Top Play (WPA): It’s not really noticeable until you look carefully, but the ivy-clad brick walls in the Wrigley outfield are capped, just above the yellow-rimmed wire basket, with a two-foot deep rim of smooth concrete painted in the deepest green. For most of its history (to be fair, it’s a short one—that rim was re-poured this past […]
Day: August 13, 2015
Kyle Schwarber, Chris Coghlan, and Contributing on Both Sides of the Ball
The Cubs have made a big statement, through their actions over the last few years, about their commitment to building the organization internally, both through player development and by trading for young, cost-controlled players. This strategy has resulted in the team drafting, signing, or trading for young, budding stars such as Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber, Jorge Soler, […]
Jake’s Workout Plan
Every once in a while, when Joe Maddon does his pregame session with the media, we’re joined by a guest: Jake Arrieta. And while chatting with Maddon is certainly an enlightening experience, Arrieta isn’t there to soak in more of his manager’s knowledge. No, Arrieta is working out on the Pilates machine—yes, the Cubs certainly […]
GAME 112 RECAP: CUBS 3 BREWERS 2
Top Play (WPA): Imagine my relief in not having to write about the top play being a Hector Rondon wild pitch. In the top-half of the ninth inning, Rondon was one pitch from getting out of yet another late-game jam, but promptly bounced a slider in the dirt that Miguel Montero could not block, allowing Ryan […]