OSS: Cubs sweep the Cardinals to six back.
Three up
- Jason Heyward had a big day at the plate, going 3-4 and posting a .316 WPA, by far the most on the team. The biggest hit was a go-ahead, two out single in the seventh inning what proved to be the decider (not in a presidential sense).
- Jose Quintana had a solid start going, striking out eight and allowing just a handful of hits through five plus innings. Then I was stupid enough to comment on how solid the start was and Dexter Fowler hit a three run bomb. Still, until then he looked pretty good. Pretty useful with the bat handling skills at the plate too, which is not something you expect from a guy coming over from the AL. My emotions will take 5.2 solid innings followed by a three homer over a first inning three run homer followed by 5+ solid innings.
- War Bear hit a opposite field homer, and his season line is now .217/.314/.457, good for a 100 wRC+. Not quite what we were expecting going into the season, but much better than we might have expected two months ago.
Three down
- See Fowler home run above. Or don't. I can't tell you what to do.
- Wade Davis had a kind of shaky ninth, pitching his third night in a row. I guess Joe now knows he can hold a six run lead across an inning break.
- The Brewers won, but at least that gives us an excuse to use this a while longer.
Next up: The Cubs have a day off, then travel to Tampa for a two game series. Jon Lester takes on Chris Archer at 6:10 PM CT on Tuesday.
Comments
The 2016 World Series Champions: 7
The Left Out and Late to the Party: 0
I am so happy it wasn’t 9–0. Dex just missed off Davis to end the game—a little too far toward the end of the bat.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I’d really like to see the Cubs extend this lead to five or more games by the time the Cubs and Brewers play this weekend.
dmick89Quote Reply
https://twitter.com/mflynn3/status/908881800608481282
https://twitter.com/mflynn3/status/909573359704461312
RynoQuote Reply
The Indiand 3rd order winning percentage is .674. That’s a record of 101-49. The Yankees are at .642, barely behind the Dodgers (.650). The Cubs are at .579.
dmick89Quote Reply
Ryno,
(dying laughing)
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Adrian Gonzalez has been worth -1.1 oWAR
JonKneeVQuote Reply
Jorge Soler was worth -1.4 WAR in 93 ABs (dying laughing). Holy shit.
JonKneeVQuote Reply
JonKneeV,
How can you even be that bad? I could see if you’re a starter and post an FIP or ERA above 8 or 10 over 40 or 50 innings. I don’t think it would even be possible to be allowed to pitch that long.
dmick89Quote Reply
JonKneeV,
yeah i’m officially done second-guessing theo & co.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
To be honest, I thought before the season started that Soler’s trade value had tanked and was thrilled that they were able to swap him for a useful player. I didn’t think he’d be this bad, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Yeah, I didn’t think he’d be any good. He’s either a poor hitting right fielder with terrible defense or a bad DH. I was surprised when the Cubs got Davis for him. I thought he’d be packaged in some deal with top prospects for a cost-controlled starter.
dmick89Quote Reply
Soler did hit really well in AAA in over half a season, but I suspect he’s one of them AAAA players.
dmick89Quote Reply
hey there was that time in the minors where he was screaming profanities at the opposing bench while brandishing a baseball bat. that’s gotta be worth something.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
It would be nice if the Pirates remembered how to play baseball this week.
dmick89Quote Reply
Adam Wainwright—–>bullpen
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
That will make all the difference.
dmick89Quote Reply
With Wainwright in the bullpen the Cardinals will now go undefeated the rest of the way and win the division. They’ve also become the favorites to win it all.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I took it more as a tacit acknowledgement that their season is done.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Lynn seemed to think they still had a shot, but I suppose players have to think that until they’re eliminated.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
True, though I have to think the mood in their clubhouse is pretty subdued. As I’m sure it will be in the Brewers’ if they lose more than once this weekend.
For both of those teams, it has to be pretty crushing to get this close when going into the season the Cubs were more or less expected to put away the division by August.
