header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Do the Cubs Really Need....

Do the Cubs Really Need Three Catchers? and Other Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Apr 15, 2013
Chicago Cubs

steve clevengerWe’ll pause from Wrigley renovation obsession – a reminder: the press conference is coming at 11am CT, so I’d expect a great deal more information then – to dwell on the rest of the Cubs’ world, which isn’t quite as cheery these days …

  • The Cubs have held a lead in four of their eight losses this year, which isn’t all that easy to do. Indeed, if they’d held a late lead in three of those losses, the Cubs would now be 7-5, tied with the Cardinals for first in the NL Central. Swallow that pill.
  • Steve Clevenger, who is now on the 60-day DL with a strained oblique, says he felt like he got stabbed in the side when he went down on Saturday on the final swing of the game. Of the loss of Clevenger, Dale Sveum pointed out the obvious problem. “You could see you that bench was able to work correctly with three catchers,” Sveum said, per Sahadev Sharma. “Kind of makes it easier for a manager to mix and match at the end of games. So, yeah, it’s very unfortunate. I wouldn’t say you’re without [the ability to pinch hit Dioner Navarro], you probably have to be a little choosier. Sometimes you just have to [do it]. If it’s going to win you a game in the seventh inning, you just have to say, ‘Hey Castillo, don’t get hurt.'” In truth, Sveum burned through both Clevenger and Navarro a couple times last week, so he’s clearly unafraid of leaving himself without a back-up catcher, whether there are two of them on the bench originally or just one. He’s actually been more bold in that regard than I would have expected. I’m undecided on whether it’s a good idea or not, especially when there are still other hitters available on the bench. Navarro’s hit a couple homers, yes, but, for his career, it’s very hard to argue that he’s a better bench bat than Scott Hairston or Dave Sappelt.
  • In the end, Clevenger’s value was his versatility – he was set to start at third base yesterday before the Saturday injury – which only plays if he hits. Sure, it’s nice to have the flexibility to futz around with the catchers, but that’s only relevant when they aren’t an offensively liability. I’m not sure Clevenger and Navarro (again, two pinch hits notwithstanding) had yet reached that level. Clevenger was, essentially, the last guy to make the roster, and he may not have stuck around after Darwin Barney and Ian Stewart return. What I’m driving at: the injury absolutely sucks for Clevenger, and I feel bad for the guy. But I’m not sure how much worse off the Cubs really are.
  • On the game-tying homer yesterday by Hunter Pence in the 9th, it sounds like Dale Sveum wasn’t too happy that Shawn Camp shook off Navarro in favor of a slider (which he ended up hanging).
  • Edwin Jackson discusses how he fell apart late in the game yesterday.
  • With reliever Kameron Loe added to the 40-man yesterday, and Rafael Dolis called up as a short-term fill-in for the injured Kyuji Fujikawa, you can expect that Dolis will be optioned back to AAA Iowa to make room on the 25-man for Loe. Darwin Barney will also be activated tomorrow, so there will be a flurry of roster moves, though they’re all pretty predictable at this point.
  • An excellent profile on Jeff Samardzija in the New York Times by Ben Strauss.
  • Len Kasper on his new partner Jim Deshaies, who is fitting in quite nicely (both in Len’s opinion and my own).
  • We’re without Luke for a few days, so the Minor League Daily is going to be hit-and-miss. I’d planned to do my version this morning, but the Wrigley news has thrown the publication schedule off a bit. All I can say for certain is that you’ll be happy when Luke returns.

    • 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 Bears

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Northwestern will be making a return to Wrigley Field not just once this season, but twice! Due to the construction of their brand new football stadium, the Cats will be playing five of their seven home games at its temporary...

    Matt Rooney Matt Rooney
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Impressive Fill-In Guys, Bullpen Health, Roberts, Javy, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Cubs come back home from the Pittsburgh-Atlanta road trip having split it 3-3, and I gotta say, that's a pretty solid outcome when (1) you're facing Jones and Skenes, (2) you're playing three in Atlanta where they'd lost just...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

    Just about as soon as I could talk about how Brennen Davis had homered for the third time in four games, he homered AGAIN, making it four times in five games. And this time, just for fun, B.J. Murray Jr....

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Wake Up and Watch the Cubs Beat the Braves to Salvage the Series

    The Chicago Cubs' bats finally came alive last night in Atlanta, albeit with a little bit of help from Braves starting pitcher Charlie Morton. On the other side, Javier Assad was brilliant once again. Good win. Needed win. Enjoy the...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 16, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Braves 1 – May 15, 2024

    The Cubs took the lead on the very first pitch of the game and didn't look back. They needed that. I needed that. Offense up and down the lineup. Two extra-base hits for Seiya Suzuki. Three times on base for...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 15, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

    There's fast, and then there's Curt Casali fast. Er, well, not his basepath speed, but the speed with which he went from catching at Triple-A Iowa for the Cubs to starting behind the plate tonight for the Giants in San...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 15, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Mike Tauchman Ends the Cubs Scoreless Streak on the First Pitch of the Game!

