Scott Baker has retired 1 batter in spring training. Unfortunately, he faced 6 of them. After his Spring Training performance, he decided that something wasn't right. Baker is going to meet with a doctor this weekend, and until then he'll do nothing. We already knew that Baker wasn't really going to pitch until mid-April at the earliest, but having elbow …
Assume the Position: MLB Starting Pitchers
For pitching, I'm going to break it down into more easily-digestible bunches. For this version, I'm going to look at the Cubs in 2012 and then the people most likely to make the team (for Opening Day) in 2013. Last Year 2013 Career Name Age GS IP ERA FIP pwFIP ERA FIP Samardzija …
100 Walks
Here's something interesting I discovered today: Starlin Castro has exactly 100 career walks. Here's the breakdown: 29 in 2010 35 in 2011 36 in 2012 63 in Wrigley Field 6 in Great American (next highest) 55 times with the bases empty 12 times with just a man on first or just a man on second (next highest, tied) 0 times …
Congrats mikeakaelroy!
The 2013 Bunt Tournament: Bunt Harder has come to a close, and mikeakaelroy is our champion! He is now the proud owner or The Book on baseball, by resident Cubs genius Tom Tango. Thanks to everyone who participated, and hopefully the Cubs hold another tournament next year so we can do this again. Our boy Nate "The Hammer" Halm bounced …
Spring Training Roster Battles: Hitters
The Cubs have played 13 spring training games so far, giving most contenders to make the major league squad 15-20 PA. Here's a breakdown of each battle so far: OQ = Opponent Quality Catcher Castillo (17 PA, 9.3 OQ): .267/.353/.467, 1 HR Navarro (16 PA, 8.9 OQ): .214/.313/.429, 1 HR Clevenger* (17 PA, 9.0 OQ): .333/.412/.333, 0 HR *1 game …
Better Know a Cub: Brett Jackson
How long does it take to change your swing? Is it even possible to change in your 20's? The answer to these 2 questions will probably tell you all you need to know about Jackson's future with the Cubs. Brett Jackson was drafted in the 1st round of the 2009 draft, at 31st overall. He worked his way up many …
Myles’ Top 15 Positional Prospects List
Now that I've done the AtP for all of the positional players, I've got my Top 15 prospects list ready. I did it all on my own, but the list is really similar to many of the others out there, with minor variations. First, I'll explain my methodology. I first made a system from 59 (complete non-prospect) to 100 (potential …
Assume the Position: RF
Finally, the last AtP for positional players. I've used basically all of the outfielders in the other two outfield summaries. This one is a bit light. Soler is a great prospect and that's it. Everyone else sucks. Last Year 2013 Career Name Age AVG OBP SLG wOBA pwOBA AVG OBP SLG wOBA MLB LaHair 29 0.259 …
Bunt Tourney Update
The Bunt Tourney is almost at the Sweet 16 (h/t Carrie Muskat). Nick Struck vs Edwin Jackson Shawn Camp vs Casey Coleman David DeJesus vs Darwin Barney Starlin Castro vs Rafael Lopez Here’s the players who have advanced so far: Anthony Rizzo vs. Logan Watkins Brent Lillibridge vs Michael Brenly Edwin Maysonet vs Andy Lane (bullpen catcher) Chris Rusin vs. …
“Daily” Facepalm 2/28/13
All the muck that's fit to rake on this last day of February… Good News! Bleacher Nation's creator and all-around Good Dude Brett welcomes Clark Taylor into the world. I think I speak for all of us when I say congratulations, and also have him start throwing lefty because we definitely need some pitching prospects. Brett was nothing but kind to …