Be advised, all ye who did not know before today: the weather is hard to predict.
That may sound obvious to you, but that perspective may not be universal.
Yesterday’s Cubs-Brewers game was postponed early on the threat of inclement weather throughout the day. With a big giveaway on deck (“The Final Out” bobblehead) and the day after a terrible weather day that featured a start that could have been delayed and then a rain delay that took way too long to materialize, the Cubs were probably extra cognizant of wanting to ensure the day was playable before committing to letting fans in.
The bad weather, of course, did not actually materialize. While you might think that can hardly be held against the Cubs, the Brewers disagree.
Brewers beat writer Tom Haudricourt has the particulars:
#Brewers definitely think Cubs postponed game yesterday for reason other than weather. Comments coming from GM David Stearns.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
#Brewers GM David Stearns didn't accuse Cubs of actual shenanigans in rainout other than having bad forecast.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
But Stearns made it clear thought Cubs should have waited to call game. Questioned doing it so early. Said #Brewers had different forecast.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
Stearns said he talked to Cubs about it to express his displeasure.
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
One last comment from Stearns on Weathergate: "If there were other reasons the game was called, that’s something that MLB should look into."
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
Asked for his theory on why Cubs postponed game, Counsell said, "They know what’s going on, so the theory should come from them."
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
Stearns’ response to Cubs saying weather can be difficult to predict in Chicago: “All the more reason to wait and see what it does."
— Tom (@Haudricourt) May 21, 2017
Coming from the GM of a team that plays in a roof-equipped ballpark, I’d say that last line either intentionally or unintentionally ignores the realities of fan service and logistics. See Friday’s miserable experience for how waiting can play out. Perhaps that one doesn’t bother Brewers because they won ….
In any case, I have trouble seeing the upside here for the Cubs. They cancelled a weekend game in exchange for a weekday day game. The roster was well-rested after off-days during the preceding week, and their roster moves were in place and lined up in time for the game. If there was some obscured reason to cancel the game, I can’t figure it out.
I will admit this: the rescheduled game on July 6 is slightly more convenient for the Cubs (it is at Wrigley in the middle of a homestand) than for the Brewers, who have a night game at home the day before, and then head to New York the day after. If the Brewers are annoyed about that, I can understand.
But take it up with the weather gods and meteorologists, not the Cubs.
UPDATE: The Brewers probably wish today’s game was postponed, too.