Iowa struck early and struck often, laying 4 down on the Dodgers in the first inning, and added 7 more over the course of an 11 to 6 beating. Everybody had at least 1 hit, and everyone except Juan Perez and Munenori Kawasaki had an RBI.
Willson Contreras had another day, going 2 for 5 with a triple, a walk, and 3 RsBI. He's now batting .331/.421/.566 and has absolutely nothing left to prove offensively. He's dropping the PCL like its a bad habit; he's 4th overall in wRC+, behind a 26 year old, a 30 year old, and a 27 year old. Maybe he's the second coming off Ryan Doumit defensively, and if that's the case, maybe he needs reps back there. I doubt that's the case, and it is becoming more and more questionable by the day if our best 25 is really our starting 25.
Dan Vogelbach is also ready, offensively. He went 3-4 with another dinger and a walk. Like Contreras, only people older than him have a higher wRC+, and he has a 16% walk rate in the PCL right now, tops in the league. Most importantly, his power finally is starting to re-emerge, with a .199 SLG being a 45 point improvement over his last outing. I'll be very interested to see how good of a reliever Vogelbach fetches this July, because he has no spot on the 25-man roster. I know I'll be cheering for him.
Jackson Generals 10, Tennessee Smokies 5
Jeimer Candelario continues his free-fall from last year's lofty heights with an 0-4 performance. We were ready to be excited about him last season, but he's looked pretty mediocre in his 49 games thus far. His walks are up, but his strikeouts have risen to match, and he's either been hit-unlucky or making weaker contact this season. People were slightly miffed when he didn't break camp with Iowa; now it seems he might spend all season in Tennessee unless a spot magically opens up for him.
Jacob Hannemann was a 3rd round pick of the Cubs in the 2003 draft, from Brigham Young University. He signed for $1 million dollars, so he was highly thought of at the time. A mormon missionary, Hannemann was a neat story, though it hasn't translated to the professional success as of yet. He's a 25-year old in the Southern League who isn't exactly tearing the world apart there. That is generally not a good sign. At this point, he might just be organizational filler. He had a nice 3-5 game yesterday.
There was a time when Starling Peralta was well-thought after. He really shit the bed yesterday, recording 1 out and 5 not-outs. One of those not-outs was a 3-run bomb.
South Bend Cubs 1, Fort Wayne Tin Caps 5
Eloy Jimenez had a rare day of humanity in this one, going 0-4 with 2 whiffs. Bright spots included P.J. Higgins (3-5), Ian Rice (2-3, BB, SO), and Jesse Hodges (2-4, 3B, SO). Eddy Julio Martinez also singled and stole 2 bases.
Comments
A million bucks for an eleven-year-old. It’s a wonder Hendry kept his job for so long.
ceruleanQuote Reply
/deadpan
ceruleanQuote Reply
But seriously, count me as one that wants Contreras and Vogelbach up here. Vogelbach can pinch-hit and spell Rizzo at first. Contreras can pinch-hit and catch every so often. Unlike some, I don’t believe that “not playing every day” while learning the ropes of a big-league club and handling Major League pitching is a bad thing.
ceruleanQuote Reply
In 15 starts dating to last September, Rich Hill has an average game score of 65. This year in 11 it’s 62.
For the Cubs 1–5, it’s 68, 58, 60, 57, 60. Hendricks and Lackey have been killing it, yet Rich Hill has been better. But I would only want to make a deal that also addresses lefty depth. I suppose that the Cubs could trade Hammel to say, the Dodgers or either Sox team and keep Hendricks.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I don’t think Kyle Hendricks would ever be appropriately valued in a trade. I think he’s a guy who can produce 3 WAR or so each year until he’s a free agent. There isn’t a single team in baseball that is going to value him that highly, factoring in the years of service time. I see no issues at all with the Cubs rotation. If you’re going to go after a starter, go after a top of the rotation starter. The goal, in my opinion anyway, should be to see Lackey as the 4th starter in a playoff series if the team is going to go after a starter. A pitcher who has some years of control left would be nice too.
Areas of need in my opinion (and these are going to change based on everyone’s opinion of who is currently on the roster):
Get Contreras up here (start him 2 of 5 days until Miguel Montero can be traded)
Left fielder (those of you who think Soler is a lot better than the numbers will disagree)
LOOGY
Unless someone in the rotation goes down, I have no interest in Rich Hill. If I was the GM, I’m not even sure I’d trade a relief prospect for him. I think it’s a great story and wish Hill the best, but I hope he does it for an American League team that doesn’t reach the playoffs.
I see Reddick and Braun as being the most likely LF candidates.
dmick89Quote Reply
Thanks for filling in, Myles.
dmick89Quote Reply
I also think it’s very early to know exactly what this team is going to need in 6 weeks, if anything. I think this team could improve, but I wouldn’t be terribly upset if they just went with what they currently have. I don’t think there’s any urgency to make a trade and I wouldn’t want to part with any top prospects unless you’re getting an elite talent in return.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
A really consistent LF would be nice. Then Bryant can focus on 3rd base and hitting rather than rotating around.
joshQuote Reply
dmick89
Rich Hill may be the most elite pitcher available. I do think the only real need is that lockdown lefty, so I don’t think they need to address the rotation or left field, but I am of the mind that talent can be wasted in the minors, and if you have the opportunity to improve the big-league club with that talent, you do it.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
Zips has him regressing on both ERA and FIP. He’s been keeping the ball in the park at Oakland. How’s he going to fare at Wrigley?
joshQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
We're talking about 93 innings here. That's it. Barely half a season as a starter. If some team wants to give up something valuable for that, go for it. I just hope it's not the Cubs. In my mind, Rich Hill is still a major reclamation project, but one who has shown some very promising signs.
dmick89Quote Reply
So much strikeout.
ceruleanQuote Reply
dmick89,
That’s a fair assessment. But those are elite K numbers. It’s a risk, but so is anything else. Whether it’s a greater risk than the status quo is to be seen.
ceruleanQuote Reply
22 pitches for Lester in the first. An inauspicious beginning that could have been worse.
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Cubs’ offense is off to a good start, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Hope the Cubs can take advantage of this wildness.
dmick89Quote Reply
Ugly at bat for Bryant
dmick89Quote Reply
Radio announcers are marveling at the 3-0 breaking ball.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Would be nice if Rizzo started hitting consistently again.
dmick89Quote Reply
It was a start.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I hate when the cubs aren’t crushing. Always Be Crushing!
joshQuote Reply
cerulean,
Right, so what’s the advantage? If he can be got for a song, sure. If he was a cheap free agent, it’d be great. This point, buying high? Doesn’t seem worth it.
joshQuote Reply
That’s better.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Well, the Cardinals lost and the Pirates are behind.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Cubs can’t get on with hits, so I’ll take the HBPs.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
josh,
I agree completely with the sentiment. However, no deal for a pitcher at the deadline is “worth it”. But if that is how you feel, your only deal may be for a guy that throws 88mph. Also not worth it, but you didn’t give up anything.
ceruleanQuote Reply
The Pirates got a hit. Let’s see if the Cubs can do the same.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Fourth Cubs baserunner today. Some hits would be nice. Or even just one hit.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bryant!!!!!!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
That helps.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Come on, Rizzo
dmick89Quote Reply
KBoom.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
There goes one.
joshQuote Reply
Anibal Sanchez —-> Bullpen
Edwin Jackson —–> Unemployed
GWQuote Reply
GW,
The mighty have fallen
joshQuote Reply
Why was Rizzo trying to steal? Hit and run?
joshQuote Reply
josh,
it was actually a pretty close play
joshQuote Reply
Lester is dealing.
dmick89Quote Reply
Marlins took a 3-2 lead over Pittsburgh
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
This is good.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’d love it if Lester could go 8 but I hope the Cubs bat enough to PH for him in the bottom of the 7th.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
josh,
He stole 17 bases last year!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is atrocious.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
They usually are, but Sager did it joyfully so I was cool with it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Wow. What a start by Lester.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wait, Jon is hitting? Dumb.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
a) He’s leading off a late inning when the Cubs need offense.
b) I trust Rondon more than Lester the third time through the order.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Lester going nine? Alrighty then.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Why is Strop throwing? Is something wrong with Rondon?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
My thoughts exactly.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I guess I feel better about Lester losing the game than I do Strop doing it. (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
KBoom Redux?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Apparently Rondon is in the dugout for some reason?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
That sucks.
dmick89Quote Reply
This has been a low scoring series.
dmick89Quote Reply
The Phillies have a losing record now. They were 26-21 before the Cubs series last weekend.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
I wonder if it’s a stomach bug.
Two down.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I think Lester just wanted to improve his average game score.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Fantastic start by Lester. Fun to watch.
dmick89Quote Reply
Saves the bullpen with the complete game.
Rick Sutcliffe said Rondon had a tight back, probably a precaution but still of some concern.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Complete game!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jon Lester pitches a complete game shutout only giving up one cheap homerun.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Inverted M!
berseliusQuote Reply
While I know that complete games are often a bad idea strategically, I admit they are aesthetically more pleasing than bringing in the bullpen.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Also, it’s nice that the bullpen got the day off.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I also loved the no walks part. Jake, take notes.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
I’m angry at my cable company that I didn’t get any TV reception. I enjoyed hearing the radio broadcast, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jon Lester is good #analysis
berseliusQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
How many cs?
joshQuote Reply
berselius,
Big, if true
joshQuote Reply
josh,
6.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
For the record, Rizzo stole second. He was safe. It was close but they should have challenged.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Very important athletic feats here
http://atmlb.com/1XiJZoy
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I am curious to know what level a player’s trade value gets damaged if said player gets called up and then sucks.
I mean the other FOs obviously SHOULD be looking at (for example) the 500 awesome minor league PAs over the 85 shitty MLB PAs but I’m not convinced that actually happens. If anything, there has to be at least some concern over public fallout if the player ends up sucking (“you signed some bum when there was clear evidence he couldn’t produce at MLB level”) regardless of whether or not its grounded in statistical logic.
TLDR I can see more than one reason to not bring up a player.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
That said, bring up contreras before I fucking lose my shit.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
I think you can measure said trade value at 1.0 Andrew Cashners (dying laughing)
berseliusQuote Reply
http://obstructedview.net/cubs-2-ladola-1-6-1-16/
berseliusQuote Reply