Chicago Cubs 2025

Status
Not open for further replies.
#2,551      
Second place is 1st loser
EyeoftheIllini said:
Yes, I’m well aware of the potential positive byproducts of bunting for hits. And as I said, every player should be able to bunt. But beyond the fact that it doesn’t align with most teams’ offensive strategies today and certainly not the Cubs’ (what did they have maybe 10 bunts for hits this year), he needs to concentrate on improving his plate discipline and staying balanced and within himself. The guy hit 31 HRs at 23 years old with his flaws and was second on team in slugging percentage. He needs to concentrate on building upon that rather than something he might use maybe once or twice a week. I think the record for bunt hits in a season is 13 or 14. But by all means concentrate on that rather than aspects of hitting that will impact team more. Highly probable unless Cubs change their offensively philosophy that they feel the same way.
Click to expand...
How many home runs did he hit in the second half of the season? What was his K rate at the end of the season? What was his average/K rate all season versus lefties? He was nowhere near an All Star caliber player in the second half. He looked like an average rookie with the bat, with ultra elite defensive skills and ELITE speed(No, I'm not Brad Underwood).

I don't want to go overboard in saying that in MANY AB's, he never saw one strike and he'd strike himself out without one pitch being close to the zone. With two strokes he was almost an automatic out.

I'm not saying that he has to turn himself into a slap hitter whatsoever, but on the other hand, if the corner infielders are playing 5 feet behind the bag, that's just a flat out waste of offensive efficiency potential.

I think that it might have been Tony Gwynn who said that all All Star major league hitter has one hole in their swing, an average to below average hitter has two holes and a triple A player has three. He also said that the league will catch and adjust to you, your tendencies, etc. The good to great players can make the adjustment back.

Major league scouting systems can drill down to see how many birds are in the sky when you're up to bat. They see everything. When they see 300 ABs of film, they see the holes and they've clearly made adjustments and, TO DATE, he's done a god awful job of adjusting back. Like you properly pointed out, it's going to take an off-season to work on his game.

The overarching fact that he's the starting CF in the playoffs. On a team that seems incapable of playing small ball and is over reliant on the HR....the Cubs need to do what they can to produce runs and if that means PCA drag bunting to get on....so be it. If he has to put the bat on the ground from keeping him to swing at a 3-0 pitch where the situation requires base runners, so be it. He simply cannot strike out or pop up, followed up by the bat and helmet throw, anymore.

He had a HUGE hit on Wednesday and it wasn't because he was swinging for the fences. He worked the count and did what the situation called for which was taking the ball where it's pitched and serving one until RF. Again, the point of the post isn't to turn him into a guy who's goal is to just get on base and completely disregard his power, BUT it's using all of the tools in the toolbox to become a great player. Seems as if the Cubs staff had finally come to the same conclusion.
 
Last edited:
#2,552      
Grandpa
A hitter can be a great bunter without giving up on hitting the ball hard. Schwarber can and Rizzo could bunt quite well. It doesn't have to be one or the other. They do this for a living, they can practice when someone they hired is mowing their yard and cleaning the pool.
 
#2,553      
EyeoftheIllini
GoodePodzMelendez said:
Rod Carew/Tony Gwynn type hitter with better speed. I do not need PCA to be Dave Kingman. Becoming a 290-300 hitter that can turn walks/singles into doubles and be a top of the lineup hitter. He needs to work with someone like Gwynn in the offseason. Shorten his swing, learn to hit to the opposite field and drive the ball instead of launching the ball. Line drives in Wrigley is how he needs to approach hitting. The opposing pitchers see how he over-swings and they throw pitches into the dirt to get him to chase. I hope CC in after the season meetings with players addresses his flaws and I hope PCA learns from this. I would love him to hit 290 with an 800-850 OPS. 40 plus steals and over 40 doubles. I would rather him hit 40 plus doubles with a lower strikeout rate than hitting 30 homers and striking out 23% of the time.
Click to expand...
As I’ve said in previous posts, yes, PCA needs to work on improving his command of strike zone and bat to ball skills this offseason to take the next step. That is what he should concentrate on, not bunting as a couple posters have suggested. But invoking the names of Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew (and Dave Kingman for that matter) is pretty silly.

Baseball has changed. The number of SPs today throwing 100+ MPH dwarfs the number during Gwynn’s hey days, and there weren’t a string of pitchers then coming in relief doing the same. That’s not to say Gwynn wouldn’t be great in today’s game, but it is part of the reason offensive philosophies have changed. It’s harder to string together 5 or 6 hits to score 3 or 4 runs. In Gwynn’s last year in the league, there were 46 players with 450+ ABs who hit .300 or better. This year there were 7.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don’t think the odds of PCA becoming a consistent .290 hitter are real high. We’re talking about a guy who in 905 ABs at A+, AA and AAA hit .252. If he can get to the .264 he hit at AAA, I’d be ecstatic. And you do realize that he almost reached the bar you set for doubles and steals (40+} this year (37 and 35) while hitting 31 HRs — all with his “flawed” approach in his first full year. So why “settle” for merely 40+ doubles and steals. If he improves his approach, 40-40-40 is certainly a possibility. But he doesn’t need wholesale changes, just some tweaks with better understanding of strike zone. He’s still only 23 after all.
 
#2,555      
EyeoftheIllini
Grandpa said:
A hitter can be a great bunter without giving up on hitting the ball hard. Schwarber can and Rizzo could bunt quite well. It doesn't have to be one or the other. They do this for a living, they can practice when someone they hired is mowing their yard and cleaning the pool.
Click to expand...
I agree, bunting is something all major leaguers should be able to do. But there is a difference between being able to lay down a sac bunt when it is called for and adding bunting for a hit as more than an occasional thing. I don’t know where to find the stat, but I’m willing to bet the number of bunts for hits Schwarbs or Rizzo has/had in their careers isn’t real high.
 
#2,557      
Emerson Bigguns
EyeoftheIllini said:
As I’ve said in previous posts, yes, PCA needs to work on improving his command of strike zone and bat to ball skills this offseason to take the next step. That is what he should concentrate on, not bunting as a couple posters have suggested. But invoking the names of Tony Gwynn and Rod Carew (and Dave Kingman for that matter) is pretty silly.

Baseball has changed. The number of SPs today throwing 100+ MPH dwarfs the number during Gwynn’s hey days, and there weren’t a string of pitchers then coming in relief doing the same. That’s not to say Gwynn wouldn’t be great in today’s game, but it is part of the reason offensive philosophies have changed. It’s harder to string together 5 or 6 hits to score 3 or 4 runs. In Gwynn’s last year in the league, there were 46 players with 450+ ABs who hit .300 or better. This year there were 7.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don’t think the odds of PCA becoming a consistent .290 hitter are real high. We’re talking about a guy who in 905 ABs at A+, AA and AAA hit .252. If he can get to the .264 he hit at AAA, I’d be ecstatic. And you do realize that he almost reached the bar you set for doubles and steals (40+} this year (37 and 35) while hitting 31 HRs — all with his “flawed” approach in his first full year. So why “settle” for merely 40+ doubles and steals. If he improves his approach, 40-40-40 is certainly a possibility. But he doesn’t need wholesale changes, just some tweaks with better understanding of strike zone. He’s still only 23 after all.
Click to expand...
Agreed. The "average" batting average in MLB this year was .244. It's just really hard to hit these days.

PCA has a lot of Javy Baez' DNA. You can't take your eyes off him, because he might do something you've never seen before... of course, that something might be 3K's on 9 pitches... He just needs to calm down and swing at strikes. He only needs to be an average hitter to be a big plus for the team. He might be the best defensive CF in Cubs history.

Becoming a "slap hitter" will cost a guy a lot of money. No one is talking about Luis Arraez getting 500 million this summer, (estimates are around 70) despite him being the closest thing to Tony Gwynn in regard to making contact, we've seen this decade. Of course, Arraez isn't fast or even a decent defender either...

PCA had 4 excellent months followed by 1 terrible one and one kind of bad one. He needs to make the adjustments that a lot of young players do. We have to be patient, or we will lose out. Remember when we DFA'd a great young slugger because of one terrible season where he didn't make enough contact, and he went on to hit 219 HR's over the next 5 seasons? That was fun...
 
#2,559      
GoodePodzMelendez
DeonThomas said:
I think everyone is available -- even Imanaga and Taillon. We just might have Horton available to start the NLCS opener on Monday (if it becomes pertinent).
Click to expand...
As far as I have heard from Horton himself that he is pain free. I believe he will get the ball Game 1 with Taillon game 2. I like the idea of Boyd pitching in Wrigley than in Dodger Stadium. Same with Imanaga or Rea Game 4. But let’s get through tomorrow first. I do like that we will be playing stress free tomorrow as we have nothing to lose. We can throw everything and everybody at Milwaukee. Milwaukee has a huge gorilla on its back right now. Not being able to win past the NLDS will put tons of pressure on them. If we jumped out like we did Game 2 to a 3-0 lead in the first, that will tighten them up even more.
 
#2,560      
EyeoftheIllini
Emerson Bigguns said:
Agreed. The "average" batting average in MLB this year was .244. It's just really hard to hit these days.

PCA has a lot of Javy Baez' DNA. You can't take your eyes off him, because he might do something you've never seen before... of course, that something might be 3K's on 9 pitches... He just needs to calm down and swing at strikes. He only needs to be an average hitter to be a big plus for the team. He might be the best defensive CF in Cubs history.

Becoming a "slap hitter" will cost a guy a lot of money. No one is talking about Luis Arraez getting 500 million this summer, (estimates are around 70) despite him being the closest thing to Tony Gwynn in regard to making contact, we've seen this decade. Of course, Arraez isn't fast or even a decent defender either...

PCA had 4 excellent months followed by 1 terrible one and one kind of bad one. He needs to make the adjustments that a lot of young players do. We have to be patient, or we will lose out. Remember when we DFA'd a great young slugger because of one terrible season where he didn't make enough contact, and he went on to hit 219 HR's over the next 5 seasons? That was fun...
Click to expand...
Yep, hitting has always been hard and it is even harder today. Heck, bunting isn’t even easy with the velocity and movement of pitches today. It is highly unlikely PCA is going to abandon the swing/approach that got him to major leagues at 21 and will get him the big bucks. And probably just as unlikely that Cubs would want him to.

Using all fields and concentrating on hitting line drives is not just a matter of having a different mindset. It would take a whole reworking of his swing. And no guarantee that it would work and lead to a significant increase in batting average. To state the obvious, not everyone can do what Gwynn could do.
 
#2,562      
EyeoftheIllini
From an Arizona Fall League daily recap. Can’t say I am really familiar with this guy.

Cole Mathis, 1B, Chicago Cubs

The 2024 second-rounder finished the night with three hits in three at bats to go with a pair of walks, two runs batted in, and a run scored. He’d been a difference-maker for College of Charleston, posting a .335/.472/.650 slash with absurd underlying data markers all while playing both ways in his platform campaign. There hasn’t been much opportunity to see it translate to pro ball, as a Tommy John procedure shortly after the draft and an undisclosed injury sustained in May limited him to just 29 games in the Carolina League this year. All told, he’s one of the most interesting under-the-radar guys in this year’s crop
 
#2,563      
GoodePodzMelendez
EyeoftheIllini said:
From an Arizona Fall League daily recap. Can’t say I am really familiar with this guy.

Cole Mathis, 1B, Chicago Cubs

The 2024 second-rounder finished the night with three hits in three at bats to go with a pair of walks, two runs batted in, and a run scored. He’d been a difference-maker for College of Charleston, posting a .335/.472/.650 slash with absurd underlying data markers all while playing both ways in his platform campaign. There hasn’t been much opportunity to see it translate to pro ball, as a Tommy John procedure shortly after the draft and an undisclosed injury sustained in May limited him to just 29 games in the Carolina League this year. All told, he’s one of the most interesting under-the-radar guys in this year’s crop
Click to expand...
This is why we need to keep developing younger talent. The two things it does is fills positions you need or can be traded for positions of need. Over the last year, we added Busch, PCA, Amaya, Shaw, Ballestros and next year Caissie and Alcantara as positional players. Horton and possibly Wiggins next year. That’s how you stay competitive. The trajectory of this team is endless.
 
#2,564      
Greensboro
EyeoftheIllini said:
From an Arizona Fall League daily recap. Can’t say I am really familiar with this guy.

Cole Mathis, 1B, Chicago Cubs

The 2024 second-rounder finished the night with three hits in three at bats to go with a pair of walks, two runs batted in, and a run scored. He’d been a difference-maker for College of Charleston, posting a .335/.472/.650 slash with absurd underlying data markers all while playing both ways in his platform campaign. There hasn’t been much opportunity to see it translate to pro ball, as a Tommy John procedure shortly after the draft and an undisclosed injury sustained in May limited him to just 29 games in the Carolina League this year. All told, he’s one of the most interesting under-the-radar guys in this year’s crop
Click to expand...
Sounds like the second coming of Tony Gywnn. But is he a good bunter? /s
 
#2,565      
Emerson Bigguns
KBLEE said:
PCA is not a power hitter. He hit some HRs early and convinced himself that he was. He needs to shift his focus to making contact, and bunting will only help his average. With his speed, he needs to get on base in whatever way he can.
Click to expand...
Only 17 guys in the majors hit more HRs than he did this season. He is one of only 4 guys who hit 30 who are under 25 years old, and the only one who doesn't look like he's only there to hit dingers.
Since he went pro he has never hit fewer than 20 in a season. He will continue to get stronger. He simply needs to chase less.
 
#2,566      
Grandpa
It's going to be hard for PCA to bunt when most of the pitches are head high. That doesn't mean that he won't try.
 
#2,567      
Grandpa
EyeoftheIllini said:
I agree, bunting is something all major leaguers should be able to do. But there is a difference between being able to lay down a sac bunt when it is called for and adding bunting for a hit as more than an occasional thing. I don’t know where to find the stat, but I’m willing to bet the number of bunts for hits Schwarbs or Rizzo has/had in their careers isn’t real high.
Click to expand...
Did you see the game where Rizzo had consecutive bunt singles against the Cardinals? He didn't even run hard to first and the fielder just jogged over and picked up the ball. His next time up there was a defender playing the old fashion third base position. It was glorious!
 
#2,569      
EyeoftheIllini
Grandpa said:
Did you see the game where Rizzo had consecutive bunt singles against the Cardinals? He didn't even run hard to first and the fielder just jogged over and picked up the ball. His next time up there was a defender playing the old fashion third base position. It was glorious!
Click to expand...
So you’re saying Rizzo had two bunts for hits in his career. 😁.

Nope, don’t remember that.
 
#2,570      
EyeoftheIllini
Another brief profile of Cubs Arizona Fall League participant by Chris Clegg.

Owen Ayers, C, Chicago Cubs

Ayers is a player I was going to keep a close eye on in Arizona. A former 19th-round pick out of Marshall who got just a $50k bonus, Ayers was respectable in his time on the field with Myrtle Beach this year. Hitting six home runs in 273 plate appearances, Ayers also added 14 doubles and five triples. He has a sound approach with respectable contact skills.

Yesterday, Ayers collected three hits, two doubles, and a single, but was smoking the ball all over the yard. Having four batted balls north of 101 mph, Ayers topped near 111 on a lineout he hit to dead center.

So far, Ayers has been highly impressive when it comes to batted ball data, and he is certainly opening my eyes to the kind of prospect he could be.
 
#2,573      
EyeoftheIllini
Grandpa said:
Click to expand...
That video wouldn’t work for me, but found another of Rizzo and Schwarbs bunting. Fun to see cuz I hated shift. The Rizzo one I saw wasn’t a particularly good bunt (didn’t have to be with shift) and not sure if today it would have been good enough for hit (certainly good enough for a sacrifice though). The Schwarber one was a great bunt (hugged the line whole way).

I hope PCA improves his bunting. It is something every hitter should have in his arsenal. But wholesale changes to swing/approach are unfounded at this point. Yes, he he had terrible August and not very good Sept because pitchers had found some holes and he hasn’t adjusted quick enough. Guy in first full year who is 23 didn’t make adjustments quickly — not exactly unheard of. So now some people seem convinced the only adjustment he can make that will work is becoming a gap to gap hitter with plenty of bunting thrown in is beyond me.

Didn’t he make adjustments last year to have very good last two months? Didn’t he then make further adjustments in off season that led to increased BA by 10 points, increased slugging% by almost 100 points, and improving his rate for extra base hits from 1 in every 14 plate appearances to 1 in 9 this year over last. From Aug last year to end of July this year (essentially one full season) he hit .276 with 106 runs, 37 doubles, 5 triples, 34 home runs and 105 RBI. But people want to believe this Aug/Sept are the new “norm” unless he changes things up completely. Yes, he needs to make adjustments, but not scrap his whole approach. Lower his chase rate and not make every swing max effort, and let’s see what happens.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back