Is this a holiday weekend? I keep seeing people reference it that way, but with the Fourth of July on a Tuesday, it’s kind of awkward timing. I know that we’re going to do some holiday-like things this weekend, but I’m still going to be working like usual this weekend and Monday.
I guess if you aren’t, perhaps you can at least still stop on by here and enjoy BN so that we’re not working for no reason … *winky emoji but not too creepy*
I said I’d be happy with a split in Washington, and the Cubs got a split in Washington. I’m happy. Obviously it would have been preferable to hang on for a series win in Miami, but the Cubs can still make this a winning road trip by taking two of three in Cincinnati. They might have to do it without a number of starters, but it’s doable. And if they pull that off, you’ve gotta be thrilled, overall, with how the road trip has gone.
Pretty amazing how different the two wins in the series left you feeling, given that both wound up 5-4, eh?
In the 9th inning, the Cubs’ chances of winning that game were just 3.6%. Even after scoring a run, and bringing Jon Jay to the plate with the lead run on first, their chances were just 16.4%. After Jay’s double – just one swing of the bat – the Cubs’ chances of winning the game increased to 83.0%(!).
Comments from Cubs players and Joe Maddon after yesterday’s dramatic win all hint about something that none of them are going to outright say (ESPN), so I’ll infer it: they’re thinking maybe that was finally the win that gets them going. If that’s really going to feel like the case, I think they’re going to need to win tonight. Get after it, Mike Montgomery.
With the Cubs now working with two young catchers, it may be necessary for the pitchers to sometimes signal their own pitches (Tribune). Unorthodox, yes, but it could help avoid disruptions in the rhythm if there’s a whole lot of shaking off going on. Longer term, I still think we’re going to see the Cubs pursuing a veteran back-up, at a minimum to have at the ready at AAA.
It’s likely that Nolan Arenado passed Kris Bryant in the All-Star voting at third base in the last couple days, given the respective momentum each had going into the final voting yesterday. With Bryant’s ankle now banged up, him missing the All-Star Game – even if selected as a reserve – is probably not the worst thing in the world, even if it’s fun to see Cubs players in the game.
Although he played hero last night, Jon Jay has been in a bit of a slump since the scorching start to his Cubs career. Even going back to May 1, Jay has hit just .271/.347/.336 (82 wRC+), which, like, whatever, he’s a bench bat, but it’s a far cry from where he was to start the year (.385/.478/.487 (162 wRC+) in April).
After the Cubs’ big comeback in the top of the 9th last night, Wade Davis dominated the bottom of the 9th to close things out. Although he’s had some shaky outings lately, he seems to be a guy who really answers the bell in those biggest, tightest moments. He remains perfect in save opportunities this season with the Cubs (a franchise record 16 for 16 to start the season), and his numbers are still silly good: 1.93/1.78/2.66, 37.5% K rate, 8.9% BB rate.
We looked at the HBP from last night, and it sounds like a lot of you think the Blake Treinen pitch that hit Jeimer Candelario on the knee was intentional. I’m not sure I agree, but I don’t think you’re crazy for thinking it. This, on the other hand, is some other level stuff:
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.
Ah, now the obligatory off-day after Opening Day. And an Opening Day loss no less, which always makes today that much better, right ... You could hang on so many things from the opening loss - one-run losses in heavily-scrutinized...
A significant update on Justin Steele came from Craig Counsell tonight after the Cubs extra innings loss in Texas. In short: Yes, a stint on the Injured List is likely for Justin Steele. But we still don't know how severe...
It took exactly one day for the Cubs' ace to sustain what may be a significant injury, for their closer to blow a save, for the umpires to significantly impact the outcome of a critical play (this time in the...
That was absolutely incredible. To all the little kids out there, when your coach tells you to never stop running, this is why. Rookie Cubs 1B Michael Busch (the guy the Cubs got from the Dodgers this offseason to be...
*SHORT COURTS: It's Time To Bring The Home Court, Home! Looking for a unique way to celebrate your athlete or team before you peruse the FIRST CHICAGO CUBS LINEUP of the Year? Don't miss out! For just one more week...
I am still mostly incapacitated at the moment, so apologies for the short shrift on such an otherwise blessed day. In between pokes and prods, I wanted to share a chart I saw that was pretty interesting, even if unsurprising:...
ESPN was the first to throw some love the Cubs way this week, with an overwhelming majority of their writers, analysts, and editors picking the Chicago Cubs to win the NL Central in 2024. But the love doesn't end there....
You know where you want to spend your Opening Day morning? The hospital! Suffice to say, this is not how I imagined getting HYPED for the Cubs' opener. I guess I'll just have to think about all the possible lineup...
Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...
Boom. We made it. The offseason is over, and the Cubs regular season - and those elevated expectations - begins tomorrow. But in case you slept through the winter, I'm here to catch you up on everything you need to...
The Miami Marlins (0-1) are favorites (-132) on the moneyline when they square off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) Friday at 7:10 PM ET, live on BSFL.Miami's Andrew Jacob Puk and Pittsburgh's Martin Perez have been named the starters for...
The Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) and Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) meet Friday at Tropicana Field, starting at 6:50 PM ET on SNET. The Rays are -122 moneyline favorites for the contest, however, the Blue Jays are favored against the spread...
The New York Yankees (1-0) visit the Houston Astros (0-1) for a road game on Friday at 8:10 PM ET.The Astros will look to Cristian Javier versus the Yankees and Carlos Rodon.Astros vs. Yankees Pitcher Matchup and Game InfoWhen: Friday,...
This weekend is packed with great sports action including the NCAA Tournament, MLB, and NBA for bettors. Check out the FanDuel promo code to score a $200 bonus if your first $5 bet wins! If you live in NC, you...
This time of the year on the sports calendar is truly special with the MLB season starting, college basketball in full swing, and much more! Don't miss out on the chance to grab a bonus by using the latest DraftKings...
The Toronto Blue Jays (1-0) play on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays (0-1) at Tropicana Field. The game is set to start at 6:50 PM ET on Friday.The Rays will call on Aaron Civale versus the Blue Jays...
The Pittsburgh Pirates (1-0) play on Friday in Miami against the Miami Marlins (0-1). First pitch is at 7:10 PM ET.The Marlins will call on Andrew Jacob Puk against the Pirates and Martin Perez.Marlins vs. Pirates Pitcher Matchup and Game...
We have a couple of number-one seeds in March Madness action tonight including Houston (32-4) as the Cougars take on Duke (26-8). Check out the odds and more for Duke vs Houston which tips off tonight at 9:39 pm ET...
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoyed a successful 2023 season, capturing their third straight NFC South title and pushing the Detroit Lions in a thrilling Divisional Round matchup. This strong showing translates to a relatively stable roster with few glaring weaknesses...
March Madness matchups bring us a great battle tonight as 11-seed NC State battles 2-seed Marquette. Check out the odds, stats, and more for NC State vs Marquette which tips off at 7:09 pm ET tonight. NC State vs Marquette...