The Cubs suffered their third loss of the Spring to the Oakland A's who used a six run 6th inning to power ahead to a 10-3 victory.
Kyle Hendricks started for the Cubs and pitched well in his two innings allowing two hits and striking out one.
Most of the damage was done off Jen-Ho Tseng who gave up six runs on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. He was already a very fringe candidate to make the roster, but a really poor showing so far in the Spring significantly reduces those odds.
Bullpen candidate Randy Rosario pitched an inning and gave up two home runs, though it is worth noting both home runs were hit by righties, and he has much better numbers against left handed hitters.
On the hitting side Ryan Court continues to make a strong impression, he went 2-3 with two runs batted in after coming in for Ben Zobrist. The Elgin native most likely will start the season in AAA, but could be a useful player in case there is an injury on the big league roster.
Jason Heyward made his return after being scratched the other day for personal reasons and went 1-2. Ben Zobrist made his season debut and went 0-2.
The Cubs will take on the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow as Jose Quintana will face off against Robbie Ray.
Thursday, February 28, 2019
Phillies sign Bryce Harper
At long last the long saga is over, according to Jon Heyman the Phillies will be signing free agent superstar Bryce Harper. Jeff Passan of ESPN reports the deal is for 13 years and 330 million, the biggest surprise is that the contract does not include any opt outs.
The move most likely makes the Phillies strong NL East favorites and they already added Andrew McCutchen and JT Realmuto along with their already solid core. Their starting pitching is a bit of a question mark, but the offense could be good enough to offset any concerns.
For Philly, Harper brings a 30 home run bat along with very good on base skills. He rebounded after a rough first half last season with a very impressive .300/.434/.538 line. According to most metrics he was not a good defender at all last year with a DRS of -26, but he has been a solid defender in years past so this seems like it could be an outlier.
The Cubs have long been connected to Harper, and frankly it's a bit of a disappointment they didn't sign him, but at 13 years I can understand the hesitation to not want to give him that many years. But still, Harper is a 26-year old generational talent and those types of talents rarely become available on the open market and for the Cubs to claim "broke" is somewhat disappointing especially with their willingness to open their pockets in the past.
The move most likely makes the Phillies strong NL East favorites and they already added Andrew McCutchen and JT Realmuto along with their already solid core. Their starting pitching is a bit of a question mark, but the offense could be good enough to offset any concerns.
For Philly, Harper brings a 30 home run bat along with very good on base skills. He rebounded after a rough first half last season with a very impressive .300/.434/.538 line. According to most metrics he was not a good defender at all last year with a DRS of -26, but he has been a solid defender in years past so this seems like it could be an outlier.
The Cubs have long been connected to Harper, and frankly it's a bit of a disappointment they didn't sign him, but at 13 years I can understand the hesitation to not want to give him that many years. But still, Harper is a 26-year old generational talent and those types of talents rarely become available on the open market and for the Cubs to claim "broke" is somewhat disappointing especially with their willingness to open their pockets in the past.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Cubs smash Rangers 9-5
Just like yesterday the Cubs started out the game with a four run lead, but this time they managed to hold on to pick up their fourth win of the season.
David Bote returned from his scary hit by pitch Sunday to go 2-3, Willson Contreras massacred a two-run home run, Christian Adames went 2-2 with a walk, and Mark Zagunis went 2-3 with a two-run home run.
Cole Hamels pitched two innings in his season debut allowing just two hits. Tony Barnette got roughed up in his Cubs debut giving up two runs on a walk and a hit in his inning pitched. Dillon Maples pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts and continues to make a strong impression this Spring.
Oscar De La Cruz pitched an inning and a third as he works his way back from a PED suspension, he gave up three hits, including a two-run home run to Matt Davidson, Although he will miss a small portion of this season due to his suspension he will likely start the year back at Double-A Tennessee with the potential to move up.
Tomorrow will see Kyle Hendricks take the mound for the first time against the Oakland A's, who will be starting former Cub Brett Anderson.
David Bote returned from his scary hit by pitch Sunday to go 2-3, Willson Contreras massacred a two-run home run, Christian Adames went 2-2 with a walk, and Mark Zagunis went 2-3 with a two-run home run.
Cole Hamels pitched two innings in his season debut allowing just two hits. Tony Barnette got roughed up in his Cubs debut giving up two runs on a walk and a hit in his inning pitched. Dillon Maples pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts and continues to make a strong impression this Spring.
