Its a guy thats going to pitch huge innings for us this season. Hes a huge depth piece that we have, and you see this evening what hes capable of.
– Individually, each of Alzolays changeup, curveball, and four-seamer are huge league-caliber pitches, and he can normally toss any of them in any count for a strike. Each can likewise be a swing-and-miss pitch. As far as what youre searching for, typically, in a starting pitcher, Alzolay has it. Going forward, the concern is whether he can sustain his health as a starter, whether he can sustain stuff and velo, consistently, through six-inning appearances, and whether the changeup and curveball are there for him each time takes the ball. Those, all together, have been the concerns when you think of Alzolays future in the rotation or the bullpen. Hes out of choices next year, so its going to be one or the other.
– For now, Alzolay has been optioned back to South Bend. The Cubs will require a 5th starter early next week, and its conceivable he might return for that one if Tyler Chatwood (back) is still out, or if Jose Quintana (thumb) is still not all set. Otherwise, the Cubs have another doubleheader precisely 10 days after yesterday, so Alzolay would be perfectly lined up for that a person. Its possible he will make three straight starts for the Cubs. If not, the Cubs will almost certainly try to determine how to get contributions from him in advance of the postseason one method or another.
The 2020 BN Trade Deadline Dogathon is here! Short version? Were raising funds for Make-A-Wish by making me eat ONLY hotdogs for two days at the Trade Deadline. The more you provide, the more I need to consume. I am scared, however devoted. Longer description here.
– The Cubs won that series against the Cardinals. 3-2. Cubs win. How strange does that sound given the way the series felt? Thats a good series win in any case (as it is any time you win 3 of 5 in baseball!), having to play five video games in three days while using 2 fill-in beginners. The Cardinals were up versus it, too, and were missing some crucial factors, however actually, so were the Cubs. I dont think theres any reason not to feel excellent about that series win.
5 innings, no earned runs, two hits, one walk, and 6 strikeouts? Thats just flat out actually great by any step. His quality of contact was excellent, too, with just ONE batted ball above a 50% opportunity to be a hit by xBA.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 20, 2020
– Amazons Big Summer Sales Event is going on right now, so examine it out. #ad
– It sure * felt * like this was true, and it is:
Nico Hoerner still has a lot to work on to enhance his technique and optimize hard contact, but hes also been absurdly unfortunate so far this year– he has the 10th largest distinction between his real wOBA and the wOBA you would anticipate based upon quality of contact. pic.twitter.com/zQoMBRIcrT
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) August 20, 2020
Some of those people are getting excellent outcomes in spite of the bad luck, others are carrying out poorly * AND ALSO * getting unfortunate. The Cubs most fortunate hitter by this measure is Ian Happ (+.039 ), however even his anticipated wOBA is still a whopping.398, which is 37th in baseball.
Its actually Jason Heyward at.402. He is striking very, extremely well this year, folks.
– From Tuesday night, as snagged by Bryan:
For the very first time in his Cubs career, Rowan Wick tossed 4 cutters in a video game last night. All for strikes, one for a K. Missed area as soon as, other 3 command was fantastic. The pitch was 91.0-92.9 mph, spun at 2284-2444 rpm (credit: Savant). Appears like a great extra weapon to contribute to FB/CV. pic.twitter.com/mvu22JKYIZ
— Cubs Prospects– Bryan Smith (@cubprospects) August 19, 2020
– I am now unexpectedly against the pitch clock for completely unrelated factors however we do not need to get into it:
Fangraphs does not currently have speed numbers for 20, however Darvishs tempo has actually stayed very deliberate. And, hey, hes had a 2.50 ERA with 152 K and 12 BB given that start of 2nd half in 2015. Take your time, Yu.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 19, 2020
– Cubs dropped a cool Blast from the Past video:
Blast from the past. pic.twitter.com/ym3C9sTYpa
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 19, 2020
– Today is the NBA Draft Lottery, which is KIND OF A BIG DEAL for the Bulls. Ensure youre following Elis coverage:
Great early morning simulated Bulls fans!!! pic.twitter.com/5kvqBi3mEl
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) August 20, 2020
The Cubs most fortunate hitter by this procedure is Ian Happ (+.039 ), but even his predicted wOBA is still a tremendous.398, which is 37th in baseball.
The Cubs will require a fifth starter early next week, and its conceivable he might come back for that one if Tyler Chatwood (back) is still out, or if Jose Quintana (thumb) is still not ready. Otherwise, the Cubs have another doubleheader precisely 10 days after yesterday, so Alzolay would be perfectly lined up for that one. Its possible he will make three straight starts for the Cubs. If not, the Cubs will almost certainly try to figure out how to get contributions from him in advance of the postseason one way or another.
