As the calendar turned to August last year, Joe Maddon would repeatedly lift Jason Hammel in the fifth and sixth inning of games at the first sign of trouble. And invariably, the lanky pitcher would get upset with the decision. Tonight, Maddon did it again after six innings but there was one crucial difference: I […]
Day: August 2, 2016
Transaction Analysis: Cubs Acquire Joe Smith
The transaction analysis shown below, written by BP’s own Meg Rowley, originally ran as part of a larger piece on the main site. We trust you’ll enjoy its inclusion here. Chicago Cubs: Acquired RHP Joe Smith from Los Angeles Angels in exchange for RHP Jesus Castillo. [8/1] The real issue, of course, isn’t that Joe […]
Jack Leathersich: The Human Pitching Machine
I like to watch movies with a twist—something unexpected that blows me away and leaves me wondering what the hell happened. That’s why I liked Memento, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and The Usual Suspects. Originality is in low supply out there, and a good surprise is always appreciated. When the Cubs claimed lefty-reliever Jack Leathersich from the […]
Young Cubs: Taking Stock
As farm systems are wont to do, the Cubs farm system has undergone several facelifts over the past few years. The face of the system has moved in quick succession from Javier Baez to Albert Almora to Kris Bryant to Kyle Schwarber to Willson Contreras (with Jorge Soler and Addison Russell nestled in between). This […]