The Cubs started their 2019 campaign on a perfect note, lighting up the Rangers pitching staff for 12 runs on 13 hits and eight walks.
The offensive star for the Cubs was easily Javier Baez, he hit the Cubs first two home runs of the year and drove in four. He's trying to follow up a monstrous 2018 season where he finished second to Christian Yelich in MVP voting. Hitting two home runs is a perfect start to that.
It was an all-around solid game by Cubs hitters. They forced the Rangers to use seven pitchers and were doing an excellent job at grinding out at bats and making pitchers work. Every Cub batter aside from Daniel Descalso reached base today. Each spot in the lineup reached base two times today.
Jon Lester was solid in his fourth opening day start for the Cubs. He threw six innings allowing two runs on four hits along with two walks to three strikeouts. He allowed the only damage on a two-run home run by Elvis Andrus His velocity wasn't where it was last year, but he still managed to locate his pitches fairly effectively and avoided a lot of hard contact.
Randy Rosario and Brad Brach followed up Lester and both pitched clean 1-2-3 innings. Brach was throwing around the 93 MPH range, which is a good sign after reports of his velocity being down in Spring Training.
Pedro Strop was given the ball in the 9th and got two quick outs before he gave up a two out single to Hunter Pence. He was pulled for Mike Montgomery, who closed out the game, but not before giving up a monstrous two-run home run to Nomar Mazara.
The Cubs and Rangers play again at 7:05 PM on Saturday. Yu Darvish will make his regular season debut going against Edinson Volquez.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Cubs extend Kyle Hendricks
The Cubs announced an extension with starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks that will pay the right-hander $55.95 million over four years. The deal also includes a team/vesting option for a fifth.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic breaks down the contract and it seems to be a fair deal for the Cubs and Hendricks. According to Jeff Passan if he finishes in the Top 3 in Cy Young voting the 2024 option will automatically vest, but if he doesn't it turns into a team option.
Hendricks has been one of the Cubs more consistent starters over the past few years with a 2.86 ERA in 87 starts over the past three seasons. Aside from a disabled list stint in 2017 due to a finger injury he has stayed relatively healthy and has averaged 176 innings.
Although he doesn't throw hard at all he is one of the best pitchers in the game at limiting hard contact. That, along with his excellent command, makes him a strong candidate to be a pitcher who will age well as he moves into his 30s.
It's a relatively cheap deal for the Cubs who will have to seriously start looking at extending some of their key players as they start to get closer to free agency. Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Kyle Schwarber reach free agency after 2021 and Willson Contreras and Albert Almora are free agents after 2022.
Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic breaks down the contract and it seems to be a fair deal for the Cubs and Hendricks. According to Jeff Passan if he finishes in the Top 3 in Cy Young voting the 2024 option will automatically vest, but if he doesn't it turns into a team option.
Hendricks has been one of the Cubs more consistent starters over the past few years with a 2.86 ERA in 87 starts over the past three seasons. Aside from a disabled list stint in 2017 due to a finger injury he has stayed relatively healthy and has averaged 176 innings.
Although he doesn't throw hard at all he is one of the best pitchers in the game at limiting hard contact. That, along with his excellent command, makes him a strong candidate to be a pitcher who will age well as he moves into his 30s.
It's a relatively cheap deal for the Cubs who will have to seriously start looking at extending some of their key players as they start to get closer to free agency. Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Kyle Schwarber reach free agency after 2021 and Willson Contreras and Albert Almora are free agents after 2022.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Cubs sign Tim Collins, DFA Brian Duensing
The Cubs made an interesting move today signing lefty reliever Tim Collins to a major league contract, and in a corresponding move designated fellow lefty Brian Duensing for assignment.
Collins was at one point a very effective reliever for the Kansas City Royals posting a 3.54 ERA in 228 games and 211 innings with a 221-121 strikeout to walk ratio. His career was derailed by not one, but two Tommy John surgeries derailed his career. He did come back to post a 4.37 ERA in 38 appearances with the Nationals last year, but there are definitely some legitimate questions about his health.
