[ W ] #49
El Mago!
El Mago!
Chicago Cubs 2019 Season
That's just a fine weekend series, I'll tell ya what.
mattcoldagelli
- The Transfer Portal
Smart of Joe to call the Sweep the Pirates play.
I’d love a Sweep the Reds play this next series. But considering they’ve won three series in a row against the Cubs, I’d be more than satisfied with a Win the Gosh Darn Series play call.
Just as long as he signals for the Win the World Series play sometime in October I’ll be all set.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
I hoping to see the Kyle Hendricks is back to his old self play tonight.
He hasn’t pitched all that badly since coming off the IL. He’s gotten BABiPed to death (.412 average against on balls in play) in his two starts and been on a low pitch count.
I think the pitch count is off now. Of course, if we get a vintage performance from the Prof, the pitch count won’t even come into play.
I think the pitch count is off now. Of course, if we get a vintage performance from the Prof, the pitch count won’t even come into play.
It’s bizarre to me that a guy who had been such an integral part of the team the last three years couldn’t seem to find a place on this year’s team. He got hurt early and then Maddon couldn’t seem to figure out what to do with him when he got back despite having some injured starters and a paper thin bullpen.
He’s got two more years of team control, a career 3.72 ERA while averaging 100 IP a year and had been the consummate professional while with the Cubs, filling whatever role they’ve asked him to. Seems like he should have brought back more than a backup catcher on an expiring contract.
I’ve already been questioning the Cubs internal scouting, given LaStella’s breakout year with the Angels, among other things. If Montgomery thrives while being given a consistent role with the Royals, I’ll be questioning it even more.
KBLEE
- Montgomery, IL
Yeah - and he's the guy that got the final out of Game 7 of the World Series to give the Cubs their first title in 108 years.
bdutts
- Houston, Texas
He wanted to start and he asked for a trade in April. Since he hasn't really impressed this year, not surprising that it took this long to make the trade.
I think that Maldanado will stick around and maybe Caratini gets traded for some relief pitching. EDIT: Since they already have some good catching prospects in the minors, doesn't make much sense to have Caratini around.
I'm most excited to see how the defensively-minded Maldonado works with the pitchers.
Contreras obviously has a cannon for an arm, and his bat is elite at the catching position, but his defense and framing are not strengths of his. And while Caratini has been solid in a backup role this year (Darvish in particular has pitched much better to Caratini), but I question the worth of how much he could bring back in a trade.
I'm betting they all stay on the roster throughout the year, even when Contreras is back.
Contreras obviously has a cannon for an arm, and his bat is elite at the catching position, but his defense and framing are not strengths of his. And while Caratini has been solid in a backup role this year (Darvish in particular has pitched much better to Caratini), but I question the worth of how much he could bring back in a trade.
I'm betting they all stay on the roster throughout the year, even when Contreras is back.
I think if Maldonado can prove his worth of being an elite defensive catcher, Contreras could see a lot more time in right, which I'm ok with. Having a catcher who rakes is a luxury very, very, very few teams have, but Willson's defense and framing hurt. His bat's good enough to move him at least part time to the outfield for now.
[ W ]alkoff #51
Schwarber!
Schwarber!
Chilliniwek
- Chicagoland
I hope they hold onto Caratini, he's one of those guys I think could really blossom in the next year or two and can also fill in at first, and has. Also a switch-hitter. Use Maldonado in late innings for defense and the occasional start. 2 guys, (Contreras and Caratini) who can play other positions and give each other some rest so that they're fresh going into the post-season. Let Descalso go, I think he's a gamer, but he's just not doing much and not playing much lately. The vast majority of our position players can and have played multiple positions. Then maybe factor in Zo's return and I think we're looking pretty good, especially if Garcia isn't a flash in the pan, but he looks solid for now. Especially fitting to look at this roster and look at tonight's tribute to the '69 Cubs, who broke my heart as a 12-13 year old. There were 6-7 guys who played virtually everyday, and almost always at the same position. Billy Williams played in 163 games!
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[ W ] #52
Darvish with another good outing!
Darvish with another good outing!
Finally getting to see Darvish as he was touted when signed. Such a huge gain for the Cubs. Kimbrel with a great outting too. I still think this team needs another two relievers, but nothing that should break the bank prospect wise. Cishek Strop Kimbrel 7-9 is pretty darn good.
The start to the second half is such a breath of fresh air compared to how they finished the 1st.
The start to the second half is such a breath of fresh air compared to how they finished the 1st.
Illiniaaron
- Geneseo, IL
Great home stand so far for the Cubs coming out of the break. I knew it had been a while, but I didn't realize Rizzo hadn't homered in over a month. Strop is not getting the job done this season.
[ W ] #53
He hit .300 with an OBP over .400 in the stretch of games where he didn’t HR. So he was taking what the pitchers were giving him.
So Monty gave up 6 hits and 5 earned runs in 2 innings for his first start with the Royals. Worries temporarily abated, I guess.
Heading to Wrigley today! Feeling good about Q.