Cubs Inch Closer to Cactus League Opening Day

Cubster 04/26/2024 - 04:15 am (view)

I was there for the PCA homer as well. 50 degree baseball is no longer fun when sitting in the shade (knit hats, scarves and gloves are football gear) but I agree it’s one of those really cool moments. I loved the bear hug given by Swanson at home plate and of course the added impact that the PCA homer became a game winner.

Cubster 04/26/2024 - 04:00 am (view)

Holy Screaming Bananas

CubbyBlue 04/26/2024 - 04:26 am (view)

In honor of dispatching with the Astros, this painting is titled “The Sweep”. 
I retired a couple years ago, and took a job at Wrigley as a security guy. SO cool having Wrigley as your office. SO cool being there when PCA got his first hit. 
“The Sweep” happens at the end of every game - the security staff sweeps through the ballpark making sure it’s empty.
(Hopefully I’ll be putting this painting up often this year.)
Lastly, because working for the Cubs, they understandably don’t want you voicing opinions on social, which is why I’m only painting the banners here. 

First.Pitch.120 04/26/2024 - 04:39 am (view)

Honorable mention to Jim Bullinger via BleedCubbieBlue: 

Bullinger, a converted shortstop, had pitched in three games before he came to the plate. He had entered the game to relieve starter Shawn Boskie after four innings, and came to the plate to lead off the fifth, and hit Rheal Cormier's first pitch over the left-field wall to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead; they eventually won the game 5-2 in 14 innings. Of the 129players to homer in their first MLB at-bat, Bullinger is one of just 32 to hit that blast on the first big-league pitch he saw (including Contreras) and one of just six pitchers to do so.

TarzanJoeWallis 04/26/2024 - 04:34 am (view)

Most of this activity will lead nowhere, of course, but it is fantastic that they’re looking for talent in every nook and cranny. You never know where that can lead, and virtually nothing is lost if if leads nowhere, as long as no one of superior talent and potential is losing an opportunity.

First.Pitch.120 04/26/2024 - 04:36 am (view)

Fun 1st Hit / HR Fact…

Recent Cubs players to have HR as 1st MLB hit:

PCA

Morel

Happ

Contreras

Baez

Soler

Castro

Arizona Phil 04/25/2024 - 04:46 pm (view)

Childersb3: Miguel Cruz walked six in 1.2 IP in his last start, so I guess he is improving. Wilme Mora also walked six in one of his appearances a week or two ago, and one or two others have walked five. I don't know what would be the most I have ever seen a pitcher throw in a game out here, because the manager / pitching coach usually gets the pitcher out of the game if it gets too ridiculous. 

As for the attendance, probably about 20 of the 25 were early arrivals for the Savannah Bananas game who came over to Field # 1 to see what was going on, and once they saw all the bases on balls (12 walks by Cubs pitchers and four by Angels pitchers) they ran away screaming. I'm used to it so it didn't bother me that much. 

Childersb3 04/25/2024 - 04:57 pm (view)

Jed has added Teheran, Tyranski, Kissaki, and now Straily and Nico Zeglin today.

Zeglin is 24 yrs old. Pitched well at Long Beach St in '23 and well in some Indy Ball.

They also added Reilly and Viets in late ST.

Have to search for MiLB arm depth anywhere you can and at all times!!!

Childersb3 04/25/2024 - 04:33 pm (view)

25 in Attendance!!!

Phil, is that a backfield record?

Also, 6 BBs for Cruz in 2 IP. What's the most walks you've seen in one EXT ST outing that you can recall?

TarzanJoeWallis 04/25/2024 - 04:12 pm (view)

He has a pulse. Apparently that’s the only requirement at this point.