Official 2023 Chicago Cubs Season Thread Vol: (17-17)

Jesse Rogers ‏@ESPNChiCubs 5m5 minutes ago
Cubs pitching this series so far: 23 innings, 3 runs. Cubs lead 4-0 Top 6
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David Cameron
‏@DCameronFG
OBPs of the hitters in the Cubs batting order today: .478, .390, .393, .393, .380, .390, .356, .341. That’ll do.
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Up 4-0, got to finish this game off and complete the sweep.
 
The Chicago Cubs have started the 2016 season on a roll, amassing a 19-6 record — with one of the wins coming via a no-hitter — and outscoring opponents by an average of 3.6 runs per game. Tabbed in spring training as a potential 100-game winner by nearly every projection algorithm, the Cubs are somehow exceeding even those lofty expectations. Now the benchmark is quickly shifting to whether they can become one of the best teams in baseball history.

By run differential, the Cubs’ start ties for fourth-best in MLB’s modern era (going back to 1900). But that fun fact doesn’t quite do their dominance justice, because MLB is also currently in an epoch of incredible parity, with the spread of talent between teams smaller than it’s ever been. If you adjust for how bunched-up team run differentials have become in recent years,1 the Cubs are off to the strongest 24-game start since at least 1950.2

YEAR TEAM RUN DIFFERENTIAL SCALED RUN DIFFERENTIAL WON LEAGUE WON WS
2016 Chicago Cubs +83 +3.50 — —
2003 New York Yankees +85 +3.42 √
1984 Detroit Tigers +71 +3.08 √ √
1974 Los Angeles Dodgers +71 +2.95 √
1962 San Francisco Giants +74 +2.89 √
1993 Detroit Tigers +69 +2.84
2012 St. Louis Cardinals +65 +2.67
2010 Tampa Bay Rays +66 +2.69
2002 Boston Red Sox +65 +2.61
1955 Brooklyn Dodgers +69 +2.54 √ √
The Cubs are the best (through 24 games)


To put it in perspective, the distance between the Cubs’ run differential and that of the second-best team (the Washington Nationals) is the same as the difference between the Nationals and the 20th-ranked Oakland A’s. Not only is Chicago scoring the most runs in baseball, it’s also tied for allowing the fewest. And as if that wasn’t enough, the Cubs boast the best base running of any team as well.

This Cubs squad wasn’t always an unstoppable force. According to our Elo ratings, which measure the quality of a team at any given point in time, the club Theo Epstein inherited bottomed out around the end of the 2012 season, when their 1439 rating left them ranked second-to-last in the majors — ahead of only the tanking Houston Astros. But in the 521 games since,3 the Cubs have gained 120 points of Elo rating, a level of sustained increase exceedingly rare in MLB history. For every thousand similar stretches, we’d expect to see a 120-point Elo increase only about two or three times.4

In only three years, the Cubs have risen from one of the worst teams in baseball to achieve an unprecedented degree of dominance. But there’s no pennant for the best Elo rating, no trophy for the highest run differential. And it might take playing at this level all season to overcome the most stunning streak of postseason futility in professional sports and win a championship for the first time in 107 years.
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PITTSBURGH – Beating Gerrit Cole in last year’s National League wild-card game became a landmark victory for The Plan. A young Cubs lineup didn’t panic or play tight and you have to wonder what the Pittsburgh Pirates are thinking right now. Because this looks like a vastly superior version of the team that won 97 games and silenced the blackout crowd at PNC Park.

While the Cubs (19-6) have used a pitching-and-defense formula to create the best record in baseball – and what they hope will be a better blueprint for October – they have also changed their offensive DNA.

It showed up again during Tuesday night’s 7-1 victory and allowed a Cy Young Award winner to go into cruise control. They’ll take it, but the Cubs don’t need a superhuman effort from Jake Arrieta every time out, and this offense still isn’t close to clicking on all cylinders yet.

Not that Pittsburgh’s Jonathon Niese – who couldn’t crack the playoff rotation for the New York Mets last year – would notice after giving up six runs, nine hits and five walks across five innings.

But the difference is dramatic enough that Cubs manager Joe Maddon keeps having flashbacks to his time with the Tampa Bay Rays and trying to take down the superpowers in Boston and New York.

“Right now, you’re seeing a group of guys playing the game today who have one thought – and that is to wear this pitcher down collectively,” Maddon said. “You’ve seen it in the past – I saw it in the early 2000s with the Red Sox and the Yankees in the American League East – they would definitely wear you down. They would get in your ‘pen, and then they’d bludgeon you at that point.”

Getting into the bullpen doesn’t exactly mean batting practice in an age of specialization, information overload and multiple options approaching triple-digit velocity. But this is a snapshot of the Cubs entering Tuesday: Ranked second in the majors in runs scored (146) and on-base percentage (.361) while leading everyone in walks (129) and dropping to 24th in strikeouts (188).

