The Cubs’ Questionable Lefty Situation, the WBC Celebrations, and Other Bullets

Mar 13, 2017

Everyone filling out their brackets today? I haven’t done one in a couple years – the product of not working in an office, I guess – but I definitely do miss the excitement of tracking the tournament through the lens of my picks, even if it’s all just randomness at some level.

Lefty Brian Duensing is dealing with lower back pain, which is why he was pulled from his game a few days ago (the one where he was getting wrecked), but has been pain free for a couple days and should be back in a game soon (CSN). With fellow lefty Caleb Smith having a mixed spring so far (sometimes I see flashes, other times he seems very hittable), and Jack Leathersich “sidelined with tightness in chest” (Carrie Muskat), it’s becoming increasingly important that Duensing stay healthy and be ready to go on Opening Day. Moreover, for his own purposes, although he was signed to a big league deal, his $2 million salary would not prevent the Cubs from cutting bait if they felt there was clearly a better option for the roster. We still don’t have a great sense of how effective he can be, primarily against lefties, but also for a full inning if needed.

[adinserter block=”1″]

The Cubs are fortunate that they have some righties who are probably just as good against lefties as they are righties (Koji Uehara, Justin Grimm, Carl Edwards Jr. come to mind), but, if you’re going to be carrying eight in the bullpen, as the Cubs plan to, you’d sure like to have more than just one lefty out there (especially when that lefty, Mike Montgomery or Brett Anderson, is going to need to be stretched out at times to swing into the rotation).

Other lefty options are Rob Zastryzny (but you’d much rather see him continue starting at AAA Iowa, especially if his second half changes in 2016 stick – he could be a legit big league starter for the Cubs when they have a huge need in 2018 and beyond), and David Rollins (he doesn’t seem to be getting a ton of time in Spring Training games, for whatever that’s worth).

With the World Baseball Classic taking center stage right now, and featuring some extremely dramatic moments, the age-old debate about post-homer celebrations is upon us again. I’ve made no secret that I love when there’s a spontaneous outburst of joy from a player after he crushes one (or a pitcher when he logs a big strikeout), and the WBC has not let me down (Wladimir Balentien’s right there was pretty freaking extreme … but I dug it). Javy Baez did something of an ironic non-celebration as his celebration this weekend when he crushed one for Team Puerto Rico:

Be good to your equipment. #Javy pic.twitter.com/f1VwSWhtjq

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) March 12, 2017

[adinserter block=”2″]

Joe Maddon talked about those kinds of celebrations, and I’ve gotta say, he offered the perfect take for those who don’t like the bat flips and what-have-you (Tribune): “For me, would I prefer it? No, I’d prefer not. I don’t get it. But just because I don’t get it doesn’t mean it’s wrongful to do it.” That could be a freaking billboard for almost every subject of debate in the world right now. There’s a lot of grace and humility in saying “I think things should be This Way, and I don’t really understand That Way, but I’m not going to rip on people who do it That Way.” For my part, I disagree with Maddon’s preference that players do the “act like you’ve been there and will be again” thing, but I can see where he’s coming from, and I don’t think he’s crazy for saying it. (My only response would be: huge plays are rare, and you might not be there again. I’d much rather watch a guy lose his mind after a big homer than put his head down and trot like all he did was sell another copy machine. Life’s too short.)

When it comes to these kinds of celebrations, we can’t deny that there’s a cultural element (please read former Cubs catcher, and current Cubs executive, John Baker’s take on playing the game the right way). Not everyone grew up how you grew up, and it’s worthwhile keeping that in mind.

Speaking of the WBC, the United States is moving on after beating up on Team Canada last night. It started with a brief, rough outing by former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, who had the honor of facing the U.S. team and the Dominican Republic team in his two starts. Yikes. I still say good on him for stepping up for his country after more than three years of retirement.

Also from WBC action, a controversial (but really cool) play in the 9th inning of the DR/Colombia game not only completely changed the outcome of that game, but also of which teams moved on.

[adinserter block=”3″]

This picture is just fantastic. Look closely at the ball as it compresses into the bat (probably a little bit of that is reality, and a little bit is the speed of the camera shutter):

@Cubs top prospect @Lamantha21 w/ a home run. 03-11-2017. #cubs #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/6r0vRNZqoL

— John Antonoff (@baseballinfocus) March 12, 2017

An excellent column in the Tribune about the rebuilding process from the perspective of Cubs ownership, as a model for other franchises throughout sports. Some quotes in there from a smart and handsome blogger.

Bad news for the Rockies, who’d been a vogue pick to be a surprise contender in the NL – newly-signed first baseman Ian Desmond broke his hand.

Over at TYL, Luis has your morning Bullets.

If you’re looking for a car mount for your cell phone, there’s a deal of the day at Amazon for you.

[adinserter block=”4″]

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

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

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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

Michael Cerami

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Blue Jays vs. Padres Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Toronto Blue Jays (10-9) will look to Daulton Varsho, who is coming off a two-homer game, to lead them in a matchup with the San Diego Padres (11-10) Friday at 9:40 PM ET on SDPA. The Blue Jays are...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Giants vs. Diamondbacks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

Jung Hoo Lee will look to extend his 10-game hitting streak when the San Francisco Giants (9-11) take on the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-11). The Giants are listed as -130 favorites on the moneyline for the contest, which starts at 10:15...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Dodgers vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, April 19, 2024

The New York Mets (10-8) will vie for their fifth straight victory when they visit the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) on Friday at 10:10 PM ET on MLB Network. The Dodgers are listed as -200 favorites to stop the streak,...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Jonas Valančiūnas Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Kings – Friday, April 19, 2024

At 9:30 PM ET on Friday, in the NBA Play-In Tournament, it'll be the New Orleans Pelicans against the Sacramento Kings -- with Jonas Valančiūnas needing to score just once from beyond the arc to beat his 3-pointer over/under.Jonas Valančiūnas'...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Brandon Ingram Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Kings – Friday, April 19, 2024

Brandon Ingram's New Orleans Pelicans face the Sacramento Kings on Friday at 9:30 PM ET in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and to beat his 3-point prop, he must make two from beyond the arc.Brandon Ingram's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

CJ McCollum Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Kings – Friday, April 19, 2024

CJ McCollum needs to make four 3-pointers to beat his prop when the New Orleans Pelicans face the Sacramento Kings on Friday at 9:30 PM ET, in the NBA Play-In Tournament.CJ McCollum's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the KingsCJ McCollum's over/under...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

Domantas Sabonis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Sacramento Kings meet the New Orleans Pelicans at 9:30 PM ET on Friday, in the NBA Play-In Tournament, and one of the 3-pointer props available for this matchup requires only one make from Domantas Sabonis.Domantas Sabonis' Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Picks

De’Aaron Fox Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Pelicans – Friday, April 19, 2024

De'Aaron Fox must make three 3-pointers to beat his prop when the Sacramento Kings face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday at 9:30 PM ET, in the NBA Play-In Tournament.De'Aaron Fox's Three-Pointer Prop Odds vs. the PelicansDe'Aaron Fox's over/under for...

Data Skrive

Apr 19, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs’ Questionable Lefty Situation, the WBC Celebrations, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular