You know what? I never know how to write intros to posts where something is *clearly* expected of me … like, say, the Cubs playing the Indians in Cleveland on a Tuesday and a Wednesday. Do I play it straight and simply remind folks of the World Series connection? Do I say something meta like “Something, something, a Wednesday in Cleveland”? Do I ignore it completely and only look forward? I really don’t know.
So how about we just share some random tweets from *the* night (drop some of yours in the comments, if you’re so inclined), and leave it at that.
Like when the bar I was at for Game 7 lost connection just before the game started and I almost had a panic attack:
Haahahahahhaa ha ha. Ha. Is this my hell? @wrightwoodtap pic.twitter.com/d2Hg7oik6G
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) November 2, 2016
Or the fact that it was apparently National Stress Awareness Day:
Is it seriously #NationalStressAwarenessDay? On Game 7? Of the World Series? Yeesh.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) November 2, 2016
Or how I went out with Anthony Rizzo on my back, because he was the heart of the team five years ago as much as he is today #ExtendRizzo
Win or lose, I wouldn't want any other name on my back tonight. pic.twitter.com/OO1Ul7uBdq
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) November 2, 2016
I’d love to see some of your tweets from that night if you have them.
Other than that, this is a two-game series against the Indians with an off-day on Thursday. Go Cubs.
We’re Going Streaking
After sweeping the Dodgers and winning a series against the Pirates, the Chicago Cubs (17-17) have stabilized a bit here lately, winning 7 of their last 10 games and returning to .500. They’ve still never been more than 2.0 games over even, but they could get their with a sweep of the Indians this week. Of course, the Cleveland Indians (18-14) and their +15 run differential might have something to say to that. They’ve also won 7 of their last 10, including a four-game sweep of the Royals.
Game Times and Broadcasts Info
• Tuesday, May 11th at 5:10 CT on MARQ, 670 The Score
• Wednesday, May 12th at 12:10 CT on MARQ, MLBN, 670 The Score
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Adbert Alzolay (R) vs. Shane Bieber (R)
Game 2: Zach Davies (R) vs. Sam Hentges (L)
Chicago Cubs
• C – Willson Contreras
• 1B – Anthony Rizzo
• 2B – David Bote
• 3B – Matt Duffy
• SS – Javy Baez
• OF – Joc Pederson
• OF – Kris Bryant
• OF – Jason Heyward?*
*Outfielders Jake Marisnick, Ian Happ, and Jason Heyward are all hurt at the moment. While Nico Hoerner, who can also play the outfield, is on the IL. So, we’ll see who winds up playing there today. Maybe someone (Heyward?) starts feeling better sooner than expected.
Unavailable: Jake Arrieta, Jonathan Holder, Shelby Miller, Rowan Wick, Dan Winkler, Austin Romine, Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, Jake Marisnick
Cleveland Indians
• C – Austin Hedges
• 1B – Jake Bauers
• 2B – Cesar Hernadez
• 3B – Jose Ramirez
• SS – Andres Gimenez
• LF – Eddie Rosario
• CF – Jordan Luplow
• RF – Josh Naylor
Unavailable: Cam Hill, Roberto Perez
By the Numbers:
Run Differential:
Cubs: -5 (16th)
Indians: +15 (10th)
Runs Scored Per Game:
Cubs: 4.62 (12th)
Indians: 4.25 (17th)
Runs Allowed Per Game:
Cubs: 4.76 (23rd)
Indians: 3.78 (7th)
Keep An Eye Out For …
Alzolay 3rd time through. Adbert Alzolay has made several really solid starts this season, flashing the sort of pure stuff and overall arsenal that gets us excited about his future. However, he has appeared to hit a wall around the third time through the order this season, so let’s keep a close eye on how long David Ross leaves him out there.
Davies follow up? Zach Davies basically had his first really good start of the season his last time out (7.0 IP, 5H, 0ER, 1BB, 1K), becoming just the second Cubs starter to record an out in the 7th inning this season. Generally speaking, the Indians are a tougher matchup than the Pirates, HOWEVER, they have a particular deficiency against changeups that’s clearly widely known throughout the league:
The Cleveland Indians have seen the most changeups in MLB this season (15.3%) and have been the third worst offense against changeups (-8.7 pitch value).
Go eat, Zach Davies.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) May 11, 2021
The Cubs are hurt. A lot of them. Time for some guys to step up.
Oh man, I forgot about Marisnick and Heyward, too. What the hell.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) May 11, 2021