OSS: Cubs blow an eight run lead, somehow win anyway
Three up:
- Addison Muscle hit a go-ahead homer in the top of the ninth to put the Cubs over the top in this strange game. Russell led the Cubs in WPA on the day, largely due to that shot.
- It was one of five on the day by Cubs hitters, including a meaningless-seeming (at the time) shot by Heyward, a two run bomb by Zobrist, and back-to-back shots by Contreras and Schwarber.
- Wade Davis (and I guess Duensing) did a pretty good job of cleaning up the mess that the rest of the staff left them. They were the lone bright spots on a pretty awful day for the pen.
Three down:
- Woof, the bullpen. they allowed 4-6 runs to score (depending on how you feel about inherited runners) over 3 2/3 innings, and it somehow felt like they should have given up more. Good thing you were well rested, fellas.
- It was not the greatest day for Monty, either, though I guess you can cut him a little slack for wanting to pitch more to contact while pitching with an eight run lead. He gave up two ground rule doubles in the same game, which is one of the weirder stats you'll see.
- Despite the Cubs teeing off on Gausman, Bryant and Baez managed to go 0-9 between them with four strikeouts. Three were Javy's, but you'd expect Bryant to be a guy to really go off on a hitters' night like this was.
Next up: Wade Miley takes on Jake Arrieta in his return to Camden Yards. Miley has been a walk machine this year, so hopefully the Cubs keep their bats on their shoulders more than they did today (2 walks).
Comments
Would enjoy several bat-arounds for game 2. Without the pitching fails.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Joe Ross is on the DL with a forearm strain, which just screams Tommy John. I wonder what Washington would give up for Arrieta.
PerkinsQuote Reply
This team? Not happening. They gotta score 8 early to have a chance.
dmick89Quote Reply
Terrible advice. It would be all too predictable for them to want to work the count. I say jump on the first pitch so the game will be more exciting and end faster.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Miley is only 30? Seems like he’s been around the league for 30 years.
dmick89Quote Reply
Josh Tomlin agrees.
PerkinsQuote Reply
nope, you get both or you get nothing. sorry.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron:
Jay (DH)
Bryant
Rizzo
Contreras
Happ (LF)
Russell
Heyward
Baez
Almora
PerkinsQuote Reply
WTF?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
That’s what I was just going to say. Sometimes Joe is an idiot.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I get not using Schwarber against a LHP, but Jay does seem an odd chpice.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Surely Zobrist is well enough to hit against lefties by now.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Yeah, I’d certainly hope so. He should be a better option against LHP than Jay.
PerkinsQuote Reply
It’s almost like Joe wants to have October free. Maybe he already made plans.
dmick89Quote Reply
Jay appears to be relatively split neutral and seems better against LHP than RHP this year in the requisite SSS so it’s not indefensible. Still a bit weird and one wonders whether Zobrist is still needing to rest that wrist.
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=jayjo02&year=2017&t=b
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
Jay also is split neutral over his career so I guess that factors into it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Willson!
Also not loving this strike zone.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Bad tag by Bryant.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Perkins,
Yeah, Jake is getting squeezed a bit.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jake doesnt have an out pitch any more.
At this point, is there any chance the cubs give him a QO?
mcalis2Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
It looks like the sinker to arm side is giving him the most trouble when he’s getting it on the outside corner to righties. He’s getting pretty good movement on it, so it’s breaking back into the zone late.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Russell!!!
Too bad about that Happ DP.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Walking Javy Baez on four pitches should result in an immediate demotion to AAA.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m getting really tired of watching Miley get low strike calls that Jake hasn’t been getting.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Also, Cubs players should stop grounding into double plays.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
https://mobile.twitter.com/CubsUmp/status/886381164096880641
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Heyward!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Pat and Ron talking up Almora’s defense. When he hits homeruns and 2-out RBIs and steals bases, I also think his defense looks really good.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Five Hundred!
Mediocrity is back, baby!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Brewers win. Blech.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
They’re unbeatable.
dmick89Quote Reply
The Cubs should just get to play the Orioles for the rest of the season.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I liked how a bunch of runs were scored on balls that stayed in the park.
The ones that left the park were cool too.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
2b Zobrist
3b Bryant
1b Rizzo
C Contreras
DH War Bear
Cf Happ
rf Heyward
SS Russell
LF Jay
P Quintana
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Of course it’s a double play.
dmick89Quote Reply
That was a Cubs debut I recently enjoyed.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
I can’t believe Willson didn’t score on that.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
War Bear continues to hit it the other way.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Happ!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing), I think all three of those hit the wall within 5 feet of one another.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Orioles are going to need to call up a couple of relievers after this series.
PerkinsQuote Reply
The A’s traded Doolittle for The Jesus Lizard
GWQuote Reply
I missed this Cubs squadron
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
This is great, but I feel as if they should be scoring even more runs with Ubaldo pitching.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ouch.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Nice one Jay.
ceruleanQuote Reply
LAUNCH MODE! (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
Bryant!
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Willson is having a game.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Heyward has raised his wRC+ by 12 points so far this series—84 to 96—Contreras by 10 points—103 to 113.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I think Quintana may be a decent addition to this team.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Don’t listen to the TV broadcast with headphones.
There’s an incessant clicking noise that sounds exactly like a press photographer with a high speed shutter on his camera is taking about 100 images per minute and he/she is sitting in the booth.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
As soon as that posted, it stopped of course. But believe me, it was irritating as fuck.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
I’ve been hearing it too. Sounded like one of those old boards at train stations where the numbers and letters flip.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Bryant has looked pretty bad this series. Good thing pretty much everyone else has looked awesome.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
Bryant has raised his wRC+ by a point, 141 to 142. If that’s pretty bad, I’ll take it.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Well then my lying eyes be damned. (dying laughing)
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
His homerun today certainly helps damn your lying eyes.
ceruleanQuote Reply
SK,
They just talked about this on the broadcast—one of the field mics is right next to where a photographer is shooting away. Apparently people have been complaining about it on Twitter.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Hell of a game by José.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Kind of sucks to have the best series of the year and gain nothing.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo want to play!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Phillies up 5-2 now.
dmick89Quote Reply
That was a strange send.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Duensing has been a pleasant surprise this year.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Cardinals lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Hey, the Cubs are back over .500!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
This is usually where they lose five in a row.
dmick89Quote Reply
Matt Garza requests that you hold his beer.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
Speaking of Garza, he’s somehow had a pretty good season this year despite sucking ass for the last couple seasons.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
His strikeout percentage has more than doubled from what it was in 2014 and 2015 (about 13% combined). It’s over 28% this year.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rosenthal said the Cubs can’t get Gray without including Happ. Any takers?
dmick89Quote Reply
Uh, no
MylesQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Same here. For me, Happ is up there with Rizzo and Bryant in terms of players I’d consider trading. I think what Rosenthal was really saying is that the Cubs just don’t have anyone in the farm system that is going to land them a player like Gray. My guess is the Cubs are just hopeful it increases the amount the Brewers would have to give up to acquire him. It probably won’t, but it might.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I would rather they find somebody like Montgomery for Candelario. I imagine Jeimer should have a lot more value than Vogelbach because of his defensive versatility, but Montgomery ended up being quite a find, even if he doesn’t stick the rotation.
ceruleanQuote Reply
That was a sweep I recently enjoyed.
PerkinsQuote Reply
That’s my fear as well. Maybe they can keep it rolling against the Barves.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’ve noticed some of the formatting of the site is off a bit on mobile devices since I updated some stuff a few days ago. I’m going to turn all the extensions off for awhile to check to see if one of them is causing the problem.
dmick89Quote Reply
To-day’s base ball squadron
2B Zobrist
3B Bryant
1B Rizzo
C Contreras
LF War Bear
CF Happ
RF Heyward
SS Baez
P Lester
berseliusQuote Reply
Cubs are in on Sonny Gray and Zach Britton and every other player who is going to move this summer because of course they are. #IndustrySource
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
Big if true.
uncle daveQuote Reply
berselius,
Is Russell injured again or does Joe think Teheran is a lefty?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I think it’s potentially for the Lester-Contreras-Javy baserunner containment unit.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rice Cube,
So Lester goes from needing a personal catcher to a personal shortstop? Whatever Baez could add as far as tags is very small compared to having his bat in the lineup against a righty.
dmick89Quote Reply
Joe’s been giving both Baez and Russell turns at shortstop. The handedness of the opposing pitcher doesn’t matter much, since they’re both right-handed and righty hitters don’t have much variance in platoon splits.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
I think Joe is trying to make sure Russell stays fresh—I mean, he wants to make sure Russell has game—I mean, he’s trying to get Addy laid—I mean, to take it easy so he doesn’t tire down the stretch like the stallion he is.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Baez has a career wRC+ against righties of 72 and Russell’s is 91. Even if you regress those some, Russell is still quite a bit better against righties than Baez is. If Joe isn’t wrong, then the Cubs need to be looking to move one of them in the next couple weeks.
dmick89Quote Reply
With all the positivity lately surrounding the Cubs, I worry about them losing their losing spirit. It is my opinion that OV should double-down on that losing spirit by only having losing game recaps.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I only do game recaps that have game ending triple plays now.
MylesQuote Reply
I think it’s more likely that Joe told Addy that he was going to have a day off today back in February, and it just honoring that commitment. /Millar
berseliusQuote Reply
dmick89,
Observed splits, especially for young right-handed hitters, are mostly noise. That said, Russell is probably a better hitter overall, but it’s close.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I agree that there’s not as huge a difference between their true talent splits and what we’ve seen, but I think the sample is large enough for both players that we can safely say Russell is, at this point, considerably better against RHP. How much? I don’t know that, but I know I’d much rather have Russell against a righty. I guess i don’t like this for three reasons: Russell was showing some signs of starting to hit, he’s better against righties and he just had several days off.
dmick89Quote Reply
Dillon Maples -> AAA
If he becomes a star pitcher for the Cubs, there is a chance that I literally laugh until I die.
MylesQuote Reply
And I mean literally. I have high blood pressure.
MylesQuote Reply
Happ got screwed.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Don’t worry. It’s unlikely that he makes the big league team. He strikes out too many people.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Wait, Lester’s run is earned? Dumb.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
A wild pitch is better than a bunt. They should request another one.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Zobrist!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
A two-run WAG!
EDIT: 95mph EV. Fine, I guess that’s a somewhat hard-ass grounder, SHAG?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Zo!
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Zobrist!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Flowers throws like Montero.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Human element. Happ and Lester got screwed. Rizzo got blessed. RoboUmps please.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I like lots of runs scored with two outs.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I thought the called strike to Lester was in the zone. The “ball” to Rizzo was pretty egregious, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Nice pick. Damn. Schwarber crushed that at 111mph.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
It was borderline. If the strikezone had a decent definition, I think that it would be a strike. But since a strikezone is whatever the fuck an umpire calls, I think it was generous.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I would rather Lester not get that strike one call. WTF? That’s a foot outside.
ceruleanQuote Reply
And again. Lester and Contreras sure are taking advantage of this human element.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Damn again.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Deep fly please.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Ugh again.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wow. C’mon Zo.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I can’t believe he walked Lester there.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The wheels are coming off the Teheran.
ceruleanQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Dammit Freddie.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Ugh. Stupid Freddie Freeman.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Third base, nobody out. Zero runs. And the pitcher (Julio “Wheels Falling Off” Teheran) walked the pitcher (Jon “Wheels” Lester) who then stole second base.
ceruleanQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Dizzy Rizzy.
ceruleanQuote Reply
TONY
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
not to worry, according to some random guy, you wrote the dumbest thing in the history of the internet so your legend will live on forever!
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
I’m surprised Freddie didn’t run out to center field, jump up and rob Rizzo there.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Maples is still walking way too many guys. Then again, he’s also striking out a billion per inning so that would be fun to watch.
dmick89Quote Reply
I loved good Marmol, if he’s an approximation if that it would be fun.
berseliusQuote Reply
Brewers lose again.
PerkinsQuote Reply
False. The Brewers win by being relevant.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Russell!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Russell scores Baez. Trade ’em both!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Russell!!!!
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m not sure Happ can play SS.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Great outing by Lester this time.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
That ball had a weird flight path.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Hell of a play by Happ.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Bryant can though.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Screw the closer, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Or don’t. Whatever.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Less exciting, Davis, please.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Sigh. At least there’s a three-run cushion.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I SAID LESS EXCITING!
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jesus, Wade, settle down.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Two-run cushion.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The tomahawk chop remains one of the worst things in sports.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Strikes, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’ll just shut up.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
“I remain confident that something will come along to save the Simpson children.
PerkinsQuote Reply
DP please.
Nevermind.
ceruleanQuote Reply
dmick89Quote Reply
God damn it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I should just stop getting my hopes up.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Wow that is egregious.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Hold your breath.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I have a bad feeling about this.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Jesus.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This ump, man. Awful.
ceruleanQuote Reply
He swung.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Doesn’t matter if he held since it was in the zone.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Jesus Christ. What happened to good Wade Davis?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
CB Bucknor doing CB Buckner things.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Strikes.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I never doubted him for a second.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
He is a magician.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Never doubted it for a second.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
**exhales**
PerkinsQuote Reply
Do not speak his name!
ceruleanQuote Reply
It didn’t help my anxiety that they intentionally put the potential winning run on base and let his pinch-runner get into scoring position easily.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So JD mentioned on the broadcast that Hendricks threw five perfect innings in his rehab start tonight; anyone hear anything about his velocity?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
This is just a random guy on Twitter who was at the game, so take it with a grain of salt…
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
So both Javy and Addy did well today… *shrug* *SSS* *something about dinner*
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Nice. 87 would be alright, and probably good enough to get back the separation between the fastball/sinker and changeup.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Too bad Lackey is pitching tomorrow. I was hoping the Cubs could keep the winning streak going.
PerkinsQuote Reply
http://obstructedview.net/cubs-4-braves-3-7-17-17/
berseliusQuote Reply