This almost feels like the PED era again with people in their 30s having career years and making the All-Star game. Crawford (31) Markakis (34) Kemp (33) Ramos (31) Mooreland (32) Brantley (31) Choo (36) Happ (35) Players in their 30s make it all the time but all these guys are either making their first All-Star team, having a resurgence after some down seasons or are making some sort of leap at a late age.
Right now Lester is scheduled to pitch Friday (if they skip Chatwood with the off day Thursday) or Saturday. So Lester likely wont be on the team and be replaced since he’s on either 2 or 3 days rest for the all star game. Which is good, let him go and enjoy the festivities if he wants but save some bullets and get more rest. The only pitchers who are replaced are the ones that start on Sunday. Given that Tuesday would be his bullpen day he was almost certainly be available to give an inning if he is asked
Just looking at how bizarre the Cubs schedule is right now. 2 different West Coast trips in a 3 week span. The Cubs did not get a day off traveling west either time, nor a day off traveling home to Chicago the first time (the 2nd trip ends at the ASB). BUT, during the homestand in between the West Coast trips they are given 2 days off. And on this next West Coast trip they are given a day off in between west coast series. Strange
Would love to see some analysis from someone that doesn’t jinx Cubs about Russell’s hot streak. If this is actually a hot streak or if he looks like he’s making a leap.
Best case Baez, Contreras, Schwarber, Lester and Morrow. Bryant a very slight possibly if he happened to be voted in after his hot start. Zobrist and Almora could make cases but almost certainly won’t be under strong consideration.