We’re a couple weeks out from opening day and I actually feel pretty good about the bullpen. I know that sounds crazy after last season, but a little bit of depth goes a very long way in the big leagues. And after a handful of spring training games, I’m allowing myself to think positively about our biggest weakness for two major reasons: (1) Ryan Pressly and (2) it can’t possibly be worse than last year.
In that spirit, let’s stay positive and round up some of the more notable news and notes with the Chicago Cubs.
But first, I think I want to make this a daily 5pm post because it can either work for after day games or before the night games once the season starts. Daily news and notes at 5pm with MILFs at 6:30pm feels right, but I don’t want to overcommit and underperform. Just something to keep in mind as we keep going here at CarlsBlogs.com.
Nicoe Hoerner Not Traveling To Japan
He’s got back to back seasons of 150 games so I don’t want to bitch. At the same time, I’m nervous we had a chance to sell very high on Nico and then he could pull up lame and miss a bunch of time and then we’re in a position argument with Matt Shaw and the whole thing turns into a big mess.
And I know I just said I’d be positive but it’s hard to do that when you have a team that can’t get injured. We don’t have the big superstar power to make up for loosing an everyday guy for extended time. If Kyle or Dansby or PCA or Happ or really anyone goes down, we’re kinda fucked and I hate to start the season in that position.
However, the good thing is that it’s not a real opening day and we have time to be cautious. He doesn’t need to go halfway across the world to go 1-8 on a ruptured flexor tendon. We can save that for the opener on March 27th if he’s healthy enough.
Is Matt Shaw Always Hurt?
I only hear about how hurt Matt Shaw is and it really pisses me off because you have the entire offseason to prepare for Spring Training. It makes no sense how guys can be tender and sore to me. Literally it makes absolutely no sense how you can be hurt at the start of camp and can’t throw or play or practice.
And again, I’m trying to be positive, but if we don’t have multiple infielders to start the year because of injuries then that’s complete bullshit. No offense to Jed but I expect you to find some healthy players.
And while this feels and seems like a meatball take, I’m being dead serious. This is bullshit.
Cubs Are Undefeated In Spring Training
And they followed it up today with another tie, pushing them to 6-0-2 on the Cactus League season.
Meaningful?
Not at all.
Noteworthy?
Ian Happ Is A Good Player
I don’t know when this trend started but Cubs fans love to shit on Ian Happ for not being a perennial MVP candidate. It makes zero sense to me because he’s one of the better everyday Cubs since the Sammy days and we don’t get a lot of that around here.
Is he Anthony Rizzo? Absolutely not.
But they’re similar. They play gold glove defense, take a lot of pitches and are beloved across the clubhouse. He’s played through some shitty times and is by far the longest tenured Cubs left.
Which is why I don’t understand people that hate his guts? Why can’t we just take him for what he is: a fundamental and dynamic outfielder with a great feel for the strike zone.
I think that makes more sense and I think it’s my duty to defend him this season. So be on notice that Ian Happ slander will not be tolerated and that’s because he’s a very good baseball player.
Cubs Division Favorites!!!!
And nobody cares.
Literally nobody.
I would rather be dead than care about their odds to win the division.
If I hear one of you talk about this in public then I’m going to punch you in the face and spend the night in jail.
Everyone’s been warned.
I’M BEING POSITIVE
Let’s Finish With This Glen Allen Moonball
Back when baseball was cool and everyone did steroids.
That was a great time.
PS – 19 days left.