*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter Cyforce
- Start date
Cub hitters have been unbelievable in late innings this year. It's refreshing that games aren't over once relievers take the mound. Even if Cub relievers have their share of struggles.
For as potent as the Cubs offense is...and it is POTENT, their starters are going to somehow hold their own. They have been great so far, but this week has been a bit different, giving up runs early.....can't always rely on a major comeback with the bats.
Most likely #2 the biggest reason but #1 could have some truth as well. He's 21 that's asking a lot for him to learn the MLB staff in short order when you have some veteran guys that are going to be better defensively and know how to work a pitching staff. McQuire homered twice today so guess they made the right call, lol.
Flexen was starting in Iowa and Keller could be stretched out too. Definitely need to get Shota back and trade for a starter at the deadline. In the meantime may need to piggyback some guys if Brown can't go 5. He definitely needs a 3rd pitch to be an effective starter but he's not going to develop that in the middle of the season in Chicago. Even just a cutter or sinker would help make his fastball and change up less predictable.
For gawd's sake, let's leave Keller alone in his current role, he's been terrific in the bullpen and we need reliable relievers! Keller, Thielbar, Pomeranz and for the most part, Palencia have been the guys getting it done there. If only we had a real closer!
Flexen seems the likely option for starter #5 in Shota's absence. Brown needs to go back to Des Moines and frankly, he needs a lot of work. Big league hitters are teeing him up big time, waiting out the wildness and then sitting on his fastball. No need to ever swing at the big curveball when he can't throw it for strikes.
Pomeranz still hasn’t let up a run.
But I agree I think Ben Brown needs to come down to Iowa and work on some things for a while.
But I agree I think Ben Brown needs to come down to Iowa and work on some things for a while.
I feel like Keller has become too valuable to Cubs as late inning guy. He along with Thielbar, Pomeranz and Palencia would be guys I trust for 8th/9th inning. Maybe Pressly could get back in the conversation.
The Cubs are in a tough spot. Just don't see a better option than Brown to start until Imanaga comes back. And it may not be Brown alone, as Rea & Boyd have struggled a bit over last couple starts.
Flexen has been a nice surprise over limited innings. But I also don't feel he has pitched in high pressure at bats since call up.
The Cubs are really hurt by Assad's injury and Wicks regression. Right now the Cubs rotation is basically comprised of guys that getting 5 solid innings would be a win. With that in mind, seems like Counsell (and FO) need to approach at building this pitching staff as follows:
- 5 Starters
- 3 Multi-inning relievers (guys that could each give Cubs 4-5 innings/week)
- 5 Single-inning relievers (guys that could give Cubs 3 innings/week)
It was a lot of fun in and around the park. The Banks was really fun with bars and live music. Live music on the plaza inside as well. Super easy to park even with Taste of Cincinnati going on as well. Great atmosphere all around.
Went to the Reds Hall Of Fame which is right there and relived some childhood heroes. Johnny Bench was my favorite as a kid and they had the 50th anniversary display the 1975 Big Red Machine. Awesome!
After witnessing this stretch I’m convinced the offense really doesn’t have a need. Who would you want to take ABs from?
Bullpen I think much like last year the pieces are slowly falling into place. Rather than spent prospect capital we can find a quality piece or two that are more along the lines of small market salary dumps.
Shota should be back soon but a quality starter for the right prospect(s) seems to be the one true need.
Bullpen I think much like last year the pieces are slowly falling into place. Rather than spent prospect capital we can find a quality piece or two that are more along the lines of small market salary dumps.
Shota should be back soon but a quality starter for the right prospect(s) seems to be the one true need.
I agree, Keller has been solid in relief. Was just spitballing as he has been a starter before. Using Flexen in place of Brown would be more likely but have Keller ready for multiple innings in a piggyback role. Pomeranz has been a huge surprise. I fully expected him to be another failed pickup off the scrap heap and be gone within 2 weeks after a few bad outings but he has been great as the 2nd lefty in the bullpen.
There is no one in Iowa right now I'd bring up to take Brown's place in the rotation. Wicks has not looked good and they rest of the rotation in Iowa right now are just journeymen guys that can eat innings at this point because the big league team has basically called up everyone that can help right now.
There is no one in Iowa right now I'd bring up to take Brown's place in the rotation. Wicks has not looked good and they rest of the rotation in Iowa right now are just journeymen guys that can eat innings at this point because the big league team has basically called up everyone that can help right now.
I’m starting to think the franchise needs to have a come to Jesus moment with the strength and conditioning staff
Red Sox just DFA'd Sean Newcombe, his role there was ill-defined. He's never been the pitcher he was pre-Covid, but he has his moments and at the least, could probably cover a few starts until Shota returns. He certainly couldn't fare worse than Brown. If I'm Jed, I'll cheat the waiver wire and "trade" Killian or Merryweather to Boston for Newcombe. Former top talent in all three cases, each of whom has been DFA'd more than once. Worth a shot and see if anything sticks.
One of the major league strength and conditioning coaches is former Iowa running back Mark Weisman.
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
