Jason McLeod likes to check off boxes when evaluating draft prospects. Stanford shortstop Nico Hoerner checks off a lot of them. As a result, the Cubs took Hoerner with the 24th pick in the first round of the MLB Draft. Here’s what the Cubs think he’ll bring to the table: Strike Zone Management – Check. […]
Category: Articles
Albert Almora Is Real and He Is Spectacular
I’ve thought and written quite a bit about Albert Almora, Jr. the last couple of offseasons, pondering his overall role and whether there was a long-term place for him in the Cubs’ outfield. A crowded group that came into the season featuring Jason Heyward, Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ, and Ben Zobrist already, there were legitimate […]
Game 55 Recap: Cubs 2, Mets 0
What You Need to Know: If last night’s 14-inning escapade was the weekend office party where everyone stayed out a little too late and had a little too much to drink, then today’s game was the next day when several senior employees call in sick. The less-senior employees were tasked with doing random assignments to fill the gaps: Tommy La Stella and […]
Game 53 Recap: Cubs 7, Mets 4
What You Need To Know: Tyler Chatwood didn’t immolate. Zack Wheeler was good. But he wasn’t nine innings good. And when you don’t throw nine innings as a Met, you’re basically asking the local neighborhood arsonist to watch your kids. Wheeler opened the door a crack, the Cubs kicked it open while the Mets’ pen got […]
Tyler Chatwood and the false hope of escaping Colorado
“No. No! NO! Stop it! Stop it, please! I beg you! This is sin! This is sin! This is sin! It’s a sin, it’s a sin, it’s a sin!” –Little Alex, A Clockwork Orange ALSO: –Me during any Tyler Chatwood start Actually, hold on a sec… that implies that a Chatwood start is like watching […]
Game 52 Recap: Cubs 5, Mets 1
On a gloomy night at Citi Field in Queens, New York, starting pitcher Jose Quintana shined throughout his six-inning outing to help the Cubs get a 5-1 victory over the New York Mets. What You Need to Know: Quintana continued his trend of pitching better on the road than at home by throwing his third straight […]
The 2018 Draft Likely to Be a Bit Unpredictable for the Cubs
In four days, the Chicago Cubs will select 42 more players to join the organization. Not all will sign, but upwards of 25 or so will plant their John Hancock on a contract. With the Cubs picking at number 24 in the first round, they are going to be at the mercy of the draft and […]
Game 51 Recap: Pirates 2, Cubs 1
What you need to know: Joe Musgrove threw seven strong innings, while Kyle Hendricks put together a five competitive innings despite not having his best stuff. Even though the Pirates led off each inning against Hendricks with a hit, beyond Josh Harrison’s solo home run in the first and Gregory Polanco’s sacrifice fly in the second, […]
Who Is 2018 José Quintana?
With one out in the fifth inning on Saturday, Joe Maddon exited the dugout and strolled to the pitcher’s mound. The Cubs skipper was about to pull José Quintana after only 83 pitches and the game tied at three, despite the bullpen’s generally overworked state. It was a contentious move, and there was a bit […]
Game 50 Recap: Cubs 7, Pirates 0
Today the Cubs and Pirates celebrated Memorial Day in the traditional manner that MLB knows best: commemorative camo green uniforms and caps. MEL BROOKS VOICE: Merchandising! Where the real money from the day of solemn observance is made! And it was appropriate that the Cubs spent a holiday dedicated to somber remembrance in Pittsburgh. Because as […]