. Seems like the worst offenders are also the ones regressing most…Contreras, Happ, Russell.
Not sure how much to credit or blame hitting coaches, but while Heyward, Almora and Schwarber have improved some, the guys above have definitely not, despite youth.
Yes, I know I’m being a restless native.
BVSQuote Reply
Bad Strop
dmick89Quote Reply
Jesus take the wheel. 4-9-3
andcountingQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
BVSQuote Reply
Wow.
PerkinsQuote Reply
The Cubs are allowed to hit another solo HR since 9 innings went by.
andcountingQuote Reply
FWIW, he didn’t block him until he had the ball. I’m sure that’s why he was ruled out.
andcountingQuote Reply
Stop striking out.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
andcounting,
That’s what I thought.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Don’t tell us what to do.
Chicago CubsQuote Reply
I wouldn’t mind another solo homer.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Chicago Cubs,
Shut up and score some runs.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I think the Pirates could bring in a position player against the Cubs offense right now. They’re pathetic.
dmick89Quote Reply
The home team should be penalized for that. I’d be okay with that being a mandatory 3 bases rather than 2.
dmick89Quote Reply
Screw you, Maddon.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
What the fuck was that, Willson?
dmick89Quote Reply
This team is fairly stupid.
dmick89Quote Reply
Such stupid fucking bullshit.
andcountingQuote Reply
dmick89,
That wasn’t his fault. Maddon called a squeeze. He had to protect the runner.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I think I’m behind you. I’m talking about him swinging at the 2-0 pitch that was 20 feet above his head.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Ah, yeah, that was dumb.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Stop chasing crap, Almora.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
The fact there have been multiple dumbass things this inning alone is what is so frustrating.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
That’s all he knows how to do at the plate. Swing, swing, swing.
dmick89Quote Reply
A close pitch that Almora didn’t swing at. I’m impressed.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m mostly angry at Maddon right now. That squeeze call couldn’t have been more predictable.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wow
andcountingQuote Reply
What a stupid shitty game for jerks
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
At least this stupid game and series is over.
dmick89Quote Reply
Fixed.
andcountingQuote Reply
Not sure why I thought the cubs had a prayer in this game. They have an off day tomorrow and they have about a 0.0008 % chance of winning before an off day.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
This game, and 2nd flight delay of day are making me very grumpy.
BVSQuote Reply
BVS,
don’t forget about darvish!
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
I’ll be surprised if Darvish makes a start for the Cubs before early in the 2020 season.
dmick89Quote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
dmick89,
Now that Darvish is out for season, I assume
Other options
Underwood
Bass
Farrell
Chavez
DelaRosa
.
.
.
.
.
Caratini
LaStella
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chatwood
I’d probably pick either Chavez or dela Rosa depending on who we play on that turn on the rotation and how that team does vs L or RHP.
BVSQuote Reply
The Hamels trade seemed like a yawner at the time, but it could end up having significant playoff implications.
andcountingQuote Reply
And as frustrating as the offense was this weekend, it was really good to see Q pitch as well as he did today. I’m actually not super discouraged about the outlook overall.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
Yeah, the Cubs probably don’t even reach the playoffs without Hamels. I think they’re almost certainly going to make the playoffs now, but I think it’s a toss up whether or not they win the division. Chatwood sucks and I don’t see them winning the division unless they get Bryant back soon and he’s returned to pre-2018 and Rizzo returns to form.
dmick89Quote Reply
BVS,
I’d be fine with a bullpen game every fifth game.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
A bullpen day would definitely be an improvement on Chatwood. Though it probably requires the other starters to be more reliable.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Chatwood basically is a bullpen day, which I’m fine with.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
True, but Iike the idea of a bullpen day that doesn’t involve Chatwood. That gives a better chance to win.
I feel bad for the guy, though. The talent is there, but he just can’t do anything right.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
I guess Chatwood has no options left for a minor league stint?
BVSQuote Reply
Dude, you aren’t helping. (dying laughing)
Neither is the sea fog in SFO that is the latest delay of our departure.
