The emotions of a fan are often thought to be a continuum, ranging anywhere from happy to sad to angry. Fans have varying degrees of these emotions when it comes to the outcomes their teams see. In reality, though, their emotions are far more discrete. The team wins, or the team loses. Those outcomes are […]
Author: Ryan Schultz
Game 100 Recap: Cubs 8, White Sox 3
What you need to know: The Cubs jumped on James Shields for five runs relatively early in the game. Anthony Rizzo’s double in the 5th inning was the source of most of those runs, making the White Sox and manager Rick Renteria pay for allowing Shields to face just one more batter with the bags […]
Game 99: Cubs 7, White Sox 2
What you need to know: Despite striking out 11 times against White Sox starter Carlos Rodon, the Cubs had a stranglehold on the game from the first inning on. It was on a three-run homer in that inning from Willson Contreras that delivered the deciding runs, despite John Lackey trying his best to prevent that […]
Game 95: Cardinals 11, Cubs 4
What you need to know: Early home runs from Willson Contreras and Randal Grichuk along with an RBI double from old friend Dexter Fowler had things knotted up through four and a half innings. That’s when Anthony Rizzo stepped to the plate and drove in a run to give the Cubs the lead. That is, until […]
What You’re Getting in Jose Quintana
The Cubs need pitching. The whole world knows that. As soon as Kyle Hendricks went down to an injury and Jake Arrieta scuffled, their lack of depth became frighteningly apparent. In Jose Quintana they get a much needed pitcher. He’s been remarkably consistent, posting an ERA at or below 3.51 in each of the last four […]
Game 63 Recap: Mets 6, Cubs 1
What you need to know: Jacob deGrom was dealing all night. He benefited from a Mets defense that turned four double plays, but his stuff was good throughout the evening. The only run he allowed was a fly ball off the bat of Addison Russell that somehow got up and out of the field of […]
Winning 100 Games Is Hard
The Chicago Cubs were an unstoppable machine in 2016. Their offense was fueled by the efforts of MVP Kris Bryant, adorable Anthony Rizzo, and the shiny smile of Dexter Fowler. Their pitching staff was infallible thanks to multiple career-best years and a tremendous defense behind them. Simply everything went right for the Cubs as they […]
Kris Bryant’s Hidden Skill
There are so many things that Kris Bryant does well. He hits for power. He hits for average. He can play defense literally anywhere on a baseball field. He runs the bases with ease, both mentally and with sneaky speed. All of these things have culminated in him quickly becoming one of the best players […]
Game 36 Recap: Cardinals 5, Cubs 3
What you need to know: The focus of game two of the Cubs visit to St. Louis was on the young guns. With injuries and illness ravishing the team, there have been notable call-ups in the past week or so. The most notable of those was one of the Cubs’ top prospects, Ian Happ. His […]
Kyle Hendricks is the Perfect Fifth Starter
I remember it like it was yesterday. The quiet stoicism obvious to anyone watching the game. No pumping fists or screams into a glove after each inning. No argument with the manager when was pulled. Just a slow walk off the mound as Kyle Hendricks was done for the night. He had only pitched seven […]