Cubs (Brown, B.) vs Athletics (Estes): 3/31/25, 9:05pm

[Jason Ross]

24 minutes ago, muntjack said:

What I don't love about analyzing relievers with those metrics, just like any other,  is that the small sample size makes them noisy.  If there's a week in which a reliever happens to face 10 struggling hitters,  and 8 of them are susceptible to the 4-seamers up in the zone,  it can appear to create patterns in the pitcher's  season that aren't really there. 

Conversely, a single bad outing when a RP just doesn't have it that day, can make it appear another. 

With that said, analyzing relievers full seasons isn't so susceptible to a 10 PA sample size that it throws that entire season off. And the reality when it comes to Morgan last season is that he showed a real ability to create chase and limit hard contact. Even the lucky parts (his high LOB%) wasn't so lucky that it effected his xData to a point of worry. I think that's the best indicator as of today as to what we should see until last night becomes more than a single data point. 

Morgan isn't someone the Cubs should want to rely on in an 8th inning role often. And many nights the Cubs may have options when someone falls apart. As a 6th/7th inning guy, I still feel the same about him as I did Sunday at 3pm in that he's fine in that role. 

[Nolansomebody]

4 hours ago, Andy said:

They're the Sacramento Athletics. Nobody asked me or cares what I think, but they're the Sacramento Athletics. And the Anaheim Angels. (And, for that matter, the UL Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns, not 'Louisiana.') You can't just invent fake reasons not to call yourself by your home base.

I’m still calling them the Oakland A’s. John Fisher is a poohead.

[sweetpeteman]

I refuse to call them anything but the Kansas City Athletics.

[CubinNY]

I’m going to stay up for one inning just to see what the field looks like.

[JBears79]

Oakland's offense honestly doesnt look half bad.

[Stratos]

Joey Estes doesn't strike people out and is an extreme flyball pitcher who gives up lots of HR.  Could be a fun game to watch as a Cubs fan.

[UMFan83]

10 minutes ago, CubinNY said:

I’m going to stay up for one inning just to see what the field looks like.

It will probably be mostly green grass with a dirt area in the infield that forms a diamond shape, with four white bases at each corner. A slightly raised circular area will likely sit in the center of the infield dirt for the pitcher's mound. 

There, now you can go to bed.

[Stratos]

3 minutes ago, JBears79 said:

Oakland's offense honestly doesnt look half bad.

I mean they have a Max Muncy!

[Stratos]

I wish my name was JJ Bleday.

[CubinNY]

Well lookey here, the Red Sox extended Crochet. It appears it can be done.

Edited April 1, 2025 by CubinNY

[Stratos]

6 hours ago, JHBulls said:

According to official emails, they’re going with “Athletics”. You would hope that when they officially move into Las Vegas for good, they pick up Las Vegas in their team name and are called the Las Vegas Athletics. 

What about the Oakland Athletics of Las Vegas?  I kid...

[Stratos]

5 hours ago, NorthsideAvenger said:

As frustrating as the Cubs start has been, it could be worse. We could be the Brewers right now.

 

Losing both games vs LA and splitting the series on the road in AZ is a pretty predictable start.  Agree could be worse.  Or better. It's just 6 games.  I'd be happy with being .500 on May 1 with this tough schedule.

[Derwood]

Estes out here auditioning for the Cubs' bullpen...

[JHBulls]

If this is what MLB is going to be like in Sacramento for the next three years, I think hitting sliders will need to be adjusted. 

[JHBulls]

Back to back, Dansby! 

[UMFan83]

Alright, 5-6 more runs and we might be bullpen proof!

[CubinNY]

BP

[Andy]

JD with the "Cubs have a long track record of success in Sacramento" line, the guy does not miss

[JHBulls]

Who needs a bullpen anyway? In the good old days, starters used to throw 9 innings and 135 pitches every start. I feel like Tommy John the person is to blame for our bullpen woes. 

[Stratos]

The A's LF and 3B just lollygagged that foul-ball by PCA.  Not even a half inning over and they've already given up LOL

[Stratos]

11 minutes ago, Derwood said:

Estes out here auditioning for the Cubs' bullpen...

Post of 2025 so far!

[Andy]

Crazy how good a defender Michael Busch became so quickly

[JHBulls]

5 minutes ago, Stratos said:

The A's LF and 3B just lollygagged that foul-ball by PCA.  Not even a half inning over and they've already given up LOL

Even Matt Shaw was thinking this, lol.

[sweetpeteman]

I actually dislike the aggression there. You have a pitcher struggling, no need to give him an out.

[JHBulls]

4 minutes ago, sweetpeteman said:

I actually dislike the aggression there. You have a pitcher struggling, no need to give him an out.

Yep. This would have been bases loaded with 1 out, rather than 2 on with 2 outs.