One of the biggest surprises of the Cubs’ 2018 first half was the emergence of utility infielder David Bote. Bote, an 18th round pick in the 2012 draft was never a serious prospect or a ballplayer with significant major league expectations. But, after a red-hot start to his big league career, Bote is raising eyebrows […]
Author: Joe Reed
Cubs Offseason Target: Austin Jackson
The calendar has turned over into 2018, and the Chicago Cubs have made solid moves to bolster their starting rotation and bullpen. However, even after those additions, the front office still has not addressed the smaller, less pressing gaps on the bench. One of those gaps is the role of extra outfielder, a job occupied successfully by […]
2017 Player Profile: Tommy La Stella
Where were you when you found out the Cubs had acquired Tommy La Stella from the Atlanta Braves for Arodys Vizcaino in November 2014? I was in line for Swedish Meatballs at IKEA. Oh, you don’t remember? Yep, makes sense. I’d imagine most folks don’t have that moment ingrained in their memory and haven’t spent […]
Cubs Offseason Target: Alex Cobb
With the departures of Jake Arrieta and John Lackey from the Cubs starting rotation, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer find themselves with two spots to fill this offseason. This year’s starting pitching market offers a couple top-tier options like Yu Darvish and Arrieta, himself, as well as some high-upside, high-risk arms like Shohei Otani. But […]
The Most Important Non-Factor on Cubs’ Playoff Roster
As the trade deadline struck on July 31, 2017, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein probably felt terrific. He had checked off every box on his midseason shopping list. Cubs needed to add another starter? Epstein had pulled off a shocking deal to acquire left-hander Jose Quintana from the crosstown White Sox. Cubs were […]
Game 162 Recap: Reds 3, Cubs 1
If you feel like it was just yesterday that the Cubs took the field at Busch Stadium to kick off the 2017 season as defending World Champions, you are not alone. The 2017 Chicago Cubs’ regular season absolutely flew by, and today, we find ourselves at game 162. The NL Central Champion Cubs dropped the […]
Game 150 Recap: Cubs 2, Rays 1
A trio of Tampa Bay Rays alums shined in the Chicago Cubs’ Tuesday night 2-1 victory at Tropicana Field in Florida. Former Rays’ farmhand Mike Montgomery excelled in his start, going six extremely strong innings and only allowing one hit. Former Rays’ pitcher Wade Davis looked brilliant striking out the side in the bottom of […]
Crucial Cubs Catchers; Potential Playoff Roster Implications
The idea of a three-catcher rotation is not a foreign one during Joe Maddon’s regime as manager of the Chicago Cubs. It was a strategy initially employed at the beginning of Maddon’s first season with the club, 2015, when the team broke camp with three catchers on their opening night roster: Miguel Montero, David Ross […]
Carasiti Cubs Call-Up Coming?
The Cubs’ June 26 acquisition of right-handed reliever Matt Carasiti from the Colorado Rockies barely made any headlines. Picked up in exchange for lefty Zac Rosscup, a long-time Cubs depth arm who had been recently designated for assignment, Carasiti was not the impact bullpen arm the Cubs would soon acquire in Justin Wilson. But, though […]
Game 117 Recap: Cubs 15, Reds 5
The Chicago Cubs’ next 12 games come against teams in the bottom of their respective divisions: three more with the Cincinnati Reds, three with the Blue Jays, another set of three with the Reds and three with the Phillies. If tonight is any indication, this could be a fun couple of weeks. In the first […]