Even with Kyle Schwarber recovering from knee surgery, Miguel Montero on the disabled list resting his back and Jason Heyward (zero homers, .573 OPS) getting treatment for a sore wrist.

“We want to hit strikes,” said catcher David Ross, who won a World Series ring with the 2013 Red Sox. “We’re not out there taking pitches (just to take them). Guys are looking for their pitch.

“I see maturity in the approach from a young, talented group, which is completely different than Boston, which was more of an established veteran group that had been around the block. (But) I’m seeing that kind of approach with this group.”

Among all qualified NL hitters, five Cubs ranked between 14th and 50th in terms of pitches seen per plate appearance: Dexter Fowler (4.20); Addison Russell (4.12); Heyward (3.98); Anthony Rizzo (3.96); and Ben Zobrist (3.85).

“A lot of times when you see a positive jump in moments like that, it’s probably because of new personnel,” Maddon said. “I’ve always talked about: If you want walks, buy walks. If you want less strikeouts, buy less strikeouts.

“I also think about the maturity. Addison is a classic example of a guy that’s really matured in regards to not expanding the strike zone. Even ‘Javy’ (Javier Baez) has definitely shown a different attitude at the plate. For the most part, (Jorge) Soler is not chasing like he did for a period of time last year. The maturation of the hitter plus the acquisitions definitely helps.”

The Pirates – a pitching-savvy organization always looking for bounce-back guys and trying to do more with less – will have to deal with The Cubs Way at least 17 more times this year.

“You talk philosophy or theory with groups and everybody listens, but do they really hear what you’re saying?” Maddon said. “You have to get a buy-in from everybody. (And) these guys all believe that’s the right way to do things.”
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Imagine getting the opportunity of a lifetime – a chance to live your dream and earn more money than you could ever fathom, but it came with the caveat of leaving everything behind and going to a place where almost no one speaks your language.

That’s the compromise that almost all Latin American professional baseball players take in the pursuit of the Major Leagues.

As to be expected, the Latin players on professional baseball teams often stick together, living, eating and socializing together. When they get to the ballpark, they instantly begin dealing with a language barrier that sometimes leave them struggling to communicate with their American teammates.

The demographics of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, are no different. The Pelicans currently have eight players on their roster from Spanish-speaking countries. But thanks to a few dedicated players and a revolutionary language program put together by the Cubs’ front office, the language barrier is slowly but surely disappearing in the Pelicans’ clubhouse.

“When I started learning English, I didn’t know anything,” Myrtle Beach first baseman Yasiel Balaguert said. “But my American teammates helped me a lot. They told me the right things to say and I learned a lot of English from them.”

Balaguert departed from Cuba and signed with the Cubs on April 9, 2012. At the time, he didn’t understand a word of English. But thanks to a cutting-edge and comprehensive English program implemented by the Cubs’, Balaguert is now fluent.

“I think it’s one of the most important things for the Latin players to learn English. If you do it, if you try, that’s the important thing,” Balaguert said. “You have to put it in your mind that you have to learn English. That’s what I did. Now I can communicate with a lot of people and I’m glad.”

About four years ago, the Cubs brought in a bright and seasoned language consultant named Linda Wawrzyniak. The team’s mission was clear, and Wawrzyniak created the goal for the program: “English builds relationships. Relationships build chemistry. Chemistry wins games. Teach English to win.”

The program was built around a set of United States military standards that players had to hit in order to advance. But what made the Cubs’ program unique was its uniformity from level to level.

“Having one cohesive system and curriculum makes a huge difference for the guys,” said Wawrzyniak. “They know where they stand at all times and what they have to do to progress. It doesn’t matter where they go. Baseball is so mobile, and they can go from one place from the next and it doesn’t matter because our teachers know exactly where to pick up. We have a system that is standardized, computerized and the organization can access it anywhere, which helps.”

The program also classifies players by their thinking skills and level of ability. While all players are required to attend weekly classes together, teachers often break up the players for more effective smaller group instruction.

“The best thing about the class is that you can never be afraid to speak,” said Balaguert. “If you want to say something, talk. Don’t be afraid to say something wrong or if someone is going to laugh at you. Never be afraid.”

“The English language in baseball has become a focal point for many teams,”noted Wawrzyniak. “Ten years ago, it was just ‘Hey let’s get the guys some English.’ They need to learn what we’re saying on the field, how to buy food – basic things like that.”

But the Cubs wanted more than that. They wanted their players to thrive, both on and off the field.

“The expectation level is much higher now and we need to build players faster,” Wawrzyniak said. “Our focus has been on building an education program around the English language faster.”

Since the Cubs brought in Theo Epstein as their president of baseball operations in 2011, the team’s brain trust has put together a simple strategy – make the players comfortable in every possible way off the field, and watch the performance on it take off.

From mental skills training, to nutritionists, to catered meals and English classes, Cubs farmhands have a lot of advantages not necessarily offered in other organizations. And while delivering those perks might cost the team some extra cash, the potential dividends of developing a few extra home-grown players because of it are much greater.

It’s hard to argue with the results. Since Epstein and his front office took over, the Cubs have increased their win total in every season, culminating with a trip to the National League Championship series in 2015. This season, Chicago boasts the best record in the National League, and one of the most exciting young cores in the game.

While manager Joe Maddon sets the laid back and loose example at the Major League level, the front office has made sure that the whole organization follows suit.

“The chemistry in our clubhouse is the best I’ve ever seen,” Pelicans infielder David Bote said. “We could see that right from day one.”

Both the Pelicans’ American and Latin players agree that having an entirely bilingual coaching staff and several bilingual players has played a pivotal role in the mutual respect that exists within the clubhouse.

Both Balaguert and Myrtle Beach catcher Gioskar Amaya graduated from the Cubs’ language program this March during the team’s Spring Training in Mesa, Arizona. They were the first players in the Cubs’ system to do so since the program began in 2012.

Days after completing the program, the Cubs stopped practice in Mesa to hold an impromptu graduation ceremony for Amaya and Balaguert in front of the entire organization.

“I can’t even put into words how proud it was, for them and the organization” Wawrzyniak said. “People were in tears. I was one of them. It was great to see the Cubs gather and really honor these guys. They had the caps and gowns, certificates – everybody applauded them. They got high-fives and kudos from the whole organization. It was a great moment for them. They took pictures and sent them home to their families. It was just phenomenal.”

“That day was the best day in all of Spring Training,” said Balaguert. “When everyone saw the hat that I wore when I graduated in English, for me, that was the best moment I had in Spring Training. “

“It felt awesome,” Amaya added. “Everybody claps for you and knows that you graduated and you feel awesome. We appreciate that. It was a great day for us.”

While the Cubs’ Latin Minor Leaguers are often asked to show up to the ballpark two hours earlier than their American teammates for their English work, seeing teammates reach their academic goals is the ultimate motivation.

“Almost everybody didn’t like to go to English class because they’re tired and have to wake up early in the morning,” said Amaya. “But everybody else helps you in that situation because everybody else motivates everybody to learn every day. That’s so important.”

“The players know there’s an exit strategy,” said Wawrzyniak. “So if they work hard and apply themselves, they’re going to be able to exit the program. Whatever we do in life, we all want to know what the goal is. So it’s really important to build that in.”

Although Balaguert has completed the Cubs’ program, he continues to try and get better. Despite the everyday grind of professional baseball, the Pelicans’ slugger is studying to take a standardized test to earn an American high school diploma. While the Major Leagues is still the ultimate goal, Balaguert hopes to acquire a non-baseball job near his home in southern Florida in the offseason.

“I think the other Latin players took notice,’ Wawrzyniak said. “At the graduation, Balaguert and Amaya had to give a speech and they said, ‘The door is open. Work hard and you can do it too.’”

The reality that remains is that the majority of players in the Cubs’ system won’t reach Wrigley Field. But for those who are lucky enough to end up in a system like Chicago’s, the perks that new-wave organizations are offering stretch far beyond baseball. Sometimes, it just takes a determined person from a small town in Cuba like Balaguert to set the example.
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Heyward didn't start, but he's in Center now because Fowler got tossed. So hopefully Heyward is healthier, well rested and can start adding even more firepower to the lineup.
 
Zobrist with a 2 run shot put this one away!!
Another solid outing from Hendricks, 6 scoreless innings. :nthat:
 
I'm truly running out of words for this. Can't believe this start.

Save some for October please. :frown:
 
My post on Underwood from the MLB thread:
Embarrassment of riches. You didn't even mention my favorite pitching prospect in your farm system. Duane Underwood, and you know how much I loved C.J. Edwards. High-octane FB and dominant curve. Changeup will be his third pitch. Just needs more consistency with secondary pitches, command, and conditioning. Underwood has top-of-the-line #2 starter potential (if not back-end #1). Especially with the late bite on his fastball.

After Duane, C.J., Cease, and Pierce Johnson not far behind.
 
I'm stunned. Worst game of the season so far.

Walks, fielding blunders, not picking up hits, wild pitches, just a crazy game with Arrieta on the mound and a chance to sweep. :smh:

I thought with Jake going we had a real chance at sweeping these guys.

Now bases loaded nobody out. :smh:
 
E by Jake
3 Wild pitches
Strikes out guy, but WP let's him reach.
Bryant misses grounder, called a double. (??)
Soler K's looking with bases loaded, never swung bat once.
Zobrist mishandles DP ball.
Fowler leadoff double, can't get him in.
Jake at almost 100 pitches, not even thru 5. :smh:

Small detail, but missing Montero. Ross is out today cuz he's catching Lester tomorrow, Fedoritz has mishandled a few pitches + worthless at bat. Need Miggy back asap.
 
Wilson Ramos is killing us. :smh:
Maddon needs to pull Jake. He's already at 100 pitches through 5, no need to leave him out there...just isn't his day.
 
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