We’re at that 105 game mark of the regular season. When I think of 105, I think of driving to and from LAX… hopefully where the Cubs will be a couple months from now. It’s definitely not a milestone of any sorts, but after watching the Cubs blow that game on Saturday, lots of things were running through my head; I’m going to dump some of those out on paper now.
I like Rowan Wick. Let’s just start with something positive. I watch most Cubs games, but for some reason, I cannot remember seeing this guy throw meaningful pitches before Saturday night in Milwaukee. He was the main reason this game made it to extras, getting out of the bottom of the 8th, and getting through the bottom of the 9th unscathed. I like how you can see him breathing heavily on the mound; you can’t fake that shit. This guy is zoned in. It’s not always good to have your chest beating out of your heart, but he made it through, and earned my respect. That throw to KB to cut down the lead runner in the 9th; wow. That was a ballsy move, and what a tag by KB, who is pretty damn good on defense, probably the most slept on aspect of his game. He plays multiple positions above average, which is huge for us. But back to Wick… if I’m Joe, he’s my 7th inning guy at this point. Bump Cishek to the 8th, and Kimbrel for the 9th, but… about that bullpen management.
If I took a poll of people’s biggest beefs with Joe, it has to be the management of the pitching staff. Remember, this almost cost us the holy grail; I know many people still hold on to that. I don’t. We won, bottom line; no holding that against Joe. But… we need to win again, and if my starters haven’t given up a run like Hendricks and Lester in a big game, I’m leaving them in there. I know the whole pitch count thing, and saving their arms, etc… what about the bullpen arms, that have been struggling? Save them; leave the horses in there. They’re big boys; they can handle it. We need to win now, not worry about winning later. With that mindset, you leave the best guy on the mound at that particular moment. Don’t fricking overthink it. 100 pitches? So what? If he’s dealing, leave him in. I fear that this will be his undoing, or…
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I thought every game mattered; I thought there should be some urgency. Sometimes I don’t feel that, and most likely that’s on purpose, as I’m sure Joe wants to ensure that the pressure doesn’t exceed the pleasure; in general, I like that. But… here we go again… at some point, these guys are going to have to do it; it’s not on Joe. But… put them in position, and let them do their thing. Most of these guys were kids when we won in 2016; it’s 3 years later… it’s a man’s league… these guys need to be able to get the job done consistently. We’re too good for this… or are we? Another fear that creeps in my head… you are what your record is, and at this point, that’s exactly 56-49. Who are we? Where will we finish?
These are only a few of my thoughts after 105; lots of those running around in my head. So many thoughts, so little time. Ready to see lots of Ws flying…. Go Cubs!
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