IST: Cubs vs Cards

[zack54attack]

Thank goodness for Javy! Now sweep them tomorrow night!

 

[beckdawg]

Yeah I don't buy that Darvish's issues are mental either. I think it's all mechanical. Mental issues are Jon Lester not being comfortable at all throwing to first base. That's different than Darvish. Darvish has command issues command being separate from control in this context. The difference there is control is being able to throw around the strike zone with command being able to put it where in that window you want. For the most part Darvish has control of his pitches. He's not hitting the back stop every other pitch. He just can't put the ball right where he wants it. I also believe that's the reasoning behind his 2.20 HR per 9 rate.

People can disagree with my assessment if they choose but Darvish's stuff isn't bad. You don't K people at a 10.19 per 9 rate with bad stuff. And typically guys with great stuff don't give up tons of homers unless their command lets them down. Now to be fair none of that really matters if he doesn't have command. You're going to continue to see frustrating outings until he figures that out. With that being said, the reason I refuse to view him as a lost cause is because there's a path to him being a very good pitcher if he figures out that command. Even if he only gets down to mid 3's in walks per 9 his k rate is such that it will get him out of a lot of jams.

 

[beckdawg]

Something to think about.... if Descalso's ankle sends him to the IL it's probably meaning Russell is up. He's the only other middle infielder on the 40 man unless you count Happ at 2B.

 

[TL1961]

I don’t disagree that Darvish has good stuff.

That’s what was frustrating and maybe why I use the word mental.

in the first two innings yesterday his stuff was moving all over and he was getting guys out with sliders they had no hope of hitting.

then in the three run fourth he was walking guys and the minute the Cubs tie it up Darvish comes out in the fifth and can’t get a single pitch in the zone

His stuff looked good early and you can see he has the potential to dominate a game.

 

[Holy Cow]

Fastball command could be the heart of his issue..seems he hasn't had any consistency with that since they signed him

 

[CSF77]

Something to think about.... if Descalso's ankle sends him to the IL it's probably meaning Russell is up. He's the only other middle infielder on the 40 man unless you count Happ at 2B.

I believe Montgomery goes up. Zag goes to AAA. Zag has only 29 AB'S. They are really not even utilizing him right now.

If Descalso does go DL Russell and Happ are the only 2 guys on the 40. Russell is at a .874 OPS. Happ .756. so this feels inevitable.

 

[CSF77]

Actually Edwards Jr is at .60 WHIP and a 2.16 ERA. so he also might be looming.

Ranking the BP

#1 is Kintzler .68 WHIP and a 2.45 ERA.
#2. Strop .75 and a 2.53.
#3 Ryan 1.20 and. 3.09
#4 Chatwood 1.26 and a 2.51
#5 Cishek 1.36 and 3.86
#6 Webster 1.39 and 3.86
#7 Brach 1.77 and 2.77
#8 Maples 1.88 and 0.00

So it would be Maples and Webster on the bubble with a possible bump to Brach if they decide Edwards' mechanics are sound again.

 

[zack54attack]

Sweep their asses.

 

[SilenceS]

It is *INSANE* how much better the #Cubs bullpen has been than the rest of baseball since April 7 (the day after they reshuffled).

Seriously. Look at this. LOOK. AT. THIS. pic.twitter.com/Ozxdy7DioV
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) May 5, 2019

 

[TL1961]

Sweep their asses.

It’s nice to at least win two of three, but go for the jugular. It’s a two game difference. Gain three, send a message!

 

[SilenceS]

 

[Diehardfan]

So, my posts about Kyle Schwarber's weight don't qualify anymore? WTF.

Vision and perception impairment caused by aging gives you a pass.

 

[anotheridiot]

I believe Montgomery goes up. Zag goes to AAA. Zag has only 29 AB'S. They are really not even utilizing him right now.

If Descalso does go DL Russell and Happ are the only 2 guys on the 40. Russell is at a .874 OPS. Happ .756. so this feels inevitable.

For some reason it seems like they are stretching out Monty. Three starts, up to 68 pitches. It makes more sense to get Monty here since we still have Zobrist and Bote to cover second base for now. If they are stretching him out to make him worth more in a trade, then I cannot see the value in AAA starts.

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

I caught some of yesterdays game on the car radio while out and about. Coomer commented he thought Darvish appeared to not have the confidence to challenge hitters by throwing strikes.

 

[beckdawg]

I caught some of yesterdays game on the car radio while out and about. Coomer commented he thought Darvish appeared to not have the confidence to challenge hitters by throwing strikes.

I watched the game and I don't think that was the case. I mean he was throwing balls because he just didn't have command.

 

[beckdawg]

Just something to keep an eye on for later in the year, De La Cruz has looked good in his 4 starts thus far(3 at A+ 1 at AA) throwing 20.0 IP 22 k's 9 bb 15 hits 3 ER. I mean the chances he makes an impact in the rotation are kind of slim but his stuff would likely play up out of the bullpen and he's already on the 40 man.

 

[TL1961]

I watched the game and I don't think that was the case. I mean he was throwing balls because he just didn't have command.

There was a world of difference from the first inning to the fifth, though.

 

[chibears55]

Dont run on BenZ arm
Thanks Carpenter

 

[TL1961]

Carpenter can be counted on to make the dumb play. Thanks, Matt.

 

[chibears55]

I watched the game and I don't think that was the case. I mean he was throwing balls because he just didn't have command.

That and he just lacks confidence in his fastball and relies too much on the breaking stuff...
so, he gets in trouble when he missing on the breaking balls and nibbles with the fastball