NEWSLETTER
On my way to Chicago today (right field bleachers tonight, let’s be friends!), and I didn’t time my stop well enough to get you these Bullets before mid-day. My bust. And I’m also kinda flying through them so I can get back on the road …
• Craig Kimbrel had an extra bounce in his step last night for the save over the Mets – literally, he was doing more post-pitch bouncing than usual – and maybe it’s because he was hyped to move into the top ten all-time:
Craig Kimbrel is now tied for 10th all time with 367 career saves!#CubTogether pic.twitter.com/nvPgcWdcZh
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 18, 2021
Craig Kimbrel has converted 90.2% of his career save opportunities.
That's the best career save % of 𝐀𝐋𝐋-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 (min. 300 saves) #CubTogether pic.twitter.com/Opa77Sw7Bj
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) June 18, 2021
• Kris Bryant got on base last night ahead of Javy Báez’s homer, so that was good, but otherwise his night was reflective of his entire June so far: slumpy. He’s hitting just .156/.224/.244 for the month, which looks to be a combination of a slight uptick in strikeouts, a little less great contact, and also some bad luck. The Cubs have also been facing a stretch of really good pitching, which probably hasn’t helped (and also won’t let up for another 10 days or so). Sahadev Sharma got into it with Bryant:
I figured that Kris Bryant would brush off the mini-slump he's in when I asked him about it. But he was actually curious about what was going on as well. "I did some quick research with the guys…" A look at what's going on and how KB can fix it. https://t.co/oh0oB80H18
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) June 18, 2021
• There’s a whole lot in there, but pitchers have been nibbling Bryant more and more, and he initially has responded by expanding his zone. Ever an adjuster, I would expect an uptick in walks coming Bryant’s way.
• Anthony Rizzo, his family, and his foundation are getting some deserved recognition:
Thank you to @espn for this special honor recognizing not only me, but the work and dedication of my family. Honored to be recognized alongside @LaurentDTardif @Layshiac and @TitusONeilWWE. @RizzoFoundation https://t.co/LujANjY5ct
— Anthony Rizzo (@ARizzo44) June 17, 2021
• Something something Rizzo did not get deserved recognition last night because his 105.0 mph, 103.0 mph, and 101.6 mph batted balls all turned into deep outs something something. Combine it with his out to the wall against Jacob deGrom the night before and Rizzo has had some bad batted ball luck lately to go with his power surge. Clearly, he is seeing it well and feels good physically.
• Old friend Victor Caratini walking one off against old foe Amir Garrett is all right:
100 percent capacity.
100 percent crushed.
100 percent Faithful.#HungryForMore pic.twitter.com/I9qXJ6HCnb— San Diego Padres (@Padres) June 18, 2021
• Charlie Morton almost no-hitting the Cardinals is all right:
What a performance!@LA_Hot_Sauce | #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/uUkU3UjBdV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 18, 2021
• The Rockies beating up on Brandon Woodruff is all right:
You ask. We deliver.
💥GRAND SLAM #CRONTENT 💥 pic.twitter.com/syfb9MfXuL
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 18, 2021
• Candy, humidifiers, underwear, and more are your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
• Watch yourself around Miguel Cabrera:
https://twitter.com/obvious_bb/status/1405757663766482944