He was with the Twins earlier in the Spring, but was released after posting a 4.91 ERA in seven games, but he also struck out 12 while walking just three.
He's not a particularly hard throwers with a average fastball velocity of 92.4 MPH. His most impressive pitch is his curveball, which although he doesn't throw it that often, it held hitters to a .118 batting average.
He's a solid lefty who is still just 29 and has the potential to be a key part of the Cubs bullpen. He struggled a bit in 2018, but it's fair to say that may just be due to not pitching at the big league level for four years.
Duensing was a major part of the bullpen in 2017 for the Cubs, but fell off in a huge way in 2018. His 7.65 ERA in 48 games was a major step back. His walk numbers spiked significantly and his Spring Training struggles did not help his case whatsoever.
Collins was at one point a very effective reliever for the Kansas City Royals posting a 3.54 ERA in 228 games and 211 innings with a 221-121 strikeout to walk ratio. His career was derailed by not one, but two Tommy John surgeries derailed his career. He did come back to post a 4.37 ERA in 38 appearances with the Nationals last year, but there are definitely some legitimate questions about his health.
He was with the Twins earlier in the Spring, but was released after posting a 4.91 ERA in seven games, but he also struck out 12 while walking just three.
He's not a particularly hard throwers with a average fastball velocity of 92.4 MPH. His most impressive pitch is his curveball, which although he doesn't throw it that often, it held hitters to a .118 batting average.
He's a solid lefty who is still just 29 and has the potential to be a key part of the Cubs bullpen. He struggled a bit in 2018, but it's fair to say that may just be due to not pitching at the big league level for four years.
Duensing was a major part of the bullpen in 2017 for the Cubs, but fell off in a huge way in 2018. His 7.65 ERA in 48 games was a major step back. His walk numbers spiked significantly and his Spring Training struggles did not help his case whatsoever.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Cubs make another set of moves, including a shocking Ian Happ demotion
The Cubs made their most significant cuts of the Spring season, cutting several players including optioning Ian Happ, who spent the entire 2018 season on the big league roster.
Happ, who had been considered a shoe in to make the roster, was slashing a horrible .135/.196/.192 line on the Spring with four walks and 14 strikeouts. His issue has been strikeouts as he struck out at a 36.1 percent clip last season and saw his power drop off significantly.
It's definitely a major surprise, but the Cubs may want to go with a deeper bullpen in the early season to keep their arms fresh for a potential playoff run. They might see some serious adjustments he could make, and decided Triple-A was the best spot for those changes.
They also sent down a few pitchers (Dillon Maples and Alec Mills), a catcher (Taylor Davis), an infielder (Cristhian Adames), and an outfielder (Johnny Field).
Maples had a decent shot to win a bullpen job, but with him having options remaining and the Cubs having strong depth it was an easy decision to send him down.
Mills had been battling a back issue and had already been a long shot to win a big league job.
Adames was crushing it this Spring so it was kind of a surprise to see him cut especially with the roster opening due to Addison Russells suspension, but that job seems to be going to David Bote.
Davis will be the everyday Iowa starting catcher and continue to work on developing their pitchers for the big league level.
Field is a nice depth piece, but it would've been a long shot to win a big league roster spot, and he just didn't do enough to impress.
Happ, who had been considered a shoe in to make the roster, was slashing a horrible .135/.196/.192 line on the Spring with four walks and 14 strikeouts. His issue has been strikeouts as he struck out at a 36.1 percent clip last season and saw his power drop off significantly.
It's definitely a major surprise, but the Cubs may want to go with a deeper bullpen in the early season to keep their arms fresh for a potential playoff run. They might see some serious adjustments he could make, and decided Triple-A was the best spot for those changes.
They also sent down a few pitchers (Dillon Maples and Alec Mills), a catcher (Taylor Davis), an infielder (Cristhian Adames), and an outfielder (Johnny Field).
Maples had a decent shot to win a bullpen job, but with him having options remaining and the Cubs having strong depth it was an easy decision to send him down.
