Gearing Up for Game One of the World Series and Other Bullets

Oct 25, 2016

The excitement and anticipation is real. My thoughts from this morning, if you missed them. It says what little I can on a day like today.

The Cubs have confirmed that the rotation for the World Series will go Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks (on full rest), and John Lackey. The Indians will go Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin, and TBA.

I know that Cubs fans are good and tired of hearing about it, especially after yet another team vociferously indicated they would take advantage of it – and then didn’t – but Jon Lester’s inability to throw to a base will once again be a storyline in this World Series. You already know the drill: for the most part, Lester controls the running game by allowing so few baserunners, and then by leaning heavily on a quick delivery to the plate and a masterful catcher behind it. But with so much speed on the Indians and a manager who is very familiar with Lester’s issues, I wonder if we’ll finally see a team do what no team has done before: just run. When you take that monster lead, as the Dodgers did, and Lester stares you down – even steps off the rubber – just take off. Go. Don’t wait for a pitch, at which point the task of throwing to a base becomes David Ross’s responsibility (and opportunity). Literally run to the next base as Lester stands there holding the ball. Maybe he tosses it with ease to the next base, and you are out by a mile. Maybe it’s really embarrassing. But some player is going to try it, and I truly don’t know what the outcome would be.

[adinserter block=”1″]

Given how brilliant Lester has been in these playoffs (and in his career), I’m not sure what the Indians really have to lose by trying something like that. My hope, of course, is that, with that much time, Lester could make a nice, easy throw (as he did late in 2015 when the leads off of first became monstrous, and then again this past August when Wil Myers tried to take off too early from second base). I think Lester would probably be fine in that situation. But, again, the onus is on the Indians to try something, rather than just talk about it.

As for the other possible approach to rattling Lester and getting baserunners – bunting – we saw that it didn’t work out for the Dodgers in the NLCS, and Lester even eagerly fielded a short play of his own. Everyone talks about that one because he bounced the throw to first, but it seems that many don’t know that the bounce throw is intentional – it gives Anthony Rizzo an opportunity to make the play without risking the throw sailing. It’s not ideal, but it’s something of a clever workaround for Lester’s unique issue.

Speaking of Lester, he once again hosted the afterparty when the Cubs won a huge game (this time, clinching the NLCS), and you should read about it, so long as you can contain your cries of, “WE WANT TO PARTY WITH YOU!”

If you missed Michael’s Series Preview yesterday, check it out here. He’ll be at the game today, so hopefully he can get some neat in-person stuff on Twitter.

The Indians have indeed added Danny Salazar to the World Series roster (forearm tightness), so he’s available to pitch in relief, or even possibly starting Game Four. Meanwhile, second baseman Jason Kipnis is getting over an ankle injury sustained in the post-clinch celebration.

The connection between two middle infielders, selected a pick apart in the 2011 draft, each originally from Puerto Rico and then Florida, and now in the World Series – Francisco Lindor and Javy Baez.

How the world has changed since 1908.

A touching story about Cubs hitting coach John Mallee and his father, who was a lifelong Cubs fan until he passed away earlier this year.

[adinserter block=”2″]

In case you were wondering if new Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen (formerly of the Red Sox) would plunder any Cubs front office members to join his new staff, it’s still possible, but he just filled a key position with Amiel Sawdaye, also formerly of the Red Sox, as his assistant GM (Jon Heyman).

Time lapse video of “WORLD SERIES” painting preparations at Wrigley Field? Yes please:

Arts and crafts time at the Friendly Confines. #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/rPNOHxpJf7

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 25, 2016

Dig this:

Kris Bryant on when he first thought Kyle Schwarber had a chance at playing again in 2016: pic.twitter.com/ptzAbAn5wu

— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) October 24, 2016

[adinserter block=”3″]

Now that’s art:

History in the making… The lions get @Cubs hats for the first time. #FlyTheW #GoCubsGo pic.twitter.com/vUjUw0XsZ2

— Art Institute (@artinstitutechi) October 24, 2016

Cubs World Series memorabilia, including a whole lot of signed goodies, are now available at Fanatics.

