The Nationals and Rangers are tied for the second best record in baseball at 39-24, which is well behind the Cubs at 43-18. Scherzer and Gonzalez would like some revenge against the Cubs and they're playing some good baseball right now. So are the Cubs. This should be a fun series. Team Leaders Cubs (100 PA) OBP: Ben Zobrist (.431) …
Ugh. I’m Jealous of the White Sox
Kenny Williams built his baseball team the wrong way. Baseball writers over the generations have settled upon the “right way” to play baseball. While the criteria have been known to fluctuate depending on whether the player in question gives a good interview, generally speaking the “right way” involves hustling, hitting for average, playing hurt, and ending up with a dirty …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (13-21) at Washington Nationals (19-15)
The Nats have had a bit of a streaky season so far. They've swept the Mets, White Sox, and Tigers and have been swept by the Braves and Cardinals. They're currently riding a four game winning streak. Inconsistent offense has plagued the team this year (sounds familiar). I'm wishing I was back home this weekend, as just about everyone I …
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (51-82) at Washington Nationals (81-52)
Team Overviews Cubs Nats wRC+ 78 (16th) 98 (4th) BSR -0.7 (9th) -15.5 (16th) UZR 19.1 (3rd) 19.5 (2nd) DRS -5 (9th) -3 (7th) SP FIP- 104 (11th) 86 (1st) RP FIP- 113 (16th) 95 (6th) The Nats are definitely a deserving first place team. Pitching Matchups Monday: Jeff Samardzija, RHP (4.03, 3.69, 3.42, 3.88) vs Ross Detweiler, LHP …
Nationals at Cubs Game Thread
Matt Garza and Gio Gonzalez are today's starting pitchers. Garza is trying to duplicate the season he had last year, which won't be easy. The Cubs will have their work cut out for them again today as Gonzalez is a pretty good pitcher. He's been worth more than 9 rWAR over the last 2 seasons. The Cubs stacked their lineup …
Series Preview: Washington Nationals (0-0) at Chicago Cubs (0-0)
Welcome back to another year of Obstructed View series previews! And I guess Cubs baseball too. The Washington Nationals have come a long way since their "Natinals" days. The team has made great strides and could be a playoff contender if it weren't stuck in the NL East. Even then I wouldn't be too surprised if they manage to nab …
Are some players rushed to the Major Leagues
The guy I used to run The Hawkeye State with and who now helps run The High Porch Picnic, another Hawkeyes blog, asked me a question on twitter yesterday. I've always wanted your opinion: Did Corey Patterson not work out because he was awful, or because the Cubs rushed him? It's not something I've thought all that much about for …
Poll: What should the Cubs do with Matt Garza?
Most of the Cubs trade talks seem to be centering around Matt Garza these days. Figured a poll might be a good way to get an idea where most Cubs fans stand with regards to trading him. My best guess is it would take about 5 years and $62 million to get an extension done. He does have significant trade …