header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Oh, Travis Wood, What Have....

Oh, Travis Wood, What Have You Done? And Other Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Jul 16, 2013
Chicago Cubs

Yoenis Cespedes is your 2013 Home Run Derby champion. While the event doesn’t mean anything in the standings, I couldn’t blame any of you who looked on wistfully and thought “what might have been …. ” The Cubs were reportedly the runner-up for Cespedes’ services a year and a half ago, but they really weren’t terribly close to matching the A’s winning offer, which included free agency after just four years of control. When I think about that miss, I mostly just credit the A’s for having the vision – and balls – that other teams didn’t.

  • Travis Wood is at the All-Star festivities in New York this weekend, but, if you were there, you might not notice him:

  • Who is this pharmaceutical sales rep, and why is Fox News interviewing him during the All-Star break? …

  • WHAT THE HELL!?!?!?! Oh, Travis. What have you done? The beard, man. The beard. You have just Delilah’d yourself. (You can read about Wood’s media session and excitement about being in New York here.)
  • Brian Bogusevic re-aggravated his bum hamstring on Sunday, and we’ll just have to see if the All-Star break is enough time for him to rest it up. Playing in center field for the Cubs this year is a dangerous game. Not sure how Julio Borbon and Dave Sappelt have escaped it.
  • Jesse Rogers wraps up the first half and discusses the future.
  • Watch (and listen to) a Javier Baez bomb for the Tennessee Smokies. He. Swings. So. Hard.
  • Backloading deals and deferring payments can be a savvy move, but if the Cubs ever start handing out deals that look anything like the increasingly unbelievable Bobby Bonilla deal(s) with the Mets, then you can really be worried about the financial situation. Bonilla’s deals pay him about $1.7 million per year through 2028, and then $1.2 million per year through 2035. It comes at an 8% interest rate, according to Jon Heyman’s report, which could be ridiculous. A $1.7 million payment, increased at an 8% rate annually, would be well over $5 million by 2028.
  • Holy crap, the Jimmy Fallon/Matt Harvey bit was awesome and hilarious. You should watch it.
  • BN’er Oswego Chris – aka Chris Neitzel, the author of ‘Beyond Bartman, Curses, and Goats: 104 Reasons It’s Been 104 Years’ – wants to offer BN’ers the opportunity to get a personalized edition of the book (inscription, signature, smiley faces, the full nine). It’s just $15.75, including shipping. Reach out to Chris on Twitter here, and he’ll get you set up. For more on the awesome book, you can check out this interview I did with Chris. (Short version: The book is a 293-page history lesson, diving into why the Bartman/curse/goat/whatever explanations for the Chicago Cubs’ more-than-a-century of championship-less baseball are bullcrap.)

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Cubs Lineup
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 18, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    How to Watch

    How to Watch Twins vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    Pablo Lopez will take the ball for the Minnesota Twins (24-22) when they visit starter Mitchell Parker and the Washington Nationals (20-25) on Monday, with first pitch at 6:45 PM ET.If you're intending to watch this game, keep reading for...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Brewers vs. Marlins: Live Stream or on TV

    The Milwaukee Brewers (27-19), who will give the ball to Joe Ross, visit the Miami Marlins (15-33) with Ryan Weathers on the hill, Monday at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Milwaukee-Miami matchup below.When is Brewers...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Red Sox vs. Rays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Tanner Houck will take the ball for the Boston Red Sox (23-24) when they visit starter Taj Bradley and the Tampa Bay Rays (25-23) in a series opener on Monday, with first pitch at 6:50 PM ET.Keep reading to find...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Guardians vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In a series opener on Monday, Ben Lively will start for the Cleveland Guardians (30-17) against Tylor Megill and the New York Mets (21-25), with first pitch scheduled for 6:10 PM ET at Progressive Field.Find out how to watch the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    The New York Yankees (33-15), led by Juan Soto, host Caleb Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners (25-22) at 7:05 PM ET on Monday.The article below will give you everything you need to watch New York take on Seattle.When is Yankees...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Blue Jays vs. White Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Toronto Blue Jays (20-25), led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (14-33) at 3:07 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.See how to watch the Toronto-Chicago matchup below.When is Blue Jays vs....

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Mets Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the Cleveland Guardians and the visiting New York Mets will start on Monday, May 20 at 6:10 PM ET.Guardians vs. Mets Series Info Mets @ Guardians Time: Monday, May 20 at 6:10 PM ET Guardians Starting...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Series May 20-23: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    The New York Yankees will be hosting the Seattle Mariners for a four-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 7:05 PM ET on Monday, May 20.Yankees vs. Mariners Series Info Mariners @ Yankees Time: Monday, May 20 at...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Washington Nationals vs. Minnesota Twins Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the opener of a three-game series, on Monday, May 20 at 6:45 PM ET, the Washington Nationals will host the Minnesota Twins.Nationals vs. Twins Series Info Twins @ Nationals Time: Monday, May 20 at 6:45 PM ET Nationals Starting...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Miami Marlins vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    On Monday, May 20 at 6:40 PM ET, a three-game series between the Miami Marlins and the visiting Milwaukee Brewers will get underway.Marlins vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Marlins Time: Monday, May 20 at 6:40 PM ET Marlins Starting...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    Cubs Lineup

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

    Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    Nečas Interest, Big Worlds Performances, Coaching Carousel Moving, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    Latest News

    How to Watch Twins vs. Nationals: Live Stream or on TV

    How to Watch Brewers vs. Marlins: Live Stream or on TV

    Red Sox vs. Rays: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Guardians vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

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

    Blue Jays vs. White Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Mets Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    New York Yankees vs. Seattle Mariners Series May 20-23: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Washington Nationals vs. Minnesota Twins Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Miami Marlins vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    Toronto Blue Jays vs. Chicago White Sox Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    2024 Preakness Results: Winner, Finishing Times, and Betting Payouts

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

    Hendricks Will Get More Chances, Many Injury Updates, A Possible New Scandal, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    Nečas Interest, Big Worlds Performances, Coaching Carousel Moving, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.