    The Cubs scored exactly zero runs in their last 18 innings in Atlanta. But Mike Tauchman did not let that streak continue long tonight. On the first pitch of the game, Tauchman lifted one over the left field wall for...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 15, 2024
    Cubs Lineup
    Chicago Cubs

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Happ Sits Again, Still No Nico

    CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs have dropped each of the first two games in this series, failing to score a single run. Let's see if the following Cubs lineup can have any more luck against Charlie Morton and the Braves...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 15, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Roster Move: Thompson to the IL, Little Comes Back

    Another day, another Injured List move for the Chicago Cubs. And it's another reliever. That's 15 total Cubs hitting the IL at some point already this year. It's May 15. This time, it's Keegan Thompson going on the IL with...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 15, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

    When Hayden Wesneski came into relieve Shota Imanaga against the Braves on Monday night, the Cubs all but confirmed that he had temporarily exited the rotation. Wesneski had made three really nice starts against the Red Sox, Brewers, and Padres,...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 15, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    Picks

    Phillies vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    The Philadelphia Phillies (31-13) will vie for their fourth straight victory when they host the New York Mets (19-23) on Thursday at 6:40 PM ET on MLB Network. The Phillies are listed as -144 favorites by bookmakers, while the Mets...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Thursday's matchup between the Boston Red Sox (22-21) and Tampa Bay Rays (22-22) could go either way, as sportsbooks have declared the game a pick 'em (both teams are even on the moneyline). Action gets underway from Fenway Park at...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Cubs vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    The Chicago Cubs (25-19) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-25) square off at Wrigley Field on Thursday at 7:40 PM ET, starting a four-game series.The probable starters are Justin Steele for the Cubs and Jared Jones (2-4) for the Pirates.Cubs vs....

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Astros vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    The Oakland Athletics (19-26), who lost their previous four games, take on the Houston Astros (18-25) at Minute Maid Park on Thursday. First pitch is at 8:10 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Cristian Javier (2-1) for the Astros and Joey...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Lions 2024 schedule
    NFL

    Detroit Lions Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The Lions are ready for a new season after blowing a 17-point lead in the second half of the NFC Championship game to the 49ers. After a solid draft, they look to reach the Super Bowl in 2024. Check out...

    Sam Russell Sam Russell
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Phillies vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    After winning their past three games, the Philadelphia Phillies (31-13) host the New York Mets (19-23) at Citizens Bank Park on Thursday at 6:40 PM ET.The Phillies will call on Taijuan Walker (3-0) against the Mets and Jose Quintana (1-4).Phillies...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Picks

    Red Sox vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    The Boston Red Sox (22-21) have a home game at Fenway Park against the Tampa Bay Rays (22-22) at 7:10 PM ET on Thursday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Red Sox will send Cooper Criswell (2-1) to the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 16, 2024
    Packers schedule 2024
    NFL

    Green Bay Packers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers caught the attention of NFL fans in the playoffs last season and hope to build on that success. What will they do this year? Check out their full schedule, record prediction, and more...

    Sam Russell Sam Russell
    May 16, 2024
    Steelers 2024 schedule
    NFL

    Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Despite being horrible on offense in 2023, the Steelers finished 10-7 and reached the playoffs before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the NFL Wild Card round. They then made plenty of noise in the offseason signing Russell Wilson and...

    Sam Russell Sam Russell
    May 16, 2024
    Eagles 2024 schedule
    NFL

    Philadelphia Eagles Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    The Eagles were bounced in a blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 and are moving to 2024 with hopes of getting back to the Super Bowl. Their full NFL schedule is out for this fall. Let's take...

    Sam Russell Sam Russell
    May 16, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Impressive Fill-In Guys, Bullpen Health, Roberts, Javy, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

    Wake Up and Watch the Cubs Beat the Braves to Salvage the Series

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Braves 1 – May 15, 2024

    Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

    Mike Tauchman Ends the Cubs Scoreless Streak on the First Pitch of the Game!

    Cubs Lineup

    Chicago Cubs Lineup: Happ Sits Again, Still No Nico

    Cubs Roster Move: Thompson to the IL, Little Comes Back

    Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Angels Manager Ron Washington Threw Luis Guillorme Under the Bus, Then Drove the Bus, Then Backed Over Him Again

    NHL Mock Draft Roundup: More Blackhawks Pick Projections

    Brennen Davis Rejoined Cubs’ Top-30 and Celebrated with Another Dinger (UPDATE: Just Did It AGAIN!)

    FanGraphs Just Dropped a Top-47 Cubs Prospects List

    Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

    Salvage the Finale, Nico’s Hammy, Mastrobuoni and Vazquez, Hilarious Harry Story, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Jorge Soler with the Worst Possible Luck in His First BP Session Trying to Return from the IL

    Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

    Latest News

    Phillies vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Red Sox vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Cubs vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Astros vs. Athletics Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Lions 2024 schedule

    Detroit Lions Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Phillies vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Red Sox vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – May 16

    Packers schedule 2024

    Green Bay Packers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Steelers 2024 schedule

    Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Eagles 2024 schedule

    Philadelphia Eagles Schedule: Dates and Times for All 17 Games, Strength of Schedule, Record Prediction

    Panthers vs. Bruins NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 6 Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Friday, May 17, 2024

    Avalanche vs. Stars NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 6 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Friday, May 17, 2024

    Best NBA Prop Bets Today – Thursday, May 16, 2024

    Northwestern Returns to Wrigley Field TWICE This Fall

    Brennen Davis Homered Again, Back-to-Back with B.J. Murray Jr. (Whom We Should Discuss)

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Angels Manager Ron Washington Threw Luis Guillorme Under the Bus, Then Drove the Bus, Then Backed Over Him Again

    NHL Mock Draft Roundup: More Blackhawks Pick Projections

    Brennen Davis Rejoined Cubs’ Top-30 and Celebrated with Another Dinger (UPDATE: Just Did It AGAIN!)

    FanGraphs Just Dropped a Top-47 Cubs Prospects List

    Cubs Announce Their Upcoming Rotation, Answering Some Role Questions Along the Way

    Salvage the Finale, Nico’s Hammy, Mastrobuoni and Vazquez, Hilarious Harry Story, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Jorge Soler with the Worst Possible Luck in His First BP Session Trying to Return from the IL

    Curt Casali Has Opted Out of His Cubs Deal and is Already Starting Tonight for the Giants

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