Cubs Pull Off a Remarkable 90th Win, Ja-V-P, Gore’s Hilarious Speed, and Other Bullets

Sep 23, 2018

If the Bears can win today against the Cardinals (eff the Cardinals, AMIRITE?), they will have a winning record for what feels like the first time in forever. Coupling that with another Cubs win today – over the White Sox – and shrinking the magic number further? I’m not sure I deserve such a good day. But I’ll gladly take it …

Jon Lester is a good pitcher and a smart man:

#Cubs Lester on Baez: "People want to nitpick that he doesn't walk but [he's hitting] .300 with 34 homers and 100 [RBI] — I know the other [MVP candidates] are good but when you add multiple positions to a guy, that changes my vote for sure." https://t.co/jZec9GF8Q7
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) September 23, 2018

Even setting aside the defense, the versatility, the baserunning, the intangibles … it’s not like Baez isn’t having an MVP-caliber season at the plate, too. He’s hitting .293/.329/.569 on the year, with a 135 wRC+, which is good for 8th in the league (6 points behind 4th, so there’s not a huge spread in that group). His 34 homers are tied for second, one behind the leader. His 110 RBI lead the league by six. He has the 8th most stolen bases. He’s scored the 7th most runs. He has the highest ISO. He has the 3rd highest WAR.

Can you make an argument for some other guys? Yes. Could I make a strong argument for Christian Yelich? As much as I like to troll Brewers fans, yes, of course you can make a strong argument for the guy with the best bat in the league. But I’m just saying, it’s not like the argument for Baez is predicated solely on the intangible stuff. His bat is what gets him in the discussion. It’s the other stuff, in my opinion, that then separates him.

MVP quote right here from Baez on the playoff race (Cubs.com): “We know what we’ve got. We just have to stay away from every other team. They have to pay attention to us, not us to them.”

Seriously remarkable stuff:

For the 4th straight season, the Cubs have won 90+ games. It's the first time they've done that in over 100 years. pic.twitter.com/OsZyVLm0Q7
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 23, 2018

Regardless of today’s outcome, the coveted Crosstown Cup now belongs to the Cubs’:

"They gave me this thing!" pic.twitter.com/KWFhl1nv0L

— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) September 23, 2018

Daniel Murphy’s run-scoring “double” looks a lot like the time I was asked to play left field when filling in on a competitive men’s softball team after never having played an inning outside of the infield in my years of baseball and softball:

Your browser does not support iframes.

It is humorous how fast Terrance Gore is:

The @TGO7E Effect. pic.twitter.com/mcUXO43wvn

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 23, 2018

This upcoming series against the Pirates will be no cake walk, as the Cubs are going to have to face Jameson Taillon (awesome), Chris Archer (always potentially very good), Ivan Nova (has pitched very well at times), and Trevor Williams (one of the best pitchers in the second half).

It seems like if Russell went this route, it would just force MLB’s hand into a suspension earlier than they might otherwise if they took their time:

MLB’s domestic-violence policy allows #Cubs’ Russell to request emergency hearing that must take place within 24 hours of him asking to be removed from administrative leave. Sources say Russell, his agent Scott Boras and the players’ union are strongly considering that option.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 22, 2018

This sounds extremely correct:

Tim Anderson on what happened between him and Joe West when he got ejected: "Not much. I don’t got much to say about him. Everybody knows he’s terrible. I didn’t say much; he threw me out. That’s okay. ''
— Phil Rogers (@philgrogers) September 23, 2018

The Mariners, despite pretty much always having a “decent” team, where eliminated from postseason contention last night for the 17th straight year. Once again: enjoy these Cubs.

I will miss the jokes we got to make:

Sit back, relax and strap it down! Hawk Harrelson's final @whitesox
broadcast is coming your way at 12:30p on NBC Sports Chicago

Live stream: https://t.co/vbU6srf7Eu pic.twitter.com/4OB9PEkwi5

— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) September 23, 2018

A fancy projector, outdoor games, and much more are your Deals of the Day at Amazon.

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 Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Pirates vs. Red Sox: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, Bryan Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates (11-8) open a series versus Jarren Duran and the Boston Red Sox (10-10) at PNC Park, with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Padres vs. Blue Jays: Live Stream or on TV

On Friday, Matt Waldron will take the mound for the San Diego Padres (11-10) versus Yariel Rodriguez and the Toronto Blue Jays (10-9), with first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM ET at PETCO Park.If you're intending to watch this game,...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Giants vs. Diamondbacks: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Blake Snell will take the ball for the San Francisco Giants (8-11) when they host starter Jordan Montgomery and the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-10) on Friday, with first pitch at 10:15 PM ET.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Dodgers vs. Mets: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will take the ball for the Los Angeles Dodgers (12-9) when they host starter Sean Manaea and the New York Mets (10-8) in a series opener on Friday, with first pitch at 10:10 PM ET.See how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The Minnesota Twins will be hosting the Detroit Tigers for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 8:10 PM ET on Friday, April 19.Twins vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Twins Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:10...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Milwaukee Brewers Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

In the opener of a three-game series, on Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET, the St. Louis Cardinals are hosting the Milwaukee Brewers.Cardinals vs. Brewers Series Info Brewers @ Cardinals Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:15 PM ET Cardinals...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Kansas City Royals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

On Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET, a three-game series between the Kansas City Royals and the visiting Baltimore Orioles will get underway.Royals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Royals Time: Friday, April 19 at 7:40 PM ET Royals...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The Seattle Mariners will be on the road, opening a three-game set against the Colorado Rockies on Friday, April 19 at 8:40 PM ET.Rockies vs. Mariners Series Info Mariners @ Rockies Time: Friday, April 19 at 8:40 PM ET Rockies...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

San Diego Padres vs. Toronto Blue Jays Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

The San Diego Padres will be hosting the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series, with the first matchup getting underway at 9:40 PM ET on Friday, April 19.Padres vs. Blue Jays Series Info Blue Jays @ Padres Time: Friday,...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Picks

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets Series April 19-21: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

In the opener of a three-game series, on Friday, April 19 at 10:10 PM ET, the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the New York Mets.Dodgers vs. Mets Series Info Mets @ Dodgers Time: Friday, April 19 at 10:10 PM ET...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

Cubs Pull Off a Remarkable 90th Win, Ja-V-P, Gore’s Hilarious Speed, and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular