Matt’s Magical Bat, Vin’s Comforting Words, Sign-Stealing Lawsuit, and Other Cubs Bullets

Lockdown status check: although it’s pretty freaking hard to eat healthy right now, I have apparently not being doing horribly, because I haven’t packed on weight. But since I can’t go to the gym, I’m pretty sure I’m just losing muscle mass (and I didn’t have a lot to start with!). I am still exercising every day, but it’s not the same – I’m one of those people who just needs the push from a class setting to really get me to do the work in a sufficiently aggressive way. I will probably have to start doing some online classes.

Last night was the rewatch of Game 4 of the NLCS, the Cubs’ scoring in which famously started with Ben Zobrist’s bunt. But just as memorable from that game for me? Remember when Anthony Rizzo FINALLY broke out in the 2016 postseason … thanks to Matt Szczur’s bat:

Don't let @ARizzo44 get hot. pic.twitter.com/JQI5z9bnwp

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 23, 2020

That bat had magic @superSZCZ4 https://t.co/VhImhi2II8

— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) March 23, 2020

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Remember when Anthony Rizzo broke out during the 2016 NLCS against the Dodgers after he started using Matt Szczur's bat? That was awesome. #Cubs @arizz_44 @superszcz4

A post shared by Bleacher Nation (@bleachernation) on Mar 23, 2020 at 8:24am PDT

Oh, also, remember how mad and wrong Adrian Gonzalez was:

Your favorite all-time #Cubs defensive plays can be featured in a future Cubs Countdown episode!

Where does this Jason Heyward throw rank? https://t.co/HDERTNL5lt pic.twitter.com/cjF3b3bA0d

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) March 23, 2020

Dude IMMEDIATELY got on Twitter after that NLCS game to post this:

Somehow this is an out. #NLCS Takeseries lead tomorrow! Got to do this. Us against the world. pic.twitter.com/DAM8BRytrT

— Adrián González (@Adrian_ElTitan) October 20, 2016

Of course, a discerning eye can tell that it’s unclear if his hand is actually down on the ground in that shot, so the call on the field – which was “out” – could not be overturned. The Cubs ultimately won that game 10-2.

Speaking of the Dodgers, here’s Vin Scully to provide comfort:

Vin Scully can still connect and comfort in a manner unmatched by any other sports figure in L.A.'s history.

And, man, do we need some connecting and comforting.

Here are some words from Vin Scully to help get you through these hard times.https://t.co/kcVrJgg7eI pic.twitter.com/cPtR3xYkbJ

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) March 23, 2020

Marlins Park will soon be made available for drive-thru COVID-19 testing, which will hopefully be coming quickly to more places around the country. Even after the virus spreads widely – as it has – it still becomes very important information to know where outbreaks are occurring, how long they last, etc.

Perusing LEGO stuff at Amazon today, and it looks like there are a variety of sets on sale, so heads up if you like to build or want something to do with the kids. #ad

Among the several sign-stealing lawsuits out there (players who were harmed by Astros/Red Sox cheating, ticket holders, etc.), the first to reach a decisive stage in the process is the one brought by daily fantasy players – a motion to dismiss their case is being argued and a decision on whether their case can proceed should come next month. Interesting read here at The Athletic on the case, where I think most would agree that the fantasy players did get screwed by the cheating, but the question is whether you’re even able to file a lawsuit in this situation – isn’t teams/players cheating an inherent part of the risk you assume when gambling or playing daily fantasy?

This will be a fun thread to follow:

pic.twitter.com/G7mvc1HvHb

— Joe Buck (@Buck) March 22, 2020

Feel-good sports content:

These elderly residents at a care home were entertained with a game of human ‘Hungry Hungry Hippos’ as facilities were locked down to limit the spread of coronavirus. https://t.co/MfddRMh5bh pic.twitter.com/4C8HTKXoba

— ABC News (@ABC) March 23, 2020

Meanwhile, Bryan while we wait:

I want Jon Lester backdoor cutters. I want Javy Báez tags. I want Anthony Rizzo gestures to the dugout after a clutch 2B. I want Kyle Hendricks change ups that track his fastball exactly. I want Willson Contreras backpicks. I want a Kris Bryant dongs to the left-center bleachers.

— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) March 22, 2020

I want a Brailyn Marquez 102 mph fastball. I want Steve, my beer vendor, to come by with 2 bud heavy’s he had saved us. I want to hear people argue if David Ross can manage his friends. I want a Kyle Ryan induced double play. I want Nico Hoerner beating out an infield single.

— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) March 22, 2020

I want those sly Ian Happ smiles. I want to see my son’s face when it’s his turn to take a pic with Clark. I want to see my daughter run the Wrigley bases. I want grainy Miguel Amaya BP bombs vids. I want ugly swings at Jose Quintana and Craig Kimbrel curves in the dirt.

— Cubs Prospects – Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) March 22, 2020