It feels like an organizational failure to rely on Sogard/Alcantara/Lobaton/Oretga in that spot, four guys that probably shouldn't have worn Cubs uniforms this year.
Sogard has barreled the ball 8 times. In his career. For comparison Albert Almora has 27 barrels in fewer PAs. Yet there he is, in the lineup again tonight. Is he a defensive wizard? No. Is he young and projectable? No. Is he vaccinated? No. Why the horsefeathers is he on this team?
Yeah, I love Dame but, being 30, they'd have to get good elsewhere in a hurry. Lavine is already a better shooter and he's still young enough to make another leap. I'd love Simmons and a young, switchable 4, though.
I'm so tired of seeing Sogard on this team, much less in the starting lineup. I'm sure he'll go 1-4, blooping a single over the 2nd baseman's head, and Ross will gain more appreciation for his ability to 'hang in' and provide a 'quality AB'. I'd rather see my grandma at the plate, and she's dead.
So that's 12 HR in 13 games. For reference, Wisdom had 8 in his scalding 13-game run. And Schwarber is younger. And he was, ya know, already on the team. Sorry I'm still salty.
Looked it up to see if I was right and yes, Jason Heyward is pulling the ball on the ground more than any other player in baseball. I don't know how long his leash is, but this might be *gulp* the worst stretch of his career.
Yeah, Alcantara's issue is that he's shown no power whatsoever at any level. He'll have to rely on babip and plate discipline to have decent value. That said, He could never hit a HR again and I'd prefer him over Sogard.