BVSQuote Reply
Cubs ———> 2019 Little League World Series
Japan is the early favorite.
dmick89Quote Reply
Perkins,
I agree, but I guess I like the short-leash approach. Worst-case scenario, 3-run deficit in the 1st. Best-case, he goes 6. That way, you’re using Chatwood (and probably a ton of bullpen) every 5 days, but there’s always that off chance he figures it out and you get something out of it. Using up a bullpen spot for him is such a waste, he seems even worse in that role.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
I just assumed they’d find a reason to DL him and call up a pitcher who doesn’t walk a fifth of the batters he faces.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m starting to get worried about the orioles’ playoff chances you guys
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
I still have all the confidence in the world in them. Don’t give up.
dmick89Quote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
They’ve still got a decent shot of making the playoffs…in 2028
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Kyle Ryan is an interesting arm in AAA right now. Pretty heavy ground ball rate and pitched fairly well in DET.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
Couldn’t be worse than Chatwood. There’s a very low bar to clear for potential rotation additions for this team.
dmick89Quote Reply
Notable minor league performances
Zack Short: 1/4, HR
Matt Swarmer: 6IP, 2H, 1ER, 9K, 0BB
Justin Steele: 5IP, 3H, 2ER, 7K, 1BB
RynoQuote Reply
dmick89,
My WAR on the season is better than Chatwood’s and I’d be willing to take his rotation spot for way less money. I’d probably sign a 3/$26 million contract right now.
RynoQuote Reply
may i present for your consideration this possible chatwood replacement
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
H. Tee as an impressive BB%, and in fact a better SO/BB ratio than Chatwood. I say give it a try
MylesQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
0 spin rate. Pass.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
In all honesty, I’d just be happy to never have to think of “elite spin rate” again.
dmick89Quote Reply
https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-al-west-now-has-a-race/
I’m getting a perverse amount of enjoyment from seeing the Astros finally having to deal with the World Series hangover after Dallas Keuchel explicitly said “we’re not the Cubs” when asked about it coming into the season. Go A’s.
PerkinsQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
I ran a simulated game against a few Cubs hitters and here are the results:
Happ: takes two strikes and whiffs on the third try.
Báez: sets the tee three feet outside and still lines the ball the other way for a triple.
Schwarber: hits a home run.*
Rizzo: somehow gets hit by a pitch.
La Stella: hits the ball weakly, but reaches on catcher’s interference.
Bote: 115 mph. groundout.
*For the purpose of this simulation, I assume the tee is right-handed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
For the record, that’s much better than my Chatwood simulation, in which he walked everyone except Almora and Báez.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
if I recall correctly, T was with the team in spring training 2016 and still averaged 2 BB per nine innings when Ross/Montero weren’t catching.
andcountingQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I assume the schwarber homer was a solo shot
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
This upcoming poscast with nick offerman could be epic. I’m really hoping it runs like 2.5 hours.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Minor league moment
Thomas Hatch: 6IP, 1H, 1ER, 6K, 1BB
Brailyn Marquez: 6.2IP, 8H, 2ER, 6K, 0BB, 6-1 GO-AO
I think Marquez might be the top pitching prospect in the system.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
Sure it’s not Jen-Ho Tseng?
Myles HandleyQuote Reply
Myles Handley,
Nope. It’s really Dae Eun Rhee.
RynoQuote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
MylesQuote Reply
andcountingQuote Reply
MylesQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
pretty sure you guys are all thinking of gene parmesan
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Daniel Murphy -> Cubs
Andrew Monasterio -> Nationals
I don’t know what to think. Murphy is obviously a good bat, but he’s a homophobe.
MylesQuote Reply
Daniel fucking Murphy.
andcountingQuote Reply
Myles,
Worse than Chapman on and off the field, in my opinion.
andcountingQuote Reply
Myles,
I assume this means Bryant is out for the rest of the season.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Best case is the front office fears he might be.
andcountingQuote Reply
I’ve always rooted for this guy to fail miserably, which kind of sucks that he’s going to be on the Cubs. If I rooted for Chapman, I can root for Murphy to perform well.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Or it means Russell’s injury is worse than he’s let on and they can’t trust him for the stretch run. My bet is Javy plays SS for the first 6-7 innings and then slides over to 2B with Russell mostly used as a defensive replacement. Or that Russell finally gets a DL stint.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m interested to see how loudly he gets booed.
andcountingQuote Reply
Perkins,
That’s a strong possibility too. I think it has to be a more serious injury for Russell or Bryant. I don’t see how this works otherwise. The Cubs have a dozen 2nd basemen.
dmick89Quote Reply
I can’t abide headhunters, so I’m not sure I go that far. There is no excuse at throwing a 100mph at somebody’s head.
