The Leadoff Distraction, Hendricks’ Good Start, Farrell’s Rise, and Other Bullets

I get to run on an anti-gravity treadmill this week as part of my foot surgery rehab, though it’s not quite as cool as it sounds – it’s basically a bunch of air blowing into a pair of MC Hammer pants that reduces how much of your weight you’re supporting. Still, I like to imagine that’s what it’s like to run on Mars. Basically, I have run on Mars. Essentially, I have been to Mars. For the most part, I’m an astronaut.

  • Anthony Rizzo as a proxy for a 20-foot python:
  • Well, it may very well have picked the boys up, but it didn’t produce any offense. After the first pitch of the game, the Cubs did not score. It was still fun, but I think it’s time to bring in the python now.
  • Although he did his Greatest Leadoff Hitter of All-Time thing again last night, I’d expect Rizzo to be back down in the order today, with a traditional split lefty on the mound and Albert Almora and Javy Baez due back in the lineup.
  • (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

  • Kyle Hendricks seemed, at times, visually frustrated with the calls behind the plate, which is unusual for him. He and Joe Maddon suggested after the game that, indeed, they were feeling like he got squeezed early (Tribune). The strike zone map, for what it’s worth, does not agree – looks like a pretty clean, well-called zone overall.
  • As for the start, it looked like Hendricks had it working, and he agreed (Cubs.com): “It was a bad pitch to Blackmon – I didn’t want to walk him – and the wrong pitch to Dahl but not a bad one. Overall, I felt really good about [the outing]. The fastball command was good. I got quick outs, went deep into the game. I’ve got to take the positives from that one.” Home runs are always bad, sure, but when a couple of them are wind-aided, and there is otherwise just one hit and two walks over 7.2 innings, that’s a good outing. It held his ERA steady at 3.19, and his 5.32 FIP is eventually going to fall when his absurdly high 23.5% HR/FB rate comes down naturally.
  • It sounds like there’s no decision yet on Eddie Butler’s return (ESPN). He’s been out for a while with a groin strain, but is eligible to come off the disabled list at any time. If the Cubs want to keep Luke Farrell around for now, though, it’s possible Butler will eventually head out on a rehab stint before he comes back.
  • Speaking of Farrell and the great spin on his four-seamer:
  • You can get free shipping right now on orders at the BN store (including our many new shirts!) with the code SHIP2ME. So go there and get beautiful.
  • This is wild and great in so many ways:
  • Yes, it’s *that* Jim Thorpe. Also, yes, that other guy *did* go by Hippo. No, he was not enormously fat, but he does look gray in all the photos I can find. (Yes, that’s a black and white picture joke. (No, I’m not sorry about it. (OK, yes, I’m a little sorry about it.)))
  • A whole bunch of candy and chocolates are the Deal of the Day at Amazon today, nominally in advance of Mother’s Day, but I don’t think anyone would blame you for just eating it.
  • And lastly, Fanatics flipped a bunch of additional Cubs gear to clearance today, so check it out here to see if something you’ve been thinking about is now cheaper:
  • written by

    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

    Justin Steele, Hamstrings and Hindsight, Montgomery and Bieber, Roster Options, More

    You can't know what's going to happen on the injury front. Trying to predict the unpredictability of player health has been the longest-running vexatious part of a modern front office's job, and I recognize that kind of thing before getting...

    The Morel Foul Ball, Madrigal’s D, Busch Heads Up, Langford Respect, and Other Cubs Bullets

    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...

    Justin Steele Injury Update: New Classification, MRI Tomorrow, IL Stint Coming? Steele and Counsell Speak

    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...

    Enhanced Box Score: Rangers 4, Cubs 3 – March 28, 2024

    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...

    OMG: Michael Busch Scored the 9th Inning, GO-AHEAD Run, Because He Just Never Stopped Running

    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...

    Pre-Gamin’: Cubs at Rangers – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    *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...

    The Cubs Are Among the Most Returning-y Teams

    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:...

    Maybe the Cubs Are the Favorites in the NL Central, After All?

    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....

    The Season Begins, Love for Morel, Counsell’s Value, and Other Cubs Bullets

    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 First Series of the Year!

    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...

    Latest News

    Marlins vs. Pirates Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    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...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Friday, March 29, 2024

    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...

    Astros vs. Yankees Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    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,...

    Bet $5 with FanDuel Promo Code, Win $200 Bonus Including NCAA Tournament

    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...

    DraftKings Promo Code: Get $150 for $5 Bet on College Basketball and More Sports

    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...

    Rays vs. Blue Jays Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    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...

    Marlins vs. Pirates Probable Starting Pitchers – March 29

    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...

    Duke vs Houston Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

    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...

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

    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...

    Fanatics NC Promo Code Scores Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets Over 10 Days: Dive into North Carolina Sports Betting

    After a long wait, legal sports betting has finally arrived in the Tar Heel State. Fanatics NC, along with host of other sports books are up and operating in North Carolina. This exciting development opens doors for fans to wager...

    more cubs news