Cubs

91 articles in this category

1. How His Pitch Grips and Movement Make Drew Smyly So Deceptive

   It's unlikely that Drew Smyly will ever have another game as great as the one he threw Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. As he prepares to follow up that outing with a strong one against the fearsome Padres, though, let's take another moment to talk about what makes him special on the mound.

   © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

   By Matt Trueblood, April 26   

   • drew smyly
   • 1 comment
   • 767 views
   • 
   • Updated by Matt Trueblood
   • April 26

2. Justin Steele's Fastball Is Slowly Sinking (and That's Okay)

   The Cubs are starting to prove the validity of their quirky pitching concepts. They’re finding success on the mound in ways that defy the orthodoxy of the moment, and no one better embodies that than the left-handed half of their pair of rotation aces.

   © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

   By Matt Trueblood, April 25   

   • justin steele
   • blake snell
   • 0 comments
   • 1,147 views
   • 
   • Updated by Matt Trueblood
   • April 25

3. Does David Ross Need to Change the Way He Uses Keegan Thompson?

   Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli talks about not using his high-leverage relievers to "chase" wins. Joe Maddon used to call the set of relievers he really trusted his "even and ahead guys." The 2023 Cubs' relief ace came in to pitch two innings with the team trailing by two runs Sunday, though. Is that a habit David Ross needs to correct?

   © Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

   By Matt Trueblood, April 24   

   • keegan thompson
   • 6 comments
   • 907 views
   • 
   • Added by Matt Trueblood
   • April 24

4. Why the Cubs Must Solve their First Base and Catcher Problems, and How They Can

   We’re already 20 games into the 2023 season, and as everyone predicted, the Cubs so far are an offensive juggernaut, ranking top-5 in the majors in runs, OPS, and wRC+. ...What’s that? You’re telling me this is completely unexpected, and the team was billed as dependent on defense and pitching? Well, luckily for Cubs fans, they’ve been good at those things too, but to this point in the season, there’s no denying the offense has been a much-welcome surprise.

   © Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

   By Ian J Battaglia, April 23   

   • tucker barnhart
   • luis torrens
   • (and 3 more)

     Tagged with:

     • tucker barnhart
     • luis torrens
     • trey mancini
     • matt mervis
     • yan gomes
   • 0 comments
   • 1,174 views
   • 
   • Added by Ian J Battaglia
   • April 23

5. How Drew Smyly Dominated the Dodgers, and What's Next for Him

   This game breaks your heart, one of its former stewards warned us. It's designed to break your heart. Drew Smyly had the stuff to throw a perfect game Friday against the Dodgers, and he came achingly close. Despite the unlucky end to that bid for history, though, that start was a joyous masterclass from the rotation's wiliest veteran.

   © David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

   By Matt Trueblood, April 22   

   • drew smyly
   • yan gomes
   • 0 comments
   • 1,200 views
   • 
   • Added by Matt Trueblood
   • April 22

6. Is Dansby Swanson a More Patient Hitter Now?

   The Cubs' biggest acquisition this winter has gotten off to a terrific start in Chicago. Dansby Swanson's defense and comportment have been exactly as advertised, but he's also batting .338, and he's drawn 13 walks in 19 games. Does this signify a change in approach that will lock in a new level for him?

   © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

   By Matt Trueblood, April 21   

   • dansby swanson
   • 3 comments
   • 1,174 views
   • 
   • Updated by Brock Beauchamp
   • April 21

7. Draft Preview: Catchers #PersonalCheeseballs

   Our draft coverage here at North Side Baseball rolls on. This week’s installment of #PersonalCheeseballs will feature looking at the catcher position. Catching prospects are always hard to peg down because potential catchers who have great bats often get moved to other positions.
    

   By Jeremy Nygaard, April 20   

   • 2023 mlb draft
   • northside baseball mlb draft
   • 1 comment
   • 1,007 views
   • 
   • Added by Jeremy Nygaard
   • April 20

8. What Makes Nico Hoerner Such a Special Hitter

   Nico Hoerner is hitting .347 on this young season. A mere few weeks into the contract extension he signed at the end of March, he's making it look like an extraordinary bargain. The secret to his success lies where the secrete of most great hitters do, but in an unusual way.

   © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

   By Matt Trueblood, April 20   

   • nico hoerner
   • 3 comments
   • 952 views
   • 
   • Added by Matt Trueblood
   • April 20

9. The Early Returns on Nico Hoerner's Return to Second Base

   While my quest to quantify “vibes” is still in effect, I can confirm (from roughly 2,000 miles away) that the vibes on the North Side of Chicago are, in fact, good. Pitching looks good, fielding looks great, and the baserunning has been phenomenal. No matter what phase of this team you’re discussing, though, Nico Hoerner is right in the middle of all of it. 

   © Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

   By RandallPnkFloyd, April 19   

   • nico hoerner
   • dansby swanson
   • 2 comments
   • 1,570 views
   • 
   • Updated by Brock Beauchamp
   • April 19

10. Scorching Starts By Patrick Wisdom and Christopher Morel Give Cubs Good Options at Third Base

    Patrick Wisdom is the hottest slugger in baseball, and not just thanks to those eyes and that smile. His impressive start creates a bit of a logjam for the Cubs, though, with particular respect to Christopher Morel.

    © Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

    By RandallPnkFloyd, April 18   

    • patrick wisdom
    • christopher morel
    • 6 comments
    • 1,211 views
    • 
    • Updated by Brock Beauchamp
    • April 18

11. Hayden Wesneski, His Arm Slot, and the Improvements He's Made

    On his third try, Hayden Wesneski found his groove. As the Cubs steamrolled the hapless Oakland Athletics Monday night, their rookie starter put some things together in game action for the first time.

    © Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

    By Matt Trueblood, April 18   

    • hayden wesneski
    • 1 comment
    • 1,110 views
    • 
    • Added by Matt Trueblood
    • April 18

12. The Third 54 Report: Stealing One

    Baseball doesn’t lend itself well to momentum. The closest thing, old heads will tell you, is the next day’s starting pitcher. For the Dodgers, though, not even a huge advantage in that department was enough. The Cubs won a game they had no business winning Sunday, and they’re starting to get a good vibe going.

    © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

    By Matt Trueblood, April 17   

    • cody bellinger
    • ian happ
    • (and 2 more)

      Tagged with:

      • cody bellinger
      • ian happ
      • drew smyly
      • mark leiter jr
    • 10 comments
    • 701 views
    • 
    • Added by Matt Trueblood
    • April 17