Saturday, July 22, 2017

Von Bryant express speeds Cubs to win over Cards



Image Courtesy of Bing

In one of the most exciting games of the year, the Cubs rallied for a 3-2 wins over the Cardinals. The Cardinals broke a scoreless tie in the top of the 8th when Paul DeJong and Randal Grichuk hit back to back homers of Cubs starter, Jon Lester.

He'll be coming around the bag when he comes


The Cubs responded with three runs in the bottom of the 8th. Ben Zobrist drove in John Jay with a two out double to the center field wall. Kris Bryant followed with a RBI single to left. Anthony Rizzo followed with a bloop double to center on a 3-2 pitch. Bryant was able to score from first on the blooper. Kris Bryant is obviously a great ball player, but one thing that is sometimes overlooked is his speed and great base running. It was on full display today.

Just to make it interesting

Wade Davis came on and pitched a scoreless 9th, but is was not without drama. After walking two hitters with two outs, Davis was able to strike out noted Cubs killer, Yadier Molina to finish the game. Game three of the series tomorrow night.

Looking good


While the White Sox continue to lose. Yoan Moncada continues to impress. Moncada had 4 RBI's Friday night. Three of those came on a bases loaded triple. In addition, Moncada has looked solid in the field.

Cubs rotation, circa 2012?


The Sox scored six run off the Royals and had a lead of 5-1, but no lead is safe with the combination of James “Big ERA” Shields and Radar O'Reilly look alike, Tyler Clippard. Shields gave up the lead and Clippard came on in the 10th and picked up the loss. Actually, Shields reminds me of a guy the 2012 Cubs had in their rotation, Justin Germano. They share the same rolling curve and lack of velocity. At this point the Sox might as well call up an actual member of that 2012 Cubs team, Chris Volstad. Volstad went 3-12 with that 2012 Cubs team with an ERA of 6.31. Chris is in Charlotte awaiting The Call.

Actual help that's available


The Sox do have a starter in Charlotte that could help them win games, if that was the plan, Reynaldo Lopez. Lopez had another strong start Friday night. Lopez went six innings, gave up only one run on two hits and got no decision. Looks like he's being groomed to take Jose Quintana's place in the Sox rotation.

One more quick thought about the White Sox. Tyler Saladino started at short for the Sox Saturday night. I think they're better with Saladino at short than they are with Tim Anderson. I suspect their bats are about equal, but I give Saladino an edge on defense.



More next time.

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