OSS: Cubs bats break it open in the fifth.
Three up:
- Jason Heyward had a solid day against his old team, racking up three hits and two clutch RBI singles in the early innings. He also purloined his first stolen base of the year. I’m guessing the events of the last week or two have been a nice reminder that he doesn’t miss being in that clubhouse.
- Victor Caratini reached base in all four of his plate appearances, which somehow included two infield singles. It was not a great day for DeJong at SS.
- Ian Happ capped off the Cubs five run rally in the fifth inning with a two run bomb that put the Cubs up 6-3. This was the highest WPA play of the game.
Three down:
- Hendricks was knocked around again today, and had given up nine hits on 100+ pitches when he was removed with the bases loaded with two outs in the fifth inning.
- The Cubs gave up four hits to Yadier Molina.
- First round pick Nico Hoerner is shut down for the rest of the ‘regular’ minor league season with an elbow injury, apparently suffered while diving. He could be back for the AZ fall league.
Next up:
Jon Lester takes on Jack Flaherty at 1:20 PM CT.
Comments
????
SKQuote Reply
The other most notable thing happening on the farm yesterday (aside from another Roederer HR) is the pitcher Myrtle Beach faced in their game: http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?sid=milb&player_id=642609#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL
RynoQuote Reply
Oh, and Zack Short went 1-2 with a triple and a walk.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
But he also went 0-3 and wasn’t facing Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell or anyone else like that.
RynoQuote Reply
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2018/07/20/how-the-nfls-national-anthem-policy-unraveled-with-one-leaked-document/#5f8b9ce46399
This is so ridiculous on so many levels. What I don’t get is how it’s considered disrespectful to the military to kneel during the anthem when it was a former fucking Green Beret’s idea for Kaepernick to kneel in the first place.
RynoQuote Reply
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
Nice, but lack of ellipses makes this an invalid attempt at the genre.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
Fuck. I should have known better than to attempt this without a style guide handy.
andcountingQuote Reply
BA’s midseason Top 10
I disagree with the omission of Roederer (if you have Hoerner, you should have Roederer), but I don’t think I have a real problem with this list.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
Can you imagine trying to play the national anthem and have sex with Colin Kaepernick at the same time? I guess he’d only allow it if you kneeled…
RynoQuote Reply
RynoQuote Reply
I think that’s actually not a horrible Top 10 list. There isn’t a lot of top-end talent, but the back of the Top 10 is more than reasonable.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Imagine still having Eloy and Cease…
I was always opposed to the Quintana trade and I can justify that now by saying CHC could totally land deGrom for slightly more and be better off.
RynoQuote Reply
How’s that?
MuckerQuote Reply
Mucker,
You’d need to stretch first.
RynoQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ryno,
Oh, oh, oh, oh, ooooooooooh say can you see…
andcountingQuote Reply
I miss the world where Kris Bryant never grounded into double plays.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
What happened to the “hit the ball in the air” philosophy imparted to him by his father?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It’s almost as if Lester’s decreased strikeout rate and increased walk rate are problems.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
andcounting,
Gross.
RynoQuote Reply
This game is nada good.
MylesQuote Reply
Cubs lose.
RynoQuote Reply
Carpenter is on pace for nine home runs in this game.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Let’s hope Jon can throw 250 pitches today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
The Iowa shuttle will be busy.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Willson!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
We are 4 HR away from being right in this game
MylesQuote Reply
Bad AB by Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bad AB by Willson.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Why did Almora throw home there?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Why am I still watching this?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I’ve been in bed with the flu this entire week and I’m not even watching. I turned it off after Javy struck out on four pitches way out of the zone. It took a rookie to finally pitch to Javy the way he should always be pitched to.
dmick89Quote Reply
Seriously, if MLB pitchers throw Javy another pitch in the zone, they’re doing it wrong. Sure, you may, on a random Monday night game, walk him, but he’ll get himself out more than he currently does.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I would’ve been tempted to give Javy a red light until the pitcher threw a strike, but I also wouldn’t want to take a chance on the pitcher hanging a 2-0 pitch over the plate.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I agree, but sometimes I wonder if a little restraint would help him. It might also hurt him a bit. I don’t know, but he looks ridiculous at times.
dmick89Quote Reply
Might as well call the game. We know how it’ll end, and neither team wants to waste its bullpen
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Carpenter———–>2nd player in history to hit for a Bryant (the first being Bryant)
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Tommy LaStella in to pitch.
Dogs————————> sleeping together with cats.
andcountingQuote Reply
Guys – I’m starting to think the Cubs might not win today.
North Side PatQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
I’m going to break protocol and call it a comeback.
andcountingQuote Reply
andcounting,
Cancel.
andcountingQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
No, they’ve got this. Don’t give up.
dmick89Quote Reply
Random thought: La Stella’s offensive stats should include how he reaches base due to catcher’s interference. He makes that happen so often, it has to be considered a skill.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’m a little baffled as to why Lester pitched on normal rest despite the All-Star break having happened and him traveling cross-country during that time. Obviously it’s second guessing at this point and I don’t really care. It just seems against Joe’s philosophy.
andcountingQuote Reply
dmick89,
Now it’s over.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I don’t know if being so tiny the catcher forgets you’re there is a skill so much as an attribute.
andcountingQuote Reply
LaStella is about to back into the W here.
andcountingQuote Reply
Almora——————————> gritty.
andcountingQuote Reply
Fuck you, Russell. Fuck you.
andcountingQuote Reply
On the plus side, the Brewers are playing the Dodgers this weekend.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Golden Sombrero for Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
andcounting,
Didn’t Joe move Lester back from last Friday to Sunday so that he could pitch on regular rest after the break? I guess I don’t really care that much. The ASB screws with rest time for pitchers, but I think the pitcher he moved up last time was Chatwood, which is always a stupid thing to do.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Probably. I’m just surprised he wouldn’t try to get him an extra day. I’m not super enthused about the pitching the rest of this series. It could be craptacular beyond measure.
andcountingQuote Reply
I’m kind of impressed that Cubs position player “pitchers” didn’t walk anyone today.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Cubs pitchers should take notes.
dmick89Quote Reply
Kiké!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
Three games up.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’m not sure that anyone who says it’s disrespectful to the military deeply believes that. I just always assumed they don’t like black people (consciously or not), especially black people who make more than they ever will because of innate talent.
I obviously can’t speak for all the other veterans, but I don’t give a fuck if anyone wants to kneel or sit during the anthem. Hell, if people want to burn the flag, I don’t really give a shit about that either. They’re just symbols. Let speech be free.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Yeah, the flag is basically just an emoji. A really, really big one.
dmick89Quote Reply
Today’s Cubs lineup uses four pitchers, three of whom were used yesterday.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
Rice in limbo,
I guess with Chatwood pitching it’s a good time to get La Stella and Caratini some at bats. I would have switched Monty and Chatwood. Monty isn’t very good, but he might at least give you a chance to win the game. It would be nice to take the first game rather than throwing it away with a shitty pitcher and even worse lineup.
dmick89Quote Reply
I really do miss when doubleheaders were played back to back.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Need time to clean blast the park. I was at the Under Armour game last night after the Cubs got their asses kicked. They only had like an hour to hose down the park and it still smelled like bad beer and vomit.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
Carlos Martinez is going to the DL and the Dodgers are most likely going to take care of the Brewers so I suppose the Cubs can afford to experiment and give guys some breathers.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
Molina stolen base alert.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo stand-up triple alert.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Chatwood walk alert.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Carpenter is slightly hot right now.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
I don’t care how “hot” he is; that intentional walk was bad.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Chatwood needs to have first base open as much as possible.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’d pay $100 to see Chatwood pitch to Javy.
dmick89Quote Reply
Javy!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs go first-to-third on singles so often, I generally expect them to do so unless it’s Rizzo or Caratini running.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Stop. Walking. People.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Ah crap
SKQuote Reply
Javy!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Screw the interim closer!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Flares are our friend
SKQuote Reply
Tommy!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Nice debut for Chavez.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
M ————> Inverted
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
That game had 7 strikeouts and 14 walks.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Shout out to Chatwood and the bullpen for not taking a dump.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
If the rest of this weekend goes well the Cubs will be 5.5 up on the Brewers and 10.5 up on the Cardinals. Good chance the Pirates will be in 3rd place if that happens.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
That could delay a fire sale and indirectly stunt their rebuild so make it so.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
Ugh!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bloop bloop bloop
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Trying to remember ever seeing a 3-4-1 double play.
andcountingQuote Reply
Whew!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I guess Len and Tom aren’t big movie fans…
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
LL cool J specifically instructed you not to do that.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
At the game. Crown chanting for javy after the ejection
Myles HandleyQuote Reply
I agree with Javy; that’s not a call the home plate umpire should make.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’d rather see Happ than La Stella here…
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
How could Schwarber not score on that?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Tommy!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Holland!
andcountingQuote Reply
DeJong has been brutal this series.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to login,
That last one was one of the more embarrassing errors I’ve ever seen.
andcountingQuote Reply
Rizzo!!
andcountingQuote Reply
Rizzo!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Your lips to god’s ears
Myles HandleyQuote Reply
It’s weird listening to Len pretending to be neutral.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Hey Folks…I’m back!
Think Bud Norris has been taking notes so he can bully Hicks about his outing?
BVSQuote Reply
Remind me why Strop wears his hat to the side. I recall there is something aside from, that’s how he likes it.
BVSQuote Reply
I hate walking the lead off man. I don’t care how hot he’s been. That was stupid.
dmick89Quote Reply
BVS,
Don’t think I ever heard why.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Yes. All this talk about how Carpenter is Superman right now is silly.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Trying to get Carpenter to chase four pitches out of the zone was even dumber than if you’d just intentionally walked him.
dmick89Quote Reply
This sucks. I’d much rather lose to a Carpenter home run than Wilson walking everybody.
dmick89Quote Reply
STOP WALKING PEOPLE.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Cubs lose. This was a wasted game. Should have been a win.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
No. A pitch-around is generally better than an intentional walk. No batter does very well against terrible pitches.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bunting against that aggressive defense is stupid.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
In that specific at bat, I agree, but I think (I only think) that something can be said for asking a pitcher to do something you’re not usually asking him to do (not throw strikes).
dmick89Quote Reply
Cubs pitchers’ strikeout-to-walk ratio is laughably bad this year.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Justin Wilson———-> trash
andcountingQuote Reply
Things I’m still pissed off about:
-The Javy strike three call and subsequent ejection.
-Those goddamn walks, especially the one to Molina.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Sorry guys. Maybe I should disappear again.
Waste of a game.
BVSQuote Reply
andcounting,
He’s been mostly effective in his career, including this year. The walks are annoying, but it’s a team-wide issue.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Trash.
andcountingQuote Reply
I’m pretty sure I read that it’s to somehow honor his father but it’s very possible that I made that up and/or am thinking of another player.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
That seems vaguely familiar. Not sure if it’s Strop, but I think I’ve read that for some player.
dmick89Quote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
Pretty sure it is to honor someone. Figured the answer would be here at OV. No minutiae left untouched….
BVSQuote Reply
Did his father wear his hat like that or something?
dmick89Quote Reply
Doesn’t appear there’s any reason behind it: https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/05/18/grote-the-story-behind-pedro-strops-crooked-hat/
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m pretty sure the tribute to his father story was from Fernando Rodney. Strop may be similar but it might not be as documented.
Rice in limboQuote Reply
Rice in limbo,
Yep you’re right, I was thinking of rodney
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Almost time for the condom game to start!
andcountingQuote Reply
Here’s to holding Babe Ruth to a bunt single.
andcountingQuote Reply
I wish we had acquired the Quintana that was actually good because the version we’ve had is just mediocre.
dmick89Quote Reply
(dying laughing) I figured Fowler would get a hit. This rotation is awful.
dmick89Quote Reply
Is Larry Rothschild available? I’ve not been impressed with Jim Hickey to this point.
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89,
I think mediocre is the right word. This team is basically designed to be able to win a ton of games by not pitching completely terribly to start games.
andcountingQuote Reply
When is real Kris Bryant returning?
dmick89Quote Reply
Iannnnn!
andcountingQuote Reply
Willie!
andcountingQuote Reply
Happ! Willson!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing) way to be, Ozuna.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Schwarblooie!!
andcountingQuote Reply
A lot of pitches for Quintana. Great start, but not sure why he’s facing the lineup for the fourth time.
dmick89Quote Reply
KB!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
In NYC for a conference at Times Square. Can’t wait to eat at that famous TGIF Friday’s every night.
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Contreras!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
dmick89,
(dying laughing)
BVSQuote Reply
There’s also a Ruby Tuesday, a Red Lobster, and an Olive Garden, so you’ve got some options.
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89,
Thanks. Started as a kid. Must feel odd by now wearing it straight.
I love the Card’s D. Makes me very very happy. Also Brett Cecil. So glad we didn’t sign him. 20-20 hindsight.
BVSQuote Reply
Brewers lose.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Up 5 in the loss column.
dmick89Quote Reply
I need to remember to find a Sbarro to get a New York Slice.
berseliusQuote Reply
I hope the Brewers and Pirates go all in on 2018 and that the Cardinals have a fire sale.
dmick89Quote Reply
I almost feel as though one of the runs Q allowed should be unearned, since Carpenter reached base as a result of one of Maddon’s crazy experiments (four-man outfield, leaving the left side of the infield unprotected).
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I can’t imagine making it very easy for the leadoff man to bunt for a hit is ever a good idea.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I hope it’s a literal fire sale, as in they get back to Busch tomorrow and discover that it has burned down.
berseliusQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
http://www.obstructedview.net/cubs-7-cardinals-2/
berseliusQuote Reply