*** Official 2025 Chicago Cubs Thread***
- Thread starter Cyforce
- Start date
Sounds like Cubs were planning to PH Tucker for Turner until Hoerner hit the double. Then Counsell pulled Tucker from the on-deck because he predicted the Pirates would just IW Tucker to load the bases to face either McGuire or Kelly. He was probably correct. Ironically, when Tucker PH in the 10th, the Pirates IW'd Tucker.
IMO the Cubs could use another PH option in late innings. For as little as Brujan and Berti have played in the field, seems like Cubs could bring in a bat at the trade deadline.
Offense was garbage ass series but still win 3 of 4. That’s what good teams do.
For all of the **** this bullpen got early (deserved), they’ve been great recently.
For all of the **** this bullpen got early (deserved), they’ve been great recently.
Good defense, good baserunning can can do wonders when the bats aren't there.
Good timing for a day off.
Upcoming series is huge.
Good timing for a day off.
Upcoming series is huge.
The real head scratcher is lead the inning off with Tucker when first base is open. WhyTF would you do that?
Nice to see the pitching come through. With Shota back soon and a couple good acquisitions I think we can match up well with just about anyone as long as the offense gets back to grinding like they were doing a few weeks ago.
It was curious, but Managers take different approaches with a runner at 2nd in extra-innings. Some automatically walk the lead off batter, other coaches let the lead-off hitter hit. Not sure if Pittsburgh's manager has a set approach.
The only thing I can think of is Counsell felt if Pittsburgh pitched to Tucker, as a lefty he stood the best chance of getting Brujan to 3rd. Whereas, McGuire or Kelly would be more likely to pull the ball.
I was more surprised Counsell stuck with Berti vs. pinch-hitting Shaw. But Counsell leans big on experience (Turner in 9th & Berti in 10th).
Just my thoughts: pinch hitting Tucker forces them to either pitch to him or walk him. Not sure McGuire’s bunting skills or if he’s trusted to get the runner moved over to third, and Pirates almost certainly take their chances pitching to him. If he doesn’t get the runner moved over, Berti doesn’t bunt (since he was trying to pre-steal). Then Tucker most likely doesn’t pinch hit for anyone til that part of the order comes up again and who knows if the game gets to that point.
Ton of chess moves at play but it worked, so credit to Counsell, IMO.
I look at it this way. The winning run was on second Putting the first batter at first automatically took the bat out of a bonified superstar
According to Jesse Rogers, wind blowing out for just the 5th time in 36 home games. That's insane
A lot of ways to look at this. By batting Tucker and counting on an IW, it puts Berti up to advance Brujan to third. And then ensures (barring a DP) Happ & PCA get a chance to knock in the winning run.
I feel like the Pirates would have pitched to any other Cubs PH- Shaw or Kelly. Could be Counsell was OK to sacrifice Tuckers bat, feeling Berti was his best batter to get Brujan to third.
But the other question, were the Cubs planning to steal 3rd vs relying on bunt or sacrifice all-along. So having a RH Berti bat 9th instead of Tucker was more desirable.
A lot of what-ifs and options.
Hopefully Brown responds. He seems to be streaky WITHIN games. The key is to get him out before he has another bad streak.