Oscar De La Cruz pitched an inning and a third as he works his way back from a PED suspension, he gave up three hits, including a two-run home run to Matt Davidson, Although he will miss a small portion of this season due to his suspension he will likely start the year back at Double-A Tennessee with the potential to move up.
Tomorrow will see Kyle Hendricks take the mound for the first time against the Oakland A's, who will be starting former Cub Brett Anderson.
Tuesday, February 26, 2019
Cubs fall to the Diamondbacks 5-4
The Cubs were unable to hold onto an early 4-0 lead and dropped their second game of the season to the Dbacks.
After Jason Heyward was scratched for personal reasons Albert Almora Jr would lead off with a double and eventually score on an Anthony Rizzo RBI single. A fielders choice-error would lead to another two runs and a sacrifice fly by Addison Russell would conclude the Cubs scoring.
The big story of the day was the season debut of Yu Darvish, and although he didn't pitch well with four walks in an inning and a third, he concluded the game healthy which is all that really matters at this point. Most reports had his velocity in the mid-90s which is a very good sign for Darvish.
Aside from a dreaful second inning the Cubs overall pitched well. Minus the first two pitchers today, Darvish and Scott Effross, and none of the Cubs pitchers allowed a run.
Cole Hamels will make his season debut tomorrow against his former team, the Texas Rangers, who will be starting veteran righty Edinson Volquez.
After Jason Heyward was scratched for personal reasons Albert Almora Jr would lead off with a double and eventually score on an Anthony Rizzo RBI single. A fielders choice-error would lead to another two runs and a sacrifice fly by Addison Russell would conclude the Cubs scoring.
The big story of the day was the season debut of Yu Darvish, and although he didn't pitch well with four walks in an inning and a third, he concluded the game healthy which is all that really matters at this point. Most reports had his velocity in the mid-90s which is a very good sign for Darvish.
Aside from a dreaful second inning the Cubs overall pitched well. Minus the first two pitchers today, Darvish and Scott Effross, and none of the Cubs pitchers allowed a run.
Cole Hamels will make his season debut tomorrow against his former team, the Texas Rangers, who will be starting veteran righty Edinson Volquez.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Cubs split the split squad games
The Cubs won one and lost one today beating the Padres 6-4, while being smashed 11-1 by the Dodgers.
Jon Lester made his Spring debut and went two innings giving up a walk while striking out three. He had some harsh words during an interview for those predicting the Cubs decline saying "Apparently we're just old and ready to be on the backside of our careers. I'll let a computer program tell me whether or not I'm going to be good this year."
On the hitting side Kris Bryant drew 2 walks and still has yet to make an out this Spring, Willson Contreras launched a three-run home run, and Jared Young ripped a two-run homer as well. Trent Giambrone provided the only offense in the other game with a solo home run.
Bullpen candidates Brandon Kintzler, Brian Duensing, and Randy Rosario each pitched scoreless innings. Christian Bergman made his Cubs debut and went two innings giving up three runs on three hits and a walk.
Ian Clarkin made his Cubs debut after the waiver wire madness he was subjected to this offseason and gave up three runs on two hits and two walks in two innings pitched.
Yu Darvish will make his Spring debut tomorrow against the Zack Godley and the Arizona Diamondbacks..
Jon Lester made his Spring debut and went two innings giving up a walk while striking out three. He had some harsh words during an interview for those predicting the Cubs decline saying "Apparently we're just old and ready to be on the backside of our careers. I'll let a computer program tell me whether or not I'm going to be good this year."
On the hitting side Kris Bryant drew 2 walks and still has yet to make an out this Spring, Willson Contreras launched a three-run home run, and Jared Young ripped a two-run homer as well. Trent Giambrone provided the only offense in the other game with a solo home run.
Bullpen candidates Brandon Kintzler, Brian Duensing, and Randy Rosario each pitched scoreless innings. Christian Bergman made his Cubs debut and went two innings giving up three runs on three hits and a walk.
Ian Clarkin made his Cubs debut after the waiver wire madness he was subjected to this offseason and gave up three runs on two hits and two walks in two innings pitched.
Yu Darvish will make his Spring debut tomorrow against the Zack Godley and the Arizona Diamondbacks..
Sunday, February 24, 2019
Cubs beat the Giants 9-5
In their second game of the Spring the Cubs bats came to life against the Giants and after things were all said and done they moved to 2-0 this Spring Training.
The Cubs got the majority of their offense in the 2nd inning when they scored 8 runs, including 6 against Giants star pitcher Madison Bumgarner. The first six Cubs hitters in the inning reached and would all eventually score.
There was a scary moment in the second inning as reserve candidate David Bote was hit in the helmet by a Bumgarner pitch and would leave the game, but early reports suggest that he will be fine.
Victor Caratini went 2-3, Kyle Schwarber went 1-1 with a double and two walks, Addison Russell went 1-1 with a sac fly, and Johnny Field went 1-2 with a home run.
The pitching side was bit more notable as Tyler Chatwood got roughed up a bit in his Spring debut, he went two innings allowing two hits, two earned runs, a walk, and a strikeout.
The other damage was done to Duncan Robinson as he pitched an inning and a third giving up five hits and three earned runs. He's likely to begin the year at AAA and could be a useful depth piece.
Dillon Maples pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, as well as Dakota Mekkes. Allen Webster pitched the final two innings of the game allowing just a walk.
The Cubs play a split squad game against the Dodgers and Padres tomorrow. Christian Bergman will face Ross Stripling and the Dodgers, while Jon Lester will go against Nick Margevicius for the Padres.
The Cubs got the majority of their offense in the 2nd inning when they scored 8 runs, including 6 against Giants star pitcher Madison Bumgarner. The first six Cubs hitters in the inning reached and would all eventually score.
There was a scary moment in the second inning as reserve candidate David Bote was hit in the helmet by a Bumgarner pitch and would leave the game, but early reports suggest that he will be fine.
Victor Caratini went 2-3, Kyle Schwarber went 1-1 with a double and two walks, Addison Russell went 1-1 with a sac fly, and Johnny Field went 1-2 with a home run.
The pitching side was bit more notable as Tyler Chatwood got roughed up a bit in his Spring debut, he went two innings allowing two hits, two earned runs, a walk, and a strikeout.
The other damage was done to Duncan Robinson as he pitched an inning and a third giving up five hits and three earned runs. He's likely to begin the year at AAA and could be a useful depth piece.
Dillon Maples pitched a scoreless inning with two strikeouts, as well as Dakota Mekkes. Allen Webster pitched the final two innings of the game allowing just a walk.
The Cubs play a split squad game against the Dodgers and Padres tomorrow. Christian Bergman will face Ross Stripling and the Dodgers, while Jon Lester will go against Nick Margevicius for the Padres.
Saturday, February 23, 2019
Cubs win their first game 8-4
The 2019 Chicago Cubs season got off to a picture perfect start. Jason Heyward hit a lead off single and Kris Bryant showed his shoulder was healthy with a two-run bomb to left. The offense would go on to score 8 total runs on ten hits to beat their division foe Milwaukee Brewers 8-4.
On the offense side Daniel Descalso went 1-2 with an RBI in his Cubs debut, backup catcher candidate Taylor Davis went 1-2, and former Met Phillip Evans went 2-2 with a run scored.
2019 is going to be a huge year for Jen-Ho Tseng, who is coming off a very rough 2018, his first start was a big of a disappointment as he went 2 innings allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs. It's still far too early to draw conclusions, but it was not an ideal start.
The rest of the pitchers performed well, Carlos Ramirez and Craig Brooks were the only other pitchers to allow runs. Rowan Wick, Alberto Baldonado, and Oscar De La Cruz each pitched a 1-2-3 frame.
The Cubs play the San Francisco Giants tomorrow afternoon. Tyler Chatwood will start for the Cubs, while star pitcher Madison Bumgarner will toe the line for the Giants.
On the offense side Daniel Descalso went 1-2 with an RBI in his Cubs debut, backup catcher candidate Taylor Davis went 1-2, and former Met Phillip Evans went 2-2 with a run scored.
2019 is going to be a huge year for Jen-Ho Tseng, who is coming off a very rough 2018, his first start was a big of a disappointment as he went 2 innings allowing 4 hits and 2 earned runs. It's still far too early to draw conclusions, but it was not an ideal start.
The rest of the pitchers performed well, Carlos Ramirez and Craig Brooks were the only other pitchers to allow runs. Rowan Wick, Alberto Baldonado, and Oscar De La Cruz each pitched a 1-2-3 frame.
The Cubs play the San Francisco Giants tomorrow afternoon. Tyler Chatwood will start for the Cubs, while star pitcher Madison Bumgarner will toe the line for the Giants.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)