MLBits: Early-Season Narratives, DH, Moving the Mound, Trout’s Historic Start, More

May 07, 2018

The bachelor party was great. Austin is fun. Everyone made it home. And there will be no further comment on the weekend.

Here’s some news from around the league …

There’s no doubt that the early-season hasn’t been particularly kind to the Chicago Cubs (nor they to themselves) – Brett looked at their nightmarish offensive production over the past two weeks and I tackled their evolved playoff odds earlier – but it’s important to always remember how early we are in the season. At MLB.com, Mark Feinsand looks back at many different early-season narratives from 2017 that didn’t wind up mattering and it’ll probably make you feel better – to the extent you’re open to it. (Example: remember how the Orioles and Reds were awesome contenders at this point last year? You don’t remember? Exactly.) It doesn’t mean the Cubs struggles aren’t real, mind you, but it does give some perspective. Some. And remember, never jump the gun on your proclamations:

I know this is technically good news, but it’s still a bummer for Cueto and the Giants:

Source confirms Johnny Cueto has an elbow sprain. Surgery was not recommended, which is good news. He's expected to miss 6-8 weeks. @JonHeyman was first with update.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) May 7, 2018

As we discussed last time (when the injury first popped up), Cueto has had a brilliant start to the season (0.84 ERA, 2.78 FIP) and I generally think he’s a fun player, so it stinks that his season will be interrupted and potentially thrown off track. Also, the Giants have seemed to have some pretty terrible luck in recent years.

Although I don’t necessarily agree with every point raised in Joel Sherman’s latest on expanding the designated hitter to the National League, I do find his “small ball is dead” argument particularly compelling against “purists” who like the NL-style of play better. Also, Jacob deGrom just hyper-extended his elbow swinging a bat and will miss a month. He had a 1.87 ERA, a 32.0% strikeout rate, and a .204 batting average against, but now, he’ll have nothing for a month because he has to be a hitter, unlike pitchers in the AL.

Buster Olney recently reported that the number of fastballs thrown at 98+ MPH has nearly tripled in the last four years, and Rany Jazayerli had an interesting solution to the extent you want to see more balls in play:

Move. The mound. Back. I’d say nine inches ought to do it.

If you have a better idea on how to reduce strikeouts without fundamentally altering the sport, I’m all ears. But I haven’t heard one yet. https://t.co/T6YDldYu8T

— Rany Jazayerli (@jazayerli) May 6, 2018

It’s hard for me to know *exactly* what the result of this would be, but IF someone laid out the expected results of such a move (and they were in line with the objective), this sure does seem to be a way to improve the game without changing it too drastically. But again, let’s see what the expected results are, AND really pin down what the precise goal is. That all has to line up pretty perfectly for it to be worth it.

I don’t know *much* about NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, but what I do know is that his answers to these questions about improving the fan experience are so amazing … and frustrating, because it’s not something baseball has yet mastered:

Adam Silver gets it, and is making every other North American sports league look really dumb in the process. (Imagine Goodell or Bettman or Manfred answering these questions…)https://t.co/8vOxhgA2Ny pic.twitter.com/K4B643wdo9
— Dieter Kurtenbach (@dkurtenbach) May 3, 2018

You should read all of his questions and answers, but the best part is he likened the league’s lax regulations on fans sharing highlights on social media to free snacks … which then entice the fan to return for the full meal (live games). There is no substitution for live game action, and highlights help get a fan’s appetite ready. There are many reasons the NBA has so many more younger fans – some of it’s just the nature of the sport, but that isn’t the entire explanation.

Yadier Molina was injured over the weekend and will miss at least a month of action because of it. But at FanGraphs, Craig Edwards asserts that his injury is more painful for him than it is the Cardinals – and that’s not a joke about the nature of the injury. From my position, there’s no doubt that Molina was great once upon a time, but it’s pretty weird to say he’s still the same player. And with Carson Kelly taking over in the meantime, I think they’ll be more than just fine. Which, well, doesn’t help the Cubs.

Pirates pitcher Steven Brault has had 32 plate appearances in his Major League career and he has yet to strike out. He’s no Jake Arrieta or Madison Bumgarner at the dish, but that’s a crazy contact streak for anyone, let alone a pitcher and Jeff Sullivan has every detail and important distinction on it at FanGraphs.

Great news on White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar:

The Chicago White Sox released the following update today on the condition of White Sox pitcher Danny Farquhar: pic.twitter.com/FFrhsiaI4Z

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) May 7, 2018

Craig Calcaterra seems pretty surprised that teams would have any interest in trading for recently DFA’d Mets pitcher Matt Harvey (as opposed to signing for a prorated version of the Major League him once he passes through waivers in seven days), but, I mean is it really that hard to believe? OF COURSE, he’s a huge project, that’s why he was DFA’d, but he’s also a lottery ticket with a huge upside. The Cubs gave Drew Smyly two years and $10M as a lottery ticket, and they do it with an injured/formerly great or highly touted pitcher seemingly every year. Obviously, there are huge differences between Smyly and Harvey, but I really don’t think it’s that crazy for a team to pay what’s left of his $5.6M deal this season to keep him away from someone else. ESPECIALLY a rebuilding team well under the luxury tax threshold who could find a diamond in the rough for now and the future or even spin him off at the deadline, themselves (if he figures some things out as either a starter or reliever). Then again, we’ll see if it actually plays out this way, or if the Mets are just spinning.

Eloy Jimenez has a six-game *multi*-hit streak in which he’s slashing .481/.500/.852. Dylan Cease has a 1.95 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 14 walks in 32.1 IP. And that’s about enough on this topic.

GONE. ✌️

Yankees top prospect Gleyber Torres already has the clutch gene.

(via @YESNetwork) pic.twitter.com/kxvuDVIjiT

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 6, 2018

When you sacrifice yourself for two months to get Gleyber Torres on your team pic.twitter.com/H70hjH85C6

— The Yankee Fan (@YankeeLiveTweet) May 6, 2018

I SAID “THAT’S ENOUGH.”

Usually, players talk about playing well to prove scouts wrong. In Shohei Ohtani’s case, well, he wants to prove them right!

Pitching, Mental Game, Motivation by Proving Opposing Scouts Right. Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/6TGSZGcNZo

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 7, 2018

Roses are red, it’s really a shame, you should never be …

Pulling Max Scherzer from a 15K/6.1 IP Game… pic.twitter.com/cNmOPpY8M1

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 7, 2018

(He was over 110 pitches at the time, but still. I wouldn’t want to tell him.)

And finally, from Baseball is Fun, Mike Trout is on pace to do something *really* special:

Mike Trout Is Basically On Pace for the Best Season in Baseball History https://t.co/LQhMAbYj12 pic.twitter.com/Hkfd6dpN4P

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) May 7, 2018

And I have to say, I think that sort of chase – in 2018, especially – would be *really* fun to watch. It’s not as easy to track as Giancarlo Stanton’s chase for 61 homers, I suppose, but it would be cool to have a new “greatest season ever.” Also, yes, this start could easily become one of the headers in the “early season narratives” post next season.

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Watch Christopher Morel Hit a Ninth-Inning, GAME-WINNING Homer off Edwin Diaz

The Cubs made it seven full innings before recording their first hit of the night tonight in what was looking like their third consecutive brutal loss. But after they pushed a run across the board in the 8th, their luck...

Michael Cerami

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Mets (6:10 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs have still not lost more than two games in a row this season. But that streak is at risk tonight, with Mets starter Luis Severino on the mound for the series opener at Citi...

Michael Cerami

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pitchers Have Moved on to a New Plan of Attack Against Michael Busch (And So Far, It’s Working)

Over his first 19 games (74 PAs), Michael Busch was one of the hottest hitters on the planet: .328/.405/.656 (190 wRC+), including three doubles, six homers, and nine walks. But in the seven games and 29 plate appearances since, he's...

Michael Cerami

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Senzel Blasts Two, Judge’s Slide, Rays City Connect Uniforms, More

When it rains, it pours. Just ask the Marlins. On Sunday, they watched their seven-run lead melt away, thanks to two Nick Senzel home runs (and another hot day at the dish for Jacob Young), as their losing streak moved...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Happy Lee Elia Day! The Managerial Rant to End All Managerial Rants

The Chicago Cubs have, unfortunately, had some bad starts over the years, and late-April is not always a still-hopeful time for the team's fans, as it is this year. Consider the team and the situation back on this day in...

