Thanks to some scheduling snafus this AM (not my fault!), I’m super crunched to get these Bullets out quickly, so you’ll have to forgive that it’s mostly just some random stuff I thought was worth sharing …
• This is fun, and also I did not realize how absurdly good Ian Happ has been as a pinch hitter in his career:
https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1269990975029628928?s=20
• Fun fact, though: while Happ has indeed been one of the best pinch hitters in baseball since he came into the league in 2017, he’s actually not the top guy on the Cubs …
• Always dig getting a window into how the Cubs’ new developmental coaches are working with hitters:
Was excited to catch up with @FoldenFastpitch on Cubs 360 today. Could have talked hitting with her for hours! pic.twitter.com/zLeHeQvjxQ
— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) June 8, 2020
• There’s a name not seen ’round these parts in a long time:
https://twitter.com/DanielKimW/status/1269926204540243968
• With the MLB season now likely to be as short as 48 games, and with teams not crawling all over themselves to sign Russell even before this season, it makes sense that now would be the time for he and his agent, Scott Boras, to try to make a run at finding a job in the KBO (or NPB). For so many reasons, what an absolute bust.
• Query how many of these epidemiologists are hardcore sports fans, but nevertheless:
The NYT surveyed 511 epidemiologists about when they, personally, would do an activity again. One of the clear longest wait time activities? Attending a sporting event. https://t.co/H9UjB0D03b pic.twitter.com/S59RBHtS6z
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) June 8, 2020
• Gordon Wittenmyer tossing haymakers:
Hey, Ricketts family: You People can make a difference — if you choose, @GDubCub writes.https://t.co/LcyQeX2m47
— NBC Sports Chicago (@NBCSChicago) June 8, 2020
• Rizzo *AND* Napoli losing a combined 50 pounds in 12 weeks:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBDzQ0BsTkl/?igshid=138dmnk6yn1r3
• Yu Darvish staying fresh, throwing 93 mph right now in bullpen sessions:
ゲームばっかりで野球の練習してるんかとかたまに言われるから、自分でも心配になってきたから今日ブルペンで球速測りました。
無事150km/h出てました。
ほんまに不安になるんで言わないでください笑— ダルビッシュ有(Yu Darvish) (@faridyu) June 8, 2020