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

Now We Know Why Ian Happ Was Removed Mid-game

In the top of the seventh inning of today's 8-3 win over the Miami Marlins, Alexander Canario trotted out to left field in place of Ian Happ. At first, we thought (or maybe just hoped) that Craig Counsell was giving...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 8, Marlins 3 – April 19, 2024

And just like that the Chicago Cubs are the first team in the NL Central to reach 12 wins! They're not technically in first place yet because the Brewers (11-6) have played fewer games, but we're talking about a matter...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson with Back-to-Back Slick Defensive Plays

With a lefty Marlins starter on the mound this afternoon, Nico Hoerner lead off today's game for the Chicago Cubs. And he did it in style, ripping a leadoff double to the left-center field wall, before coming into score a...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Marlins at Cubs – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

*The Cubs were rained out yesterday, but today? Today, we've got a Friday 1:20 start at Wrigley Field, and that means all is right in the world. Before you take a look at the Cubs lineup against Miami, check out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: The White Sox Might be the Worst Team Ever, What Games I’m Watching this Weekend, More

Happy Friday! Well, for everyone except for the pilots who were supposed to be manning the Colorado Rockies flight last week but instead allowed a member of the Rockies coaching staff to hop in the pilot's seat for a fun...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Can I Interest You in a Positive Injury-Update on Justin Steele?

Justin Steele, arguably the single most irreplaceable player on the Chicago Cubs 2024 roster, went down with a hamstring injury just 4.2 innings into his Opening Day start against the Rangers on March 28. In his place, the Cubs sixth...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

FAA Reportedly Investigating How a Passenger on Colorado Rockies Team Flight Was Seen Accessing the Cockpit

If you do this job long enough, it's really wild to see the range of topics that can somehow become attached to sports. That is to say, I did not envision myself at some point writing about flight safety, cockpit...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 19, 2024: Kevin Alcántara is Heating Up!

The Iowa Cubs were rained out, but the rest of the farm was in action, and so was Kevin Alcántara, who picked up four hits and now has seven in his last three games as he breaks out of an...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

It’s Not Kyle Hendricks Last Chance (But…), Ben Brown, Jameson Taillon, and Other Cubs Bullets

Well, the rain stole one from us yesterday, which is a blessing and a curse. On the bright side, the bullpen gets an extra day of rest (on top of the day Hayden Wesneski bought them). But on the flip...

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs Are Not Stealing Bases So Far This Year

The Chicago Cubs are against theft. Of bases: https://twitter.com/codifybaseball/status/1781046629103231339 The Chicago Cubs this year have stolen just three bases, the fewest in all of baseball. Dansby Swanson has stolen two bases, Nick Madrigal has stolen one. That's it. I don't...

Brett Taylor

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Yankees vs. Rays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

Amed Rosario (11 games) will look to add to his hitting streak when the Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) and New York Yankees (14-6) meet Saturday at 1:05 PM ET, live on YES from Yankee Stadium. Amed Rosario and the Rays...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Yankees vs. Rays Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Tampa Bay Rays (11-10) go on the road at Yankee Stadium against the New York Yankees (14-6) at 1:05 PM ET on Saturday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Yankees will send Nestor Cortes Jr. (1-1) to the...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Twins vs. Tigers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Minnesota Twins (6-12) host the Detroit Tigers (11-9) on Saturday after a streak of five losses. First pitch is at 2:10 PM ET.The probable starters are Bailey Ober (0-1) for the Twins and Reese Olson (0-2) for the Tigers.Twins...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cubs vs. Marlins Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The Miami Marlins (4-16) face off against the Chicago Cubs (12-7) on the road on Saturday beginning at 2:20 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Cubs will send Javier Assad (2-0) to the mound, while Jesus Luzardo...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

MLB Prop Bets

Cardinals vs. Brewers Probable Starting Pitchers – April 20

The St. Louis Cardinals (9-11) square off against the Milwaukee Brewers (12-6) on Saturday at Busch Stadium at 2:15 PM ET.The probable starters are Miles Mikolas (1-2) for the Cardinals and D.L. Hall (0-1) for the Brewers.Cardinals vs. Brewers Pitcher...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

How to Watch

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

The San Diego Padres (11-11), led by Fernando Tatis Jr., host Justin Turner and the Toronto Blue Jays (11-9) on Saturday at 8:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch San Diego take on...

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

NBA Picks

Nuggets vs. Lakers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers square off to tip off the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets are favored by 7 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ABC at 8:30 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

NBA Prop Bets

Today’s Best NBA Player Prop Bets – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The NBA playoff lineup today, which includes the Phoenix Suns squaring off against the Minnesota Timberwolves as one of four contests, is not one to miss.If you're looking for NBA prop bets for today's games, we're here to assist you....

Data Skrive

Apr 20, 2024

How to Watch

Diamondbacks vs. Giants: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (10-11) visit Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (9-12) on Saturday, with first pitch at 4:05 PM ET.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

How to Watch

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

On Saturday, Gavin Stone will start for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-10) versus Jose Butto and the New York Mets (11-8), with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Gearing Up for Game One of the World Series and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular