OSS: Cubs win a road series for the first time since April
Three up:
- Anthony Rizzo continues to thrive in the leadoff spot, launching yet another home run. He had three hits total and scored three runs.
- He was knocked in by Willson Contreras in his other non-HR runs, who was the spark that got the Cubs moving today.
- Lackey had what felt like his first non-awful start in a month, allowing one run and five baserunners in six innings. Lackey had given up four or more runs in four of his last six starts. He did continue his streak of coughing up a home run in each of his starts. Strangely enough the last time he kept the opposing team in the park was at Coors Field.
Three down:
- The Cubs most negative play of the game was in the only stretch I caught before my flight, an Albert Almora strikeout in the third where the Cubs looked about to really break things open. Taillon had opened the inning with two singles, a walk, and a double and Almora had runners on second and third with one out. I'm a little confused by the WPA calculation here – Heyward lined out to the second baseman with no outs on the previous play and it was a -.028 WPA to Almora's -.044.
- Those two plays (along with La Stella's groundout to end the inning) were among the Cubs lowest WPA plays, along with a cryptic "Javier Baez forced out" in the second. It's not listed as a CS in the mlb.com pbp either, which seems strange.
- This one is leftover from last night's game, where the Fox announcers mentioned that Joe had given Russell 'a few days off' earlier in the month to help him out of his slump without mentioning anything happening off the field. Great work, fellas š
Next up: The Cubs return home to face the Padres, who swept them in SD a few weeks back. Hopefully the Cubs can return the favor.
Comments
Javy got thrown out on a relatively close play trying to advance on a wild pitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
Ah, that makes sense.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to login,
When I watched the replay a couple times it wasn’t even a play you could get too mad about. An extra bounce or a worse throw or a better slide and he’s easily safe. Alas.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The chances of scoring go down a lot more after you make the second out.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I think I’m mixing up run expectancy with wpa here.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
I think there was a Badger running back one time where the Broadcast team noted that coaching staff decided the RB should stay home and not travel to road games to help with his maturity and development. They failed to mention that it was also due in part because the RB was on probation and wasn’t legally allowed to leave the state.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Who was that, Randle El?
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to login,
I think it was Lance Smith.
EdwinQuote Reply
The Badgers were pretty clear with Smith. You beat your GF, you only get to play in Home games, not road games.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
You gotta stand by your principles.
joshQuote Reply
Edwin,
seems tough but fair.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
josh,
Surprisingly that strong discipline wasn’t strong enough, and he ended up being dismissed from the team.
EdwinQuote Reply
Gleyber Torres – > Tommy John
That sucks.
MylesQuote Reply
Gleyber Torres ——> Tommy John surgery
PerkinsQuote Reply
Gleybar Torres —> Thomas John Surgery.
EdwinQuote Reply
Gleyber Torres ——> TJS
dmick89Quote Reply
Jimenez plus for Archer ā yea or nay?
ceruleanQuote Reply
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Nay. I’d probably have pulled off that trade in the offseason, but I don’t feel like giving up anything so this team can maybe win 90 games if everything goes well. I’d be perfectly fine if they didn’t make any trades and if they do, I’d rather they sell some pieces.
dmick89Quote Reply
Trade Baez for Torres
Wenningtons Gorilla CockQuote Reply
cerulean,
Archer’s performance is great, I just worry about longevity. He really only throws 4-seam fastballs and sliders about 45%-50% each, and then sometimes mixes in a change. I thought both throwing a breaking ball that often and relying on just two pitches that much of the time was an increased injury risk.
EdwinQuote Reply
did anyone hear if gleybar torres is getting TJS or not?
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
i think this FO is light years better than past FOs in terms of doing what’s best for the team and not necessarily giving a fuck if the short-term public opinion will be negative. that said, i have a hard time seeing them being sellers at the break. i agree with you that it might be the most prudent move, but i just don’t see them throwing up a white flag on 2017.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
How does a shortstop tear a UCL in his left elbow?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It wouldn’t be a rental though–he’s got 4 years left on his contract & they’ll need pitching after this season. As far as selling off major leaguers, I think that would mean selling low on anyone who wasn’t Bryzzo, who obviously isn’t going anywhere.
URKQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
Rizzo
Happ
Bryant
Contreras
Schwarber
Baez
Almora
Lester
Jay
berseliusQuote Reply
Arrieta and Lackey are the two that I’m thinking of. If I was the Cubs, I’d trade both at the deadline for whatever they can get.
I do too.
dmick89Quote Reply
I don’t know, but I’m not sure why they didn’t just wait until the end of the season to operate.
dmick89Quote Reply
Thatās a dumb question. Itās obvious that shortstops tend to tear ligaments sliding into home. Itās why infielders are always righthanded because the left is always more exposed at plays at the plate. Duh.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rizzappryantrerberbaā¦ahh, fuck it!
I canāt make heads or tails of these lineups any more.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Considering how lost the offense has seemed, having likes of a potential Stanton or Judge to come up sometime next year makes me want to nix any Jimenez trades.
Yeah, the starters havenāt been good, but itās the offense that really worries me.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Crap.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I like it when the Cubs make it easy for me to decide whether or not to watch. That’s the one great thing about the 2017 Cubs.
dmick89Quote Reply
š
ceruleanQuote Reply
In a hole against Clayton āCy Youngā
KershawRichards. Cubs lose, because of course they would lose against the hapless Friars.ceruleanQuote Reply
two for two yaay
uncle daveQuote Reply
Clayton āDPā Richards.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Crap again.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
DUPLICATE COMMENT ALERT!
š
ceruleanQuote Reply
E6. The ghost of Ronny CedeƱo returns.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Joniak needs to watch that George Carlin bit on the difference between baseball and football. Heās too damn clinical.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Almora walks!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Almora has a better walk rate this year than Heyward. #whoKnew
ceruleanQuote Reply
Damn, just missed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Pinch-hitter. Now.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Damn it, Joe.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wow. No pinch hitter. Joe is an idiot when it comes to some things.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
It’ll be worth it for Lester to face one or two more hitters.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That was predictable.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Yeah, letting Lester bat there was a hell of an idea.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Clayton Richardāyour 2017 DoubleMint Gum spokesperson.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Joe is trying to save the arms in the bullpen. They pitched a lot of innings last year.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rizzo!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Anthony Rizzoāyour 2017 TripleMint Gum spokesperson.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Terrible AB by Happ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Dammit Szczur.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Leadimg off the inning with a triple and not scoring. That’s Cub.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Even when the runner is on third, they find a way to hit into a double play.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs pitching is the worst. They would have a one-run lead if the pitcher hadnāt given up two runs.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Why was Schwarber taken out?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
There’s no shame in not being able to beat these mighty Padres.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Because Joe.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rondon sucks.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rondon hits a terrible hitter and walks the pitcher.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
cerulean,
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Is there any point in keeping Rondon at this point?
dmick89Quote Reply
I miss the Rondon who could get people out.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Willson!!!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
WILLSON!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Willie!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Baez! Almora!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Almora!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
That’s some great base running.
dmick89Quote Reply
Screw the closer, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Albie!
(Bertie?)
ceruleanQuote Reply
Not as great as I first thought, but still very good.
dmick89Quote Reply
He looks bad, like tipping pitches bad. He also seems more pear-shaped than he used to be, but I may be misremembering.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rondon is in line to get the win, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I also noticed that. He’s reminding me of when Marmol got fat and bad. The stuff still seems to be there, but his command is just gone.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
He is at the age when hormones tend to change subtly enough to make staying in shape harder and harder.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Just watched the replay of Almoraās double. No RBI for Albert is bullshit. Baez was rounding third.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I get that. I’m 31 and still working on dropping the weight I gained from all the drinking during last year’s postseason. But I recently discovered that I no longer hate salad, so things are looking up.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Like my archaeology professor said, after 25, itās all downhill. I can feel it in my bones.
ceruleanQuote Reply
God damn it , wild Davis showed up today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus Christ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Cubs lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
THROW STRIKES.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Thank you, Wil.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I never doubted him for a second.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Over .500!!!!!!!!!
Amazing!!!!!!!!
ceruleanQuote Reply
The NL West is like the NL Central was in 2015.
dmick89Quote Reply
So Rizzo is gonna have to watch his head the next couple games. Padres are up in arms over that slide. I thought it was a little bit dirty but not egregious.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
I thought it was clean. He didn’t go out of his way to take the catcher out and he didn’t do it when the catcher wasn’t prepared for it. I’m surprised it doesn’t happen more often, but I’m guessing the players don’t completely understand the rule and they don’t want to be called a dirty player.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Looked to me like the Catcher gave Rizzo a lane, so I can see why the Padres would be upset. But it’s certainly not a dirty play by Rizzo.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
I believe that most folks know that Rizzo didn’t intend to injure Hedges, but are disagreeing over the “dirtiness” of the play.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
You can be one or the other, but…
uncle daveQuote Reply
No issue with fat ballplayers, as long as they’re good. In Marmol’s case, the loss of velocity and command on the fastball were a pretty big deal. That may have been partially related to conditioning, though.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
No issue here, either, would be a pretty obvious glass house situation for me. It’s really difficult to be a fat athlete, though. I say that as someone who was a fat athlete, and then wasn’t. It made a big, fat difference. I can’t imagine performing at a professional level period, much less with a bunch of extra pounds to lug around.
I’d not thought about what that would mean for a pitcher, but that position strikes me as the one that requires the most conditioning of any on the diamond since you’re involved in every play.
uncle daveQuote Reply
If someone says on a Tuesday, they’ll schedule something for “next Wednesday”, do they mean the first Wednesday (the next day), or the following Wednesday? Technically the first Wednesday is the next Wednesday.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
I’ve always assumed it means next week, but it can be confusing.
dmick89Quote Reply
i disagree. the first wednesday is “this wednesday” or just “wednesday”. “next wednesday” means next week.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
You are correct.
dmick89Quote Reply
So if someone were to say “The Wednesday after next” they’d actually be talking about the third Wednesday?
EdwinQuote Reply
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
I would just ask the person for the date at that point, but yes, that’s what i would assume.
dmick89Quote Reply
It seems there’s a small chance Rizzo might be disciplined for what MLB has ruled is a bad slide. But that would be against precedent and the Padres aren’t inclined to hit him.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So what MLB really means is that at no point is a baserunner to ever run over a catcher. If I’m a manager, I tell all my catchers to just stand in the base path after the ball has been hit.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I think the goal is to avoid Catcher/runner collisions, yes. The catcher needs to give the runner a lane, and the runner is supposed to take that lane instead of altering their slide path to force a collision. In this case it looked like the Padres catcher gave Rizzo a lane, but Rizzo chose to go for the collision. It’s close, but it seems like a decent call to me.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
dmick89,
MLB didn’t forbid collisions, but there has to be an effort to slide before the collision and for the catcher to give a lane to slide as well. Certain angles do show a clear lane Rizzo could’ve slid toward to avoid a direct collision. And he definitely slid late. I’m OK with this, particularly since he wasn’t fined or suspended.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’d much rather Rizzo slide there just so he can avoid injury to himself, but in my opinion, if the catcher is blocking any part of the plate, and is not in the process of catching the ball (defenseless), the runner should be able to run him over. Technically, as long as a sliver of the plate is available to the runner, it would be considered a lane, which is absurd. The rule, from what I remember, was put in place to protect a defenseless catcher. So I assume it would be ok for the first baseman to catch the throws at first in front of the base as long as he allows a small lane to the baserunners. Right foot on the bag, left foot about 2 inches inside the foul line. That gives the runner a 2 inch lane. All is good. That would obviously result in collisions and I’m pretty sure the 1st baseman would be at fault, as he should be since his body was blocking part of the path to the base.
dmick89Quote Reply
Great news: http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/damon-lindelof-the-watchmen-hbo-1202473414/
dmick89Quote Reply
This Rizzo leading off thing is getting crazy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Crazy.
dmick89Quote Reply
I still think having him lead off is a bad idea (dying laughing).
uncle daveQuote Reply
uncle dave,
It’s probably not ideal, but it really doesn’t matter much, and he seems to enjoy it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Hell, I’m enjoying it.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Javy and I had an equal chance of hitting that first pitch from Chacin and he couldn’t hold up (and I’m miles away in Topeka).
dmick89Quote Reply
This is why I’m not a huge fan of the bunt defense. They probably shouldn’t do it against a pitcher who can hit a little.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Especially with one out. Move back a bit to encourage the bunt.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Russell!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs should stop hitting into double plays.
dmick89Quote Reply
If I’m bad at pitching, I’m looking at an upcoming start against the Cubs as a much needed vacation from sucking.
dmick89Quote Reply
Wouldn’t it be nice to have Bryant and Rizzo hitting well at the same time?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Can they do that? Seems like a violation of rules.
dmick89Quote Reply
Pirates currently leading the Brewers 7-2.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Javy is not the batter I want to see here.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I kind of expected Montgomery to bat here.
PerkinsQuote Reply
The Cubs have a negative run expectancy with the bases loaded.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Monty didnāt give up a run, which means he might get the win (unlike that slacker Lester).
ceruleanQuote Reply
dmick89,
I seem to remember them doing that in the NLCS and World Series last year.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This feels like a game the Cubs lose.
PerkinsQuote Reply
These double plays are just absurd.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’ve seen enough of Strop tonight.
dmick89Quote Reply
Happ!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Happy
dmick89Quote Reply
Happ could end up with more home runs than Bryant’s RBI total.
dmick89Quote Reply
I am worried about Happās bat not playing at this level.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jesus, Javy.
dmick89Quote Reply
So, Happ now has 7 singles, 7 doubles, 1 triple and 9 home runs.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Closer—–>screwed
PerkinsQuote Reply
Almora!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Sustainable.
dmick89Quote Reply
I don’t think he was tagged, but you can’t overturn it.
dmick89Quote Reply
Ugh. I think he was safe. Bad baserunning in any case.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
I don’t know why other hitters hit so many single. Extra-base hits are obviously better!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That is only the second fly out of the game for either team.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Hey, that’s two series in a row.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Seems like that’s the first time that’s happened since the first two series of the season.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Believe it or not, they won six of the first seven series this season. (They swept no one and were swept once, so it never felt like they were dominating. And they werenāt.)
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Giants are doing an incredible job wasting Buster Poseyās season. There was all that talk about Giantsā even years last year, but no one bothers to mention the odd years.
ceruleanQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron:
Rizzo
Bryant (RF)
Schwarber
Russell
Happ
La Stella (3B)
Contreras
Butler
Almora
PerkinsQuote Reply
Rizzo is more-or-less single-handedly reviving my interest in this team this year.
MylesQuote Reply
Perkins,
I wonder how long until Joe starts drawing names from hats to determine lineup order
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
It wouldn’t be worse than what this offense seems to do on a daily basis. If I’m another team, I just call up three AAA starters prior to the series and give my regular starters some extra rest. I might even consider dipping into AA if there’s a guy down there with an ERA above 5. It would be quite the confidence booster to come up for a start and shut down what’s supposed to be an MLB offense.
dmick89Quote Reply
About a month ago.
ceruleanQuote Reply
This team really needs to work on not hitting into double plays.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Still worried. š
ceruleanQuote Reply
Without Ian Happ this team might already be eliminated.
dmick89Quote Reply
That was probably the best thing that could happen. If Butler finished the inning, Joe would have had him bat before replacing him. (Though I guess Grimm will get an AB now.)
ceruleanQuote Reply
I’m shocked that two runs against horrible pitchers isn’t going to be enough.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rondon? They’re trying to lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
Pathetic
dmick89Quote Reply
Hate hate hate that intentional walk to Aybar.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The main reason I don’t want the Cubs to be buyers is because there’s way too much to fix. The offense is terrible. They need a couple starters and their bullpen could use some work. If the NL Central was worth a shit, they’d be buried already.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Yeah, that was stupid and it didn’t help that Uehara was getting squeezed either.
dmick89Quote Reply
Letting Jay hit against Hand doesn’t make much sense, either.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’d look like an all-star if I got to pitch against the Cubs.
dmick89Quote Reply
there’s no shame in losing to the best, you guys
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
miguel diaz is easily one of the top 300 or 400 pitchers in the league
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
He’s probably a top 500 pitcher in the world.
dmick89Quote Reply
The reason the Padres are already racing toward 30 wins so early in the season is because they might have a top 25 pitching staff. Easily top 30. It’s not surprising the Cubs can’t hit them.
dmick89Quote Reply
Think about how good the Padres’ pitching will be when their rotation is healthy. Jered Weaver is beginning his rehab assignment tomorrow!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
When their ace Trevor Cahill gets back, they’ll be unstoppable!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
At least the Cubs are still over .500. For now.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
It’s going to be pretty much impossible to come away with more than one win against the mighty Marlins. They’re one of the few teams in the world better than the Padres.
dmick89Quote Reply
Lehigh Valley, Memphis, and Reno are all looking pretty good so i’m not sure i’d say that the padres are top 30 but definitely top 40. they’re really good, is my point.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
War Bear being sent to Iowa, apparently.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Andrew Miller is looking like the best the Cubs could have ever hoped for.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
That was somewhat unexpected.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
These days I watch boxscores more than games, so I have no idea how he was actually looking at the plate, but when I see his numbers I feel like he isn’t doing so bad. His BB% is solid, his K% is high but not unreasonably so, and with his SwStr% being just 10.8% I think there’s reason to expect his K% to drop. His ISO is above .200. Seems like what’s killing him most is his BABIP of .193, but I tend to feel a BABIP that low is mostly luck driven. Maybe there’s more to drill down there, IDK.
EdwinQuote Reply
Nine relievers? Really?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Edwin,
There’s something mental going on. He’s taking pitches early in the count right down the middle and expanding the zone after he has a strike on him. He’s not even attempting to go the other way on pitches outside. He’s such a slow runner than anything in play pulled to the right side that isn’t a line drive or home run is an out. For awhile he wasn’t protecting with two strikes and it now appears he’s trying to shorten his swing to protect, but it’s had a negative affect on his bat speed and he’s not catching up.
Basically, if you can pitch in any zone beside low, middle-in, you’re going to beat him right now.
He’s still commanding some respect at the plate, hence the difference between BA and OBP. But any pitcher than can execute location is going to win.
JonKneeVQuote Reply
Edwin,
Yeah, he’s looked better in June. More in the first week or two than of late, but much better than he looked earlier in the season. His BABIP is still pretty low, but I’m not sure how much better that’s going to get since he’s an extreme pull hitter.
PerkinsQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Don’t forget Oregon State.
MylesQuote Reply
They called up a reliever? I don’t even think Joe is trying anymore. I know the bullpen kind of sucks, but they already had too many relievers.
dmick89Quote Reply
I think Schwarber is going to continue to have all kinds of problems. He’s the kind of player who would be hitting .250/.400/.500 about 10 years ago. The shift has killed that potential for him.
dmick89Quote Reply
More relievers will be called up until morale improves.
MylesQuote Reply
I might be getting into Berselius-on-Randy Wells territory, but I just don’t understand his struggles when I watch him. He looks like he knows what he’s doing at the plate. I still think he’s one of the best hitters on the team. At some point, the numbers are the numbers, though.
MylesQuote Reply
Maybe the Cubs can still bring Bryan LaHair back. I think he can kind of play OF.
EdwinQuote Reply
Myles,
I thought he’d lead the team in home runs and part of me thought he might be the team’s best hitter entering the season. I’ve been as big a fan as anyone, but I agree with what JKV said. I also think the shift is a huge problem for him.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
The shift is why I wasn’t a fan of him leading off. Gauranteed chance to shift on him every game, and the highest chance of hitting with bases empty. For a pull-heavy LHH that’s not ideal.
EdwinQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
They’d also have to re-sign his old platoon partner, Jeff Baker.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wonder if Corey Patterson is still playing.
dmick89Quote Reply
Kris got screwed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That’s two pitches that almost hit Rizzo that he swung at.
dmick89Quote Reply
I go off the grid for a few days and Mark Zagunis is starting for the Cubs?!? (dying laughing)
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
(dying laughing) that ball was crushed.
dmick89Quote Reply
Good thing Arrieta hasnāt been giving up solid contact.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Too bad Jake sucks these days.
dmick89Quote Reply
I am not concerned about Schwarber ā
CONTRERAS!!!!!
ā being sent down. Heāll be fine. Hell, he has been fine in June. Rizzo sucked for a stretch when he first came up and then was average for a couple years before becoming really good. Patience, duders.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Happ is hitting singles now?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugggggggghhhhhhh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Russell TOOTBLAN
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
There was nothing he could do to avoid getting out (except not taking a lead off third), but he needed to avoid that tag longer.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bryant!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Russell!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wow. That was hit hard.
dmick89Quote Reply
Yeah, I realized that. But I think letting himself get tagged that quickly makes it a TOOTBLAN.
Though in either case, he sure as hell made up for it with that HR.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Willson!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Perkins,
Technically he wasn’t “thrown” out, though. The “like a nincompoop” part certainly applies, however.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs should probably save some runs for the rest of the series. They only managed 9 runs in the entire series against the mighty Padres.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I saw just enough of this game to see Bryant groundout with the bases loaded and Arrieta give up a homerun that must have broken the sound barrier. Cubs lose 1ā0.
Iām just going to go over here now.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Marlins—–>woodshed
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m surprised they pulled Jake after only 82 pitches.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
He probably could have gotten another at bat.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
He was feeling so good they cut it short.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
John Lackey leads the team in HR, with 20.
Anthony Rizzo is second, with 17.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Arrieta can’t be far behind. Seems like he gives up two per start.
dmick89Quote Reply
Are the Cubs back?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Miguel Montero says yes.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Kris Bryant said they were back one time when they had won 5 of 6 or something and then they went out to SF and SD and looked like a Little League team. Rizzo said they were back after their last hot stretch and then they promptly played like that same Little League team. I wish they’d just stop talking about whether or not they’re back.
dmick89Quote Reply
It’s worth pointing out that their offense sucked ass in that series against San Diego. With the exception of a game here or a game there, their offense has been less than spectacular all season long. They need great pitching to win and they don’t have great pitching.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I agree that it’s unlikely they’re “back.” I honestly find it more amusing than anything that Montero weighed in as he did. I’ll believe they’re back when they rattle off a 6-10 game winning streak without following it with a similar duration losing streak. Maybe.
PerkinsQuote Reply
This offense sucks.
dmick89Quote Reply
I don’t know why Montero even risked a throw there. The odds of his throwing out Gordon are close to zero.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Nope
ceruleanQuote Reply
Lackey wasn’t even bad tonight.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
He was surprisingly good. The offense was too. They almost scored a run.
dmick89Quote Reply
#weareback
EdwinQuote Reply
Prediction: the Cubs finish in 3rd place behind the Cardinals (83 wins) and the Brewers (80 wins). The Cubs win 76 games, one better than the Pirates and the Cardinals go on to win the World Series.
