header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Ricky Renteria is Sticking to....

Ricky Renteria is Sticking to His Guns on Closers and Platoons and Other Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Apr 09, 2014
Chicago Cubs

ricky renteria speaksThe Little Boy is home with me again today, and it turns out that he’s got pneumonia. That’s obviously a little scary for a one-year-old, but fortunately he’s still in good spirits and mostly just wants to snuggle (not that you’d wish for your kid to be sick, but, if he’s going to be sick, I can think of worse byproducts than him sleeping on my chest while I watch baseball). He also is being a good boy about getting his rest, so I should have near normal opportunities to write today (and I wrote a couple pieces ahead of time last night).

  • Ricky Renteria told ESPNChicago that he’s sticking with Jose Veras as his closer for now, and called it premature to even be considering a change. That’s pretty much where I landed earlier this week in my discussion of the situation, and Veras had an effective inning of work last night in a high-leverage, but non-save, situation. He should have had two strikeouts in his inning of work, but a come-on-that-was-a-strike-a-half-inning-ago was called a ball, and RR lost his cool, getting booted from the game. I think the fact that it was Veras on the mound, after his control issues the first two times out, probably made it even more important for RR to make a show of the blown call. Veras may have needed that.
  • RR is also sticking with the platoon system for now, emphasizing that it’s early in the year, and you’re trying to put guys in positions to succeed (Cubs.com). Eventually, some guys will show that they deserve more regular playing time against same-handed starters, but that has to develop organically. I especially like that RR reminds folks that isn’t just about results – it’s about seeing, when the guys do get their opportunities, that they have a good approach at the plate, and are doing what they can with the time they’re given. As I said yesterday, with respect to Mike Olt and Junior Lake, this will sort itself out over time. But it’s been eight games (if you count tonight), and half of them have been against lefties. Going with an even split over that stretch, especially considering Olt’s shoulder and Ryan Kalish’s possible emergence, is both understandable and laudable.
  • Starlin Castro, who broke out last night with a three-hit, two-homer game, says he’s feeling like he’s back to himself at the plate (ESPNChicago). More on Castro in a bit.
  • Jesse Rogers with the story of how Emilio Bonifacio wound up with the Cubs, rather than the seemingly numerous other teams that could have (and probably should have) used him. It’s super early, and there’s plenty of regression ahead, but it’s hard to say that the Cubs (and Bonifacio) aren’t looking pretty damn smart right now. Bonifacio, 28, is a free agent after this season, so we’ll see what happens if he’s still playing well come midseason and the Cubs are a dozen games out. He’d be a valuable guy to keep around for a few years after this one – that bench versatility cannot be overstated, especially in the NL – but he could quickly price himself out of a range that would make sense for the Cubs.
  • Tribune business guy Phil Rosenthal weighs in on the Ricketts’ possible plan of selling minority stakes in the Cubs, and his take? Well, uh, duh, why wouldn’t they? Totally not a big deal, and a better way to raise cash than hiking prices or trying to place ads on jerseys or something crazy.

    • 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

    Craig Counsell Was Just Thrown Out from the Dugout … by the First Base Umpire

    Well you don't see that very often. Craig Counsell was just thrown out of the game from inside the Cubs dugout *by the FIRST BASE umpire* after a check-swing appeal. Here's what happened. In the bottom of the fourth inning,...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 13, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Braves (6:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — The Atlanta Braves are one of, if not the toughest opponent the Cubs will face this season. But Seiya Suzuki is back, Cody Bellinger is back, and Shota Imanaga is on the mound. This Cubs team is...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 13, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Roster Move: Alzolay to the IL, Cuas Returns (UPDATE)

    It felt like this situation with Adbert Alzolay could not go on much longer, and it has now resolved itself with an Injured List move. Today, the Cubs placed Alzolay on the 15-day IL with a right forearm strain. Jose...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 13, 2024
    Roku MLB Sunday Leadoff Games
    Chicago Cubs

