NEWSLETTER
We have a difficult choice to make, Cubs fans. Tonight, two games are scheduled to start about five minutes apart (weather permitting) and I suspect many of us will be watching one or the other. In Cincinnati the Chicago Cubs will send Edwin Jackson to the mound against the Reds. Meanwhile, in Chattanooga the Lookouts will send Clayton Kershaw to the mound against the Smokies. Yes, that Clayton Kershaw (he is on a rehab assignment). Yes, those Smokies.
Game time for the Double A game is 7:15 PM ET. That means, assuming he is in the lineup and batting third as usual, somewhere around 7:20 we can probably expect to see the most overanalyzed at bat of 2014: Kershaw versus Kris Bryant.
The most likely outcome is that Kershaw will strike out Bryant in short order, and make him look foolish in the process. Kershaw is a two time Cy Young award winner, after all, and Bryant is in just his second professional season. On paper that is a fairly one-sided battle. But, as we all know, baseball doesn’t always go according to the paper.
How awesome would it be if Bryant draws a walk?
Or singles up the middle?
Or homers?
Twice?
Keep in mind, Bryant already has a home run off Mat Latos this season (and was promptly drilled for his troubles). If he hits off Kershaw at all, or if he even looks good when facing Kershaw, the excitement over Bryant is probably going to get cranked up a few more notches. If he homers off Kershaw, the Internet may well pop a few tubes from the outpouring of unrestrained exuberance by Cubs fans everywhere.
So, what will you be watching? Cubs versus Reds? Or Bryant versus Kershaw?
As for me, well, do you really need to ask?
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – Iowa, like much of the rest of the United States, had rain yesterday. This game was postponed.
Tennessee – Tennessee had the day off.
Daytona – Not a lot went right for the Cubs in this 7-0 loss.
Kane County – Good pitching and a late rally carried Kane County to a 2-1 win.
Performances of Note
Other News