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs lose
dmick89Quote Reply
Of course Bryant strikes out against a lefty who never strikes anyone out.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
And so does Russell.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Can we go back to using pre-2015 baseballs? These home run derbies are tiresome.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
If they reduce home runs, this team will score 3 runs per month.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
But the starting pitchers will all compete for the ERA title!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Maybe the Cubs need to send the runner every time there’s a man on first and less than 2 out. The last few days have begun absurd.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
That would mean a runner in scoring position if safe and that’s bad news for this offense. Best to keep the runner at first so the Cubs have a chance of scoring.
dmick89Quote Reply
The Cubs scored at least three more runs today than I thought they would. I’m sure Lester will give up another three run homer this inning.
dmick89Quote Reply
Happ!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So how did Russell not score from 2nd on a double?
dmick89Quote Reply
I hate Javy’s approach here.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Shut me right up.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
It wasn’t a double. He advanced to second on the throw. The scorer changed it (correctly).
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Ok. That makes sense.
dmick89Quote Reply
Not good baserunning by Gordon.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Terrible base running, but he was safe.
dmick89Quote Reply
I vote Wade Davis for the 3-inning save.
dmick89Quote Reply
I actually vote Wade Davis pitches all relief innings in which the Cubs are tied or have a lead.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
That’s pretty much what Maddon did with Chapman in the postseason.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
#WeAreBackEveryOtherDay
ceruleanQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
If the everyone in the rotation throws consecutive no-hitters, the Cubs may have a shot at a real winning streak.
#WeAreBetterThan500ButOnlyJust
ceruleanQuote Reply
#WeAreStillBetterThanTheRoyals
dmick89Quote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron:
Rizzo
Bryant (RF)
Happ (CF)
Russell
Montero
La Stella (3B)
Baez
Montgomery
Jay
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Lefty loaded and gives Willson a breather. Now watch Volquez spin a no-hitter.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
There may or may not be a new podcast posted tonight, pending me figuring out what flavor of recording issues reared their ugly head.
berseliusQuote Reply
Terrible throw by Happ.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Monty is bunting with two on and one out? Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Vintage Maddon.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo said a dirty word.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
For the record, Montgomery has hit better than two out of three balls on the ground in hos limited career. So a sac bunt can eliminate the high probability of a DP.
Question: Do bunts count in batted ball stats?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Terrible throw by La Stella.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I know it’s a short bench, but I hate Montgomery leading off here.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I would assume they would be counted in ground balls and infield popups. Hard to believe any bunt would be classified as a line drive.
dmick89Quote Reply
What the hell was that?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Sigh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
8 hits + 6 walks = 10 runs for the 2016 Cubs. It’s worth 2 this year.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Yeah, line drive bunt seems unlikely, but I donāt feel like any bunts should be considered ābatted ballsā because there is no swinging.
Thatās an assumption I seem to have had implicitly. Sort of like how I thought for years that ROE was included in OBA. (Which, it should be. Also, GIDPs should count against OBA.)
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I’m ok if they exclude bunted balls from the batted ball data we usually care about. I don’t have much of an opinion either way. It could go either way.
dmick89Quote Reply
Meaty
Ochre
Tea
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
In what’s possibly the worst division in baseball. they’re lucky to even be as good as they have been.
dmick89Quote Reply
berselius,
Bwargh, weird gaps in the recording again. I think it’s because my laptop wasn’t plugged in? This is some weird shit.
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
What software are you using to record?
dmick89Quote Reply
You guys are as good at making podcasts as the Cubs are at baseball.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Audacity. Maybe I need to just update it or something. This happened when we tried to do one a month ago, but it was fine for the last one with Myles.
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
It’s strange – it would start skipping 2-3 seconds or so of recording every 20-30 seconds. What I saw when I googled around suggested it was a virtual memory thing, and my hard drive was pretty capped out at the time.
berseliusQuote Reply
http://obstructedview.net/series-preview-chicago-cubs-38-37-at-washington-nationals-45-30/
berseliusQuote Reply