And yes, standard caveats apply, but I’m feeling cautiously optimistic with the Cubs’ magic number at 10 with two weeks left in the season.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
I feel pretty good about the lead, but if the Cubs shit the bed against the Brewers again, the Cubs will probably have to hope for some help from the Cardinals at the end of the year.
I’d feel a lot better if the Cubs can go into Milwaukee leading by five (in the loss column) or more. If the Pirates win tonight that will be five and I’ll be happy. Hopefully Lester can start to pitch well starting tomorrow night.
dmick89Quote Reply
On the other hand, the Brewers (and the Cardinals) have to be feeling a lot better about the future than they did entering this season. I’m still not entirely sold on the Brewers. The Cardinals always seem to find ways to be at least decent and usually better than that even at their worst.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I think Maddon shuffled the rotation so it’s Montgomery tomorrow and Lester Wednesday.
I think the Brewers are likely to regress a bit, particularly in the rotation, but that’s a hunch…I haven’t really dug into their starters’ peripherals. Losing Nelson to a potentially career ending injury really sucks for them, though.
At the game yesterday, a friend and I were saying that Paul DeJong is such a quintessential Cardinal since he’s basically a nobody who put up 20+ HR. While I agree it’s wise never to count them out, their core looks pretty rough right now.
PerkinsQuote Reply
1-0 Brewers
dmick89Quote Reply
Kinda hoped the Pirates would win with Taillon on the mound, but it’s not looking great.
PerkinsQuote Reply
He’s been doing that with Lester ever since that game last year when the Brewers ran like crazy against him.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
That was July 24, 2016. He’s only faced the Brewers once since then (and not once this year), which is pretty amazing for a division rival.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I honestly find it a bit odd how nobody discusses the fact that Maddon always finds some excuse to shuffle the rotation whenever Lester is due to face the Brewers, but whatever.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wait. Hold on. The Pirates were down by 3 with 2 outs in the ninth. Polanco hit a single, but was tagged out going to second? WTF?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
It seems the Pirates quit on this season awhile ago. The Reds might pass them.
dmick89Quote Reply
Just watched the play and it was even dumber than I thought. It didn’t look like a double off the bat. Polanco was really trying to stretch what would normally be a single. The announcers were completely astonished. If I were his manager, is be beside myself.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
All I can think of is that Polanco wasn’t paying attention to the score and just thought another extra-base hit would look nice on the back of his baseball card.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Polanco has never seemed like the smartest player around.
dmick89Quote Reply
http://awfulannouncing.com/fox/foxsports-com-reportedly-lost-88-audience-pivoting-video.html
http://www.threepanelsoul.com/comic/know-your-audience
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
(dying laughing) I didn’t even know they did that. He asked when the last time I visited foxsports.com was. Probably a couple years ago or even longer. What are Rosenthal and Morosi doing? They’re not still there, are they?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Rosenthal still does TV stuff for Fox and is still the boss of breaking trades on twitter, but all of his writing is at The Athletic now.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
berselius,
I mean, no shit, right? I got a job. I can’t watch video, I have to read. And I sure as hell ain’t doin’ that off the clock…
uncle daveQuote Reply
I went to fox sports a couple times a week before the pivot to video, and haven’t visited since. I am the 88%.
MylesQuote Reply
With Twitter and MLBTR I just haven’t found a reason to visit most sports sites for a long time. About the only sports sites I visit regularly are this one (is this even a sports site anymore?) and the MLB At Bat app. I guess I’ll go to a player’s page on Fangraphs, but I usually do that without actually visiting the site in my browser (same thing with Baseball Reference).
dmick89Quote Reply
i was led to believe that this was a forum for discussing cast iron cookware
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
I’m just here for the Pizza Hut milfs
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
To day’s base ball squadron:
Jay
Zobrist (LF)
Rizzo
Contreras
Schwarber (DH)
Happ
Heyward
Russell
Baez (3B)
Curious why no Bryant, but it’s probably one of those times Joe likes to give a regular two days off in a row.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Because he hasn’t had a day off since September 18th.
dmick89Quote Reply
He saw IT yesterday and is still shaken up.
