Spring Training Miscellany: Game Gets Away from Young Cubs Pitchers, Assad Looks Good, Glovework, More
The Cubs’ opening lineup did a good job getting on base, moving up, stealing bases, etc., and the initial set of pitchers cruised against a lineup of mostly Dodgers regulars. From there, though, the wheels came off and the Cubs dropped Cactus League game number two, 9-4 to the Dodgers.
- There were several young pitchers I wanted to get a good look at in this one, but the camera angle made it less than ideal for actual evaluation:
- As for Assad, like I said, I think he looked good based on hitter swings, and he did go six up, six down. Assad was filling in for Justin Steele, who was scratched with general arm fatigue, and is competing for the 5th starter job. Good outing for him.
- Among the defensive highlights were Nick Madrigal playing capably at third base in his debut there:
- And Pete Crow-Armstrong showing off his arm:
- The Cubs lost the lead (and then some) as they got into many of their younger pitchers who aren’t currently in consideration for the big league roster. Not that you want to see anyone struggle – especially not a promising future relief arm like Bailey Horn – but there’s not a ton of meaning for now. It’s just reps and experience, you hope.
- To that end, Cubs pitchers walked more than twice as many batters as they struck out today. Eep.
- Through two games, David Bote has blistered the ball and Matt Mervis has terrified pitchers. And Bryan is right about what teams will try to do, which you can tell just by watching his swing:
- A good and funny point from JD on the broadcast today:
