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Anthony Rizzo in the Two Hole Redux and Other Bullets
It’s where Rizzo is expected to bat today, which may or may not mean anything. But I do like Rizzo there.
Analysis and Commentary
Envisioning a Role for Welington Castillo if He Isn’t Traded Isn’t Easy
Joe Maddon described how Castillo could be incorporated into the mix if the Cubs carry three catchers. It’s not a significant role.
The Chicago Cubs Have a 41.4% Chance of Making the Playoffs in 2015
That’s according to the first iteration of the FanGraphs Playoff Odds Report, anyway.
Visualizing Javier Baez’s Swing Changes
It appears that there are three distinct changes in play for Baez … but will they actually help him put the ball in play?
Why Do the Chicago Cubs Always Underperform Expectations and Projections?
We’re not wondering why the Cubs are bad. We’re wondering why they always seem to be worse than whatever level of bad they were expected to be. (But, hey, 2015 should be better!)
The MLBPA Will Be Watching the Cubs and Kris Bryant, and Not Just For Long Bombs
Everyone understands that there are potential service times issues at play.
Cubs World Series at a Neutral Site? Nah, But How About a First Half Championship Series?
Here’s a crazy – but maybe awesome? – idea for improving the national interest in baseball.
Joe Maddon Discusses His Philosophy About Pitchers Batting Eighth, Which is Likely
It’s not just about getting the right guy in the 9-hole, it’s also about how long you expect the starting pitcher to be in the game.
The Underlying Castro and Rizzo Improvements and Other Bullets
We know the duo improved dramatically in 2014, but how exactly did it happen, and how exactly could it play out in 2015?
Joe Maddon Likes Reverse Split Relievers … So Do the Cubs Have Any?
Cubs have any righties who are tough on lefties, or lefties who are tough on righties? Well, there is one guy who stands out.
Utilitizing Analytics is Not All About the Numbers and Other Bullets
Jeff Samardzija started a kerfuffle with some comments about analytics, but, even if he’s not right about all of it, he made a very important point.
Casually Mentioning the Downside Risk of Injury in the Chicago Cubs’ Outfield
It’s not just the injury histories of the nominal starters – it’s the lack of clear regulars ready to step in behind them.
Should We Fear Tougher Offensive Environment for Cubs Youngsters? and Other Bullets
Is MLB getting tougher for young positional players? If so, does that disproportionately hurt the Cubs? Tentative answers: no, no.
Recalling Jake Arrieta One Year Ago, and Dreaming on the Next and Other Bullets
One year ago today, the Cubs revealed that Jake Arrieta had shoulder tightness and wouldn’t break camp with the big league team. Think about where it all went from there.
James Shields Confirms That His Decision Came Down to the Padres and Cubs
The money was actually extremely close, and Shields chose the better fit. I still don’t register too much disappointment.
What Spring Performances Could Mean for the Cubs’ Roster, Rotation, and Bullpen
You never take too much away from Spring Training performances, but sometimes they do help make decisions at the margins. And the Cubs have a ton of decisions to make.