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.
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