The MacPhail Era, Matusz, Bryant’s Versatility, and Other Bullets

May 27, 2016

Hopefully the weather cooperates for today’s early afternoon game. It’s potentially dicey.

If your Cubs fandom goes back a bit and you, like I do, have mixed feelings about the Andy MacPhail era, you’re going to want to read this great Bruce Miles interview with MacPhail. Now the president of the Phillies, leading what is looking like a fantastic rebuild so far, MacPhail came to the Cubs after the 1994 season, and ran the shop until 2006. He’d had great success with the small market Twins, and, in my view, he was brought on board by the Tribune Company to bring similar talents to bear in Chicago (i.e., without a huge payroll). The focus on young pitching was, at times, a great success (2003), but also exposed the team to tremendous downside risk (most of the rest of the era). In his defense, a full-scale rebuild was never going to be permitted under the Tribune’s ownership, as the year-to-year revenues associated with appear competitive (and periodically actually being competitive) were too critical to the bottom line. So he and Ed Lynch and Jim Hendry did the best they could. And I am suddenly reminded of just how appreciative Cubs fans should be for the way the Ricketts Family committed to this particular rebuild.[adinserter block=”1″]

Jed Hoyer speaks with Patrick Mooney about how the Cubs have built their offense, and about how the vast majority of the team’s offensive upswings will have to come from turns in production within, as opposed to big additions externally. It’s not as if the Cubs are going to add a huge bat to cover the temporary performance blips of guys like Anthony Rizzo or Jason Heyward – where would they even put such a player?

Ben Zobrist talks about a range of topics at ESPN, including how he succeeds in his mid-30s, and how being confident in your mechanics allows you to think more at the plate about what the pitcher is trying to do.

Some of the subtle things a Joe-Maddon-led clubhouse does to preserve energy throughout the season? Sending lineups to players via email and text early in the morning so that they can receive it at the hotel and keep resting/relaxing, rather than having to get to the ballpark very early just to see if they’re playing (Tribune).

Kris Bryant astutely notes that the game tends to be trending more and more toward versatility (just think about what the Cubs have been able to accomplish with a short bench), and for that reason, players can’t be so locked into the mindset that “I have to play this spot and bat in this spot” (Cubs.com). There’s probably no better embodiment of that new way of thinking than Bryant, a superstar from thing one, who was also asked to move all around and bat all over from thing one. And he’s done it with aplomb. The fact that a young man (with his bat) can so easily move back and forth between third base and the outfield, despite relatively little playing time in the minors in the outfield (heck: relatively little playing time in the minors at all) is incredible. Moreover, it enhances the value of a player who was already set to be so very valuable.[adinserter block=”2″]

Also: by UZR/150, Bryant has rated so far this year as excellent at third, excellent in left field, and excellent in right field.

I don’t have any inside info on this, just an understanding of where the Cubs are and what they try to do when it comes to low risk moves: when former Orioles lefty Brian Matusz clears waivers (he was traded to the Braves with a draft pick (the Braves were buying the pick by paying his salary), and then immediately DFA’d), I would be surprised if the Cubs aren’t among the teams trying to woo him with a nice minor league deal. Although his 2016 has been a disaster, he’s a lefty who has shown plenty of big league success, especially getting out fellow lefties. That would be a nice guy to have at AAA Iowa, and perhaps the Cubs’ situation – and their three open spots on the 40-man roster now that lefty C.J. Riefenhauser was outrighted – will look good to him, too.

Michael’s got an awesome managerial freak-out moment over at BIF, completely with jersey tearing, base punting, helmet kicking, and at least two slides into second base.

It’s only going to get worse:

#Braves 12-34 record matches worst 46-game start in franchise history (since at least 1900), done in 1906 and 1911.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienAJC) May 27, 2016

You did a good clothes:

Hmm, what jersey should I wear to Warriors-Thunder tonight? pic.twitter.com/bYkYxswLbb

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) May 27, 2016

Speaking of Arrieta jersey’s, I’m not exactly sure what this is for – looks … Memorial Day-ish? but I don’t think it’s official – but there are some unique Cubs jerseys on sale at Amazon today.

This is so very good:

Vin Scully + Field of Dreams = goosebumps https://t.co/FkwuP8RfZC

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) May 26, 2016

[adinserter block=”3″]

If you missed it yesterday for the off-day, Michael checked in on where things stand with the Cubs, Luis took a great look at the Cubs’ starters best pitches, and Sahadev and I dropped a new podcast, among other things.

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

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Win the Game, Win the Series

CUBS LINEUP — For as rough as it has felt at times against the Braves this season, the Cubs still have a chance to split the season-series with a win this afternoon. And while the Cubs are rolling with a...

Michael Cerami

May 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Steele is Feeling Really Good Overall, Offensive Lull, Pitcher Updates, and Other Cubs Bullets

The Little Boy has a special ceremony at school today, so the schedule is a little atypical for me. Hopefully the Cubs beat the Braves, take the series, and that'll put a great cap on the day. The 7th inning...

Brett Taylor

May 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cade Horton Continues to Improve at Triple-A Iowa, and His Latest Start Was His Best

I'd forgotten that, in addition to the talent and experience difference in jumping from Double-A competition to Triple-A competition, there are a couple logistical changes for players. First, there is the automated balls and strikes system (fully automated half the...

Brett Taylor

May 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Kyle Hendricks Takes His Bullpen Demotion Like an Absolute Champ

Is there a more model Major Leaguer or better example-setter than Kyle Hendricks? I really don't think so. Two days ago, the Cubs bounced the veteran right-hander from their starting rotation. It was a true demotion, as his general ineffectiveness...

Michael Cerami

May 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

At Least Porter Hodge’s Debut Was Incredible

There's not a whole lot you're gonna want to take away from last night's loss to the Atlanta Braves, outside of the first six innings from Justin Steele, which were actually pretty good (just pretend in your mind that he...

Brett Taylor

May 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Braves 9, Cubs 2 – May 22, 2024

If you didn't actually watch this game, you might be worried about Justin Steele. After all, how can anyone have been anything other than "really bad" with five earned runs to their name? Well, I'm here to tell you he...

Michael Cerami

May 22, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs vs Braves (6:40 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs won their opener against the Braves last night, which means they have a chance at a series win as soon as tonight! And if they manage to win this game, they'll also guarantee themselves...

Michael Cerami

May 22, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Adbert Alzolay Went for a Second Opinion on His Forearm Injury (UPDATE)

[ankin_law] From a very happy post about the Chicago Cubs' bullpen to a more unhappy one. Adbert Alzolay, placed on the Injured List about 10 days ago because of a forearm issue, is now getting a second opinion from a...

Brett Taylor

May 22, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | May 22, 2024: Trio of Home Runs Not Enough for Iowa on Tuesday

Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a monster blast, and Matt Mervis and David Bote also added home runs on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough as Iowa fell to Indianapolis. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report | May...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 22, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Jed Hoyer on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Demotion-But-Not-Really-A-Demotion

Pete Crow-Armstrong, who homered immediately upon being optioned back to Triple-A Iowa, is already putting together another good game as we speak. It would not be a surprise if he continues to hit very well at Iowa, given that he...

Brett Taylor

May 22, 2024

NBA

Charlotte Hornets Draft Picks: List of 2024 and Future Draft Selections

It was another tough season for the Charlotte Hornets who finished 21-61 and missed the playoffs for the 8th consecutive year. Let's take a look at the team's 2024 NBA Draft picks, future selections, and more as they build to...

Sam Russell

May 23, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. White Sox Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 23, 2024

The Baltimore Orioles (29-18) hope to avoid their fourth straight defeat when they visit the Chicago White Sox (15-35) Thursday at 7:40 PM ET on NBCS-CHI. The Orioles are listed as -235 favorites to snap their losing skid, while the...

Data Skrive

May 23, 2024

Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams and Co. Head to the Southside, Claypool on His Time with Chicago, and Other Bears Bullets

Not many things would make me want to attend a White Sox game again this season, but this Caleb Williams-inspired promo could be one of them. The White Sox are offering $18 outfield tickets for their game against the Baltimore...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Win the Game, Win the Series

Michael Cerami

May 23, 2024

NBA

Brooklyn Nets Draft Picks: List of 2024 and Future Draft Selections

The Nets struggled to a 32-50 record this past season and missed the playoffs after reaching the postseason the previous 5 seasons. Let's look forward and check out the team's 2024 NBA Draft picks, future selections, and more. Brooklyn Nets...

Sam Russell

May 23, 2024

How to Watch

Celtics vs. Pacers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics will meet the Indiana Pacers.Last time out, the Celtics bested the Pacers 133-128 in OT on Tuesday. In the Celtics' victory, Jayson Tatum put up 36 points (and added...

Data Skrive

May 23, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks at the World Championship: Buzzing Bedard, Kurashev Scratched, More

The quarterfinals of the World Championships got rolling on Thursday morning with a few Blackhawks in action -- and one noticeably scratched. Here are a few updates. Canada Beats Slovakia 6-3 Connor Bedard was listed as the 13th forward on...

Tab Bamford

May 23, 2024

NBA

Miami Heat Draft Picks: List of 2024 and Future Draft Selections

The Miami Heat were knocked out of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs by the Boston Celtics 4-1. Now, they shift their attention to the offseason and draft. Check out their 2024 NBA Draft picks, future selections, and...

Sam Russell

May 23, 2024

Picks

Tigers vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 23, 2024

The Toronto Blue Jays (22-26) serve as underdogs on the moneyline (-108) in Thursday's contest with the Detroit Tigers (23-26). First pitch is at 6:40 PM ET on BSDET. The Blue Jays are favored against the spread in this one...

Data Skrive

May 23, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. White Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – May 23

The Chicago White Sox (15-35) begin a four-game series against the Baltimore Orioles (29-18) on Thursday at Guaranteed Rate Field. First pitch is at 7:40 PM.The Orioles will look to Grayson Rodriguez (4-1) versus the White Sox and Mike Clevinger...

Data Skrive

May 23, 2024

The MacPhail Era, Matusz, Bryant’s Versatility, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular