The results of these Cubs games are getting more stratified. Four of the last five losses have felt pretty lopsided. Even in that other game, the Cubs allowed nine runs. You do expect to lose nearly 100 percent of the games in which you allow nine runs. Also, the Cubs have only lost five of their last 25 games. The Cubs either feel a little overmatched, or they find a way to win the game. When those proportions are 4 to 1, you have to feel pretty good about your chances to make a very deep run in the season.
As a blogger, the way these losses are going doesn’t make a lot to talk about. This feels like a just throw it away and move on, just like Saturday’s game. The larger concern out of this, to the extent that there is one, is the offense getting stifled for two straight games. I’m not ready to worry about it. Certainly, before Sunday’s game we talked about it. When healthy, Jacob deGrom has been a borderline Hall of Fame pitcher. The only question that will ever exist with him is if the body of work is large enough to justify his inclusion.
Even with the two shutouts over the weekend, the Cubs still own the top team on base percentage in baseball. Their slugging still sits fifth. The net result has their team OPS at fourth overall. By pretty much any objective measure, they have a top five offense. The offense failed them this weekend. But I do not think this was some kind of gateway drug to a punchless offense and a lot of losses. There are more tough games ahead, but I expect the team to bounce back quickly.
Your mileage may vary, and all of our expectations are probably drifting upwards, but none of us suddenly thought this team was heading for 110ish wins.
Three Positives:
- Nico Hoerner had a single, a double and a stolen base. He should have been on Team USA. He’s a great bench player for a team like that.
- Phil Maton faced four batters, retiring them all and striking out two.
- Michael Busch had a single in three plate appearances.
Game 41, May 10: Rangers 3, Cubs 0 (27-14)
Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.
THREE HEROES:
- Superhero: Jameson Taillon (.11). 5.1 IP, 22 BF, 4 H, 2 BB, ER, 4 K (L 2-2)
- Hero: Phil Maton (.08). 1.1 IP, 4 BF, 2 K
- Sidekick: Nico Hoerner (.07). 2-4, 2B
THREE GOATS:
- Billy Goat: Moisés Ballesteros (-.13). 0-4
- Goat: Daniel Palencia (-.11). 0.2 IP, 4 BF, 2 H, 2 ER, K
- Kid: Seiya Suzuki (-.10). 0-4
WPA Play of the Game: Evan Carter hit a two-out, two-run homer in the eighth inning to increase the Ranger lead to three. (.114)
*Cubs Play of the Game: Jameson Taillon faced Josh Jung with no outs and runners on first and second in the first inning, the game scoreless. He coaxed a double play ball, contributing to a scoreless first. (.085)
Cubs Player of the Game:
Poll: Taillon, Maton, Hoerner
Game 40 Winner: Ethan Roberts received 40 of 91 votes.
Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)
The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.
- Michael Conforto +13
- Michael Busch +11
- Shōta Imanaga +10
- Dansby Swanson/Jacob Webb/Caleb Thielbar/ -6
- Matt Shaw -9
- Seiya Suzuki -15
Current Win Pace: 106.68 wins
Up Next: A rare off day Monday, following 10 games in a row and 23 games in 24 days. Tuesday night, they face the Braves (28-13) in Atlanta. Colin Rea (4-1, 4.03, 38 IP) makes his sixth start (ninth appearance) of the year. Last time out, he allowed one run on six hits and three walks over 5.1 innings. He’s been better at home (2.66 v 5.60) but also better at night (2.77 v 675) than during the day time.
30-year-old Grant Holmes (2-1, 4.34, 37.1 IP) makes his eighth start of the year. The first round (22nd overall) pick of the Dodgers (2014) allowed five runs in five innings in a start against the Rockies. Better away (3.63 v 5.40) than home. Also better during the day than at night (3.86 v 4.56).
The Braves are tough.
Find a way and get back in the win column.
Go Cubs