Mills had been battling a back issue and had already been a long shot to win a big league job.
Adames was crushing it this Spring so it was kind of a surprise to see him cut especially with the roster opening due to Addison Russells suspension, but that job seems to be going to David Bote.
Davis will be the everyday Iowa starting catcher and continue to work on developing their pitchers for the big league level.
Field is a nice depth piece, but it would've been a long shot to win a big league roster spot, and he just didn't do enough to impress.
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Cubs make their second round of cuts
The Cubs dropped their Spring Training roster to 40 as they trimmed 15 players from the roster.
“The Chicago Cubs have assigned 15 players to minor league camp, reducing their spring roster from 55 to 40 players.
Right-handed pitchers James Norwood, Duane Underwood Jr. and Rowan Wick have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Twelve non-roster invitees have been assigned to minor league camp: Right-handed pitchers Christian Bergman, Matt Carasiti, George Kontos and Dakota Mekkes; left-handed pitcher Mike Zagurski; infielders Ryan Court, Phillip Evans, Trent Giambrone and Zack Short; infielder/outfielder Jim Adduci; and catchers Francisco Arcia and P.J. Higgins.
Chicago’s spring roster of 40 players consists of 23 pitchers (which includes two non-roster invitees plus right-handed pitcher Kendall Graveman, 60-day I.L.), three catchers, eight infielders (one non-roster invitee) and six outfielders (one non-roster invitee).”
This cut is a bit more interesting than the last one since at least a few of these guys had at the least a shot at a role on the big league team.
All three of the players optioned should see some time at Wrigley this year, whether it be as as a September call-up or an injury replacement.
The most interesting name off this list is Dakota Mekkes, who shot up prospect lists after a dominating 2018 out of the bullpen. He pitched well in his six Spring appearances, but the Cubs clearly feel like he needs more seasoning. In 94 games for the Cubs organization he has an incredible 1.16 ERA with 190 strikeouts to 67 walks in 147 innings.
Another interesting name is infielder Trent Giambrone who was cut despite a 1.027 OPS in 33 Spring plate appearances. The former 25th round pick posted a .772 OPS for Tennessee, and will likely open the season in Iowa.
Sunday, March 10, 2019
Cubs lose to Brewers 7-5
The Cubs lost to the Brewers 7-5 today snapping a really good run of performances.
Kyle Hendricks was just OK in his three innings of work. He allowed four runs on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts. His sinker did seem to have nice movement on it, but his curveball seemed to hang a bit.
Willson Contreras continued his torrid pace this Spring Training going 1-2 with a blistering RBI double. He's up to a .389/.476/.889 line this Spring, and is a very good sign to see after his second half struggles.
Cristhian Adames went 1-3 with a three run triple and David Bote went 1-3 with a walk.
Brad Brach pitched an inning allowing just a hit and a walk.
Brian Duensing had his first bad outing of the Spring giving up two home runs in his inning, including a moonshot by Tyler Saladino.
Dillon Maples pitched two thirds of an inning striking out one while walking two.
The Cubs will take on the Reds tomorrow, both starting pitchers have yet to be announced.
Kyle Hendricks was just OK in his three innings of work. He allowed four runs on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts. His sinker did seem to have nice movement on it, but his curveball seemed to hang a bit.
Willson Contreras continued his torrid pace this Spring Training going 1-2 with a blistering RBI double. He's up to a .389/.476/.889 line this Spring, and is a very good sign to see after his second half struggles.
Cristhian Adames went 1-3 with a three run triple and David Bote went 1-3 with a walk.
Brad Brach pitched an inning allowing just a hit and a walk.
Brian Duensing had his first bad outing of the Spring giving up two home runs in his inning, including a moonshot by Tyler Saladino.
Dillon Maples pitched two thirds of an inning striking out one while walking two.
The Cubs will take on the Reds tomorrow, both starting pitchers have yet to be announced.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Cubs make their first cuts plus a trade
The Cubs began trimming their roster as we get closer to the start of the season, they cut 15 players from their roster and bring the roster from 69 players to 54.
"Alzolay, Tseng optioned to Iowa, De La Cruz, Steele optioned to Tennessee; Duncan Robinson, Ian Clarkin, Alberto Baldonado, Craig Brooks, Carlos Ramirez, Colin Rea, Ian Rice, Charcer Burks, Evan Marzilli, Jacob Hannemann assigned to minor league camp. Scahill granted release." - Mark Gonzales of the Tribune.
None of these should be a particular surprise as they didn't really have a serious shot at making the big league roster. Most of these players will go to the minor leagues and work on theirs skills to try and contribute to the big league roster in 2019 and beyond.
Albert Alzolay should have a legitimate shot to contribute on the big league roster later in the year as long as he can prove he's healthy. He had his 2018 season cut short due to a lat issue, and was dealing with another injury early in the Spring.
Ryan Scahill was granted his release after signing a minor league deal in January. He was lit up to the tune of five hits and three runs in two and a third innings pitched. The 31-year old has a lifetime 3.85 ERA in 124 big league appearances, but his 1.44 WHIP and a 4.49 xFIP cast some doubt on his numbers. He will be able to sign with any club looking to contribute to their bullpen.
The Cubs also made a minor trade with the Kansas City Royals sending right-handed pitching prospect Stephen Ridings to KC in exchange for familiar face outfielder Donnie Dewees. Ridings pitched alright out of the Eugene bullpen last year with a 4.15 ERA in 22 appearances, he struck out 44 while walking 15 and allowing four home runs.
Dewees was the Cubs 2nd round pick back in 2015, but he was traded after the 2016 season in exchange for RHP Alec Mills. Last year he hit just .258/.310/.351 split between the Royals AA and AAA teams. He's a high contact kind of guy with just 93 strikeouts in 507 at bats. He's likely to serve as AAA depth, but could be useful in case of an injury.
"Alzolay, Tseng optioned to Iowa, De La Cruz, Steele optioned to Tennessee; Duncan Robinson, Ian Clarkin, Alberto Baldonado, Craig Brooks, Carlos Ramirez, Colin Rea, Ian Rice, Charcer Burks, Evan Marzilli, Jacob Hannemann assigned to minor league camp. Scahill granted release." - Mark Gonzales of the Tribune.
None of these should be a particular surprise as they didn't really have a serious shot at making the big league roster. Most of these players will go to the minor leagues and work on theirs skills to try and contribute to the big league roster in 2019 and beyond.
Albert Alzolay should have a legitimate shot to contribute on the big league roster later in the year as long as he can prove he's healthy. He had his 2018 season cut short due to a lat issue, and was dealing with another injury early in the Spring.
Ryan Scahill was granted his release after signing a minor league deal in January. He was lit up to the tune of five hits and three runs in two and a third innings pitched. The 31-year old has a lifetime 3.85 ERA in 124 big league appearances, but his 1.44 WHIP and a 4.49 xFIP cast some doubt on his numbers. He will be able to sign with any club looking to contribute to their bullpen.
The Cubs also made a minor trade with the Kansas City Royals sending right-handed pitching prospect Stephen Ridings to KC in exchange for familiar face outfielder Donnie Dewees. Ridings pitched alright out of the Eugene bullpen last year with a 4.15 ERA in 22 appearances, he struck out 44 while walking 15 and allowing four home runs.
Dewees was the Cubs 2nd round pick back in 2015, but he was traded after the 2016 season in exchange for RHP Alec Mills. Last year he hit just .258/.310/.351 split between the Royals AA and AAA teams. He's a high contact kind of guy with just 93 strikeouts in 507 at bats. He's likely to serve as AAA depth, but could be useful in case of an injury.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Cubs beat Mariners 9-3
The Cubs picked up their ninth win of the Spring schedule defeating the Seattle Mariners 9-3.
Duncan Robinson took the mound today and gave up two runs on two hits in two innings, the big hit off him was a two-run home run by Jay Bruce. He's likely to head down to AAA, but could wind up being a serviceable depth option.
The Cubs scored all of their runs off Marco Gonzales, who got lit up to the tune of nine runs on 12 hits and two walks in three and two-thirds innings pitched.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-3 with a home run, Albert Almora Jr went 2-4, David Bote went 3-3 with a walk, and Javier Baez went 2-3. It was one of the more impressive outings for Cubs batters who just made Gonzales grind.
Jen-Ho Tseng pitched two innings today while not allowing a base runner, which was very good to see after struggling early on in the Spring.
Randy Rosario struck out the side in his inning of work, though he did allow a hit.
Allen Webster pitched two innings allowing just one hit and striking out three.
The Cubs will take on the Angels tomorrow with Alec Mills going against Griffin Canning.
Duncan Robinson took the mound today and gave up two runs on two hits in two innings, the big hit off him was a two-run home run by Jay Bruce. He's likely to head down to AAA, but could wind up being a serviceable depth option.
The Cubs scored all of their runs off Marco Gonzales, who got lit up to the tune of nine runs on 12 hits and two walks in three and two-thirds innings pitched.
Anthony Rizzo went 3-3 with a home run, Albert Almora Jr went 2-4, David Bote went 3-3 with a walk, and Javier Baez went 2-3. It was one of the more impressive outings for Cubs batters who just made Gonzales grind.
Jen-Ho Tseng pitched two innings today while not allowing a base runner, which was very good to see after struggling early on in the Spring.
Randy Rosario struck out the side in his inning of work, though he did allow a hit.
Allen Webster pitched two innings allowing just one hit and striking out three.
The Cubs will take on the Angels tomorrow with Alec Mills going against Griffin Canning.
Spring training competition watch
As we slowly get closer to the start of the regular season it will start to become time for roster trimming. The Cubs have completed 14 of their 34 games this Spring Training and it's a good time to look at some of the roster spot battles.
Backup Catcher
Since the Cubs didn't make any sort of veteran addition to the roster it's pretty much assured the job will go to Victor Caratini. He's responded with a very solid spring going 6-17 with a double and a home run. He did struggle pretty significantly in the big leagues in 2018 so if he struggles in 2018 expect the Cubs to look outside the organization for help.
Reserve Infielder
It's likely going to come down to David Bote and Cristhian Adames for the final infield position, though Bote will probably end up winning the job.
Both of them have been excellent so far in Spring Training. Adames with a video game like .524/.522/.905 slash line has come out of nowhere since being signed to a minor league deal late in January after being let go by the Marlins. He hasn't appeared in a big league game since 2017 for the Rockies, but during his big league career he has been a very light hitter with a .206/.283/.278 line, while providing slightly below average defense. It's hard to see the value he could provide, but if he's the hot hand going into the regular season than the Cubs might as well give him a shot with Addison Russell suspended.
Bote has had a very good spring as well with a .300/.529/.400 line including five walks in 17 plate appearances. Bote should have the advantage due to the fact that he's both a better hitter and a better, and more versatile defender than Adames. He had an excellent rookie year for the Cubs with several very clutch hits, and has quickly become a fan favorite. Pitchers were able to adjust to him, and he cooled down significantly, so it'll be interesting to see if he made any adjustments to his approach.
Bullpen
There most likely isn't any high leverage roles open in the Cubs bullpen, but a few situational roles are likely to be open. Closer Brandon Morrow will start the season on the shelf, but Pedro Strop will most likely take the closer duties unless the Cubs blow the bank and sign Craig Kimbrel.
One of the them is the primary lefty reliever position. That will most likely come down to Brian Duensing, Xavier Cedeno, and Randy Rosario. Duensing should be the favorite right now as Cedeno hasn't pitched yet due to a wrist injury and Rosario hasn't pitched well in his three appearances while Duensing has yet to allow a run.
Tyler Chatwood has been excellent this Spring and it might be time to actually start taking him serious as someone who can seriously help the Cubs in 2019. He has pitched eight innings and has allowed eight hits, two runs, with five strikeouts and only one walk. It's hard to say what his role could be, but if he keeps pitching like he has the Cubs need to find a way to fit him in.
Backup Catcher
Since the Cubs didn't make any sort of veteran addition to the roster it's pretty much assured the job will go to Victor Caratini. He's responded with a very solid spring going 6-17 with a double and a home run. He did struggle pretty significantly in the big leagues in 2018 so if he struggles in 2018 expect the Cubs to look outside the organization for help.
Reserve Infielder
It's likely going to come down to David Bote and Cristhian Adames for the final infield position, though Bote will probably end up winning the job.
Both of them have been excellent so far in Spring Training. Adames with a video game like .524/.522/.905 slash line has come out of nowhere since being signed to a minor league deal late in January after being let go by the Marlins. He hasn't appeared in a big league game since 2017 for the Rockies, but during his big league career he has been a very light hitter with a .206/.283/.278 line, while providing slightly below average defense. It's hard to see the value he could provide, but if he's the hot hand going into the regular season than the Cubs might as well give him a shot with Addison Russell suspended.
Bote has had a very good spring as well with a .300/.529/.400 line including five walks in 17 plate appearances. Bote should have the advantage due to the fact that he's both a better hitter and a better, and more versatile defender than Adames. He had an excellent rookie year for the Cubs with several very clutch hits, and has quickly become a fan favorite. Pitchers were able to adjust to him, and he cooled down significantly, so it'll be interesting to see if he made any adjustments to his approach.
Bullpen
There most likely isn't any high leverage roles open in the Cubs bullpen, but a few situational roles are likely to be open. Closer Brandon Morrow will start the season on the shelf, but Pedro Strop will most likely take the closer duties unless the Cubs blow the bank and sign Craig Kimbrel.
One of the them is the primary lefty reliever position. That will most likely come down to Brian Duensing, Xavier Cedeno, and Randy Rosario. Duensing should be the favorite right now as Cedeno hasn't pitched yet due to a wrist injury and Rosario hasn't pitched well in his three appearances while Duensing has yet to allow a run.
Tyler Chatwood has been excellent this Spring and it might be time to actually start taking him serious as someone who can seriously help the Cubs in 2019. He has pitched eight innings and has allowed eight hits, two runs, with five strikeouts and only one walk. It's hard to say what his role could be, but if he keeps pitching like he has the Cubs need to find a way to fit him in.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Cubs fall to Rockies 7-5
The Cubs dropped their 6th game of Spring Training to the Colorado Rockies and fell to 8-6 for the Spring.
Jon Lester took the ball for the Cubs and went 3.2 innings giving up four hits and three runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He allowed two home runs as well.
Brian Duensing pitched an inning allowing just a hit. He's likely got a spot in the bullpen locked down if he continues to pitch like he has.
Brandon Kintzler got lit up to the tune of three runs on three hits with a walk a strikeout. It's his first bad outing of the Spring so I wouldn't worry too much, but it jumps his ERA to an unsightly 10.13.
Dillon Maples and Dakota Mekkes both pitched an inning and didn't allow a run. Both gave up a hit, while Maples struck out two.
Cubs 2018 first round pick Nico Hoerner made his Spring debut and went 3-3 with a triple.
Willson Contreras went 1-3 with a booming two run double.
Cristian Adames hit a home run in his only at bat. He's up to a .524/.522/.905 line this Spring, and may have a legitimate shot at a bench role at this point.
The Cubs will take on the Mariners tomorrow. Duncan Robinson will take the mound for the Cubs, while Marco Gonzales will pitch for the M's.
Jon Lester took the ball for the Cubs and went 3.2 innings giving up four hits and three runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He allowed two home runs as well.
Brian Duensing pitched an inning allowing just a hit. He's likely got a spot in the bullpen locked down if he continues to pitch like he has.
Brandon Kintzler got lit up to the tune of three runs on three hits with a walk a strikeout. It's his first bad outing of the Spring so I wouldn't worry too much, but it jumps his ERA to an unsightly 10.13.
Dillon Maples and Dakota Mekkes both pitched an inning and didn't allow a run. Both gave up a hit, while Maples struck out two.
Cubs 2018 first round pick Nico Hoerner made his Spring debut and went 3-3 with a triple.
Willson Contreras went 1-3 with a booming two run double.
Cristian Adames hit a home run in his only at bat. He's up to a .524/.522/.905 line this Spring, and may have a legitimate shot at a bench role at this point.
The Cubs will take on the Mariners tomorrow. Duncan Robinson will take the mound for the Cubs, while Marco Gonzales will pitch for the M's.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Cubs fall to Angels 9-2
The Cubs suffered their 5th loss of the Spring losing 9-2 to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
The offense got off to a quick start in the first when Willson Contreras hit a double that turned into a little league two-run home run thanks to Mike Trout kicking the ball away.
Addison Russell continued his very good start to the spring going 2-3 with two doubles. He will start the season with a 40-game suspension due to domestic violence allegations by his ex-wife.
Nico Hoerner, the Cubs 2018 first round pick, made his Spring debut and went 0-1 after replacing Addison Russell. He has potential to move quickly up the Cubs system in 2019 after his first year was cut short due to an elbow injury.
On the pitching side Kyle Hendricks pitched just OK in his start. He went just two and a third innings giving up three hits and two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He didn't personally allow the runs as Mario Meza gave up a three-run home run to Mike Trout that allowed the inherited runners to score.
Carl Edwards Jr. had a bit of a shaky inning giving up two hits, but he didn't allow a run and struck out two.
Most of the damage was done off Rowan Wick who allowed four runs in two thirds of an inning. He was acquired from the Padres in the offseason in a trade for Jason Vosler and is likely to start the year in AAA.
Tomorrow will see the Cubs take on the Kansas City Royals. The Cubs will start Jose Quintana while Heath Fillymer will get the start for the Royals.
The offense got off to a quick start in the first when Willson Contreras hit a double that turned into a little league two-run home run thanks to Mike Trout kicking the ball away.
Addison Russell continued his very good start to the spring going 2-3 with two doubles. He will start the season with a 40-game suspension due to domestic violence allegations by his ex-wife.
Nico Hoerner, the Cubs 2018 first round pick, made his Spring debut and went 0-1 after replacing Addison Russell. He has potential to move quickly up the Cubs system in 2019 after his first year was cut short due to an elbow injury.
On the pitching side Kyle Hendricks pitched just OK in his start. He went just two and a third innings giving up three hits and two earned runs with a walk and four strikeouts. He didn't personally allow the runs as Mario Meza gave up a three-run home run to Mike Trout that allowed the inherited runners to score.
Carl Edwards Jr. had a bit of a shaky inning giving up two hits, but he didn't allow a run and struck out two.
Most of the damage was done off Rowan Wick who allowed four runs in two thirds of an inning. He was acquired from the Padres in the offseason in a trade for Jason Vosler and is likely to start the year in AAA.
Tomorrow will see the Cubs take on the Kansas City Royals. The Cubs will start Jose Quintana while Heath Fillymer will get the start for the Royals.
Monday, March 4, 2019
Cubs blow out Reds 9-1
The Cubs continued their streak of hot hitting and scored nine runs to beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 and move to 7-4 on the Spring. They have scored 9+ runs in five out of their 11 games played.
Albert Almora Jr led off the game with a home run. He's off to a hot start hitting .385/.385/.692 this spring, which is a very good sign considering his second half struggles last year. Charcer Burks would replace him and go 2-2.
The real stars of this game were the pitchers. They allowed just three hits to a Reds lineup that featured Yasiel Puig, Scooter Gennett, and Eugenio Suarez among others.
Alec Mills got the start and pitched two innings allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three. He does have one more option left so he is unlikely to start the year on the big league roster, but he can go down to AAA and be a useful replacement starter should the need arise.
Brian Duensing pitched a clean inning today and has yet to allow a run in three innings this Spring Training. He had a very bad 2018, but he's signed at $3.5 million and is one of the more experienced lefty relievers.
One of the more intriguing arms to pitch in this game was Allen Webster, who pitched two clean innings with three strikeouts. The Cubs signed him in 2018 as a reclamation project and he pitched fairly well in a limited minor league sample size. They non-tenedered him, but resigned him to a minor league deal. He's pitched pretty well in three appearances pitching five innings giving up a run on a hit and two walks with five strikeouts.
The Cubs travel to Tempe Diablo stadium to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It will see Kyle Hendricks making his second Spring start against Angels lefty Tyler Skaggs.
Albert Almora Jr led off the game with a home run. He's off to a hot start hitting .385/.385/.692 this spring, which is a very good sign considering his second half struggles last year. Charcer Burks would replace him and go 2-2.
The real stars of this game were the pitchers. They allowed just three hits to a Reds lineup that featured Yasiel Puig, Scooter Gennett, and Eugenio Suarez among others.
Alec Mills got the start and pitched two innings allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out three. He does have one more option left so he is unlikely to start the year on the big league roster, but he can go down to AAA and be a useful replacement starter should the need arise.
Brian Duensing pitched a clean inning today and has yet to allow a run in three innings this Spring Training. He had a very bad 2018, but he's signed at $3.5 million and is one of the more experienced lefty relievers.
One of the more intriguing arms to pitch in this game was Allen Webster, who pitched two clean innings with three strikeouts. The Cubs signed him in 2018 as a reclamation project and he pitched fairly well in a limited minor league sample size. They non-tenedered him, but resigned him to a minor league deal. He's pitched pretty well in three appearances pitching five innings giving up a run on a hit and two walks with five strikeouts.
The Cubs travel to Tempe Diablo stadium to take on the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It will see Kyle Hendricks making his second Spring start against Angels lefty Tyler Skaggs.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Cubs beat Sox 13-4
The Cubs had one of their more convincing victories of the Spring, smashing the White Sox 13-4 and moving to 6-4 on the Spring.
Kris Bryant continued his absolutely torrid pace this Spring with a three-run home run in the second inning, if he can keep this pace up in the regular season he could be a serious candidate for his second MVP.
The biggest, and most important storyline from this game was the pitching of Yu Darvish. He went two innings walking just one and striking out three. His velocity was reportedly in the upper 90s and he was commanding his pitches well.
David Bote went 1-1 with a bases-loaded walk and a two run double. He's likely the favorite for the final bench spot as Addison Russell serves his suspension.
Although he gave up a two-run home run, the improved command of Dillon Maples has been a good sight for Cubs fans. It's a small sample size, but he hasn't walked a batter in his first three innings while striking out 6.
Tony Barnette gave up a home run in his inning of work, and that makes three runs allowed in two innings pitched. Early spring results don't really mean much though as long as he's healthy, and he should still be a favorite for a bullpen spot.
The Cubs will be taking on the Reds tomorrow. They have not announced their starter yet, but Tony Santillan will take the mound for the Reds.
Kris Bryant continued his absolutely torrid pace this Spring with a three-run home run in the second inning, if he can keep this pace up in the regular season he could be a serious candidate for his second MVP.
The biggest, and most important storyline from this game was the pitching of Yu Darvish. He went two innings walking just one and striking out three. His velocity was reportedly in the upper 90s and he was commanding his pitches well.
David Bote went 1-1 with a bases-loaded walk and a two run double. He's likely the favorite for the final bench spot as Addison Russell serves his suspension.
Although he gave up a two-run home run, the improved command of Dillon Maples has been a good sight for Cubs fans. It's a small sample size, but he hasn't walked a batter in his first three innings while striking out 6.
Tony Barnette gave up a home run in his inning of work, and that makes three runs allowed in two innings pitched. Early spring results don't really mean much though as long as he's healthy, and he should still be a favorite for a bullpen spot.
The Cubs will be taking on the Reds tomorrow. They have not announced their starter yet, but Tony Santillan will take the mound for the Reds.
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