Brett Taylor

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Catching Prospect Pablo Aliendo Getting Some Love

When I saw that The Athletic had written up 20 "underrated" prospects with a Chicago Cubs tag, I just assumed the prospect was going to be Jefferson Rojas, and I was going to mutter to myself that it's pretty silly...

Brett Taylor

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 29, 2024: Weekend Wrap

Kevin Alcántara cooled off over the weekend while the rest of Tennessee's offense followed suit. Thankfully for the Smokies, they were able to sprinkle a Cade Horton gem in there on Saturday. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report....

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Staying East: Cubs vs Mets Series Preview

Cubs vs Mets — The Cubs are starting a fresh four-game series tonight in New York against the Mets. And, of course, they'll do it without Justin Steele, Jordan Wicks, Kyle Hendricks, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, or Julian Merryweather. A...

Michael Cerami

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Riding the Roller Coaster, Cubs Optimism on Wicks, Pinch-Hitting for Mervis, and Other Cubs Bullets

This weekend sure was a roller coaster, eh? We were riding high Friday night, with a convincing win against the Red Sox following a series sweep of the Astros. But just 48-hours after that, the Cubs had lost twice (once...

Michael Cerami

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

REPORT: The MLB Uniforms Are Being Addressed

I imagine it was a fire drill for all involved ever since it became clear that the new Nike-designed, Fanatics-manufactured MLB jerseys (and pants) were a problem for many players. What was intended to be an improvement turned out to...

Brett Taylor

Apr 29, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Watch Christopher Morel Hit a Ninth-Inning, GAME-WINNING Homer off Edwin Diaz

Michael Cerami

Apr 29, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Mets vs. Cubs: Live Stream or on TV

The New York Mets (14-13), who will give the start to Sean Manaea, host the Chicago Cubs (17-11) with Javier Assad on the hill, Tuesday at 7:10 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for TV and...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Blue Jays vs. Royals: Live Stream or on TV

In a series opener on Tuesday, Daulton Varsho and the Toronto Blue Jays (14-15) take on Salvador Perez and the Kansas City Royals (17-12), with first pitch scheduled for 7:07 PM ET at Rogers Centre.Keep scrolling to find out all...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Simeon Woods Richardson will take the mound for the Minnesota Twins (14-13) when they visit starter Mike Soroka and the Chicago White Sox (6-22) in a series opener on Tuesday, with first pitch at 7:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

How to Watch

Astros vs. Guardians: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Tuesday at 8:10 PM ET, Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (9-19) play Jose Ramirez and the Cleveland Guardians (19-9) at Minute Maid Park.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Houston-Cleveland matchup below.When is Astros vs. Guardians...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

How to Watch

Yankees vs. Orioles: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The New York Yankees (19-10), who will give the ball to Nestor Cortes Jr., visit the Baltimore Orioles (17-10) with Dean Kremer on the hill, Tuesday at 6:35 PM ET.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Giants vs. Red Sox: Live Stream or on TV

On Tuesday, Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (14-15) take on Tyler O'Neill and the Boston Red Sox (16-13), with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at Fenway Park.Find out how to watch the San Francisco-Boston matchup below.When...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. 76ers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 5 – Tuesday, April 30, 2024

The New York Knicks bring a 3-1 series record into a decisive Game 5 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 4 points in the matchup, which airs on TNT at 7:00 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

Picks

Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Thunder – NBA Playoffs Game 4, Monday, April 29, 2024

The New Orleans Pelicans face the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8:30 PM ET on Monday, in Game 4 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer props available for this clash requires only one trifecta...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

Picks

Miami Marlins vs. Colorado Rockies Series April 30 – May 2: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

On Tuesday, April 30 at 6:40 PM ET, a three-game series between the Miami Marlins and the visiting Colorado Rockies will begin.Marlins vs. Rockies Series Info Rockies @ Marlins Time: Tuesday, April 30 at 6:40 PM ET Rockies Starting Pitcher:...

Data Skrive

Apr 29, 2024

MLBits: Early-Season Narratives, DH, Moving the Mound, Trout’s Historic Start, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular