***Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[ZRF]

Done.

Not literally, but it's a good start.

Going after Candelario was such a smart move. The Cubs didn't have to give up much he's such a good fit. Starting pitching needs to "get back on track" a bit as most of the starters haven't been very crisp of late.

Realistically this team needs to make a lot of hay the 2nd half of August. They have the Sux, Royals, Pirates, and Tigers. Four awful teams they need to pummel. September is a brutal month schedule wise, with 18 of 27 games being against teams that are over 500. Hopefully the Braves lock up the National League by the last week and start resting/setting up their staff for the playoffs.

If this team doesn't start Sept 10ish games over .500 it's going to be a tough sled.

 

[ZRF]

A win today seems huge. If you come out of this series with 3 of 4, two of which were monumental beat downs, not only do you feel good but you've sent a clear message to the Reds. It also provides you a bit of wiggle room with the Braves coming to town to maybe only get 1 of 3 there and feel ok.

More importantly it's against a team ahead of you in the division. When you win those games you don't have to worry about them losing to make up ground. They already lost.

 

[ZRF]

At this point, anything less than 4 wins on this homestead would be disappointing. Win today, and try to get 2 of 3 this weekend.

Of course I have tickets for Sunday as the weather forecast takes a turn for the worse.

 

[Clonefan32]

Of course I have tickets for Sunday as the weather forecast takes a turn for the worse.

Aside from your tickets, a few Braves rainout may not be a horrible thing. Skipping Stroman's replacements spot in the rotation, and who knows they could get made up late enough in the year the Braves have their division locked up.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Brewers may pick up Mancini….I already know how that will turn out.

Saves us $750,000, which would nearly cover Bellingers Comeback Player of the Year $1 million incentive

 

[chuckd4735]

Brewers may pick up Mancini….I already know how that will turn out.

Guaranteed first round playoff exit?

 

[BoxsterCy]

Thought you Cub fans might be interested in this since everyone loves Rizzo (me included). It's been hard watching him the last two months looking so bad after a great start. Since it came on so abruptly after his collision at 1st base I've been thinking it HAD to be more than coincidence. And they finally, or he, finally have determined that.

 

[Rabbuk]

Thought you Cub fans might be interested in this since everyone loves Rizzo (me included). It's been hard watching him the last two months looking so bad after a great start. Since it came on so abruptly after his collision at 1st base I've been thinking it HAD to be more than coincidence. And they finally, or he, finally have determined that.

This sort of explains his brutal hitting recently. Sucks as he's a good guy and good for the game.

 

[David Freshman1982]

My cousin was at the Cubs/Reds game last night, he said the electricity in the ballpark was back at 2015-2018 levels, which is pretty cool. Fans LOVE Belli, I wonder if this will make the Cubs front-runners for getting him signed long-term this winter.

 

[GoHawks]

Guaranteed first round playoff exit?

If they or Cubs win the Central I think they'll be favorites in a wildcard round though I'd hope to avoid the Phillies. Marlins, Diamondbacks, and Giants don't terrify me. Padres are starting to climb back into it though and they've got a more complete roster

 

[BoxsterCy]

This sort of explains his brutal hitting recently. Sucks as he's a good guy and good for the game.

I've been hating some on a few Yankees who can't hit this year, like LeMahieu and Stanton and half the other players but have thought all along that something is wrong injury wise with Rizzo and have given him a pass. He was too hot in April and May to rationalize that he was suddenly "done". Hell, even a "done" Rizzo would pull a few out in Yankee stadium and he hasn't been able to. Hope he gets right, even if they have to sit him for the rest of the season.

This Tweet sums it up:

 

[chuckd4735]

If they or Cubs win the Central I think they'll be favorites in a wildcard round though I'd hope to avoid the Phillies. Marlins, Diamondbacks, and Giants don't terrify me. Padres are starting to climb back into it though and they've got a more complete roster

I meant that for Mancini and the Brewers.

 

[ISUCubswin]

On the surface, not a bad night from Taillon, only giving up 2 ER to the Reds, but man it seemed like they were hitting him hard.

Curious how often 3B coaches are removed from their position in-season - seems like a minor role at this level, but Willie Harris has had a couple of bad sends the last couple of weeks.

 

[Rabbuk]

On the surface, not a bad night from Taillon, only giving up 2 ER to the Reds, but man it seemed like they were hitting him hard.

Curious how often 3B coaches are removed from their position in-season - seems like a minor role at this level, but Willie Harris has had a couple of bad sends the last couple of weeks.

I think harris is really popular with the players and they overlook his history of some suspect sends. I honestly think it's more likely some bad team hires him to be a manager during a rebuild than him losing his job.

 

[SaraV]

 

[JP4CY]

Coomer saying what Santo would have.

 

[stormchaser2014]

I missed another Bell tirade?

 

[ISUCubswin]

2.5 back from the division lead.

2 back from the WC.

 

[CycloneErik]

 

[every_yard]

Up next: the hottest team in baseball vs the best team in baseball! I see Saturday’s game is on ESPN+, but I assume that will be blacked out in Iowa…