The Cubs’ Bullpen is Looking Awfully Good All of a Sudden and Other Bullets

Jul 29, 2016

Today is the second anniversary of The John Baker Game – the famed 16-inning marathon win against the Rockies, in which the final inning was pitched by, and the winning run scored by, former Cubs back-up catcher John Baker. In honor of that legitimately awesome occasion, the guys at Ivy Envy and Danny Rocket put together a John Baker Day event at Nisei Lounge in Wrigleyville, and the man himself will be in attendance. Much less excitingly, I will also be there later this morning.

Well, we got our first glimpse last night of what the back-end of the revamped bullpen can be now, with Pedro Strop pitching the seventh inning of a one-run game, Hector Rondon pitching 2/3 of the 8th inning, and Aroldis Chapman picking up the final four outs. The game situation dictated John Lackey departing after only six innings – his spot came up in the bottom of the sixth with some potential insurance runs available on the bases – as he was at only 84 pitches, throwing the ball well, and probably could have gone deeper. But, it was a reminder that in those starts where one of the Cubs’ arms can’t go any deeper, they’re going to be able to lock down a lot of close wins with this bullpen.

[adinserter block=”1″]

And, hey, that doesn’t even factor in guys like Carl Edwards Jr., Justin Grimm, Joe Nathan, Mike Montgomery, and Travis Wood who can all shave an inning off the front of that, too. (Oh, that’s the entirety of the rest of the bullpen. That’s a good looking bullpen.) In theory, the Cubs will be able to not only maximize results in an individual game, but also keep their starting pitchers nice and fresh down the stretch. So much of this trickles down from the Chapman addition – once again, from a baseball perspective, it makes all the sense in the world, and those arguing the Cubs gave up too much are missing the enormous range of Chapman’s impact.

On the four-out save for Chapman, I was actually surprised to see a stat last night that that was only the sixth time he’s had a four-out save in his career (167 total career saves). Given his physicality, I would have expected more, but then, most of his career has been with the Reds under Dusty Baker’s and Bryan Price’s very “by the book” watch. (To be sure, Chapman’s pitched more than one inning a handful of times in his career, just not necessarily for a save.) Joe Maddon will definitely be making use of Chapman’s ability to go more than one inning, though. I doubt last night will be the same kind of extreme outlier for Chapman as it’s been in the past.

Joe Maddon says he’s working to build a relationship with Chapman because he wants Chapman to trust him (ESPN). And the Cubs, for their part, will be hiring a new translator for Chapman, according to CSN.

Jaime Garcia and his injury history pitching on short rest for the Cardinals … what could go wrong? (Probably nothing.)

If you missed it this morning, the Padres and Marlins are getting together on a big trade.

A Rock Band bundle is a Deal of the Day at Amazon for the musically-inclined gamers among you.

[adinserter block=”2″]

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

Enhanced Box Score: Mets 4, Cubs 2 – April 30, 2024

Stop me if you've heard this one before: The Cubs played some sloppy defense, Javier Assad was good, the offense couldn't get much going against a pitcher they should've hit just fine, and Adbert Alzolay gave up a game-winning home...

Michael Cerami

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Mets (6:10 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — For the first time in four days, the Cubs actually have a different looking lineup. And that's because they're going up a lefty, Sean Manea, tonight at Citi Field. Here's a look at Craig Counsell's group for...

Michael Cerami

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Mike Trout Has a Torn Meniscus

I know some people scoff at the idea of feeling bad for star athletes making millions upon millions of dollars, but I can't help but feel for Mike Trout. Arguably, the greatest baseball player (I place Shohei Ohtani on another...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Latest Power Rankings Have the Cubs Inside the Top Ten, With a First Month MVP

I thought this installment of power rankings from The Athletic was a bit more interesting than most, because not only did they do the, you know, power rankings part, they added a first month MVP for each team. The Cubs...

Brett Taylor

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Hector Neris Has Four Straight Saves, But I Don’t Think He Can Stay in That Role Much Longer

I don't want to get into too much exposition here on the history, so I'll try to keep this brief: Despite blowing just three saves last season, Cubs closer Adbert Alzolay had already let four games slip away by April...

Michael Cerami

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Injury Updates: Justin Steele, Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, Julian Merryweather

Last night, Megan Montemurro (before the game) and Taylor McGregor (on the broadcast), provided a series of updates on five key Cubs players on the injured list: Justin Steele, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Hendricks, and Julian Merryweather. I know...

Michael Cerami

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Have Set a New Franchise Wins Record

Sure, sure, you have to get to the context quickly enough, but for a moment, it's just fun to appreciate that we've seen Cubs history this month. With last night's dramatic win, the Cubs set a new franchise record for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Let’s Fix the ASG Uniforms, Mike Trout on His Up-and-Down Start, Brice Turang’s Leap, More

MLB Notes — MLB, Fanatics, and Nike have committed to fixing some of the more egregious mistakes they made in designing their new "performance wear" Nike Vapor Premier uniforms in Major League Baseball. Among other things, the undersized numbers that...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 30, 2024: Stars of the Week

The Cubs minor league affiliates were off on Monday, so it's time to take stock of some of the recent hot performers down on the farm in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report | April 30, 2024 Triple-A Iowa...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 30, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The First Place Cubs, Banking Wins, Taillon Delivers, Morel, Murray, and Other Cubs Bullets

Don't forget, Mother's Day is less than two weeks away (May 12). If you're looking for an easy win, we have a partnership with Gourmet Gift Baskets that should do the trick. Hope that helps. Don't look now, but ......

Michael Cerami

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

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

Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (14-16) visit Shea Langeliers and the Oakland Athletics (13-17) at 3:37 PM ET on Wednesday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Pittsburgh-Oakland matchup below.When is Pirates vs. Athletics and when does it start?This...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

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

Josh Rojas and the Seattle Mariners (16-13) host Marcell Ozuna and the Atlanta Braves (19-8) on Wednesday, with first pitch at 3:40 PM ET, and the Mariners looking for a series sweep.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

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

On Wednesday at 4:07 PM ET, Alec Bohm and the Philadelphia Phillies (19-11) take on Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels (11-18) at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.Keep reading to see how to watch the Philadelphia-Los Angeles matchup in the...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

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

The San Diego Padres (14-18), who will give the start to Joe Musgrove, host the Cincinnati Reds (16-13) with Graham Ashcraft on the mound, Wednesday at 4:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

Tigers vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Wednesday, Riley Greene and the Detroit Tigers (16-13) play Nolan Arenado and the St. Louis Cardinals (14-15), with first pitch scheduled for 1:10 PM ET at Comerica Park.The article below will give you everything you need to watch Detroit...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

Rangers vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Wednesday, Adolis Garcia and the Texas Rangers (15-14) take on C.J. Abrams and the Washington Nationals (14-14), with first pitch scheduled for 8:05 PM ET at Globe Life Field.The article below will give you everything you need to know...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

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

On Wednesday, in a series opener at Minute Maid Park, Justin Verlander takes the mound for the Houston Astros (9-19) versus Triston McKenzie and the Cleveland Guardians (19-9), with first pitch scheduled for 8:10 PM ET.Find out how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. White Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Bailey Ober will take the ball for the Minnesota Twins (15-13) when they visit starting pitcher Chris Flexen and the Chicago White Sox (6-23) on Wednesday, with first pitch at 2:10 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Cubs vs. Mets: Live Stream or on TV

The Chicago Cubs (18-11), who will give the ball to Shota Imanaga, visit the New York Mets (14-14) with Jose Butto on the hill, Wednesday at 7:10 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch the Chicago-New York matchup below.When...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

How to Watch

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

The Tampa Bay Rays (14-16), with Zach Eflin on the mound and aiming to sweep the series, visit the Milwaukee Brewers (17-11) who will hand the ball to Colin Rea, at 1:10 PM ET on Wednesday.If you're trying to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 30, 2024

The Cubs’ Bullpen is Looking Awfully Good All of a Sudden and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular