I had a blast at the game yesterday with three friends (including Luis), and it remains true that you can have such a great time watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, regardless of the context around it. Obviously there *IS* a whole lot of other context right now for the Cubs, but in those moments when things are happening on the field and you’re getting to your feet to scream and then high-five everyone around you … most of that other stuff fades considerably. It was just a really nice day.
• Speaking of which, it was especially great to see Kris Bryant come take an at bat, and come within a few feet of a grand slam:
Sugar and spice and everything nice.
And a pinch of KB. #CubTogether pic.twitter.com/Vh5wl72jMu
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 9, 2021
• And when Patrick Wisdom followed with a dinger, we were really hopping around:
I believe in hope. I believe in believe. #DailyWisdom pic.twitter.com/9S8IHZ3shB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 9, 2021
• That was Wisdom’s first homer since June 28, but he’s actually decently well during that stretch – .286/.310/.464 (111 wRC+). The strikeout rate is still high, but a way-down-for-him 31.0%. I hope we’re seeing some adjustments because obviously having him around heading into next year as a capable starter would be huge. We know there will otherwise be a lot of movement on the infield.
• Back to Bryant for a moment: it’ll be interesting to see if he draws a starter in either of the final games of the first half this weekend. There’s not really a need to push things, but I’m sure he wants to be out there to help the Cubs win their first series IN A MONTH.
• Kyle Hendricks is cruising right now, as he often does when he gets locked in for the summer. Every start seems to be a quality start (10 of his last 11 starts). Given his steadiness and his very-reasonably-priced team control for another three years after this season, yes, I’m sure he will be asked about a lot this trade season. And while you never say never, it’s hard for me to imagine the Cubs trading Hendricks right now unless they’re REALLY tearing this thing down, which Jed Hoyer has indicated they are not. You listen if someone wants to ask, but you would need to be OVERWHELMED to pull that trigger (like, a way, way better return than the Yu Darvish trade).
• Ryan Tepera successfully returned yesterday, and Andrew Chafin just keeps doing his thing:
23 consecutive scoreless frames for @BigCountry1739! #CubTogether pic.twitter.com/olEyWpuvvp
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 9, 2021
• Brad Wieck hit the IL yesterday while dealing with his irregular heartbeat issue, which came up last year. Safety is the key thing (Cubs.com): “I think we want to all be on the same page of making sure he’s safe and able to go out there and compete,” David Ross said. “I think it’s important for us to know that, for him to know that and have a peace of mind.”
• Don’t do this, but I guess it worked out …
Here's the replay of the fan interference from the Top of the 1st inning.
Goldschmidt ruled out on the play. @WatchMarquee pic.twitter.com/KJXXzMbur8
— Tony Andracki (@TonyAndracki23) July 9, 2021