Jed Hoyer Speaks: Wilson’s Struggles, Hopes for Schwarber, Almora’s Progress, Tseng’s Start, More

Today, Jed Hoyer jumped on 670 The Score to talk Cubs baseball with Matt Spiegel and Danny Parkins.

You can check out the full interview right here, and I’ll cover the highlights, alongside some thoughts of my own, below.

  • Although the games are more important now than ever, Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein don’t interfere with Joe Maddon’s lineup construction (at least, not more than usual). To be sure, they’ll all talk about matchups the night before a game, but Maddon sends the lineup over every morning (using that special cocktail we talked about) and the front office is good with it 99.9% of the time. Given Maddon’s openness to advanced statistics and this front office’s hands-off approach, I can’t say this is much of a surprise.
  • Hoyer has been impressed with Albert Almora’s work lately (we’ll get into his big night last night a bit later), and likes where he’s been headed offensively. More specifically, he loves that Almora has been 1) hitting the ball in the air more frequently and 2) is beginning to figure out right-handers – both of which are excellent developments. He also made sure to remind listeners about how young Almora, the front office’s first draft pick with the Cubs, still is, and how much room/time he has to grow. But because we’re going to dive into all of this a bit later, I’ll save the deeper analysis for now.
  • We covered Jen-Ho Tseng pretty significantly earlier, but Hoyer did add some comments of note. For one, he reasserted that Tseng is a 4-pitch mix, good command guy, who could have some immediate success. Beyond that, he noted that the decision was made, in part, by their desire to stabilize the bullpen, and lay off Mike Montgomery, who’s pitched a ton this year, down the stretch. When asked if it had to do with left-handed reliever Justin Wilson’s struggles, Hoyer said no, because the entire bullpen has shown weaknesses at times.
  • The idea, it seems, is to allow Montgomery to get some multiple-inning relief appearances, so that each reliever can be used a bit less overall and a bit more when the matchups are appropriate. Sounds like a plan to me.
  • And on Wilson, Hoyer says that he was hopeful he was turning the corner during that five-game stretch without a walk (or earned run), but, and I’m paraphrasing/interpreting here, after five walks in his last three appearances (1.2 IP), the Cubs will have to pick their moments carefully with him going forward. However, don’t expect Wilson to disappear entirely. Hoyer says they’re still looking to get him into a groove before the postseason (fingers crossed) and that he’ll still also be needed down this very scary final stretch of games. It’s “all hands on deck,” according to Hoyer, and that includes Wilson.
  • On which relievers, outside of Wade Davis and Carl Edwards Jr., Hoyer is most comfortable with right now, he was relatively candid: Pedro Strop, Brian Duensing, Koji Uehara (when healthy), and Mike Montgomery. He was particularly proud of Strop’s work this season and, really, the last four years (don’t make me explain to you why this is accurate, please). But on top of those six guys, Hoyer suggested that anyone who steps up will be heavily leaned on over the next few weeks (Hoyer cited Trevor Cahill’s late-inning, post-season usage in 2015).
  • On the Contreras/Happ gaffe last night, Hoyer’s not giving it a second thought. Both players are hard-working, hustling individuals who simply made a mistake (and, yes, the Cubs specifically told Contreras to take it easy on the base paths). With that said, Hoyer has noticed a lot more of those plays this year than last, and suggested that the Cubs will have to tighten up significantly if they hope to repeat.
  • On Contreras’ upcoming playing time (in general), Hoyer said they’ll lean on their training staff’s suggestions and take it easy. On a more specific/immediate note:
  • Given that there’s a night-game tonight in a series the Cubs have already won and an early day game tomorrow against the Cardinals, this move makes plenty of sense. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Contreras play a full one tomorrow, though, just based on how much action he’s seen this week. That’s just my speculation though, as Hoyer didn’t really touch on that specifically.
  • On Kyle Schwarber’s up and down season, which was highlighted by the last two nights (3-3, BB, HR on Tuesday and 0-4, 3Ks on Wednesday), Hoyer is still optimistic, but also simply hopeful. Not unlike the plan for the pen, Maddon will have to play the hot hands in the next few weeks, and that could or could not mean Kyle Schwarber. Hoyer hopes it’s Schwarber, though, because he knows how good he can be in October on the biggest stage/when it matters most.
  • On the divisional race the Cubs no find themselves in, Hoyer suggests that it’s probably good for baseball, because there’s basically only one other division up for grabs (AL East). But with that said … yeah, he wishes this isn’t where the Cubs wound up. Looking for the bright side, Hoyer implies that maybe the extra competition will be good for the guys heading into the postseason. Which, shrug. We pretty much know that’s not a consistent thing, but there’s really no harm in the guys/front office feeling that way.
  • And furthermore, with so many games against Milwaukee/St. Louis left, the Cubs’ fate is really in their own hands. They have a bit of a lead, of course, heading into this final stretch, but they still have to get it done against the second and third place teams to wind up in October.
  • And finally, on the Marlins/Brewers game moving to Milwaukee, Hoyer isn’t going to complain, even if he recognizes the advantage. He did add that perhaps Milwaukee could be a better hitting environment for Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and Christian Yelich, so maybe that’ll help. I agree with Hoyer (and Brett earlier): I’m not complaining under the circumstances, but I’m not blind to the fact that this is a clear bonus for Milwaukee.
  • written by

    Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs Sign Old Friend Dan Straily

    I knew Dan Straily was pitching in Korea, and I knew there was a time in relatively recent memory that he was trying to come back to MLB. But sometime between then and now, he fell off my radar as...

    Pre-Gamin’: Astros at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs won again last night, which means they've already won the season-series against the still-struggling Astros. Justin Verlander will be on the bump for today's finale, but he'll have to go up against the mighty Javier...

    Cubs Farm Report | April 25, 2024: Brennen Davis Homers in His Return to Triple-A

    Brennen Davis made his return to Triple-A last night, and of course, he managed to smack a three-run home run in an 8-2 win for the Iowa Cubs. That and more in today's Cubs Farm Report. Cubs Farm Report |...

    The Leadoff Role, Cubs Front Office is Not Particularly Well-Liked? And Other Cubs Bullets

    It's a pretty big day for the Chicago Bears, eh? For the second year in a row, they own the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Only this time, they actually plan to use it (and on a quarterback,...

    Chicago Cubs Sign Brazilian-Japanese Pitcher Daniel Missaki Out of Mexican League

    That's a geographic mouthful right there, and it underscores what an interesting signing this is. Stray signings throughout the year are not uncommon, particularly as injuries accumulate down on the farm and the Chicago Cubs have the ability to take...

    Do the Cubs Have a Scoring-Late Problem?

    Once a month since August of 2016, my friends and I get together for "Supper Club." It's like book club, but instead of reading books, we go to a different restaurant in the city. Last night, we hit our 77th...

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 4, Astros 3 – April 24, 2024

    The Cubs did all their scoring in the first, and made it stand up for the win with generally good pitching and generally good defense. Jameson Taillon looked solid again in his second start, locating well, giving up no barrels,...

    Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

    For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

    Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

    What a road it's been - continues to be - for Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. The former top prospect was on a rocket ship to Triple-A in 2021, and then mostly lost the last two years to various injuries....

    CRAAAAAP: Cody Bellinger to the Injured List (UPDATES)

    So much for all those words of optimism and negative X-rays. After colliding with the outfield wall last night, Cody Bellinger fractured his rib (Update: It's actually TWO fractured right ribs) and will hit the injured list today. Chicago Cubs...

    Latest News

    LeBron James Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Nuggets – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Los Angeles Lakers meet the Denver Nuggets at 10:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this clash requires two trifectas from LeBron...

    D’Angelo Russell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Nuggets – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    D'Angelo Russell must make four 3-pointers to beat his prop when the Los Angeles Lakers play the Denver Nuggets on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs.D'Angelo Russell's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

    Michael Porter Jr. Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    To beat his 3-point over/under, Michael Porter Jr. must make three from downtown on Thursday, when his Denver Nuggets face the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, tipping off at 10:00 PM...

    Jamal Murray Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    On Thursday at 10:00 PM ET, the Denver Nuggets face the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Jamal Murray's 3-pointer prop for this clash requires three treys.Jamal Murray's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

    Nikola Jokic Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Lakers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets meet the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and to beat his 3-point over/under, he needs to make two from downtown.Nikola Jokic's...

    Anthony Davis Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Nuggets – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

    The Los Angeles Lakers play the Denver Nuggets at 10:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer props available for this clash requires just one trey from...

    Chicago Cubs Sign Old Friend Dan Straily

    I knew Dan Straily was pitching in Korea, and I knew there was a time in relatively recent memory that he was trying to come back to MLB. But sometime between then and now, he fell off my radar as...

    Oh? The Rams Reportedly Want to Trade into the Top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft

    If you're looking for chaos on NFL Draft day, you just might get it. And leave it to the script-writers to get a team out in Hollywood involved. Here is a scoop from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, who hears the...

    Detroit Tigers vs. Kansas City Royals Series April 26-28: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the Detroit Tigers and the visiting Kansas City Royals will start on Friday, April 26 at 1:10 PM ET.Tigers vs. Royals Series Info Royals @ Tigers Time: Friday, April 26 at 1:10 PM ET Tigers Starting...

    We Could See 6 Quarterbacks Go in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

    NFL Draft followers seem to have settled on four quarterbacks going somewhere in the top 10 picks. Many appear to think that we could get a draft with quarterbacks going 1, 2, 3, 4 in succession at the top. Others...

    more cubs news