Joe Maddon has recalibrated our understanding, as Cubs fans, of a manager’s ability to run a baseball team. For every stroke of statistical savant, there’s the nurturing development side that Maddon facilitates. He rides his bike, keeps it loose, and keeps baseball in perspective. The fans expected Maddon to reach the .500 mark in Year One. […]
Author: James Burns
Game 33 Recap: Cubs 2 Mets 1
Photo courtesy of Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports Top Play (WPA): In the bottom of the ninth, nobody out, and Matt Szczur on first, Starlin Castro singled to left field to move Szczur to third, who pinch-ran for Anthony Rizzo and was running on the play (.235). Immediately after Castro’s single, the Cubs’ win expectancy jumped […]
Game 26 Recap: Cubs 6 Cardinals 5
Photo courtesy of Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports Top Play (WPA): The notorious sixth inning rolled around—a frame that’s seen the Cubs get outscored 22-6 by their opponents this season—and Jon Lester was clinging to a three run lead as the Cardinals mounted a two-out rally, breaking through with their second RBI single of the frame, […]
Game 20 Recap: Pirates 8 Cubs 1
Photo Courtesy of Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports The following recap is written by BP-Wrigleyville contributor James Burns. Top Play (WPA): Kyle Hendricks found himself in serious trouble in the top of the fifth after loading the bases following two singles and a hit by pitch. He then continued to display an uncharacteristic lack of […]