MLBits: Dugout Fights, Nationals Swoon, Ausmus Back, Wainwright Returning, More

Sep 29, 2015

This is an odd week, isn’t it? The Cubs have secured their place in the 2015 playoffs, but have all but guaranteed it won’t be played at Wrigley Field (even if you might be able to watch it there). While I am overwhelmingly excited about the Wild Card Game, this next week of baseball is going to feel an awful lot like Christmas Eve. To get you through that nervous excitement, why don’t you check out some news from around the league …

Did you miss the dugout brawl between Bryce Harper and Jonathon Papelbon Sunday? In short, Harper failed to run out a lazy pop-fly and Papelbon gave him the business for it. Harper did not take too kindly to Papelbon’s words and the two went at it. This wasn’t the very beginning of the duo’s issues though, as Harper publicly called out Papelbon’s decision to bean Manny Machado a few days earlier for admiring a home run too long. While the public opinion has generally supported Harper over Papelbon, CJ Nitkowski found something a little different. After polling 14 current and former players (all unnamed), Nitkowski found that not one lent full support to Harper. Nearly all the responses included something along the lines of veterans teaching younger players lessons. Regardless of where you fall on that choice, that is an interesting read.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post, however, would apparently not agree with Nitkowski or, rather, the players he polled. In this article, Kilgore explains how Harper’s public “reputation” is tired and out of date. Further, that Harper is, in fact, one of the hardest working players in the game, not to mention one of the absolute best. While Kilgore admits that the Harper of old may have deserved such treatment, that player doesn’t exist any more and Papelbon was way off in his indictment.

My opinion is that all players should be treated equally, regardless of status, talent or age. That means that whether you are the expected NL MVP, a bench bat or something in between, you should play with the same expectations and effort. That said, I don’t think it’s fair to say Bryce Harper doesn’t give enough effort (who decides how much is enough, anyway?). He is having a fantastic season and hasn’t let up despite being eliminated from postseason contention. On the other hand, you have veterans on a team for a reason, and one of those reasons is helping young players develop. Then again, Papelbon has been on the Nationals for only two months; there might have been a better candidate (not to mention a better time and place) for such a conversation to occur. Given his desire to police the game – evidenced by beaning Machado – and notorious reputation, Papelbon is probably in the wrong in this case.

As it stands, it seems that the Washington Nationals agree with me:

The Washington Nationals have suspended RHP Jonathan Papelbon: pic.twitter.com/KYKHvllsaw

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 28, 2015

And on the Nationals disappointing season, Jeff Sullivan (FanGraphs) takes a look at just how statistically unexpected and unique their underachievement in 2015 has been.

After president/CEO Dave Dombrowski and the Tigers went separate ways earlier this season, there was speculation that Brad Ausmus – the Tigers Manager – would soon follow close behind. However, after a month and half of deliberation, new president/CEO AL Avila announced that he would be retaining Ausmus and his entire coaching staff into next season. And, the retention eliminates one of the higher profile managerial openings for this coming offseason. While we haven’t heard any rumblings/rumors regarding Cubs bench coach Dave Martinez, it would behoove you to remember that he is a well thought of managerial candidate that left his last team when he was passed over for the managerial role. While it would obviously be great for him to stay on as Maddon’s lieutenant for a good while longer, it is not something I would necessarily count on. [Brett: And, at some point, we probably have to wonder whether pitching coach Chris Bosio will someday want/get an opportunity to manage. Dun-dun-dunnnnn…]

At the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Derrick Goold openly wonders whether or not Jason Heyward will return to the Cardinals after the conclusion of the 2015 season – which I assume will come at the hands of the Cubs in the NLDS. While the Cardinals openly admitted their attempt to woo Heyward throughout the season, there is a chance his expected contract – or opt out demands – may exceed what the Cardinals are willing to give up. At this point, an extension is unlikely, there is little reason for Heyward not to test the market, but a return to the Cardinals is not out of the question. Earlier, I looked at Heyward as one of the potential Cubs targets this coming offseason.

Speaking of the Cardinals, it would appear that Adam Wainwright is ready and able to return to the St. Louis Cardinals:

Wainwright said his simulated inning went very well today and that he does not expect needing to pass any more tests before coming off DL.
— Jenifer Langosch (@LangoschMLB) September 28, 2015

Despite losing Carlos Martinez for the rest of the season, the plan remains for Wainwright to pitch exclusively out of the pen. Even in that capacity, though, he can be a huge boost to the Cardinal’s post season run. Wainwright might be back as soon as tomorrow:

If Wainwright reports to ballpark tomorrow with no issues after today's exertion he expects to be cleared for game. Could see him by Wed.
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) September 28, 2015

At MLB.com, Ian Browne tells the unusual and interesting statistics surrounding Rich Hill’s historic comeback as a starter, after five-plus year gap following his most recent start. Remember when he was an up-and-comer with the Cubs? That was nearly a decade ago.

Yasiel Puig, who has been out since August 27 with a strained right hamstring, has been essentially ruled out for the NLDS series against the Mets, but not for the Dodgers’ (who are counting their chickens before they hatch) National League Championship series. For now, Puig will continue to work out in Arizona, trying to come back as soon as possible.

Speaking of counting your chickens before they hatch, how would you feel about a seven game series against the vastly improved New York Mets? At FanGraphs, Dave Cameron took a look at why the Mets are a particularly scary playoff team. I’ll give you a hint, it’s because of their insanely impressive playoff rotation of Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Matt Harvey and Steven Matz. Yeah. That’ll be a challenge. Of course, the Cubs have beat the Mets seven times in a row this year …

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

What a road it's been - continues to be - for Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. The former top prospect was on a rocket ship to Triple-A in 2021, and then mostly lost the last two years to various injuries....

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

CRAAAAAP: Cody Bellinger to the Injured List (UPDATES)

So much for all those words of optimism and negative X-rays. After colliding with the outfield wall last night, Cody Bellinger fractured his rib (Update: It's actually TWO fractured right ribs) and will hit the injured list today. Chicago Cubs...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: What is it, June 2023?

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs took Game 1 against the Houston Astros in convincing fashion last night. So tonight, they'll go for the quick series win against Spencer Arrighetti at Wrigley Field (it'd be a good idea to win...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Bellinger Optimistic Post-Injury, Busch’s Defense, Almonte Stock Rising, Tauchman Slugging, and Other Cubs Bullets

Ed. Note: Since this article was published, a CT scan revealed a rib fracture for Cody Bellinger, who is now on the Injured List. You can find all the details of that news in our most recent article right here....

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Outfield Prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming Up

With Cody Bellinger headed to the Injured List with a rib fracture, the Cubs are in need of another outfielder: center field prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong is coming back up to the big leagues for the second time. https://twitter.com/670TheScore/status/1783217891195625709 Crow-Armstrong, 22,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Is Mike Tauchman the Best Player in Baseball? An Exploration

Hey, we're just having some early-season fun. So allow me to present the 'Mike Tauchman Is Clearly Better Than' list. As of this moment, Mike Tauchman has ... ... a higher wRC+ (151) than Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., and...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 24, 2024: Kevin Alcántara Cannot Miss Right Now

Name a player hotter than Kevin Alcántara right now. Go ahead, I'll wait. (He's already raking again today. Literally as I type this.) More on Alcántara's big day and the Smokies home run parade last night in today's Cubs Farm...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Oof: Blake Snell to the Injured List Just Three Horrible Starts into His Giants Career

Just three starts into his San Francisco Giants career, Blake Snell is heading to the injured list with a left-adductor strain. Oof. You hate to even say it — and who really knows if this was related — but early...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Gotten Impossible to Not Comment on the White Sox Making Futility History

In 1997, I was a miserable Chicago Cubs fan. I mean, that was true a lot of the time, but I mean it in a very specific way that year: the Cubs had started the season 0-14. They had literally...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

My God, Jordan Wicks … Save Some Awesomeness for the Rest of us!

Cubs rookie starter Jordan Wicks has been impressing us all season long with his apparent offseason transformation (which led to more velocity on his heater and movement on his slider). But last night against the Astros? That was a whole...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Wurth 400 Odds from Dover Motor Speedway

Betting

Wurth 400 Odds from NASCAR Dover Motor Speedway: Betting Bubba Wallace at the Monster Mile

The Monster Mile roars to life this Sunday and the 2024 Wurth 400 odds have been revealed! Dover Motor Speedway welcomes NASCAR for its annual racing weekend and unlike last week’s Geico 500 from Talladega Superspeedway, the race favorites are...

Brian Twining

Apr 24, 2024

News

2024 Zurich Classic Tee Times, TV Channel, Live Stream

The fleur-de-lis flags are flying, and the beignets are hot! The 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans tees off this Thursday, bringing back the PGA Tour's electrifying two-man team format. TPC Louisiana is set to be buzzing with a unique...

Brian Twining

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese Officially Introduced, And She Sounds Motivated

The new face of the Chicago Sky franchise officially arrived on Wednesday. Angel Reese met with media members at the Sachs Recreation Center in Deerfield. The former LSU standout and NCAA National Champion is only nine days removed from hearing...

Elias Schuster

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Outfield Prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong Coming Up

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Thunder – NBA Playoffs Game 2, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

On Wednesday at 9:30 PM ET, the New Orleans Pelicans meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Jonas Valančiūnas' 3-pointer prop for this clash requires just one trifecta.Jonas Valančiūnas' Three-Pointer...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

CRAAAAAP: Cody Bellinger to the Injured List (UPDATES)

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bears

And Now Penei Sewell Has Signed a MASSIVE Extension With The Lions

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is hard at work today! It's fitting that just a day before the 2024 NFL Draft kicks off in Detroit, the Lions have locked up two franchise, homegrown cornerstones just hours apart. This morning,...

Matt Rooney

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Blackhawks

San Jose Sharks Fire Head Coach David Quinn

When you finish with the worst record in the NHL, it's hard to keep your job. Even when the front office strips your roster to the bare bones, apparently. And on Wednesday, David Quinn found out the San Jose Sharks...

Tab Bamford

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls Contracts: Decisions That Have to Be Made This Offseason

While the NBA offseason will not officially start until June, it still can't hurt to familiarize ourselves with the Chicago Bulls' summer outlook. The organization finds itself at quite the crossroads, and it's not only because they disappointed fans with...

Elias Schuster

Apr 24, 2024

MLBits: Dugout Fights, Nationals Swoon, Ausmus Back, Wainwright Returning, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular