Randy Wells is Upset and Other Bullets

I am most definitely still feeling chippy about yesterday’s game (and all Marmol-related discussion will come later in its own post)…

  • When asked how the Cubs could get past such a frustrating loss, Ryan Dempster, the man who should probably be more frustrated than anyone, stayed positive. “Through leaders in the clubhouse,” Dempster said of how you recover. “We can either hang our heads and sulk or accept what happened today, learn from it, move on and win a game [Friday]. We have a really good team [with the Dodgers coming to Wrigley Field].” Dempster’s ERA sank below one yesterday, so at least there’s that.
  • Randy Wells was upset about his demotion yesterday (in favor of Dempster, who was masterful): “No, I kind of hate it actually; I’m not happy. I didn’t pitch well so there is nobody really to blame but yourself. It still sucks. You obviously want to pitch well and put yourself in a good position, but the numbers just don’t stack up. It is what it is.” It would be nice if Wells could go back to Iowa and tear it up. That would help his own chances of being called up the next time the Cubs need a starter (rather than, for example, Travis Wood, Casey Coleman, or Chris Rusin), and would help the Cubs when the trade deadline comes around (either by trading Wells or by having confidence that they can trade another starter, and slide Wells back into the rotation).
  • Dale Sveum says that Kerry Wood, who also returned yesterday from the DL, will probably not start back out in the 8th inning. Instead he’ll be eased back into things in lower leverage situations.
  • David Schofield offers a great write-up on the feel-good story of the year: Bryan LaHair. Let’s remember things like that when we’re gnashing our teeth about games like yesterday’s. LaHair did homer, after all.
  • Ian Stewart explains his crucial error in the 9th yesterday, and it doesn’t sound like he thinks he was trying to do too much with the Brandon Phillips hopper (men on first and second, nobody out – it looked like Stewart was thinking about trying to turn a triple play). “I thought the best chance for me to field the ball was to try to get an angle on it and charge it,” said Stewart. “I was just thinking that was the best way for me to field it. I think if I would have got it my momentum was carrying me toward the line and third was right there.”
  • A reminder on language in the comments: I’m not a heavy-handed moderator, and you guys do a great job of using your judgment and policing yourself. Yesterday was a particularly frustrating day, and there was a lot of (understandable) venting going on. I don’t really have a problem with it. But let’s not make f-bombs a regular occurrence. They don’t bother me, but they do bother some folks. So, be respectful, and be judicious. Very occasionally, it’s OK, but, for all other times, save it for the Game Thread.
  • MLBullets at BCB, featuring the possibility of the end of the Mariano Rivera era (and, no, I don’t see the Yankees coming calling about Carlos Marmol unless Larry Rothschild thinks he can “fix” the problem – and, even then, don’t expect to get more than about $400K in salary relief (I’m not exaggerating)).
  • written by

    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

    It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

    The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

    The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

    Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

    Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

    Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

    The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

    MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

    If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

    Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

    Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

    Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

    As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

    Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

    Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

    Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

    Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

    You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

    Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

    Latest News

    New York Giants 1st Round Mock Draft: Giants Select Explosive Wideout at 6

    The New York Giants continue their search for consistent offensive weapons in the 2024 NFL Draft. This New York Giants 1st Round Mock Draft focuses on surrounding the Giants QBs with weapons. While Daniel Jones has shown flashes of brilliance,...

    Phillies vs. White Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    Following a stretch of three consecutive wins, the Philadelphia Phillies (11-8) meet the Chicago White Sox (3-15) at 6:40 PM ET on Friday.The Phillies will give the nod to Spencer Turnbull (1-0) versus the White Sox and Garrett Crochet (1-2).Phillies...

    Reds vs. Angels Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Cincinnati Reds (9-9) and the Los Angeles Angels (9-10) play at Great American Ball Park on Friday at 6:40 PM ET. In this contest, the Reds have the chance to end a three-game skid.The Reds will give the nod...

    Pirates vs. Red Sox Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Boston Red Sox (10-10) kick off a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) with a Friday meeting at PNC Park. First pitch is at 6:40 PM ET.The probable starters are Quinn Priester for the Pirates and Brayan Bello...

    Yankees vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Tampa Bay Rays (11-9) begin a three-game series against the New York Yankees (13-6) with a Friday matchup at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is at 7:05 PM ET.The Yankees will give the nod to Clarke Schmidt (1-0, 3.68 ERA),...

    Astros vs. Nationals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Washington Nationals (8-10) begin a three-game series against the Houston Astros (6-14) on Friday at Nationals Park. First pitch is at 6:45 PM.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Astros will send Justin Verlander to the mound, while...

    Braves vs. Rangers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Atlanta Braves (12-5) look to add to a four-game winning streak as they host the Texas Rangers (11-9) at 7:20 PM ET on Friday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Braves will send Chris Sale (1-1) to the...

    Guardians vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – April 19

    The Oakland Athletics (8-11) start a three-game series against the Cleveland Guardians (13-6) on Friday at Progressive Field. First pitch is at 7:10 PM.The Guardians will give the ball to Triston McKenzie (1-2, 6.23 ERA), who is eyeing win No....

    Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Friday, April 19, 2024

    Today's NBA playoff slate has two quality competitions in store. Among those contests is the Sacramento Kings taking on the New Orleans Pelicans.NBA prop bets for today's games are available, so if you're interested in placing a bet or building...

    It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

    more cubs news