MylesQuote Reply
I’m fairly confident that it’s Russell, and not Bryant, that they are worried about.
MylesQuote Reply
Maybe it’s a Russell/Murphy platoon. That’s a pretty good idea actually.
dmick89Quote Reply
Russell has one XBH this month, and 8 in his last two months. His OPS is .544 over that span. He’s either injured, or he sucks.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
If the head being thrown at is homophobic, I’d allow it.
andcountingQuote Reply
On the plus side, if they win the World Series, it’ll be nice to imagine his discomfort as the parade goes through Boys’ Town. I’d hope they’d put out extra Pride flags.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I could be persuaded. Russell probably needs to come in as a defensive replacement pretty quick, though. Murphy is terribad in the field.
MylesQuote Reply
Man, when I heard someone had claimed him off waivers, I just knew it would be the Cubs. I really hate that dude.
andcountingQuote Reply
Any chance the Cubs would rehire Dave Martinez as the bench coach after he gets fired?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
A better chance than that of anyone else hiring him to do anything.
andcountingQuote Reply
This is pretty bad, but it’s not as bad as some bigots. That’s a terrible sentence to even write. That said, Murphy doesn’t even understand that you can’t invest in “them” in any relational aspect if you are going to disagree with their choice in sexual partners. It’s such a ridiculous fucking claim that it pisses me off even looking up the exact quote.
For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t be surprised if Ben Zobrist has similar views since he’s as devout a Christian as Murphy is, but he’s smart enough to not say it. Even worse, Murphy’s views are probably shared by at least half of all MLB players.
dmick89Quote Reply
The local Westboro Baptist Church here in Topeka, known for their hate signs like “God Hates Fags”, actually backed Daniel Murphy during the 2015 World Series. WBC thought Murphy was the only bright spot in that city. Jesus Christ.
dmick89Quote Reply
Billy should become friends with Trump.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m guessing that we see Russel hit the DL and then a Murphy/Russell platoon of sorts when he gets back, with Russell coming in and Baez sliding over for defense late in games sometimes too, and with Murphy being the DH in games in AL parks.
I have all kinds of conflicting emotions about having his dumb ass on the team. I’ve always despised the “I accept all people, but I disagree with the gay lifestyle” kind of bigotry because it’s such a self-righteous way for bigots to let themselves off the hook for being bigots. like, the instant you describe being gay as a “lifestyle” is the instant that you no longer get to pat yourself on the back for how forgiving and accepting you are. Its bullshit hypocrisy. It also pisses me off because who fucking cares what your opinion about who anyone else marries or falls in love with, Mr. straight guy? Its just fucking condescending. And its a standard trope from religious conservatism, which might have done more to fuck up this country in my lifetime than any other single belief system.
Buuuuut, it’s also the kind of position that people can move forward from, fairly easily, especially if they are surrounded by folks who have a similar religious background but aren’t condescending assholes that want to run other people’s lives for them. Because sometimes that “I accept all people” bit means something and isn’t just schtick. Zobrist and Bryant seem (from what I can tell) to be pretty religious but don’t forefront this kind of nonsense at all.
And, Murphy is a valuable piece that brings some stuff that the team really needs right now. Which is why you can see me working extra hard to compartmentalize the stuff that makes it hard to root for him. Basically, if he can keep his mouth shut for a couple of months , or even make some noises about inclusion and tolerance, then I can keep the other stuff in its box. Still, I wouldn’t blame anyone who is gay for wanting to tell the Cubs to go fuck themselves over this and not giving the team any more time or money until he’s gone.
URKQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
Wait, really? That’s fairly incredible.
MylesQuote Reply
https://www.newsweek.com/mets-daniel-murphy-who-spoke-out-against-gay-lifestyle-earns-support-westboro-387295
Man, what trolls.
MylesQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
Myles,
You have no idea. Since the death of Fred Phelps they’ve been a little bit better about their bullshit, but they’re still disgusting. I remember when I moved here 16 years ago and the first time I saw them out picketing was jaw dropping. These signs about “God Hates Fags” and “God Hates the US” (this one may be true if God actually existed since this country blows) and all this other hateful shit blew my mind. Little kids that couldn’t be older than 6 or 8 out holding these signs along with their parents. How is that not child abuse? I’m all for freedom of speech and these fucks have every right to do the sick shit they have done, but I don’t see how forcing a 6 or 8 year old to hold signs like that isn’t child abuse. They’re the assholes who picket the funerals of dead soldiers and basically go to every place that is going to get them media attention. So yeah, if this group is backing you, you’ve got some disgusting views because hate everybody. Except Daniel Murphy.
dmick89Quote Reply
I assume you’ve seen Louis Theroux’s excellent documentary “The Most Hated Family in America” and it’s sequel “The Most Hated Family in America in Crisis,” but if you haven’t, you should.
MylesQuote Reply
“It’s none of my business” is a perfectly ok thing to say. Like, there’s absolutely nothing preventing anyone from saying this. I don’t expect everyone to have identical views on sexuality. It would be great if people of faith in general treated other humans in love and respect, but history has shown us that’s not how it works. I do expect people with a platform to at least have the decency to mind their own goddamn business and leave their peers the fuck alone. He spoke his ignorant mind and emboldened the oppressors of an entire people group. I can’t stand that shit.
Now, I know there are different ways to overcome hate and that more hate/ rage is one of the least effective methods. But looking the other way when people are oppressed, condemned, and marginalized for who they are (as opposed to who they hurt) is even worse. Murphy should apologize, and until he does he deserves every word of criticism he gets.
andcountingQuote Reply
Paul Manafort -> guilty on 8 counts
Paul Manafort -> mistrial on 10 counts
MylesQuote Reply
Michael Cohen -> pleading guilty right now
MylesQuote Reply
Darvish is officially done for the year. It’s almost a relief at this point.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Also,
Not really surprising that he’s a little banged up.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I thought I saw a God Hates Fags sign at the Santa Fe farmers market last weekend, but instead it was someone with a reusable bag that said “GOD HATES BAGS”
/cool story bro
berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Darvish is out for the rest of the season (stress reaction in his elbow, triceps strain).
dmick89Quote Reply
Veronica Mars ——> Hulu limited series
dmick89Quote Reply
This board is like the only place where the 3 things occupying my brain the most for the past couple of hours–Murphy, Cohen, and Manafort–are all getting discussed without me wanting to kill anyone. Thanks y’all.
URKQuote Reply
Honestly, I’m almost as tired of the recent trend of reviving old TV series as I am of franchise movies taking over the cinema.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I guess I don’t care about the tv revivals and definitely not for a series like Veronica Mars, which I loved. The only issue that I have with franchise movies is that it’s such a waste of some of the talent. I’d really like to have seen what RDJ could have done with these last 10 years if he wasn’t wasting it in superhero movies. There are probably at least 50 actors who could competently play Tony Stark. I’m amazed that studios waste that all that money on him when they could go find another guy who wants to play a billionaire superhero. But if RDJ wants to keep cashing those huge checks in favor of challenging roles I guess I don’t have any reason to complain.
dmick89Quote Reply
Live footage of DJT getting the news:
PerkinsQuote Reply
Nice baserunning by Báez.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Poor fielding by Almora.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Terrible defense.
dmick89Quote Reply
The corpse of Victor Martinez gets a hit.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
VMart might be the worst regular player in the MLB.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wouldn’t mind seeing Contreras come to life soon.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
Fortunately, we have a bat-first backup catcher… who’s slugging .294.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
#JavyTag
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Stop making outs, assholes.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I can barely remember back when the Cubs offense scored multiple runs in a single game.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
There may be a few others who could play Stark, but RDJ is pretty damn perfect in that role. Though I’m still Team Cap all the way.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Joe should bat the pitcher leadoff and use relief pitchers for all the positions. The results would be about the same. Plus it’d be entertaining as hell.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Cubs lose.
andcountingQuote Reply
“What an escape job by Hendricks!” Yes, inducing that rocket line drive was a great idea.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Zobrist!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’ve never laughed so much at double plays as I have the last several days.
andcountingQuote Reply
Please score some fucking runs. Thank you.
EDIT: Tony!
North Side PatQuote Reply
There’s our solo homer.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzy!
andcountingQuote Reply
There’s the solo HR.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
To be fair, it was hit at 87 mph.
andcountingQuote Reply
Schhhhhhhhhwarber.
andcountingQuote Reply
Jesus, Willson.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
For the record I have no idea why La Stella is the DH over Happ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I hate this team.
dmick89Quote Reply
I love the Willson pickoff, even if he isn’t hitting.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs offense is making a great case for the necessity of the Murphy trade.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This is ridiculous.
dmick89Quote Reply
How can you go wrong with La Stella as your designated hitter?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This is some fucking bullshit.
andcountingQuote Reply
It’s not frustrating at all that the Cubs have scored 5 runs total in the last 5 games.
