Before I get to previewing this bloodbath, I just want to mention that it was fun to watch the Cubs take three of four from their little brothers to the north.
Team Overviews
Teams stats with respective league rankings in parens.
| Yankees | Cubs | |
| wOBA | .353 (1st) | .318 (6th) |
| UBR | -1.9 (9th) | -7.1 (16th) |
| UZR | 11.6 (3rd) | -15.5 (15th) |
| SP FIP | 3.96 (6th) | 4.17 (14th) |
| RP FIP | 3.33 (1st) | 4.12 (16th) |
When the Cubs “offense” is the best thing it has going for it, the team is in trouble (dying laughing).
The Yankees wOBA leader is possibly-almost-Cub Curtis Granderson, who has his 21 home runs. Teixera, A-Rod, and Cano are also having their usual solid seasons. Jeter, who is missing this series with an injury, has a measly .298 wOBA on the season and is hovering just over replacement level.
Larry Rothschild seems to be doing just find by his pitching staff. The big story that I remember after the Yanks signed him was that people thought he could fix AJ Burnett. But it doesn’t look like there’s that much of a difference – he has the same FIP (4.33) as he’s had three times in the past 5 seasons.
Pitching Matchups
Friday Friday: Freddy Garcia, RHP (3.60, 4.48, 4.12, 4.33) vs Doug Davis, RHP (5.90, 3.51, 4.28, 4.16), 1:20 PM CT, CSN
For all the complaints about the crappiness of Doug Davis, Washed Up Starting Pitcher, the Yankees are arguably throwing out an even worse pitcher in Garcia. Garcia gives up a ton of fly balls. The ballhawks should be busy today.
Saturday Saturday: A. J. Burnett, RHP (4.09, 4.33, 3.91, 4.15) vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (5.48, 4.15, 3.31, 3.75), 3:10 PM CT, FOX
At least with Demp starting on a FOX saturday it means that it’s far less likely we’ll see his awful Will Farell doing Harry Caray impression. Demp shut out the Brewers for seven innings in his last start, striking out seven and walking one. I don’t think he’ll be able to drop his ERA below 4 this season, but I think he’ll pull it below 4.5 by late July so you can at least say that he averaged a quality start.
As I mentioned above, Rothschild hasn’t made a huge difference on Burnett. His walk rate and HR rates have dropped slightly but his HR/FB is the same – he’s just generated a few more grounders this year. He’s had a lot of luck with BABIP (.242) but should continue to have another decent, above averageish year.
Sunday Sunday Sunday: C. C. Sabathia, LHP (3.28, 2.85, 3.50, 2.97) vs Randy Wells, RHP (5.63, 5.25, 4.65, 3.90), 7:05 PM CT, ESPN
Wells came back too soon, but it’s not like he was much worse than who was pitching in his place. Wells had a surprisingly decent start against the Brewers, giving up two runs over six innings. It looked like it was going to be another early exit for him as he was racking up a big pitch count early, but he got more efficient as the game went on. Maybe it’s a sign he’s turning it around. Or maybe not – he struck out seven in his first start back but since then he’s only struck out five batters in his last three starts combined (14 IP).
Depite a dip in his strikeout rate, C.C. is having another great year. He’s averaging seven innings a start, reduced his walks, and has only allowed four HRs in 107 innings. Of course, that 3.8% HR/FB rate isn’t going to last but he’s been quite successful over his career limiting HRs (8.2% HR/FB). He has an opt-out in his contract so he should make big money yet again with some team this offseason. It’s hard to believe it was so long ago when the Cubs beat him on the way to a four game sweep of the Brewers.
Prediction
Cubs swept, though I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win today’s game.
Comments
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
No mention of Granderson’s off the chart intangibles? For shame.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]No mention of Granderson’s off the chart intangibles? For shame.[/quote]
Mish, you need some context to do that. The intanglibles chart for Granderson is infinitely large so it would consume the entire internet.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Another prediction:
http://itsaboutthemoney.net/archives/2011/06/17/series-preview-yankees-cubs/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
http://www.cubsfx.com/2011/06/yankee-staff-overview.html
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]http://www.cubsfx.com/2011/06/yankee-staff-overview.html[/quote]
Is Harry a physicist or a mathematician? His posts are always so remarkably detailed. Great read.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Anyone with an active BCB account that doesn’t want it anymore?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
If we can take 2/3 against the Yanks, then I inch that much closer to taking the coveted T-shirt. Yes, I will be holding my breath.
joshQuote Reply
Off to the farce, fuckfaces.
Aisle424Quote Reply
No offense to Doug Davis, but my Ottoneu Pick Six is loaded with Yankees.
BradleyWoodrumQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is Harry a physicist or a mathematician? His posts are always so remarkably detailed. Great read.[/quote]I believe he’s a mathemagician.
BradleyWoodrumQuote Reply
[quote name=Brad at Cubs Stats]I believe he’s a mathemagician.[/quote]
I haven’t seen that word in print since I was 10 and got that “Contact” kids magazine.
Yankees lineup:
RF Swisher
CF Granderson
1B Teixiera
3B Rodriguez
2B Cano
C Martin
SS Nunez
LF Gardner
P Garcia
Ouchy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I can’t help noticing that’s a bit better than the Cubs’ lineup. I hope Davis’ batting practice fastballs will be enough to hold them.
ACTQuote Reply
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_rothschild/06/14/wrigley/index.html?eref=twitter_feed
Interesting.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I can’t help noticing that’s a bit better than the Cubs’ lineup. I hope Davis’ batting practice fastballs will be enough to hold them.[/quote]
I think we’ve agreed to drop the word “fast”. He just throws balls.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]I can’t help noticing that’s a bit better than the Cubs’ lineup. I hope Davis’ batting practice fastballs will be enough to hold them.[/quote]
FWIW Garcia throws an 88 MPH ball
This game feels like it will be a 15-9 slugfest
BerseliusQuote Reply
Fine. The Yanks are going to bust his balls.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_rothschild/06/14/wrigley/index.html?eref=twitter_feed
Interesting.[/quote]Yes, please.
BradleyWoodrumQuote Reply
[quote name=BradleyWoodrum]Yes, please.[/quote]
Forgot to h/t to Doc Blume there.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Some recognition!
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/richard_rothschild/06/14/wrigley/index.html?eref=twitter_feed
Interesting.[/quote]He misspelled “Sandberg.”
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]He misspelled “Sandberg.”[/quote]
Hopefully he won’t get dinner.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I was at that game against Sabathia in 2008. Best game I’ve ever attended…Miller Park was electric the whole game. Cubs pulled away from the Brewers there and never looked back.
PerkinsQuote Reply
[quote name=Perkins]I was at that game against Sabathia in 2008. Best game I’ve ever attended…Miller Park was electric the whole game. Cubs pulled away from the Brewers there and never looked back.[/quote]
(dying laughing), I knew I’d get the year wrong.
BerseliusQuote Reply
For folks who are interested in the proposed realignment that probably won’t happen for another 20 years because MLB likes to drag their feet:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings110617
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius](dying laughing), I knew I’d get the year wrong.[/quote]I miss 2008, as far as baseball is concerned. That season was fucking magical.
PerkinsQuote Reply
[quote name=Perkins]I was at that game against Sabathia in 2008. Best game I’ve ever attended…Miller Park was electric the whole game. Cubs pulled away from the Brewers there and never looked back.[/quote]
I remember the Brewers coming within a game (or something) on that Sunday before the 4-game series started. I can’t remember too many midseason matchups I looked forward to as much as that. Didn’t Soriano leadoff with a HR off Sabathia? Outstanding series.
MishQuote Reply
http://www.theheckler.com/2011/06/17/cubs-spruce-up-dumpy-wrigley-with-new-wallpaper/
(dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]I remember the Brewers coming within a game (or something) on that Sunday before the 4-game series started. I can’t remember too many midseason matchups I looked forward to as much as that. Didn’t Soriano leadoff with a HR off Sabathia? Outstanding series.[/quote]I think he doubled off the wall to lead off, and homered in his next AB. The Cubs were pretty much the only NL team to have CC’s number that year.
PerkinsQuote Reply
[quote name=Perkins]I miss 2008, as far as baseball is concerned. That season was fucking magical.[/quote]
Me too. I only went to one game, and it was the division clincher against the Cardinals. Buying that ticket months in advance sure worked out (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]http://www.theheckler.com/2011/06/17/cubs-spruce-up-dumpy-wrigley-with-new-wallpaper/
(dying laughing)[/quote]Too funny.
BradleyWoodrumQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Me too. I only went to one game, and it was the division clincher against the Cardinals. Buying that ticket months in advance sure worked out (dying laughing)[/quote]
That’s some good luck there. I got to the Brewers one, and one in DC in April when Reed Johnson made that awesome catch. But they ended up losing that one on a walk-off grand slam by the Nats’ backup catcher. Fucking Bob Howry. (dying laughing)
PerkinsQuote Reply
Wow, I missed this great piece on Fay Vincent from the other day
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/12427/vincent-bashes-cuban
BerseliusQuote Reply
I’m strangely optimistic about our chances for this series. Except for CC we’re definitely not seeing their best pitchers. I could see the Cubs winning the first one and pulling an upset over Sabathia. I know, I’m an idiot.
joshQuote Reply
Q said he informed Hilly he’d play today “days in advance.”
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=Jayson Stark]An NL executive who spoke with Cubs GM Jim Hendry says there’s no likely scenario where Ryan Dempster is traded. Earlier today, there were indications the Yankees at least have an eye on Dempster, who has full no-trade rights and a $14MM player option for 2012.[/quote].
BerseliusQuote Reply
Dempster can’t be traded because then he couldn’t do his impression of Wil Farrell’s Harry Carray impression. The New York crowd would boo him right off stage.
joshQuote Reply
Doug Davis has a no-hitter through 1. I don’t think anyone predicted this.
joshQuote Reply
There’s the Cubs’ walk of the game.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Doug Davis has a no-hitter through 1. I don’t think anyone predicted this.[/quote]
That’s the beauty of short hops
BerseliusQuote Reply
ZOMFG the Cubs are winning!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]ZOMFG the Cubs are winning![/quote]
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing), Zonk is pronouncing Nunez as “New-nez”
BerseliusQuote Reply
Best #3 hitter ever!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Zonk’s pronunciations are legendary. I liked “Yovanny Ga*cough*do.”
joshQuote Reply
Damn, I thought that was long gone off the bat
BerseliusQuote Reply
The double into the ivy looked like it got stuck so the Cubs got a gift run there, although Kosuke probably would’ve scored on Rami’s single anyway.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
No hitter through two. I consider this a moral victory.
Looks Doug has toned down that leg pause thing. Or maybe he varies the timing.
joshQuote Reply
Anyone listening to the radio? Was that injury to Hee-Seop Choi that he described the one that gave Choi a concussion and basically ruined his career?
joshQuote Reply
Did Swisher forget how to swing the bat? Holy crap.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Castro = Double double
Rice CubeQuote Reply
What’s this “slugging” thing the Cubs have doing the past couple games? Get back to singles and bunts fuckfaces.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
Station to station, the way the game is meant to be played.
joshQuote Reply
At some point the Yankees will wake up, but this is pretty fun.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]At some point the Yankees will wake up, but this is pretty fun.[/quote]The need a HUGE padding before it gets to the bullpens.
joshQuote Reply
C’mon Campy.
jtsunamiQuote Reply
FYI:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/The-identity-of-Vancouver-8217-s-famous-kissing?urn=nhl-wp7436
There was a method to the madness.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Aw! Lost the no-no.
joshQuote Reply
Damn.
WaLiQuote Reply
No-nojtsunamiQuote Reply
Listening to the Yankees broadcasters talk about what a hole Wrigley is and how the neighborhood has voted down things like a big scoreboard, and how the press boxes are like a mile away from the field because they can’t remodel, etc.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Jayson Stark]”I don’t know that Jose Reyes is his type of guy because he plays when he wants to… And nobody hates players like that more than [Sabean] does.”[/quote]
(dying laughing) @ Sabean
GWQuote Reply
Davis lost the no-no when he walked Teixeira in the first inning. He lost the no-hitter this inning
/grinds axe
BerseliusQuote Reply
I thought a no-no = no-hitter and no walks no hits would be a perfecto.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]I thought a no-no = no-hitter and no walks no hits would be a perfecto.[/quote]
This is just a personal axe that I grind, nothing official. I just think it makes a lot more sense to call a perfect game a no-no since it is no hits and no walks.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]I thought a no-no = no-hitter and no walks no hits would be a perfecto.[/quote]
I thought so too, but I always thought a no/no should be no walks/no hits.
I like the -1.
WaLiQuote Reply
In that case, a no-no would have to be a level between no-hitter and perfect. A perfect would be a no-no-no: No walks, no hits, no errors.
joshQuote Reply
I don’t think errors kill a perfect game
EDIT: never mind, I’m wrong. A perfect game would also mean no hit batsmen, etc.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Yeah, a perfect is no baserunners.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfect_game
joshQuote Reply
An error that results in a baserunner would kill it. I’m not sure what other kind of error there is.
joshQuote Reply
isn’t a dropped 3rd strike scored as an E2?
uptown_bQuote Reply
It would be a passed ball or wild pitch, depending.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]An error that results in a baserunner would kill it. I’m not sure what other kind of error there is.[/quote]
Continuing to bat Corey Patterson 1st or 2nd in 2005 is an error that very rarely resulted in a baserunner.
Bubba BiscuitQuote Reply
Wow. Doug Davis 6 innings no runs. Effectively lobbing.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Bubba Biscuit]Continuing to bat Corey Patterson 1st or 2nd in 2005 is an error that very rarely resulted in a baserunner.[/quote]touche
joshQuote Reply
TOOTBLAN
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]TOOTBLAN[/quote]
I think that was just a TOOTB, RC
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]Wow. Doug Davis 6 innings no runs. Effectively lobbing.[/quote]www.howthehelldiddougdavispullthatoff.com
GBTSQuote Reply
I figured id just provide the url right away to save time.
GBTSQuote Reply
I don’t know what Doug did to appease the luck dragons, but they’re smiling on him today. Maybe they’re just apologetic for how they’ve treated him so far this year.
ACTQuote Reply
Bringing Doug in to bat one more time and face the Yankees lineup again? Ugh.
ACTQuote Reply
What the fuck? Did Doug Davis just hit for himself in the 7th?
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
He’s thrown over 100 pitches, and after a pitch-hitter, the Yankees hitters are going to face him for the fourth time. Yay.
ACTQuote Reply
doug davis is awesome
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
You let Doug Davis pitch it out. I say if he blows his shoulder and never pitches again, it would be worth this win. This is the best he will ever pitch.
joshQuote Reply
That double is on Quade.
ACTQuote Reply
I’m not worried about a blown shoulder. I’m worried about how pitchers lose effectiveness as the game goes on. I’d rather have a below-average reliever on the mound than Davis the third or fourth time through the order.
ACTQuote Reply
At least he took him out after that. He didn’t, say, let him walk the bases AND give up a grand slam.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]At least he took him out after that. He didn’t, say, let him walk the bases AND give up a grand slam.[/quote]I still can’t believe he allowed that to happen.
mb21Quote Reply
Oh yeah, and Doug is also as close a thing as there is to an automatic out at the plate.
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Oh yeah, and Doug is also as close a thing as there is to an automatic out at the plate.[/quote]Ted Lilly would beg to differ.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
BerseliusQuote Reply
Those sandwiches look so bad they make me want to vomit.
mb21Quote Reply
This whole game was an anomaly, might as well let Doug see if he can pull a Roy Halladay. It seems unlikely, but so does 7 innings with only 2 hits.
joshQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Those sandwiches look so bad they make me want to vomit.[/quote]
That’s just how disgusting Marmol’s sliders are (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Josh]This whole game was an anomaly, might as well let Doug see if he can pull a Roy Halladay.[/quote]
“Normally I wear protection, but then I thought, when am I gonna make it back to Haiti?”
Chris DickersonQuote Reply
If nothing else, Reed’s good for a highlight reel catch or three every year.
MishQuote Reply
Hey, a Dickerdoodle sighting
BerseliusQuote Reply
Yet another Cub-dominated list: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-pedro-cerrano-all-stars/
ACTQuote Reply
[quote name=ACT]Yet another Cub-dominated list: http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-pedro-cerrano-all-stars/%5B/quote%5D
Well then I say fuck you Jobu. I do it myself.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I think that was just a TOOTB, RC[/quote]
CS on a pitchout = no TOOTBLAN?
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=15981705
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]Anyone with an active BCB account that doesn’t want it anymore?[/quote]I have a spare one I never did anything with. But you’re probably long gone now.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I figured id just provide the url right away to save time.[/quote]It’s called the pre-URL, I guess you didn’t know.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Hey, a Dickerdoodle sighting[/quote]Doesn’t he post here?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Z might waive his NTC!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Z might waive his NTC![/quote]He’s been saying comments like this for a while now. Essentially, “I’ll be here as long as the Cubs want me. And if they want to trade me, they obviously don’t want me.”
GBTSQuote Reply
Thanks, RC. new thread up: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/zambrano-willing-to-waive-no-trade-clause.html
mb21Quote Reply