Did The Cubs Win?
Nope. Swept by the Diamondbacks this weekend. Anthony Rizzo is devising innovative ways to help the Cubs lose close games whilst performing admirably. Rizzo hit three homers in the series and is now tied for the NL lead with Giancarlo Stanton.
Race To The Top
Speaking of which, the Cubs now have the third worst record in baseball at a game-and-a-half behind the Rangers. That the Rangers are at the top of that list is pretty shocking, even moreso in that it’s not a fluke. Their rotation is currently Yu Darvish followed by avert your eyes, with Matt Harrison, Derek Holland, and Martin Perez having missed all or most of the 2014 campaign. The team has resorted to trotting out J.P. Arencibia at first base with Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland out. In 2013-2014 combined, minimum 550 PA, Arencibia has been the worst hitter in baseball with a wRC+ of 51. Number two on that list? Darwin Barney.
The Cubs host the Padres this week. Losing that series is going to take some doing.
Future Journeymen Update
The I-Cubs lost in extras last night at Round Rock. Javier Baez went 3 for 6 with no K’s, a stolen base, and a caught stealing. Not a great night for Kris Bryant, who went 1 for 6 with 3 K’s. Arodys Vizcaino threw a scoreless 8th, hitting 100 on the gun thrice, impressive despite lefty Aaron Poreda following him on the mound and promptly hitting 103(!). The wispy Armando Rivero looked very good in two scoreless.
Meanwhile in Huntsville, Addison Russell hit two homers, which is great to see. I always hold my breath on prospects whose stellar career numbers have largely been accumulated in the Cal League.
Things To Read On An Off Day
- It’s a month or so old, but Sbnation had a very interesting piece on the proper understanding of pitcher velocities.
- Foxsports’ new site has a profile up on amateur baseball’s formerly ubiquitous recluse, Tom Emanski.
- Commenter GBTS wrote a great piece on the legality of baseball’s collectively bargained bonus pool system in the wake of the Brady Aiken/Astros fiasco.