A Latent Benefit of Young Player Success and Other Bullets

May 28, 2015

Congrats to Japheth in last week’s DraftKings contest, as he won the signed Starlin Castro bat. And also congrats to Andy, Werner, and Eddie were the top scorers among the BN contingent, so they’ve got some shirts on the way. I hope folks had a lot of fun. I did; though it would have been more fun if the ump hadn’t ejected Bryce Harper as soon as the game started. He’s shown the Cubs the last two days how quickly he can put up fantasy points.

Theo Epstein discusses the progress of the big league team thus far here in the Tribune. Give it a read for the full context, though I want to note that he points out something I hadn’t given enough thought: the success at the plate from young big leaguers like Kris Bryant and Addison Russell makes it a lot easier for the Cubs’ development staff to impress a certain approach upon the young players in the minor leagues. If Bryant and Russell are debuting in The Show and having success with a specific plan of attack, then how could you not want to emulate their approach – which is really just an example of the organization’s selective aggressiveness philosophy – as a 19-year-old in A-ball? Moreover, the coaching and development staff now has concrete examples to which to point to say, “You want to make it to the big leagues and contribute? Look at how these guys bought in to the things we were teaching them.”

I like the way Jon Lester talked about last night’s game, despite the Cubs’ loss (CSN). He knows he pitched well, and that’s just the way those games go sometimes. The start dropped his ERA/FIP/xFIP to 3.30/3.49/3.21, each of which is better than his career mark. So far, Lester has been exactly what the Cubs paid him to be.

Lester also has a great attitude about the things that happen on the field outside of his control, saying that you have to allow yourself to be pissed off about it for just a little bit, and then you get over it and make the next pitch (Tribune). Trying to act like you’re not bothered by an error behind you or a ball that drops is not realistic or particularly healthy. Let yourself feel the frustration for a moment, and then move on. That’s a good life lesson, really.

Tommy Birch writes about the third baseman behind Kris Bryant the last couple years, Christian Villanueva. The glove is still legit, and the 23-year-old is hitting .281/.349/.448 in his second go-around at AAA with a greatly diminished strikeout rate. Given his spot on the 40-man roster and the players ahead of him, it’s still reasonable to think about Villanueva as a trade piece, but it’s great to see him having success.

If you didn’t check Luke’s Minor League Daily today, you’re going to want to see the catch Jacob Hannemann made last night.

Michael wrote about the injury yesterday, but here’s the update to Matt Adams’ quad strain: it’s serious, and he might miss the rest of the season. So far, the Cardinals have continued to succeed despite a number of injuries – it’s a credit to the quality of their roster and the depth of their upper minors. I feel dirty.

If you missed the latest episode of Limited Range, here you go.

A really nice story out of Tennessee:

A young @smokiesbaseball fan, @CupofNooDyorg has a special bond with the bullpenhttp://t.co/oOOFhUDV6n pic.twitter.com/NfEMS9Ghja

— Patrick Murray (@PatMurrayWBIR) May 27, 2015

Party time in the bleachers:

Join us for some fun in the sun! #BudFridays kick off with a Budweiser Bleacher Beach Bash. http://t.co/F8JSykXHmY pic.twitter.com/qiUG7WQuUm
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 27, 2015

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: Still No Nico Hoerner

CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

Michael Cerami

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

Brett Taylor

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

REPORT: Cubs Trade Richard Lovelady to the Rays

When the Chicago Cubs traded Jake Slaughter to the Seattle Mariners for reliever Tyson Miller, they needed to open a spot on both the active roster and the 40-man roster. They did that in one move by designating reliever Richard...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Set a Target Date for Dansby Swanson’s Return, Daniel Palencia Also On His Way

First, a quick update I kept out of the headline: Nico Hoerner is not in the Cubs lineup today, as he continues to deal with left hamstring tightness. The Cubs have now blown past the maximum IL backdate optimization, which...

Michael Cerami

May 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

NFLPA Rookie Premiere 2024, Caleb and Rome, Early Fantasy Rankings, and Other Bears Bullets

Wrapping up a weekend of shenanigans with dog-sitting duties. We're going to have walks, belly-rubs, and movie naps today. I'm looking forward to it. But first, I've got to push these BN Bears Bullets across the finish line. Check it...

Luis C. Medina

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Still No Nico Hoerner

Michael Cerami

May 19, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Derrick Jones Jr. Bet on Himself, Julian Phillips’ Upside, Sky Get a Win, and Other Bulls Bullets

The Chicago Bulls could have really used Derrick Jones Jr. this season. When we consider the number of injuries this team suffered at the wing position, the springy forward would've filled a big hole. His defensive versatility could've helped take...

Elias Schuster

May 19, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Padres Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Sunday, May 19, 2024

The Atlanta Braves (26-15) and San Diego Padres (23-24) meet Sunday at Truist Park, with first pitch at 7:10 PM ET on ESPN. The Braves are -119 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Padres are favored against the spread...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

Brett Taylor

May 19, 2024

Picks

Top Player Prop Bets for Knicks vs. Pacers Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7 on May 19, 2024

Bookmakers have listed player props for Jalen Brunson, Pascal Siakam and others when the New York Knicks host the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden on Sunday at 3:30 PM ET.How to Watch Knicks vs. PacersDate: Sunday, May 19, 2024Time:...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

Picks

Braves vs. Padres Probable Starting Pitchers – May 19

The Atlanta Braves (26-15) take on the San Diego Padres (23-24) on Sunday at Truist Park at 7:10 PM ET.The probable starters are Bryce Elder (1-1) for the Braves and Yu Darvish (3-1) for the Padres.Braves vs. Padres Pitcher Matchup...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

Picks

Oilers vs. Canucks NHL Playoffs Second Round Game 7 Prediction: Picks, Live Odds and Moneyline – Monday, May 20, 2024

The Edmonton Oilers travel to face the Vancouver Canucks on May 20 at 9:00 PM ET, and are -142 favorites, with the home team at +120.Watch the NHL on Fubo!Oilers vs. Canucks Favorite, Moneyline, TotalFavorite: Oilers (-142)Underdog: Canucks (+120)Total: 6Best...

Data Skrive

May 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs