Robot umps, that was a terrible terrible missed call to keep Vargas from striking out. It was so in the zone that it didn't even touch the black. Luckily he got a fly out anyways.
Was there a particular reason they removed Smyly after 81 pitches and getting weak contact for the first 2 outs of the inning? Just third time through the order stuff?
Alzolay looked off from the start, even though obviously can’t blame him for Seiya losing a ball in the sun
Barnes has been one of the worst at throwing out base stealers I believe. Think Seiya getting caught yesterday was the first CS for him this year.
probably a mix of that, trying to steal extra runs from a great dodgers team, and getting more data on the rise in base stealing success with the new rules
Not really sure but Marquee always does this on occasion. Not sure if JD just has extra days off built into his contract or if the Cubs just really love having random color guys come in on occasion
Swanson struck out, now 8 in last 10 plate appearances. I didn’t realize he was a streaky hitter, I hate that. Reminds me of the feast or famine Cubs offenses of old. I of course didn’t expect him to hit .450 this season but I’d prefer a player who doesn’t have such large peaks and valleys.
The good news is that he still brings value with his defense when slumping
If money is no object I’m sitting front row right next to the Cubs dugout. But with money as a factor I’m definitely sitting in the closest section of the upper deck, somewhere on the infield. Often cheaper than the 200 level seats that are blocked by the awning and I think I’ve read that no stadiums upper deck is more on top of the action than Wrigley’s.
Bleachers are always cool because there’s a different vibe out there, it’s more interactive and fun but somewhere around 2005 the Cubs realized the unique value of the bleachers and jacked up the prices. Still fun but I’d rather sit somewhere with a better view of the game on most occasions.
Worst seats are of course the back rows of the 200 level where a seat that’s not even considered obstructed view can sometimes block virtually everything except for the actual field. Meaning if there’s a fly ball you just have to watch the outfielders and track their movements. I avoid those seats like the plague.