Cubs-Padres Game Two Thread: Imanaga's Opener Is A Necessary Evil

[s2obed]

11 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

The Padres are starting Yu Darvish tomorrow who has been pretty brutal. Even recently. If the Cubs can keep this game within three, the Padres will likely use all of their arms of consequence out of the (or most of it) BP a second straight day. They will be tired. 

I get we're all bummed but the Cubs still are in a decent position tomorrow.

Yeah, the Cubs are looking fine for tomorrow if the 1st half offense shows up...

[Rcal10]

9 minutes ago, cubfansince77 said:

Yep, pitching has been good all year long. Not perfect, but good enough to win. Offense is absolutely to blame and regardless of the outcome of this series, something should be done about it in the off season. The more I ponder it, the less I want Jed to hand a mega deal to Tucker.  I don't think he'll stay healthy consistently going forward. All that dough can be used to fortify the pen, add another starter and solidify the bench. 

Edited October 1, 2025 by Rcal10
Double post

[Jason Ross]

1 minute ago, cubfansince77 said:

Good point JR...what's your feeling on Jamo? I have missed his last two starts. How has he looked?

He's looked good! Padres offense isn't so hot, probably Wrigley will affect it some, too, with wind. 

[Rcal10]

3 minutes ago, Rcal10 said:

9 minutes ago, cubfansince77 said:

Yep, pitching has been good all year long. Not perfect, but good enough to win. Offense is absolutely to blame and regardless of the outcome of this series, something should be done about it in the off season. The more I ponder it, the less I want Jed to hand a mega deal to Tucker.  I don't think he'll stay healthy consistently going forward. All that dough can be used to fortify the pen, add another starter and solidify the bench. 

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Edited October 1, 2025 by Rcal10

[s2obed]

1 minute ago, Jason Ross said:

He's looked good! Padres offense isn't so hot, probably Wrigley will affect it some, too, with wind. 

I just realized you're 1908 from your signature. 

[Jason Ross]

Just now, s2obed said:

I just realized you're 1908 from your signature. 

I've been writing and podcasting with the site for over a year now, so I've switched to my actual name to make it all more coherent. Same guy! Same takes!

[We Got The Whole 9]

Cubs have really struggled with velo the last couple months. If Yu comes out firing 99-100 like Cease was, they could very well struggle again.

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Just now, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Cubs have really struggled with velo the last couple months. If Yu comes out firing 99-100 like Cease was, they could very well struggle again.

I don't think Yu has that kind of FB anymore.

[Jason Ross]

Just now, We Got The Whole 9 said:

Cubs have really struggled with velo the last couple months. If Yu comes out firing 99-100 like Cease was, they could very well struggle again.

He's averaged 94mph on his fastball over the last month and the year on the whole.

If he comes out firing 99-100mph, then he should be tested immediately for PED's or something.

[JHBulls]

Enough Eddie Vedder please. The guy is annoying at this stage. 

[PeanutPunch33]

What's it gonna take for this horsefeathers team to get a couple of base runners and give themselves a chance 

[s2obed]

We need to take some pitches, make these pitchers work. 2 BB today and yesterday (both intentional)

Edited October 1, 2025 by s2obed

[cubfansince77]

7 minutes ago, Caesar said:

Tucker ship has sailed. Happ is replaceable as well. You need more consistent hitters versus all this guys that fall asleep for months at a time.

Yep, Tuck as good as gone. I like Ian a lot....he's been a good Cub but he sure shows signs of being done. Or at the very least on the downside of his career. But will they eat all the 20 mil or so he's owed in '26? Kinda doubt it. Plus, he's got a no trade clause so I'd hazard to guess we're stuck with him for one more year. 

[JHBulls]

Morejon followed by Miller is as unfair as it gets. 

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

105 dot, no big deal.

[Jason Ross]

Just now, cubfansince77 said:

Yep, Tuck as good as gone. I like Ian a lot....he's been a good Cub but he sure shows signs of being done. Or at the very least on the downside of his career. But will they eat all the 20 mil or so he's owed in '26? Kinda doubt it. Plus, he's got a no trade clause so I'd hazard to guess we're stuck with him for one more year. 

He literally posted his career high xwOBA. His career wRC+ is 105 and he had a 116. Since 2021, his wRC+ is 117. 

He's fine. There's no signs he's done.

[s2obed]

I am guessing all their relievers will be available tomorrow regardless of how many pitches they threw yesterday/today. The offense has to get to Yu immediately. 

[Tangled Up in Plaid]

Mason Miller is almost too good to be allowed in MLB.

[JHBulls]

Remember when people used to be in awe of Aroldis Chapman throwing 100? Now it’s seems like 20-30 guys around baseball throw 102-105 consistently. 

[s2obed]

1 minute ago, Tangled Up in Plaid said:

Mason Miller is almost too good to be allowed in MLB.

How is he not the closer? Suarez throws harder than this dude or what? Yeesh.

Edited October 1, 2025 by s2obed

[Jason Ross]

Just now, s2obed said:

I am guessing all their relievers will be available tomorrow regardless of how many pitches they threw yesterday/today. The offense has to get to Yu immediately. 

I think Morejon will be barely available. Maybe a hitter. Season high in action for him today. Threw yesterday. He's mostly done. 

I would expect the rest will be available as normal, but given it's a third day, would expect them to be tired. They might throw as hard, but it will come at a cost. It could be a pitch or two that misses their spots. It could instead be wild. Or they might have a tick or two less. 

I don't think they'll turn into bums. But likely, they will be as hittable as they will have been all season. 

[ILMindState]

Painting the corner at 104 is just unfair 

[cubfansince77]

3 minutes ago, Jason Ross said:

He literally posted his career high xwOBA. His career wRC+ is 105 and he had a 116. Since 2021, his wRC+ is 117. 

He's fine. There's no signs he's done.

I'm not a big stats guy so....I stand corrected. It's good news, cuz like I said, he's gonna be here next year. So that begs the question: how does Jed improve the offense next season? Some of the pups are almost ready: Mo/Caissie/Alcantara....but that's a big leap of faith.

[Caesar]

4 minutes ago, cubfansince77 said:

Yep, Tuck as good as gone. I like Ian a lot....he's been a good Cub but he sure shows signs of being done. Or at the very least on the downside of his career. But will they eat all the 20 mil or so he's owed in '26? Kinda doubt it. Plus, he's got a no trade clause so I'd hazard to guess we're stuck with him for one more year. 

Seems like his bat speed has slowed down and his base running speed as well. He is really slow now.

[Jason Ross]

1 minute ago, JHBulls said:

Remember when people used to be in awe of Aroldis Chapman throwing 100? Now it’s seems like 20-30 guys around baseball throw 102-105 consistently. 

It's impossible to hit against these guys. I remember saying "wow" at Joel Zumaya hitting 99mph and then his arm exploding.