NEWSLETTER
The Cubs whooped the Rangers 9-0 today, which is a Spring Training thing, but also a “the Rangers might be really bad this year” thing. Zach Davies was so efficient that his three innings of work were over in 30 minutes (literally, even counting the Cubs’ half-innings in the first and second).
Cubs pick up a 9-0 win over the Rangers. Javy launched a slam, Nico collected two more hits, Davies was so efficient he had to get more work done in the bullpen after his three innings. pic.twitter.com/mDnKRlhbCL
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) March 8, 2021
Five runs in the 5th! pic.twitter.com/seXKGs9UbP
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 8, 2021
Instant conclusion on Kohl Stewart based solely on today’s inning+: got some nice movement in his pitches, long arm action doesn’t hide the ball and makes command more challenging. I can see the bones, but I also think there’s a ways to go still. #NotAScout
Rex Brothers looked mighty good once again, able to locate his pitches, and generally being nasty. Inside track on being the second lefty in the bullpen with Andrew Chafin? Kyle Ryan and Brad Wieck aren’t in game action yet, so?
Joc Pederson made an athletic catch deep in left field in this one, running backwards after a great read, and I was immediately struck: I don’t think Kyle Schwarber would’ve caught it. For what it’s worth. (Of course, Schwarber might’ve played it perfectly off the wall and nailed the runner at second, so, hey … )
Two more hits for Nico Hoerner today, naturally:
https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1369038913722023936
Fun to see Cubs second base prospect Chase Strumpf show off some power:
https://twitter.com/CubsZone/status/1369053185416060931
As we’ve discussed, I cannot wait to see what his development looks like this year.
P.J. Higgins is the third or fourth catcher on the Cubs’ depth chart, so to speak, but I suspect the Cubs would love it if he emerged as a legit big league back-up type by the second half. He got the start today and provided a highlight:
.@pjhiggins7 with a laser down to 2nd! pic.twitter.com/DVexdvvhbH
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 8, 2021
Ian Happ had some mic’d up fun in this one, and Javy Báez crushed a three-run shot to deep center.
