DaDeacs
Dickie Hemric
Morrow rehab shut down, likely out for at least another 1-2 months.
So, what's Kimbrels asking price now?
So, what's Kimbrels asking price now?
Addy starts his rehab today. Honestly hoping they can just trade him - you don't move Javy off SS at this point, and I'm not sure we need another rotation with Zob, Bote and Descalso at 2B.
Q has looked great his last 3 outings - need this guy to stay hot - he gave up some hard hits early, but got into the groove and had his changeup working. Not sure where Kyle Ryan came from, but could really use a solid bullpen piece for the rest of the year - he gave up 2 ER in his first appearance, but has 6 appearances with no runs, 3 walks and 9 Ks.
He should have trade value, and the Cubs have middle infield options. Trade for a quality reliever would be big. Did Baez come up as a second baseman or shortstop?
Baez was a SS. Moved to 2B/3B to accommodate Russell and, earlier on, Starlin. Then after Bryant was drafted, primarily worked at 2B. He was graded out lower than Russell at short - Baez has a higher ceiling, but is prone to mistakes, Addy was always a great defender, if not flashy. Addy was also moved to 2B for Starlin before the Cubs soured on him.
Quintana, Hamels and Lester have all pitched well enough that Captain Hook has remained seated. Hendricks showed promise in his last start and Darvish seems close. Maddon needs to let Darvish go deeper in a start and let him get out of his own jam.
The bullpen has improved from terrible to iffy. Ryan did well last night but I have little confidence in the lefties. Montgomery and Rosario need to return to previous form. Cishek, Edwards, Kintzler and Strop are accomplished RH relievers. Chatwood is questionable at best. Morrow is doubtful. A quality left handed reliever seems required.
Cubs have a couple of intriguing arms in Tennessee right now - the 3rd and 4th round picks from 2016 - Thomas Hatch and Tyson Miller look like real potential arms coming up in the next couple of years. Both have 3 pitches, both can throw mid 90s, and Miller has looked amazing in his first run through AA bats. Hatch is having some HR problems, but his stuff is there, no walks, good K numbers. It's nice to see some arms popping up - especially starters
Right, my point being that Hatch and Miller are showing good potential and moving up this year. Marquez and Alzolay are still the likely top arms in the system - Marquez could be special, but tinstaapp.
Taylor Davis imitates David Bote with a grand slam that ties the game 5-5 against the Cardinals in the fourth inning. It was his first MLB homer. Davis only other XBH was an 11th inning, game winning double against the Cards in 2017.
Javy put the Cubs into a lead they would maintain with a solo shot in the eighth for the 6-5 lead. Bullpen with five innings of shutout relief.
Hendricks threw an absolute masterpiece yesterday. 81 pitch complete game shutout, now called a Maddox. It reminded me of Warren Spahn late in his career. He couldn't break a pane of glass with his fastball. He just got you out.
The Cubs have improved their play.