header-emailNEWSLETTER
BN Chicago Cubs Disappointing and Understandable, Steals, Definitive....

Disappointing and Understandable, Steals, Definitive Blocking Call, Love Morel, Rojas, and Other Cubs Bullets

Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
May 03, 2024
Chicago Cubs

It is good and weird to be back. If you missed it, I’m – Brett – finally back to more or less full go around here. And now, having not done the Bullets in a month, I’ll try to remember how this goes …

  • The Cubs couldn’t have given me an exciting win to work with up top? Splitting that particular series in New York against the Mets, with how it played out, kinda feels appropriate. But I don’t think I can ever quite say that a game the Cubs led by three runs, or in which they had a chance to finish it late, is a game that’s totally worth shrugging off. Twice thrown out at the plate, too. And just 4 for 19 with runners in scoring position. Disappointing game.

  • Which is not quite the same, by the way, as saying Ben Brown’s start wasn’t good overall (despite the blip at the end (and the umpire whiff)), or that I’m especially annoyed at Keegan Thompson’s down outing (he was due for an imperfect appearance after looking so good upon his return to the bigs, and without his own error he might’ve been fine), or that I don’t think Daniel Palencia actually looked pretty good (despite him being on the mound for the final runs). I’m not mad at anyone in that loss, I just think the Cubs kicked away a shot at taking a series 3-1 on the road. You don’t get many of those chances, especially against a not-all-that-bad team.

  • As Craig Counsell placidly described it (Sun-Times): “There’s some opportunities we left out there, and there’s some runs we couldn’t keep off the board, and there’s some things we did well. So there was a lot that happened in the game, and we just ended up coming up short.” Some things happened, some other things did not happen, and the Cubs lost a close game. Fair enough.

  • Speaking of things that happened, just a fun note: with a whopping six stolen bases in the game, the Cubs went from last in baseball in team steals to 18th in baseball. I just find that funny.

  • One other thing that happened:

  • A final note on the game before yesterday, with the no-blocking play at the plate. As MLB confirmed a second time, there was no blocking on that play under the rules, and that memo the Mets were relying on to complain was actually kind of the OPPOSITE of what they were saying:

  • So, the infamous Jonah Heim play was referenced as an example of when the umpires should use discretion to say, OK, his foot was on the plate, but he still gave a path to the runner. No obstruction. The idea that it’s ABSOLUTELY and AUTOMATICALLY obstruction if a catcher’s foot touches the plate is simply not correct. At the top of the memo – conveniently not shared in the images that floated around – it says that the referenced setups put a catcher “in jeopardy” of being called for obstruction, not that it’s automatic. There still has to ACTUALLY be blocking for it to be called blocking. I knew something didn’t quite make sense about the portion of memo that got tweeted out …

  • Cubs come back home now for a series against the Brewers … the Cubs’ FIRST SERIES THIS YEAR against an NL Central opponent. The season is almost a month and a half old. That’s kinda crazy. It’s like a college football schedule.

  • The Brewers will be without reliever Abner Uribe for the series, but not because of his Rays fight suspension:

  • This allows the Brewers to have a replacement in the bullpen this weekend, instead of having him on his suspension and the pen a pitcher short. Then they can bring him back up to serve the suspension at a deliberately chosen time, when it will be less harmful for them. Very crafty. I hate it.

  • As for Freddy Peralta, his suspension is under appeal, and he’s hoping to pitch against the Cubs on Sunday. The only way that would happen is if the appeal doesn’t get decided before then (SUPER annoying), or the appeal gets decided before today’s game and is dropped from five games to just two (DOUBLE super annoying).

  • Love. Just love:

  • This is just a really good and interesting read about why the famous Ted Williams homer almost certainly really could have happened as the legend says, despite how improbable it seems at first:

  • Jefferson Rojas – newly a top-50 prospect – is still streaking:

    • Read More

    written by

    Brett Taylor

    Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

    more cubs news

    Chicago Cubs

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    A surprising report tonight ahead of tomorrow's off-day for the Chicago Cubs. Another infielder is coming up, and he'd be making his big league debut in the process. It's defensive stud Luis Vazquez, a guy whom many had been calling...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    The brutal, brutal run for the Chicago Cubs' offense continued today. It's really hard to win that way, and even harder to watch. Jameson Taillon was a touch better than his line today, without a lot of defensive help behind...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Cubs Lineup
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Well, the good news is that the Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and Dansby Swanson is targeting a Tuesday return from the IL. So no matter what, this SHOULD be the last day the Cubs middle infield...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Despite everything, the Cubs are still three games up for the second Wild Card spot at the moment (and two games back in the NL Central). That's not a going-forward projection, it's just some context. The drama around the call...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    If I were a catcher and wanted to record an out, I would simply not drop the ball. It's a jokey line, sure, but it's also correct in relation to yesterday's controversial conclusion. I think after seeing the replays of...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    The Cubs pulled out a win in the bottom of the 9th yesterday, when Christopher Morel drove in Cody Bellinger to walk it off. The Pirates were undoubtedly displeased about the controversial ending, as it looked like Bellinger had been...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 19, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Whew. That game was kinda dumb, but I tell you, the ending sure was fun. And also weird! So, to set the stage, the Pirates and Cubs' offenses could do nothing all day long. The game was still 0-0 in...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    This guy. What do I even say? I was already kinda buzzy when Brennen Davis homered again - a grand slam - for the fifth time in six games, and sixth time in eight games. THAT IS RIDICULOUS. https://twitter.com/IowaCubs/status/1791967453888598441 Truly...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    What matters most is that the Cubs won the game. And it was a fun ending, too. So I'm happy. But I also do feel a little frustrated - or concerned might be the better word - as I'm sure...

    Brett Taylor Brett Taylor
    May 18, 2024
    Chicago Cubs

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    CUBS LINEUP — Losing to the Braves (and then Jared Jones and Paul Skenes), when you have 10 people on the IL, including your entire middle infield, is not really that concerning to me. It sucks and banking losses is...

    Michael Cerami Michael Cerami
    May 18, 2024
    More Posts

    Latest News

    How to Watch

    Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (32-17), who will give the start to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, host the Arizona Diamondbacks (22-25) with Joe Mantiply on the mound, Monday at 10:10 PM ET.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    St. Louis Cardinals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the first of a three-game series, on Monday, May 20 at 7:45 PM ET, the St. Louis Cardinals are hosting the Baltimore Orioles.Cardinals vs. Orioles Series Info Orioles @ Cardinals Time: Monday, May 20 at 7:45 PM ET Cardinals...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the opener of a three-game series, on Monday, May 20 at 8:10 PM ET, the Houston Astros are hosting the Los Angeles Angels.Astros vs. Angels Series Info Angels @ Astros Time: Monday, May 20 at 8:10 PM ET Astros...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    A three-game series featuring the Kansas City Royals and the visiting Detroit Tigers will begin on Monday, May 20 at 7:40 PM ET.Royals vs. Tigers Series Info Tigers @ Royals Time: Monday, May 20 at 7:40 PM ET Royals Starting...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the first of a three-game series, on Monday, May 20 at 10:10 PM ET, the Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks.Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks Series Info Diamondbacks @ Dodgers Time: Monday, May 20 at 10:10 PM ET Dodgers...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Royals vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Michael Wacha will take the ball for the Kansas City Royals (29-19) when they host starting pitcher Reese Olson and the Detroit Tigers (23-23) on Monday, with first pitch at 7:40 PM ET.If you're trying to watch this game, keep...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    Picks

    Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    The sportsbooks are predicting a close game between the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers when they meet on Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET, with the Panthers at -115 on the moneyline, and the Rangers at -105.Watch the NHL on...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Astros vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    The Houston Astros (21-26), with Framber Valdez on the hill, host the Los Angeles Angels (18-29) who will hand the ball to Reid Detmers, at 8:10 PM ET on Monday.If you're planning on watching this game, keep reading for streaming...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    How to Watch Braves vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    Reynaldo Lopez takes the ball for the Atlanta Braves (26-16) when they host starter Dylan Cease and the San Diego Padres (24-24) at 12:20 PM ET on Monday.Find out how to watch the Atlanta-San Diego matchup below.When is Braves vs....

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    How to Watch

    Cardinals vs. Orioles: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The St. Louis Cardinals (20-26), with Sonny Gray on the mound, host the Baltimore Orioles (29-15) who will counter with Dean Kremer, at 7:45 PM ET on Monday in a series opener.Find out how to watch the St. Louis-Baltimore matchup...

    Data Skrive Data Skrive
    May 19, 2024
    More Posts

    more cubs news

    REPORT: Cubs to Call Up Infield Prospect Luis Vazquez

    Enhanced Box Score: Pirates 3, Cubs 2 – May 19, 2024

    Cubs Lineup

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Wake Up and Watch Shota Imanaga Dominate and the Cubs Walk It Off

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    The Wes Unseld Jr. Hire, Jarrett Allen’s Availability, Ayo Dosunmu Gets It, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    Latest News

    Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    St. Louis Cardinals vs. Baltimore Orioles Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Kansas City Royals vs. Detroit Tigers Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks Series May 20-22: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    Royals vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Panthers vs. Rangers Stanley Cup Semifinals Game 1 Prediction: Odds, Picks, Best Bets – Wednesday, May 22, 2024

    How to Watch Astros vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

    How to Watch Braves vs. Padres: Live Stream or on TV

    Cardinals vs. Orioles: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Twins vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Brewers vs. Marlins: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Rays vs. Red Sox: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Guardians vs. Mets: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    Yankees vs. Mariners: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    More Posts

    Most Popular

    Most Popular

    The Cubs Walk It Off on a Weird Play at the Plate!

    Brennen Davis FREAKING DID IT AGAIN! AND THEN HE DID IT AGAIN AFTER THAT!

    The Pirates Can Be As Mad As They Like, But That Call Was Correct

    Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 1, Pirates 0 – May 18, 2024

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    The Wes Unseld Jr. Hire, Jarrett Allen’s Availability, Ayo Dosunmu Gets It, and Other Bulls Bullets

    Enjoying the Actual Walk-Off, Morel History, Leiter and Neris, Holy Brennen Davis, and Other Cubs Bullets

    Pre-Gamin’: Pirates at Cubs (1:20 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

    21 Play Responsibly
    Gamble Aware West Virginia
    Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.