    MLB Has a New Streaming Home For Its ‘Sunday Leadoff’ Games

    Fans can now watch MLB games via Roku. Do with that what you will. The "MLB Sunday Leadoff" games will begin this weekend. The first game, featuring the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, starts at 12:05 p.m. CT,...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 13, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Let’s See How They Measure Up in Atlanta: Cubs vs Braves Series Preview

    Cubs vs Braves — Six of the Cubs next ten games come against the Atlanta Braves, and the first three are on the road starting tonight. And while the Cubs did recently get Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Steele...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 13, 2024
    Jefferson Rojas of the South Bend Cubs
    Chicago Cubs

    MLB Pipeline Added Two MORE Cubs to Their Top-100

    Over the weekend, MLB Pipeline updated their top-100 MLB Prospect Rankings, with eight new players making the list after graduations and other considerations. And TWO of those players, Moises Ballesteros and Jefferson Rojas, are Chicago Cubs prospects. All together, that...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 13, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    For the Second Time in a Few Days, Birthday Boy Nico Hoerner Saved the Game

    A happy 27th birthday to Chicago Cubs second baseman, and fill-in shortstop, Nico Hoerner. He is currently hitting a career-best .275/.364/.399/122 wRC+, and walking more often (9.7%) than he's striking out (9.1%). He has been absolutely scorching over the past...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 13, 2024
    Fernando Tatis Padres MLB Notes
    Chicago Cubs

    MLBits: Padres Best the Dodgers, Skenes Debut Reactions, Guardians New Threads, More

    The Dodgers have a comfortable lead in the NL West, but the Padres are proving to themselves that they can make this a two-horse race. Plus, reactions from Paul Skenes' major league debut and more in today's MLB Notes. Padres...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 13, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    David Peralta Has Opted Out of His Minor League Deal with the Cubs

    The Chicago Cubs have had veteran outfielder David Peralta around as emergency depth going back to Spring Training, when he was working his way back from offseason arm surgery. But he might now be heading off to join another organization....

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 13, 2024
    Cubs Farm Report
    Chicago Cubs

    Cubs Farm Report | May 13, 2024: Homers by Davis, Mervis Not Enough in Iowa on Sunday

    Brennen Davis and Matt Mervis hit home runs on Sunday for the Iowa Cubs, but it wasn't enough to earn the team a victory against the Columbus Clippers. That and more are in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report...

    Patrick K. Flowers Patrick K. Flowers
    May 13, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    Chicago Cubs

    Craig Counsell Was Just Thrown Out from the Dugout … by the First Base Umpire

    Well you don't see that very often. Craig Counsell was just thrown out of the game from inside the Cubs dugout *by the FIRST BASE umpire* after a check-swing appeal. Here's what happened. In the bottom of the fourth inning,...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    The Boston Red Sox (21-19), who will give the start to Nick Pivetta, host the Tampa Bay Rays (20-21) with Aaron Civale on the mound, Tuesday at 7:10 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Boston-Tampa Bay matchup below.When is...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    Joe Ross takes the mound for the Milwaukee Brewers (24-16) when they host starting pitcher Quinn Priester and the Pittsburgh Pirates (18-23) at 7:40 PM ET on Tuesday.See how to watch the Milwaukee-Pittsburgh matchup below.When is Brewers vs. Pirates and...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    On Tuesday, Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (27-15) take on Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins (24-16), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET at Target Field.The article below will provide you with everything you need to...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

    Braves vs. Cubs: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Chris Sale will take the ball for the Atlanta Braves (24-13) when they host starter Jameson Taillon and the Chicago Cubs (24-17) in a series opener on Tuesday, with first pitch at 7:20 PM ET.See how to watch the Atlanta-Chicago...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    Alec Bohm and the Philadelphia Phillies (28-13) visit Brandon Nimmo and the New York Mets (19-20) at 1:10 PM ET on Tuesday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Philadelphia-New York matchup in the article below.When is Phillies vs. Mets...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

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

    The Baltimore Orioles (26-13), who will give the ball to Kyle Bradish, host the Toronto Blue Jays (18-22) with Chris Bassitt on the mound, Tuesday at 6:35 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    How to Watch

    Tigers vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Tuesday, in a series opener at Comerica Park, Reese Olson starts for the Detroit Tigers (20-20) versus Ryan Weathers and the Miami Marlins (11-31), with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.Find out how to watch the Detroit-Miami matchup...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 13, 2024
    MLB

    How to Watch Twins Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

    Target Field is buzzing with anticipation as the Minnesota Twins heat up for the remainder of their 2024 MLB Schedule. We’re here to make sure you don’t miss any of the action. Let’s take a look at the Minnesota Twins'...

    Brian Twining Brian Twining
    May 13, 2024
    MLB

    How to Watch Brewers Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

    Summer in Milwaukee sizzles with baseball fever, and American Family Field is roaring with the energy of the Brewers faithful! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Brew Crew or just enjoy catching some local baseball, we’re here with the...

    Brian Twining Brian Twining
    May 13, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    Craig Counsell Was Just Thrown Out from the Dugout … by the First Base Umpire

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Braves (6:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Cubs Roster Move: Alzolay to the IL, Cuas Returns (UPDATE)

    Roku MLB Sunday Leadoff Games

    MLB Has a New Streaming Home For Its ‘Sunday Leadoff’ Games

    Jefferson Rojas of the South Bend Cubs

    MLB Pipeline Added Two MORE Cubs to Their Top-100

    For the Second Time in a Few Days, Birthday Boy Nico Hoerner Saved the Game

    Fernando Tatis Padres MLB Notes

    MLBits: Padres Best the Dodgers, Skenes Debut Reactions, Guardians New Threads, More

    David Peralta Has Opted Out of His Minor League Deal with the Cubs

    Cubs Farm Report

    Cubs Farm Report | May 13, 2024: Homers by Davis, Mervis Not Enough in Iowa on Sunday

    How I Feel About Kyle Hendricks and the Cubs Rotation Plans After Yesterday’s Start

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

    Cubs Announce (Part of) the Rotation for Atlanta

    We Now Know Where the Chicago Bulls are Picking in the 2024 NBA Draft

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    Cubs Have Some Elite Bat Speed, PCA Elite in Center Field, Elite Injury Rates, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

    Rome Odunze Missed Saturday’s Bears Rookie Minicamp Practice

    A New Tight End, Day 2 Camp Pics and Vids, Edge Market Developing, and Other Bears Bullets

    Latest News

    Craig Counsell Was Just Thrown Out from the Dugout … by the First Base Umpire

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

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

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

    Braves vs. Cubs: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

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

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

    Tigers vs. Marlins: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    How to Watch Twins Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

    How to Watch Brewers Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

    Jared Goff for BetMGM bonus code 1.28

    Jared Goff Becomes the Highest-Paid Lion Ever!

    Roku MLB Sunday Leadoff Games

    MLB Has a New Streaming Home For Its ‘Sunday Leadoff’ Games

    Cubs Roster Move: Alzolay to the IL, Cuas Returns (UPDATE)

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Braves (6:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    PGA Champions

    Where is the 2024 PGA Championship? Valhalla Golf Club Course Details

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 5, Pirates 4 – May 12, 2024

    Cubs Announce (Part of) the Rotation for Atlanta

    We Now Know Where the Chicago Bulls are Picking in the 2024 NBA Draft

    Christopher Morel Kicks Off Mother’s Day With Some Love

    Cubs Have Some Elite Bat Speed, PCA Elite in Center Field, Elite Injury Rates, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Cubs Roster Move: Kyle Hendricks Activated to Start Today

    Rome Odunze Missed Saturday’s Bears Rookie Minicamp Practice

    A New Tight End, Day 2 Camp Pics and Vids, Edge Market Developing, and Other Bears Bullets

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