At least when asked about 8/21/2018, we’ll remember this date for a very different reason.
JKVQuote Reply
Yeah, I ate a delicious gyro today.
MylesQuote Reply
JKV,
They almost got shutout the game before this streak started.
dmick89Quote Reply
I really hate Ryan Braun.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Stupid Reds.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I really hate Yadier Molina.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Gennett!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Williams!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
SK might remember those days? He’s pretty old…
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
I think he taped over that game with the Jack Benny finale.
andcountingQuote Reply
He’d better be the DH.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I’m sure La Stella or Caratini will be the DH. Only question for tomorrow is who will hit the solo home run.
dmick89Quote Reply
Because you can’t post crooked numbers without baserunners, and Happ is a 3 true outcome player, minus the walks.
BVSQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Agreed. Javy at SS and Zo or Happ at 2nd is a better set up than Murphy at 2b.
Who’s the back up SS when Russell is DL’ed? Bote or Rizzo?
BVSQuote Reply
There was never a finale, on radio or TV, for the same reason he was always 39 years old. He went on forever*.
It would have been a tough choice though. Cubs had good seasons those years, winning 72 games in both.
*(Until he died obvs.)
SKQuote Reply
Minor league moment:
Alex Lange and Blake Whitney had meh starts.
RynoQuote Reply
How about the Cubs pick up Derrick Holland from SF too. Maybe they trade Chatwood for him. (dying laughing)
BVSQuote Reply
A modest proposal…
If the Cubs keep up their one run streak today, can we please return to the periodic OV discussions about seasoning cast iron skillets? I mean, I never cook anything aside from grilled cheese and tuna mac w peas, and I don’t intend to increase my repertoire, but I’m sure I’d be more fulfilled by that discussion.
BVSQuote Reply
BVS,
Happ does walk a lot.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
BVS,
I’d just like all the trades to stop. This Cubs team isn’t all that good and they’re nowhere near as good as about half the teams that will make the playoffs in the AL. This team isn’t worth trying to improve at this point in my opinion.
dmick89Quote Reply
shitty barbecue sauce nostalgia or gtfo
SKQuote Reply
He’s going to be very difficult to cover.
RynoQuote Reply
Yeah, you’re right. 13% walk rate since ASB. Apparently what I was remembering was his .187 BA and .607 OPS. And the avalanche of Ks.
BVSQuote Reply
BVS,
TLS OBP is .372 vs Happ .300. OPS both S**tty, but TLS is .062 higher than Happ.
So conclusion is both are bad choices, no?
BVSQuote Reply
On the Murphy anti-homosexual views outrage (in which I get personal and serious while trying not to sound like a condescending asshole and fail miserably): Outrage culture dictates that once someone expresses the wrong opinions, those opinions will be held forever and carved into their headstone. This is not how minds get changed.
Those Westboro people (and many christians generally) think that the tough love (hate) they give (spew) to fags (people who choose the homosexual lifestyle, whether or not they had much of a choice) really comes from a place of love (not hate) because they are trying to save them from the fires of hell (which don’t exist, though if they do, we are all fucked).
Changing a mind is hard work and painful — speaking as someone whose faith became a cancer (which I had to excise by doing the surgery myself using the mental equivalent of a spoon) I know it is one of the most unpleasant experiences possible — one that many do not survive. I am pretty lucky, actually. (And I mean lucky. If there are universes forking all possibilities of the wave function, there are an infinite number of versions of me that remain blissfully ignorant in fundamentalist christian views, others that committed suicide, still others that manifested all of the evil within me to became a serial [insert the most detestable things possible]. Lucky.)
I like the word mindset to describe the idiosyncratic outlooks of our brains because despite the inherent plasticity, throughout our lives we have created really complex structures that improve the efficiency of processing reality — that are to us reality. Changing those foundational aspects of one’s brain can be flirting with insanity. Not changing them is the road to a cranky old bigot.
