Since Brett is sick, with no Bullets for the first time in probably 50 years, it’s time to capitalize and steal some market share.
I kid.
Javier Baez went way deep in the futures game. Best part of that video is his playful jawing with Bryant as he rounds third. Hopefully his recent hot streak is the start of a second-half renaissance. Note who he hit this off of, too: Lucas Giolito, a stud who some have as the best minor-league pitcher today. Not to shabby.
Final line for Baez: 1-2, HR, 2 RBI, SO. Final line for Bryant: 0-3, 2 SO, BB.
Cubs’ record at the all-star break: 40-54. On pace for 69 wins, which would put them at 6th in the Race last year (and a 3 game improvement over last year). At the moment, the Cubs are at 5th, 2.5 games back of Texas (hard charging, “winners” of 8 straight).
A little blurb (sub required) on Kyle Schwarber over at Baseball Prospectus. Choice bit: “He’s a bat-first left fielder in my mind.” I agree, and there’s nothing wrong with that either.
Dynamite went boom in the minors yesterday. Soler hit a pair, as did Candelario. Billy McKinney hit his first for the Cubs, as well.
X takes a look at who else might be traded this year. As you can see, the cupboard is pretty bare.
Today is the Home Run Derby. Free piece on BP on who you might want to bet on.