By Marty Gangler
Um, guys, what’s going on with this bullpen?
The Week In Review: The Cubs went 4-3 for the week taking two of three from the Cards and splitting four games with the Phils. Four of seven would normally be fine, but somehow it felt worse because 1) It’s the Cubs, which makes everything feel worse, and 2) They either blew leads in all the losses or came storming back to tie it up only to lose the leads again. There is clearly no quit in this team at the plate but those were three punch-in-the face losses.
The Week in Preview: The Cubbies get a day off Monday before heading to Pittsburgh for four against the Buccos and then three back home against the Cards. It’s Division Week!
The Second Basemen Report: Four starts by Starlin Castro, two by Tommy La Stella, and one by Javy Baez. What, no Chris Coghlan?
In former Cubs second basemen news, everyone’s favorite ex-Cub second baseman Darwin Barney is now a Blue Jay and in the thick of a pennant race. Apparently he’s good in metric. He is happily missed by his former teams.
Mad(don) Scientist: Big Poppa Joe is not happy with the schedule the Cubs have pending next year. Maybe just have the squad dress up as the time you want it to be, Joe.
Wishing Upon A Starlin: Everyone’s favorite Castro (sorry, Fidel) is still ripping it up in September. Castro is battling .435 for the month and even has a walk (!) for an OBP of .458. And it’s September 13th, people. He could be really Castro-ey for a couple weeks and still be looking good for the month. If nothing else, he has probably shown enough to be traded over the offseason. So good job, Starlin!
Kubs Kalender: On Wednesday the Cubs play the Pirates on Roberto Clemente Day and they are giving out these shirts. Man that dude had a hose.
Ameritrade Stock Pick of The Week: Shares of Optimism traded just a bit lower this week.
Over/Under: The number of pitchers that are trustworthy in the bullpen right now: +/- .5.
Beachwood Sabermetrics: A complex algorithm performed by The Cub Factor staff using all historical data made available by Major League Baseball has determined that someone has to pitch the 8th and 9th innings.
–
* Touch ’em all: The Cub Factor archives.
* Know thy enemy: The White Sox Reports.
–
Marty Gangler is our man on the Cub. He welcomes your comments.
Posted on September 13, 2015