*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***

[1UNI2ISU]

You're acting like this has been a thing. Boyd started one game on 1 day shorter rest. Shota started on normal rest. Taillon today on 1 day longer rest.

Also, not sure why this hasn't been discussed more, but its seems to me the reason the Brewers have lit up the Cubs pitching is more because the Cubs are tipping pitches, and less because the Cubs pitchers are pitching on short rest.

Runners on 2nd were picking up Shota's grip the other night and signaling the hitter. Plus, the Brewers are kind of known for weird stuff going on in that park......allegedly.

 

[VeloClone]

Doesn’t stop PCA from trying

Would also apply if he said "how hard it is to hit a ball pitched 40 feet into the stands"

 

[chuckd4735]

Runners on 2nd were picking up Shota's grip the other night and signaling the hitter. Plus, the Brewers are kind of known for weird stuff going on in that park......allegedly.

They had Palencia figured out too, and the Brewers were signaling pitch locations on top of it. With PitchCom, I am not sure how that was even happening.

 

[VeloClone]

They had Palencia figured out too, and the Brewers were signaling pitch locations on top of it. With PitchCom, I am not sure how that was even happening.

Are catchers setting up too early and not mixing it up enough by moving the glove target just before the pitch?

 

[chuckd4735]

Are catchers setting up too early and not mixing it up enough by moving the glove target just before the pitch?

No idea...but hopefully it get fixed quickly.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[isucy86]

Not a fan of platooning guys that hit 31 and 34 HR with 90+ RBI this year. I would be all for upgrading the bench options behind them as Turner was a big drop off when he started for Busch and did not really have an option behind PCA in CF. They both are young and still developing and both had pretty significant steps forward in offensive production this year. I keep saying it, I hate analytics sometimes as how can you say a guy can't hit lefties when he doesn't get to face them consistently and learn how to hit them? That seems like an opportunity to develop that aspect of their game much like you would adding another pitch to a pitcher's arsenal. Busch only got 89 AB against lefties last year and 87 this year. PCA on the other hand got 170 AB against lefties and obviously struggled to hit them when you look at his splits but much like Swanson his glove is too valuable to leave out the lineup so you take your lumps at the plate.

The roster construction should be looked at in the offseason and I agree that there needs to a shake up but the 2 NTC contracts makes that difficult as the corner OF spots and DH are the most logical spots to bring in impacts bats. Also adding to that problem is your top prospects also play those positions in Caissie, Mo B, and Alcantara so are you confident with in-house options which allows you to commit dollars to pitching otherwise you have to have some hard conversations about trading prospects or some other positional piece(s) on the big league roster to clear a way to upgrade somehow. I don't see that happening with anyone in the infield.

While I agree it's tough for Busch or PCA to develop into solid hitters against lefties if they don't face lefties. It's also tough to put a solid lineup on the field against lefties when PCA hits .188 & Busch .207.

If the Cubs are about winning Central Division Titles, which takes 95+ wins. Then the Cubs can't really afford to give 150-200 plate appearances against lefties by players who hit sub .200.

But if the FO (and fans) are cool with the Cubs being a wildcard team, then starting Busch & PCA against lefties is appropriate.

Sure PCA is an elite defensive CF, but it's not like his platoon has to be a liability. Seems to me Alcantara is pretty solid.

 

[NoCreativity]

4:00 Shadows up 1-0 on the Cubs already.

 

[HoustonClone]

Unfortunate break for the Brewers that the pop fly was not only in the sun, but the umps didn't have the guts to call the infield fly rule. Milwaukee doesn't need cheap breaks.

 

[Cyched]

Busch!

 

[Cyched]

PETE

 

[CYdTracked]

Glad PCA came through there. Bases loaded 2 outs and him Swanson and Shaw due up that hasn't been a very clutch part of the order lately with RISP

 

[HFCS]

interesting read today

Why Wrigley Field has turned into a hitter's worst nightmare -- and what it means for this October and beyond

When the wind is blowing in, there are few things worse than stepping to the plate at the Friendly Confines.

www.espn.com

 

[CYdTracked]

Good thing Shaw has a good glove in the field because hes practically an automatic out right now. Feels like teams have figured out he.will chase the high fastball.

 

[CYdTracked]

On a positive note that was a good and long 1st inning. Keep digging into that Brewers bullpen.

 

[BigJCy]

 

[FerShizzle]

Real mind **** of an AB for PCA there. Takes a BP fastball at 0-1 because he never gets strikes when behind. Then lays off 2 good pitches and still strikes out. That’s a slump starter.

 

[HoustonClone]

finally.

Real mind **** of an AB for PCA there. Takes a BP fastball at 0-1 because he never gets strikes when behind. Then lays off 2 good pitches and still strikes out. That’s a slump starter.

He held up. Third base ump needed to make a better call.

 

[HFCS]

finally.


He held up. Third base ump needed to make a better call.

You can't accuse them of series extending.

 

[FerShizzle]

He held up. Third base ump needed to make a better call.

100% he did. Has to be really deflating to do the things he needs to do to mature as a hitter and get hosed on call.