It started in disappointing fashion, but they made a run, and it looked like things were going to end wonderfully…until the wheels came off.
A microcosm for the year, indeed.
Notes:
- Keegan Thompson dazzled, striking out seven in just three innings of work. Big outing from a guy whose highs as a starter have dwarfed those of others in his class (save perhaps Adbert Alzolay).
- Speaking of Alzolay: Great outing in relief. Nearly four innings, with three strikeouts and just one walk. It’s a good role for him, and at this point I wouldn’t be opposed to a 2021 rotation plan that went: Free Agent, Kyle Hendricks, Free Agent, Alec Mills, Bullpen Game; with the assumption that at many points in the season two of those five slots would be bullpen games. You’ve got some good multi-inning guys who just don’t seem good enough to be full-on starters right now. Use them in a way that makes sense, and get the surest things you can find for two of the spots rather than picking up five lottery tickets again and hoping two work out.
- Speaking of using pitchers in a way that makes sense, I didn’t love Codi Heuer going out there again right away after a rough time on Saturday. I don’t usually quarrel with David Ross, and he’s probably right for reasons I don’t know or understand, but it wasn’t setting a guy up for success, and it seems like the Cubs should maybe be setting guys up for success right now.
- Speaking of how David Ross uses pitchers, Scott Effross entered in a high-leverage situation, which makes it seem like he’s one of the safer guys in the pending 40-man crunch. Clearly, Ross trusts him, and at least over the sample we have, Effross has earned that trust.
- Speaking of guys who may or may not make an impact next year, David Bote hit a ball 111.8 miles per hour and it was actually a hit this time. Rafael Ortega got himself on base on four occasions.
***
The Diaspora:
Javy Báez doubled and singled for the Mets. Kris Bryant had two hits for the Giants. Andrew Chafin had a nice inning for the A’s. Joc Pederson homered for Atlanta. Anthony Rizzo doubled for the Yankees.
Around the Division:
The Brewers beat the Mets, clinching it. The Cardinals’ magic number is down to one over both the Reds and Phillies, meaning they could clinch a berth as soon as tomorrow.
Up Next:
Three in Pittsburgh, beginning tomorrow.
Cubs News:
Nothing of much note.
Cubs Thoughts:
It’s disappointing to not have at least stopped the Cardinals’ winning streak, but at least it was a competitive game. Things to hope upon.
