General Cubs Chit-Chat

[squally1313]

It'd be nice to see the Cubs make a move for a veteran catcher they can trust. It's clear they don't think much of Caratini (nor has he done much this year), and Gimenez basically talked his way off the team.

 

But it's pretty clear Contreras has been struggling for a while now, and the simplest explanation is that he just needs a break. He's going to surpass last year's PAs by the end of weekend, and he's only 2 PAs behind Posey (who has played a lot of first base) for most PAs for catchers. Obviously his arm is valuable back there, but his framing is suspect, and if he's not producing at the plate we're not losing much by giving him more rest down the stretch.

[PackLandVA]

Any lists of available catchers. I saw some would-be 2019 FA Catchers. The only ones that seem even remotely interesting are all on teams still in the hunt. Would probably need to swing a trade.

 

Devin Mesoraca

Josh Thole

Brayan pena

Drew Butera

 

Wouldn't mind seeing a weak-hitting defensive-minded Catcher. Any of the above guys any good with defense and pitch framing?

[squally1313]

Any lists of available catchers. I saw some would-be 2019 FA Catchers. The only ones that seem even remotely interesting are all on teams still in the hunt. Would probably need to swing a trade.

 

Devin Mesoraca

Josh Thole

Brayan pena

Drew Butera

 

Wouldn't mind seeing a weak-hitting defensive-minded Catcher. Any of the above guys any good with defense and pitch framing?

 

It's a lazy pick, but Rene Rivera had a decent start to the year, got hurt, and according to Fangraphs should be starting rehab assignments in the minors pretty soon for the Angels. Obviously they aren't going anywhere, so might be worth a phone call.

 

Edit: Just saw he's playing for the Angels tonight, so I guess he's healthy.

[Aaron_Kennelly]

Yep. Rene Rivera would be a perfect addition for that role.

[PackLandVA]

Think the Padres would part with AJ Ellis?

[Banedon]

https://gfycat.com/satisfiedgiddygrayreefshark

[Sammy Sofa]

https://gfycat.com/satisfiedgiddygrayreefshark

 

I think that cuts off too soon; maybe I was laughing too hard at the time, but I thought Strop kinda finally cracks up a bit.

[Sammy Sofa]

But seriously, Strop is kind of the best. Dude can seemingly get anyone fired up/motivated.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

that was seriously one of the greatest sports moments ever

[Cubswin11]

Morrow and Darvish are throwing in the OF right now. The plan was for Morrow to go off a mound tomorrow, iirc, as of earlier this week. Hopefully that’s still the plan.

[Bull]

https://gfycat.com/satisfiedgiddygrayreefshark

 

I think that cuts off too soon; maybe I was laughing too hard at the time, but I thought Strop kinda finally cracks up a bit.

Nope. [bbvideo=560,315]

[/bbvideo]

[BigSlick]

Rizzo is such a delight

[d_money]

Rizzo is such a delight

That is awesome. I saw pics of Rizzo staring but didn’t realize how it went down.

[Clem Fandango]

The thing that makes it for me is when everyone scatters and it just reveals him standing there glaring at him. The stare itself is great, but the reveal is fantastic. Like a horror movie when you open up the medicine cabinet then close it to find someone standing behind you

[Brian]

It's crazy how exactly just above the water the Cubs have played lately. Just going to the ASB, 16-14 record, 9 series, 5 of which had an even number of games and every single one was a split, the other 4 series no sweeps - won 3 of them by 1 game, and lost the other by 1 game.

 

3-2 vs. Cardinals

2-2 vs. D-BAcks

1-2 @ Cardinals

1-1 @ Pirates

2-2 vs. Padres

2-1 @ Royals

2-1 vs. Nationals

1-1 vs. Brewers

2-2 @ Pirates

 

Now we just wait and see if they teeter one way or the other here in the stretch run

[Banedon]

[tweet]

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[TMan92]

Good article from the Athletic looking deeper into the surface offensive numbers.

 

Two steps forward, one step back: The ugly numbers behind the Cubs’ slumping offense https://theathletic.com/481266/2018/08/20/two-steps-forward-one-step-back-the-ugly-numbers-behind-the-cubs-slumping-offense/

[Brian]

Let's try this again....

 

 

 

In the game thread last night I brought up the possibility of facing Degrom, Thor, Nola, Arrieta, Scherzer and whatever is left of Strasburg in a two week period. Well seeing as Nola is pitching right now and Arrieta is pitching tomorrow I did the math and if they stay in the same order the Cubs will miss both in Philly.

[Cubswin11]

I look forward to finding out the root of the problem in October after his 3rd MRI

 

https://twitter.com/carriemuskat/status/1032737030609010688?s=21

[David]

[tweet]

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[Ding Dong Johnson]

and in keeping with the flame theme proceeded to pitch like a dumpster fire

[PackLandVA]

 

Man, is his face smallish.

[imb]

[stitchface]

is this the worst .583 team ever? I mean, the worst team to ever win 94 or 95 games?

[Derwood]

Why did Bryant steal Bote's haircut?