Kris Bryant is Impossible, the Cardinals’ Rotation is Getting Good, and Other Bullets

May 22, 2018

I “graduated” from physical therapy yesterday, so I’ve been turned loose into the wild with my foot just shy of four months after surgery. There’s still soreness and definitely limitations in flexibility (I’m supposed to be 90% at six months, and full recovery at one year), but it’s really, really good to be able to run again. I never thought I would give a rip about running, but it’s pretty good for the psyche. And the gut. Which has been enjoying quite a nice roll over these past four months.

Kris Bryant understands quite well something we’ve been talking about a lot this year: making contact just to make contact, at the exclusion of hitting the ball hard, is not necessarily a good thing (ESPN): “Just because the strikeouts are down, it doesn’t always mean it’s necessarily a good thing, because when I struck out a lot, I felt like I was also still doing a lot of damage by hitting the ball in the air. Sometimes I go up there and just put the ball in play and ground out to short or something, and early in the count, you don’t want to do that. I like that the strikeouts are down, but there is still a part of me that wants to make sure that when I don’t strike out that I do something with the pitch I actually do hit.”

Of course, not everyone can be Kris Bryant, who has lowered his strikeout rate to an impossibly low 15.7% while simultaneously posting the highest ISO and SLG of his career, with more hard contact than he’s ever had. Please don’t sleep on just how ridiculous Kris Bryant is offensively right now. I know it’s easy because he’s always been good, but he’s currently the best version of himself, achieving levels of power-contact-discipline that even the most hopeful onlookers could not realistically have seen coming back in 2015. We have not seen a Cubs hitter like this in our lifetimes.

The ESPN article in which that Bryant quote appears, by the way, is a really good read about what a sophisticated and talented hitter he is.

From that same ESPN piece, LOLawesomeLOL: “According to Baseball-Reference.com, an offensive team of nine Kris Bryants, combined with “average” pitching and defense, would feature a winning percentage of over .800.”

Brace yourself:

“He will be in the rotation.” — GM Michael Girsch on Alex Reyes return to the #stlcards. He will start Thurs for Memphis and Team is targeting for start in majors as early as May 29, against #Brewers.
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) May 21, 2018

Reyes, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, is extremely good, and has been on a warpath in the minor leagues on his rehab. I’m not saying that means he’ll be great when he gets back in the big leagues, but there are reasons to believe the 23-year-old is going to be a near-elite starter for the Cardinals right out of the gate.

… combine that with Miles Mikolas, who’s been performing like a dang Cy Young candidate this year, plus the emergence of Jack Flaherty and the impending return of Carlos Martinez, and that Cardinals rotation has the potential to be absurd very soon. I tend to think the offense’s flaws are legitimate, and the bullpen stinks, but that rotation. It’s gonna keep the Cardinals around for a while.

Amazon has a coupon section, if you weren’t aware – so you can get smaller deals on the various daily needs you might otherwise get at the grocery store.

MLB Shop has a 20% off sale going on today, and that includes the new Father’s Day gear. The cap is freaking beautiful IMO:

Whoa, the Cubs Father's Day on-field cap is AWESOME.

Bonus, MLB Shop is having a 20% off sale today so you can get that cap (and other gear) for a discount! Go here: https://t.co/seMP4Pn1RW pic.twitter.com/mizkvYLisi

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 22, 2018

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

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 |...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Pete Crow-Armstrong Gets a Start

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...

Michael Cerami

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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,...

Michael Cerami

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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...

Brett Taylor

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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...

Michael Cerami

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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....

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

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...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: What is it, June 2023?

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs took Game 1 against the Houston Astros in convincing fashion last night. So tonight, they'll go for the quick series win against Spencer Arrighetti at Wrigley Field (it'd be a good idea to win...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

NFL

Dallas Cowboys 2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle and WR

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 offseason with the familiar feeling of championship aspirations. Dak Prescott is healthy, the skill positions are loaded, but the offensive line, once a strength, is in flux. With the 24th overall pick in the...

Brian Twining

Apr 25, 2024

Betting

2024 MLB Mock Draft: Wake Forest Dominates First Round

With the invigorating spirit of a new baseball season upon us, igniting hope and anticipation within fan communities, it's the perfect time to embark on a unique exploration: a 2024 MLB Mock Draft. Numerous mock drafts meticulously analyze potential player...

Matt Rooney

Apr 25, 2024

How to Watch

76ers vs. Knicks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are playing in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, with Game 3 up next.The Knicks beat the 76ers 104-101 on Monday when they last met. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in the...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Donovan Mitchell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Magic – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic, with Donovan Mitchell needing four trifectas to beat his 3-pointer over/under.Donovan Mitchell's Three-Pointer Prop...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Caris LeVert Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Magic – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

On Thursday at 7:00 PM ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Caris LeVert's 3-pointer over/under for this matchup requires just one trey.Caris LeVert's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Josh Hart Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Josh Hart needs to make two from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks meet the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, tipping off at 7:30 PM...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Jalen Brunson Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

The New York Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and if the Knicks' Jalen Brunson drains three 3-pointers, he'll beat his over/under.Jalen Brunson's Three-Pointer...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Donte DiVincenzo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, Donte DiVincenzo needs to make four from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks play the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, beginning at 7:30 PM ET.Donte...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Joel Embiid Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Knicks – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Joel Embiid needs to make two from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Philadelphia 76ers meet the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, starting at 7:30...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Tyrese Maxey Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Knicks – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers play the New York Knicks at 7:30 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 matchup requires four trifectas from Tyrese...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Kris Bryant is Impossible, the Cardinals’ Rotation is Getting Good, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular