The Cubs-Cardinals Rivalry Kicks Off Again Today and Other Bullets

jason heyward cardinalsThe Cubs drop a couple ugly ones, and even as their record is a lofty 9-3 to start the season, today is still going to feel mighty long while we wait for tonight’s opener against the Cardinals.

And I feel like a dope for it, but I’m already nervous …

  • Because the 2015 season, on reflection, feels completely awash in great memories, it’s easy to forget that there were some not-so-great-times for the Cubs last year. Indeed, when you think back to the Cubs and Cardinals in 2015, you probably first think of the truly excellent NLDS, and then maybe the late September series (the one with the beanball) that the Cubs won (thanks in part to Addison Russell’s picturesque finish).
  • But do you remember earlier in the year when the Cubs were completely vexed by the Cardinals? There was the totally blah Opening Night loss. There was the horrible four-game series in St. Louis in May that saw the Cubs twice blow leads and lose – including what may have been the worst regular season loss outside of that Phillies series sweep (or was it when they lost to the Cardinals on that Jhonny Peralta home run in the 9th?). And then there was the ugly three-game sweep in St. Louis in June (which was immediately followed by the Cubs’ “it’s magic!” sweep in New York … God I love reminiscing about that 2015 season … ).[adinserter block=”1″]
  • That is all to say: it was a mixed year for the Cubs and Cardinals in 2015. The Cubs got the best of it in the end, but the Cardinals were plenty dominating overall, winning 100 games – 11 of them at the expense of the Cubs (the Cubs won 8 of the head-to-head games) – and taking the NL Central. This year, and today, the rivalry continues. I won’t discount the Pirates’ chances in the NL Central at all, but that’s not what’s on the table for today. For today, it’s the Cubs and Cardinals, and it’s the start of another season of what will probably be memorable, frustrating, and exhilarating games.
  • How will John Lackey and Jason Heyward be received? Probably with loud boos. Neither player chose to join the Cardinals, mind you, as each was traded after only a short time with the team. Then, when they had a chance to depart in free agency, they did. I’d think it hard to really have a beef with either one of them if you’re a Cardinals fan, but, well, you know. Throw in the fact that they went to a rival, and I’d understand some booing. Hopefully Lackey and Heyward both have huge games, making their return extra fun.
  • Oh, and the Cardinals might actually have to refer to the Cubs as the Cubs this week.[adinserter block=”2″]
  • So far, Javy Baez has played second base and shortstop, and he’ll presumably keep rotating through multiple positions – albeit not necessarily every day – to give guys rest and also keep himself in the action. Joe Maddon acknowledged to Cubs.com the tricky balance of keeping up a guy who clearly belongs in the big leagues, but also using him enough to keep a young player developing: “He definitely belongs here. He knows he belongs here. We just have to get him out there with the appropriate number of reps so he maintains all his skills.”
  • Yesterday’s double by Jon Lester – a 109.9mph rocket – was the hardest hit ball by a pitcher so far this year, according to Statcast.
  • Kris Bryant reflects on his one-year big league anniversary over at CSN.
  • Coco Crisp made a ridiculously impressive sun-blinded catch, but the ballboy may have topped him.
  • [adinserter block=”3″]

  • If you missed anything this weekend, catch yourself up here. And Luke’s got your Minor League Daily here.
  • I’ve been looking for a new backpack for a long time, and there’s a lightning deal at Amazon on this pretty sweet one, and I think I’m gonna pull the trigger. (UPDATE: OK, I did it. I’m pretty stoked. I have not infrequently used grocery store bags as a stand-in for a backpack in recent months. I am an adult.)
  • The latest Series Review, as the Cubs dropped two of three to the Rockies:
  • 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

    Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

    For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

    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....

    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...

    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...

    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....

    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,...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    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...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Mariners vs. Rangers: Live Stream or on TV

    The Seattle Mariners (12-11), with Luis Castillo on the hill, visit the Texas Rangers (12-12) who will counter with Andrew Heaney, at 2:35 PM ET on Thursday.Find out how to watch the Seattle-Texas matchup below.When is Mariners vs. Rangers and...

    Padres vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Thursday at 3:10 PM ET, Fernando Tatis Jr. and the San Diego Padres (13-13) face Ryan McMahon and the Colorado Rockies (6-18) at Coors Field.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for...

    2024 Las Vegas Raiders Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle & Cornerback

    The desert heat is rising in Las Vegas, and so are the expectations for the Raiders. The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Silver and Black hold the 13th overall pick. Will they prioritize shoring up the offensive...

    Twins vs. White Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Minnesota Twins (9-13), led by Ryan Jeffers and going for a series sweep, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-20) at 1:10 PM ET on Thursday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Minnesota-Chicago matchup in the...

    Astros vs. Cubs: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Thursday, looking for a series sweep, Michael Busch and the Chicago Cubs (14-9) play the Houston Astros (7-17), with first pitch scheduled for 2:20 PM ET at Wrigley Field.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

    How to Watch Royals vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

    Cole Ragans will take the mound for the Kansas City Royals (14-10) when they host starting pitcher Jose Berrios and the Toronto Blue Jays (13-11) in a rubber match on Thursday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.Find out how...

    Yankees vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Juan Soto and the New York Yankees (16-8) host Abraham Toro and the Oakland Athletics (9-15) on Thursday in a rubber match, with first pitch at 7:05 PM ET.Find out how to watch the New York-Oakland matchup below.When is Yankees...

    Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

    For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

    Phillies vs. Reds: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Alec Bohm and the Philadelphia Phillies (15-9) visit Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds (13-10) on Thursday in a rubber match, with first pitch at 1:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to...

    Brewers vs. Pirates: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Milwaukee Brewers (14-8), led by William Contreras, visit Connor Joe and the Pittsburgh Pirates (13-11) at 12:35 PM ET on Thursday.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to watch Milwaukee take on Pittsburgh live.When is Brewers...

    more cubs news