The Cubs made it official and removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson, who took over for one of the last remaining Hendry scapegoats, Rudy Jamarillo. A bit surprising to me that they didn't end up hiring Dave Magadan, the Red Sox hitting coach during some of the Theo years, but Magadan must have decided that watching Texas Rangers baseball over the Cubs was a more bearable proposition. Not that the numbers matter at all from last season, but here's a bit of out-of-context theater to make you feel better if you're not a fan of the Theo regime so far:
When the Cubs fired Jaramillo they were hitting .247 with a .689 OPS while averaging 3.7 runs per game. After replacing him with Rowson they hit .235 with a .674 OPS while averaging 3.8 runs per game.
The Cubs also found a new third base coach, as Reds Triple A manager David Bell will take over those duties (not a very good manager by record at least). David is of course a member of the Ohioan Bell's (Buddy, Mike, Gus and David). Anyway, hopefully David has an Ipod and some good playlists as it can be lonely in the third base box with this Cubs offense.
And Randy Bush received a three year extension on his contract to round out today's really boring Cubs news.
0-7 with 3K soriano vs chapman brought on to pinch hit with 2 on, 2 out, in the 9th.
make that 0-8 with 4K...cubs lose by 3.
...not like there was much better options, fwiw. meh.
Return of CRUNCH!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jGpauNUaWY
c.granderson (NYY) broken left pinky after HBP...unbelievable.
no hitter gone after 8.1
a.sanchez (
CHCDET) no hitter through 7scott feldman 2r HR (1st career)
...cubs pitchers are rather awesome hitters this season. a few doubles, a couple homers...15 rbis for cubs pitchers.
cubs up 3-0, top 2nd.
Phil,
Will you give us a scouting report on the young Latino pitchers at Fitch. Do any of them impress? Thanks.
Hot Sheet Chat:
What is Jorge Soler's upside and or MLB comp? Thanks
Jim Shonerd: Scouts do worry about his swing mechanics a bit, but overall he’s got plenty of power and blends it with a feel for hitting. His offense was in a bit of funk after he got back from his suspension, but now he’s hitting .324 in May and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him end the year in Double-A.
Soler and Baez at #11 & 12 on Baseball America's weekly hot sheet.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/prospect-hot...
Give jd a few years and put one of his kids in the Cubs system, then compare them.
Soriano's lack of awareness carries on past the diamond....
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/24/alfonso-soriano-is-tired-of...
says he's tired of losing, doesn't want to be on a team with a bad record
yet is still on team with bad record after not wanting to be traded to Giants last year
a bit hard to hear...and a heavy on "bad" language (and humor)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Q8xga6P_0
Black Like Me By Mark Grace
http://deadspin.com/old-scouting-report-on-mark-gr...
a little less than 2 weeks til the draft...
M.Appel - 98.1ip 77h 21bb 121k - 2.20era
J.Gray - 110ip 69h 21bb 127k - 1.55era
K.Bryant - 203ab 69h 12db 30hr 60bb 38k 7/11sb - .340/.504 avg/ob% (9 errors/55 games playing 3rd)
Glad the love wasn't directed toward Gracie. Slumpbuster or jail bait.