FormerNorthSider

Am I missing something, here? Daniel Palencia doesn't merit even a mention in the pitching rotation? I double checked. He's still on the 40-man roster. What gives, please?

Good catch, Jason! Well-written article, too. Thanks. Pure speculation on my part, but reading your characterization of the data contours around innings and batters pitched, what if the Cubs saw weeks or months ago the potential of an underperforming bullpen? Maybe they're sacrificing arms looking for a way to turn things around on the bump? BTW - absolutely you're a data-sick sort! May you never recover! Again, I'm inclined to your view that the added pitching stress to multiple prospects may be a new protocol independent of the current bullpen woes. In that case, we hope it works. Either way, the numeric clarity you bring has definitely revealed a purposeful and directed new behavior on the part of the trainers. Two-times a coincidence, a third, a trend? Works for me.

It's the Cubbies home opener! Never too early to be optimistic. Anyway, as Shakespeare famously commented: Cubs fans are the proof that hope springs eternal! Nice catch on Keller's performance. Will be watching him more closely.

That's a bit harsh, Matthew. Though the historical context shows depth. “Do you hear the people sing? / Singing the song of angry men? / It is the music of a people / Who will not be slaves again!” To the ramparts, Cubs fans!

Yea. I'm still waiting for someone to pinch me awake. Hendricks amazing. And we have an offense!