header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Kelly’s Incredible Story, Pham, Marte,....

Kelly’s Incredible Story, Pham, Marte, Triantos, Bellinger’s Work, Super Fan Passes Away, and Other Cubs Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
Oct 29, 2023
Chicago Cubs

I love when you get a letter from an official body requesting a reply “within 14 days of the date of this letter,” but you don’t actually even receive the letter until 10 days after it was dated.

  • Merrill Kelly went seven great innings last night in the World Series, which was the longest start in the World Series since 2019. Seven innings. Four years. The game has changed so much, so quickly.

  • Also a fun fact on the outing:

  • It’s been a mighty impressive run for Kelly in his 30s, when he first came to MLB from Korea (which, in turn, came after a successful run at Triple-A with the Rays, but no big league opportunity). Let him be an example to keep in your back pocket if and when anyone tells you that a guy who was solid in the KBO can’t possibly translate just as successfully to MLB. Kelly was good in Korea (ERA in the upper-3s, solid-not-spectacular peripherals), but actually not as good as he’s been the last two years in MLB (3.33 ERA, really solid peripherals). To be sure, Kelly is the exception rather than the rule, but it’s just flat out not true that guys never transition well from the Asian leagues, and maybe even improve.

  • OK, OK, for as much grief as Tommy Pham gets, this is pretty darn admirable:

  • Ketel Marte extended his postseason hitting streak to 18 last night, setting a new MLB record. There was no mid-game montage. Mostly because the game was in Texas, but also because the Diamondbacks have more important things to worry about.

  • Rob Friedman could’ve been part of the Houston Astros video department with this eagle eye:

  • When you have a guy dead to rights, but there’s no first baseman at first, so you just chuck it wherever he’s standing:

    • https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1718463641870278689

  • James Triantos went 4 for 8 with a walk over his last two AFL games, and his OPS dropped by 30 points. Lol.

  • Cody Bellinger gets right after it:

    • @7to22linedrive

    Offseason beast #Bellinger

    ♬ Blow the Whistle – Too $hort

  • Bellinger, who will be just 28 for much of next season, is not necessarily someone you think of as still have additional upside. But last season does make you wonder if he can keep kind of reinventing himself as a surprisingly high-contact, high-BA guy, with still enough power to do damage. The bat speed was always going to slow as he aged, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t remain a very productive hitter for a long time. In other words, yes, the the batted ball metrics do still make me a little nervous about how much we can “trust” his 2023 results, but I am still wondering whether there’s a sustainable/repeatable reason he was making it work. Some kind of ongoing evolution in his game. (The question for the Cubs and other teams is whether they can bet $200+ million on that evolution continuing and succeeding.)

  • All the love going out to the family:

  • Fergie with the framing technique:

  • Shut it down. Halloween has been won:

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Cubs Lineup
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 18, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    Picks

    Braves vs. Padres Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Monday, May 20, 2024

    Two of the league's top hitters will meet Monday when the Atlanta Braves (26-16) and San Diego Padres (24-24) take to the field at 12:20 PM ET, live on SDPA. Marcell Ozuna is batting .323 for the Braves (-224 favorites...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 20, 2024
    Picks

    Braves vs. Padres Probable Starting Pitchers – May 20

    The Atlanta Braves (26-16) look to end to a three-game skid as they host the San Diego Padres (24-24) on Monday at 12:20 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Braves will send Reynaldo Lopez (2-1) to the...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 20, 2024
    How to Watch

    New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The New York Liberty (3-0) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Seattle Storm (1-2) at 7:00 PM ET on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Barclays Center. The matchup airs on ESPN3, WWOR, FOX13, and...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 20, 2024
    How to Watch

    Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Indiana Fever (0-3) hope to end a three-game losing streak when they host the Connecticut Sun (2-0) at 7:00 PM ET on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The matchup airs on ESPN.Watch the WNBA all season long...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 20, 2024
    Picks

    Liberty vs Storm Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 20

    The New York Liberty (3-0) will attempt to continue a three-game winning streak when they host the Seattle Storm (1-2) on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Barclays Center. The game airs at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN3, WWOR, FOX13, and...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 20, 2024
    Picks

    Sun vs Fever Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 20

    The Indiana Fever (0-3) will try to end a three-game losing streak when they host the Connecticut Sun (2-0) on Monday, May 20, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game airs at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN.Sun vs. Fever Prediction &...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 20, 2024
    How to Watch

    Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday, Mookie Betts and the Los Angeles Dodgers (32-17) play Ketel Marte and the Arizona Diamondbacks (22-25), with first pitch scheduled for 10:10 PM ET at Dodger Stadium.Keep reading to find out all the details on how to watch...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    St. Louis Cardinals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the St. Louis Cardinals and the visiting Baltimore Orioles will start on Monday, May 20 at 7:45 PM ET.Cardinals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Cardinals Time: Monday, May 20 at 7:45 PM ET Cardinals Starting...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    On Monday, May 20 at 8:10 PM ET, a three-game series featuring the Houston Astros and the visiting Los Angeles Angels will begin.Astros vs. Angels Series Info Angels @ Astros Time: Monday, May 20 at 8:10 PM ET Astros Starting...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the first of a three-game series, on Monday, May 20 at 7:40 PM ET, the Kansas City Royals are hosting the Detroit Tigers.Royals vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Royals Time: Monday, May 20 at 7:40 PM ET Royals...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    Cubs Lineup

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    Butts in Seats, Game 7, Selke to Barkov, Brind’Amour, Sullivan, DeBoer, and other Blackhawks Bullets

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    Latest News

    Braves vs. Padres Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Monday, May 20, 2024

    Braves vs. Padres Probable Starting Pitchers – May 20

    New York Liberty vs. Seattle Storm: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Liberty vs Storm Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 20

    Sun vs Fever Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 20

    Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    St. Louis Cardinals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Royals vs. Tigers: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    How to Watch Astros vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    Braves vs. Padres: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    Butts in Seats, Game 7, Selke to Barkov, Brind’Amour, Sullivan, DeBoer, and other Blackhawks Bullets

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.