Chicago Cubs 2025

[Point-Illinois]

I don’t know. I like all the rule changes except the extra inning rule.

I can live with umps calling strikes.

Yes, it was a bad call. It happens once in a while.

But, I think it is cool that each ump is a little different and players have to adjust to the ump.

Nobody was better at adjusting to the ump than Greg Maddox. He knew the umpire’s tendencies and used that to a devedtating advantage.

But I don’t think that’s the crux of the issue.

If each ump has a particular strike zone but holds that strike zone perfectly all game long, that’s basically an automated strike zone.

Maybe adjust the SZ for a game to keep pitchers and batters on their toes if you still want variability. Hell, do it each inning if you like. (keeping it the same for the top and bottom)

But the real issue is what’s a strike in the bottom of an inning isn’t always a strike in the top or hasn’t been called a strike all game.

Inconsistency from the same ump gives in unintentional advantage to either team. (Throughout the game and for both teams most likely)

I bet the location of that called strikeout on PCA above was not a strike at some point, during some other at bat, in the same game. And THAT is where an automated strike zone could help.

All just my opinion of course.

 

[Illiniaaron]

Is the official “strike zone” from the knees to the letters when standing, and if so would they be able to adjust the box for each player?

 

[Point-Illinois]

Is the official “strike zone” from the knees to the letters when standing, and if so would they be able to adjust the box for each player?

I’ve wondered that as well. Haven’t looked much into the tech, though.

 

[Jimbo]

And by the way...The home plate umpire, Emil Jiminez, was comically bad for both sides yesterday. I mean Angel Hernandez bad.
This called strike 3 on PCA was his crown jewel and should be Exhibit A for the automated strike zone.
View attachment 43051

Agreed. PCA finally laid off a high 2 strike fastball and the ump called it a strike. He did a good job not getting thrown out of the game.

 

[Jimbo]

i bet pca over 30.5 stolen bases this year, which was looking good, but now i don’t think he’s going to get there. He’s been stuck on 29 sb for awhile now, rarely gets on first base, and if he does the next batter is usually swinging at the first pitch. So frustrating.

 

[Gary J]

Counsel seems to be pressing. Pulls Rea after 77 pitches in the fifth. Rea struck out the first two and the next hitter hits a ground ball up the middle.

Relax Craig. The Brewers won’t be hot forever.

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

You think there will be a cap? Maybe a floor but I don’t see a cap.

That would a 100% win for the players. No way the owners take a L to that extent. They'd have to eliminate about 10 teams from the league. They couldn't raise the floor and not have a cap. Right now, there is no floor. You have to spend just enough to put a roster together.

This is going to be a brutal work stoppage. 2027 will be gone for sure and 2028 would be TBD.

 

[bdutts]

i bet pca over 30.5 stolen bases this year, which was looking good, but now i don’t think he’s going to get there. He’s been stuck on 29 sb for awhile now, rarely gets on first base, and if he does the next batter is usually swinging at the first pitch. So frustrating.

There is a lot of baseball left. He’ll get to 31.

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

Counsel seems to be pressing. Pulls Rea after 77 pitches in the fifth. Rea struck out the first two and the next hitter hits a ground ball up the middle.

Relax Craig. The Brewers won’t be hot forever.

He's saving arms. The entire starting staff, less Shota, have blown by their historical innings pitched by season. I'm sure he's extremely concerned about dead arms.

The issue with this team, right now(actually since June 1st) is that the offense has been less than average. 17th in the league. You add that with managing innings plus Milwaukee not losing....this is the outcome.

 

[DeeIL89]

Cubs' offense have been very lackluster since coming out of the All-Star break.

 

[GoodePodzMelendez]

No offense but the spending doesn't equal winning argument is what's stupid. There is an obvious direct correlation between $$ spend and wins. The playoffs are a bit of a crapshoot and nothing is guaranteed, but spending more gives a team a better chance. The teams spend the smallest % of revenue on players of any team except for the tiny markets.

And why can't we build from within AND also spend too? Isn't that what big market teams do?

Ricketts is cheap. There is no other way to put it. If you can't see that after this year, I don't know what to tell you.

It’s not stupid. The Mets and Angels have spent foolishly and they have nothing to show. Same with Toronto. We spent foolishly in the late teens with signing Darvish, Chatwood and trading for Quintana and we did nothing. We should spend when we need to. The biggest issue we have is two no trade clause contracts in Suzuki and Happ. That is hindering bringing a guy like Caissie up. I think Tucker stays here only because teams will be holding back big contracts because of the union contract situation. We might get a home cooking deal as Tucker likes it here.

 

[GoodePodzMelendez]

That would a 100% win for the players. No way the owners take a L to that extent. They'd have to eliminate about 10 teams from the league. They couldn't raise the floor and not have a cap. Right now, there is no floor. You have to spend just enough to put a roster together.

This is going to be a brutal work stoppage. 2027 will be gone for sure and 2028 would be TBD.

I agree. The 27 season is in jeopardy which is why teams are not looking to sign huge contracts. It will be interesting to see how the FA market will look like this offseason.

 

[DeeIL89]

Crow-Armstrong with a horrendous strike 3 swing with the ball in the dirt leaving runners on 2nd and 1st. Ugh.

 

[Gary J]

The pitching coach needs to remind Palencia that he throws 102. Stop throwing 0-1 sliders after a slider.

 

[Emerson Bigguns]

Justin Turner! I guess there’s a reason they keep him around.

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

Justin Turner! I guess there’s a reason they keep him around.

Outside of the unexpected bomb, he brings leadership and a lot of it. Every successful team has "that guy" who has experience, has been through everything, has a winning pedigree, can be an ear to talk to, has meaningful advice and keeps the clubhouse loose.... especially for the young guys when struggling.

 

[Red77sng]

i bet pca over 30.5 stolen bases this year, which was looking good, but now i don’t think he’s going to get there. He’s been stuck on 29 sb for awhile now, rarely gets on first base, and if he does the next batter is usually swinging at the first pitch. So frustrating.

He will easily surpass that mark. Counsell needs to get his head out of his !!! and give him a few days off

 

[Warren Carter Fanclub]

Crow-Armstrong with a horrendous strike 3 swing with the ball in the dirt leaving runners on 2nd and 1st. Ugh.

0-8 with 7 K's the last 2 games. Should he be next in line for a day off ?

 

[Warren Carter Fanclub]

That would a 100% win for the players. No way the owners take a L to that extent. They'd have to eliminate about 10 teams from the league. They couldn't raise the floor and not have a cap. Right now, there is no floor. You have to spend just enough to put a roster together.

This is going to be a brutal work stoppage. 2027 will be gone for sure and 2028 would be TBD.

Perfect timing for the 2027 All-Star game.

 

[Warren Carter Fanclub]

Bunting with a runner in scoring position in the first inning will surely get Tucker the contract he is looking for.

 

[tatupu70]

It’s not stupid. The Mets and Angels have spent foolishly and they have nothing to show. Same with Toronto. We spent foolishly in the late teens with signing Darvish, Chatwood and trading for Quintana and we did nothing. We should spend when we need to. The biggest issue we have is two no trade clause contracts in Suzuki and Happ. That is hindering bringing a guy like Caissie up. I think Tucker stays here only because teams will be holding back big contracts because of the union contract situation. We might get a home cooking deal as Tucker likes it here.

Exceptions don't disprove the rule. There is a very clear and strong correlation between spending and wins. Do you really not agree with this?

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

Happy for Turner. Gets a bad rap on here. He has almost the same amount of at ABs against left handers as Busch, and Busch’s numbers aren’t close. Being on short side of a platoon isn’t easy, and he’s done OK.

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

Bunting with a runner in scoring position in the first inning will surely get Tucker the contract he is looking for.

that was weird .

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

Happy for Turner. Gets a bad rap on here. He has almost the same amount of at ABs against left handers as Busch, and Busch’s numbers aren’t close. Being on short side of a platoon isn’t easy, and he’s done OK.

I’ve always liked that long haired gingers game

 

[Second place is 1st loser]

0-8 with 7 K's the last 2 games. Should he be next in line for a day off ?

I don't think he should be in games versus lefties right now. He looks awful.