So my question to all of you is this — how can we treat those with such retrograde views with enough grace and time to afford them the opportunity to change their minds? I don’t think relegating them to the trash heap of history will do it. That will only make them dig in. Forcing them to change doesn’t seem to be effective. Shame sometimes is, but typically only for younger people. Cultural change mostly helps younger people. I don’t know. If they are still alive and don’t have a degenerative brain disease (rules out Trump), I have to believe there is still hope, though I have no safety net of faith to back it up. It’s probably just a lie a tell myself to make existence less intolerable.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
ceruleanQuote Reply
Also — I find the they had no choice, they were born that way argument to be unconvincing — to the point of invalidating the homosexual lifestyle. Shouldn’t homosexuality be a valid choice for those who could go either way?
ceruleanQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
BVS,
I don’t see why we should limit ourselves to second-half stats.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
dmick89,
Disagree. In the playoffs you don’t need a 5th starter, but you need something better than bullpen day to stave off St. Louis and Milwaukee to get to div championship.
Once you get to playoffs, you dump 5th starter and maybe even 4th starter. This team is more competitive in that format, if we acoid the wildcard crapshoot.
BVSQuote Reply
BVS,
Also we aren’t giving up anything major. Monasterio is an ok C prospect, but his peak is probably something like Brian Bogusevic
BVSQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Because what happens tomorrow is better predicted by what happens today than by what happened 75 days ago.
BVSQuote Reply
False
SKQuote Reply
can we not just ignore them? that’s what i’ve been doing.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
this kid’s got a bright future
brian bogusevicQuote Reply
BVS,
Not nearly as much as most people think, and large samples are better.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
I have no clue. I know what you’re saying here, but I think people like this find validation in their beliefs regardless of how they are treated. Take Westboro as an example. If friends and family block access to the soldier’s funeral, they are validated in their beliefs because they were shut down. If they are allowed access, they’re validated because they were able to more easily spread their hate.
I think groups are obviously different than individuals and should probably be treated differently. I don’t need to wait patiently for WBC to change and I have zero interest in helping them do so. They’re a hate group that should be wiped from existence. As for the individuals in WBC, I don’t know. Some have left and become slightly better human beings though I still think they believe in the same shit. They just don’t believe in flaunting it as the group did. I guess that’s better, but not by much. So I have no idea how to deal with hate groups like WBC.
For someone like Murphy? It sounds like Billy Bean had the perfect response and it worked. They became friends. I don’t know if Murphy has ever apologized and I’m not even sure that it’s that important that he does. His future actions are more important and if he has changed and acts as if he has changed, great. I have no problem with that and I’m actually impressed with both Bean and Murphy if that’s the case. Time will tell.
dmick89Quote Reply
The DH is Zobrist. Which is OK, but I’d rather have him at second than Murphy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Especially when the Cubs can’t even allow a run if they want to win tonight. They need the best defense possible.
dmick89Quote Reply
Per BleacherNation, five Cubs farmhands made BA’s best tools list:
RynoQuote Reply
Indeed, I could have been ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
ceruleanQuote Reply
dmick89,
Well said.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I’m long on Zack Short.
MylesQuote Reply
Russell ———> DL
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
As expected, but who’s the backup SS? Bote? Zobrist?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Yes? Maybe Happ?
andcountingQuote Reply
Caratini?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Pray for Báez’s health.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
don’t tell me wha-
oh shit yeah i will do that right now
brian bogusevicQuote Reply
Bartman’s incident was closer in time to the final episode of Dallas than it is to today.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
(dying laughing) though it depends on whether or not you count this: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1723760/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2
dmick89Quote Reply
SK,
They both seem pretty recent.
andcountingQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Nope. It’s Rizzo, of course. GOAT
BVSQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I think that depends on the goals for the day. Over the long haul, I’d certainly play Happ more than La Stella. But if I’m constructing a lineup to push for a win on a particular day, I definitely look at recent numbers. Slumps happen, and Happ is in a deep one. His 30+% K rate doesn’t help.
I think his ceiling is about where he is at right now. 5th OF. I’m really not sold on Happ’s long term value as a hitter.
BVSQuote Reply
dmick89,
Forgot this one too!
Can’t believe they even dug up Ken Kerchaval and Charlene Tilton for the remake
BVSQuote Reply
BVS,
Didn’t they do a few movies like that?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I think so. Sometimes you can’t let series die. Just like Gilligans Island and thr Brady Bunch. Or Matlock.
BVSQuote Reply
Javy took a ball. Wow.