MylesQuote Reply
dmick89,
(dying laughing). Maybe he and his wife hit up Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride too many times yesterday.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Myles,
(dying laughing) I find it crazy that the team’s best player is getting a day off right after a day off when the Cubs are fighting for a playoff spot. I know they lead by 3.5, but the Pirates are rolling over for any team. Little League teams could destroy the Pirates right now so losing tonight puts the Cubs only 2.5 up and they’ve got 9 more on the road.
dmick89Quote Reply
I understand why Joe likes to double up the days off for some of the players, but not at this point. If KB can play, he should be. If he’s injured, the Cubs are fucked.
dmick89Quote Reply
I also think it’s ridiculous that Joe is slotting Montgomery in to face the Brewers rather than Lester when, you know, the Brewers are trying to catch the Cubs. Is Joe just trying to even it up since the Brewers lost Jimmy Nelson? Maybe he should keep Arrieta on the DL the rest of the season to keep it fair.
dmick89Quote Reply
It seems especially ridiculous to give Bryant a day of rest when they’re playing with a DH.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
I think the goal is for Arrieta to take Montgomery’s next turn in the rotation and to pitch Montgomery earlier in the TB series so he could be available in relief over the weekend.
PerkinsQuote Reply
As I’ve already said, Joe’s been avoiding having Lester start against the Brewers ever since that game they stole seven bases against him. I really think it’s as simple as that, since I’ve noticed this several times before.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I hadn’t even thought of the DH. The only intelligent reason to sit Bryant tonight is if he is injured. That’s it. If this is just rest, Joe is an idiot.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Yeah, though the DH is an opportunity to get Schwarber’s bat in the lineup without having him play the field.
Still don’t get giving Bryant the day off, but maybe Joe figures it’s the last chance to do it before the end of the season.
PerkinsQuote Reply
For what it’s worth, Archer has a fairly pronounced platoon split against, but that still doesn’t account for Baez at 3B instead of Bryant.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
It is the last chance, but the Cubs don’t really have games to just kinda give it the best effort.
dmick89Quote Reply
Hey, be fair now. Everyone wants Mr Toad’s Wild Ride.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
When interviewers ask you why you’re interested in a supervisor position, is “I want more money” an answer that’s frowned on?
EdwinQuote Reply
I’m just here to meet chicks.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
It’s usually the most honest answer. The interviewer has to know that. They’ve wanted jobs that pay more.
dmick89Quote Reply
I just think it’s a silly interview question. The thing that most interests me about a company is their ability to give me money in exchange for my services. Preferably lots of money, or at least more money than other companies are willing to give.
EdwinQuote Reply
I’m just here so I don’t get fined.
MylesQuote Reply
Edwin,
If a candidate gave me that answer in an interview, I’d probably laugh and thank him for his honesty. It may make me more likely to recommend him for a job.
But I may be an exception to the rule. I think most managers expect you to play the game.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
I told one potential employer back in college some variation of “I want more money.” I got the job. it was clear when it was asked that my answer was about getting more money. No idea why a restaurant would ask such a dumb question, but they did.
I think as long as you don’t say something like “Them bitches at my current job ain’t paying me enough money” you’re probably fine to say you want more money.
dmick89Quote Reply
Yes! Glad someone picked up the reference.