BVSQuote Reply
The Cubs have warning track power today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This offense is a joke. I’m out for a few days.
dmick89Quote Reply
Sometimes Maddon’s insistence on doing the very not obvious thing gets pretty frustrating, and having Murphy not DH is the epitome.
andcountingQuote Reply
dmick89,
You can’t really blame them for struggling against an ace like Liriano, can you?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89
Don’t lose hope. They still have a shot to not even hit a solo homer.
andcountingQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
What’s this? A home run with a runner on base?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Multiple run homer!!!!!! Bote-ful.
andcountingQuote Reply
BOTE!
North Side PatQuote Reply
Bote McBoatface strikes again
ceruleanQuote Reply
Willson.
andcountingQuote Reply
That was a dumb baserunning move, even by Contreras’ standards.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Murphy!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
2B Cubs!!!!!!
andcountingQuote Reply
It’s an offensive onslaught!
North Side PatQuote Reply
Terrible at-bat by Almora.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Almora got screwed on that call, but it was still a bad at-bat.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This is a good time for Willy to redeem himself.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That counts!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Someone forgot to tell the Cubs they’re only allowed to hit solo HR.
I like it.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Five straight high fastballs by CJ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Why pull Wilson here?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I forgot to pray for Baez’s health. No dinner for me.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Turns out — getting hurt increases his power.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Javy!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Javy!!!
EDIT: And Tony!!!
North Side PatQuote Reply
Is Javy human, or does he just play one on TV?
ceruleanQuote Reply
About time something went well for Rizzo today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Back-to-back!? What is this witchery!?
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Cubs screwed the closer after he came into the game. Impressive.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Maddon brings the DH in for defense because of course he does.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Kenley Jansen just ain’t right right now.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Stupid Dodgers.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Minor league moment:
Keegan Thompson: 6IP, 7H, 2ER, 8K, 1BB
Cole Roederer: 2/5, HR, BB
RynoQuote Reply
Duncan Robinson, Allen Webster –> Iowa
RynoQuote Reply
Allen Webster!!! Holy shit!
MylesQuote Reply
and 2 RsBI!
brian bogusevicQuote Reply
I will never tire of busted old top prospects.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Maybe Webster and Hultzen will take the Brandon Morrow/Andrew Miller path.
RynoQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
Myles,
Maybe Webster will start tomorrow. It’s Chatwood’s “turn” right?
BVSQuote Reply
Ironically, Chatwood went on the DL for an injury that could affect his walking ability.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
BVS,
I’m hearing Alec Mills.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It would be nice if the Cubs started getting some injured players back rather than just adding more to the DL.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Mills is probably as good or better than Chatwood. At the very least he’s much less likely to piss me off for even deciding to watch the game.
dmick89Quote Reply
I hate Billy Hamilton.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Stupid soft contact hits.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It’s insane that Hamels gave up a run on the contact he induced in that inning. The Reds got four extra outs.
andcountingQuote Reply
Rizzo!!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
andcounting,
The Cubs aren’t fielding their best defense today, to put it mildly.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Another weak hit.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I like the 4- pitch follow up much better.
andcountingQuote Reply
Caratini continues to contribute nothing.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Cubs hitters need to learn that pitches in the corner of the zone are strikes.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Do the Reds hitters have a bus to catch?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wow, Báez.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Javy!!!
andcountingQuote Reply
Jesus, he pulverized that ball.
andcountingQuote Reply
481′!!!!!!
Myles HandleyQuote Reply
I haven’t seen a bomb like that since the Schwarbomb.
Myles HandleyQuote Reply
Zobrist!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
ZOMG.
andcountingQuote Reply
Caratini? Is that you?
andcountingQuote Reply
I take it back! An extra-base hit every once in a while would be nice, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Also, what was Happ doing going to third?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Not sure who these imposters are but it’s nice to see the team score some runs. I just feel bad for the real cubs who are obviously hogtied and gagged in someone’s basement somehwere.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
The Hamels trade is working out ok so far.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Not good baserunning, Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to login,
I’ll withhold judgement until we see how Rollie Lacy pans out.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Not good defense by Javy, either. He’s still having a great day, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Complete game! Now I’ve seen everything.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to login,
The complete game heading into a weekend with a double header and an unplanned off day for the whole bullpen? Yeah, I’ll take that shit.
andcountingQuote Reply
http://www.obstructedview.net/cubs-7-reds-1/
berseliusQuote Reply