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89,
http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=3454
PerkinsQuote Reply
So Arrieta is going to start on Thursday in Milwaukee.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
(dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
Ugh. Not a good start.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I think I’ll check back in on the game later. I’m just going to get pissed watching tonight. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Jay doesn’t have much of a throwing arm.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Contreras!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Willson does, though! Also, #JavyTag.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
War Bear!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Schwarber!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I keep skimming past this and wondering what the Cubs tech support might have done to him.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Also War Bear, !, etc.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Javy, again, all the feels
MylesQuote Reply
Cubs are doing a pretty good job of working Archer’s pitch count.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Crap.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wish Javy had been going on contact.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Pirates are apparently content to get shutout all series against the Brewers. I hate the Pirates.
dmick89Quote Reply
How did the Pirates win 9 games against the Cubs?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh, stupid Reds pitching.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
#coomerinning
uncle daveQuote Reply
Javy!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I think Maddon is a genius for starting Baez over Bryant today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I wish Zobrist would stop stranding Javy at third.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Maybe Javy should steal home next time.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Monty doing a thing
/no jinx
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Do the damn thing
MylesQuote Reply
You could only keep future HOFer Brad Fucking Miller down for so long.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Lo(dying laughing)ol
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Clearly I was referring to him chasing that Les Lancaster record that Len mentioned.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Nice start by Monty.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Happ may have been safe, but, damn, that’s close.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Pirates are terrible.
dmick89Quote Reply
re: the “i want more money” thing, this is 100% acceptable in my industry (and in fact you are probably dinged if you don’t work the money angle into at least part of your response to “why do you want this job”) but i guess i work in a pretty financially-driven industry. i would be pretty surprised, though, if someone in any for-profit industry legitimately scoffed at this answer. well, that’;s not quite true…i’m sure there are a ton of people that would scoff at this answer, but i wouldn’t want to work for any of them, so that answer might be a good litmus test.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Didn’t look like Happ was running hard out of the box. The Cubs seem to do that a lot and then look stupid doing it.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
How did their offense get so bad so fast?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
It’s definitely one of the reasons that I am glad that I am no longer in academia.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Goddamn, Kiermaier
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Reds took the lead; Pirates squandered runners at the corners with no outs.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Thought that was gone.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Me too
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Perkins,
The Pirates started winter break early this year. The last couple times I’ve watched part of their game they don’t even look like they give a shit.
dmick89Quote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
Hell of a play.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Wait, now I have to revise my mental picture of you holed up in a research facility surrounded by centrifuges for some vague reason
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
I mean, it’s still sort of true. Just now my employer doesn’t treat paying me as some sort of inconvenience.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
The Pirates might only lead the Reds by half a game after tonight’s games.
dmick89Quote Reply
Nice defense by Happ.
PerkinsQuote Reply
The Brewers bullpen is very good.
dmick89Quote Reply
There’s bonus resonance on this point since I am at UT for a conference this week (dying laughing). I brought in a quarter million dollars to this place and they were too cheap to pay for shit like baggage fees.
berseliusQuote Reply
Browsing the BFIB Twitter account, I’m truly astonished by the amount of Cardinals fans who think Dexter Fowler is some kind of sleeper agent helping the Cubs beat the Cardinals.
It’s not quite 9/11-truther stupid, but it’s close.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Yeah Willson.
berseliusQuote Reply
I wonder how many athletes do what Kevin Durant was caught doing on social media. He’s not the only one.
dmick89Quote Reply
Perkins,
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
He’s no Ryan Theriot.
berseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing) at Len’s Roe v Wade joke
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
Holy shit, I thought Theriot played in StL for like three seasons.
berseliusQuote Reply
butts –> held
uncle daveQuote Reply
More accurate.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Fowler isn’t very good at being a sleeper agent then.
dmick89Quote Reply
How do hitters not notice the high crouch?
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I hear Arrieta may be back Thursday.
#CubsMayBeBackThursday
ceruleanQuote Reply
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
Got to love the age of expensive film. That looks like a tabloid shot meant to portray him in the most unflattering light.
ceruleanQuote Reply
why were there so many shitty cubs catchers that wore 9? i just checked and it’s berryhill, servais, todd hundley (and randy but he was good), gabor p. bako, and henry blanco. that’s an impressive(ly terrible) list.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
I think I just felt the wind from those Polanco whiffs all the way out here
berseliusQuote Reply
Just think of all the centrifuges that buys!
MylesQuote Reply
http://obstructedview.net/cubs-2-rays-1/
berseliusQuote Reply