Bleed Cubbie Blue - All PostsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2024-03-19T00:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/current/2024-03-19T00:00:00-05:002024-03-19T00:00:00-05:00BCB After Dark: The great Christopher Morel experiment
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<figcaption>Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The late-night/early-morning spot for Cubs fans asks you how many games at third base will Christopher Morel play.</p> <p id="YrenBi">It’s another week here at <em>BCB After Dark: the coolest club for night owls, early risers, new parents and </em><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/"><em>Cubs</em></a><em> fans abroad.</em> We are so glad to start out another week with you. New friends and old, all are welcome. There’s no cover charge. Ring in the new season with us. Grab any available table or join a friend. Bring your own beverage.</p>
<p id="Te7NZM"><em>BCB After Dark</em> is the place for you to talk baseball, music, movies, or anything else you need to get off your chest, as long as it is within the rules of the site. The late-nighters are encouraged to get the party started, but everyone else is invited to join in as you wake up the next morning and into the afternoon.</p>
<p id="7k7SHj">Last week I asked you if you thought that <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/14/24100315/bcb-after-dark-chicago-cubs-david-bote-opening-day-roster">David Bote would make the Cubs’ Opening Day roster.</a> By a margin of 69 percent to 31 percent, you think Bote and his contract are heading back to Des Moines, at least to start the year.</p>
<p id="mHziDr">Here’s the part where we listen to music and talk movies. You’re free to skip ahead to the Cubs stuff at the end. You won’t hurt my feelings.</p>
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<p id="jlXBaZ">It’s been a long time since I featured saxophonist Sonny Rollins in this space, so I thought I’d rectify that this evening. This is Rollins in Sweden in 1959 playing “Love Letters.” Henry Grimes is on bass and Joe Harris mans the drums.</p>
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<p id="Cf0AUM">It’s been a while since I’ve had to throw out a movie question for discussion. But the tournament is over and I’ve run out of films to write about this evening. I have seen one indie film since we met here last (and it’s less than ten years old!) but I’m really not prepared to write about it intelligently tonight. I’ll say it was pretty good though. Despite being an indie, it featured an Academy Award winner (albeit before she won but she was already famous), a five-time nominee and two one-time Oscar nominees. </p>
<p id="gFE9Rh">So building off what <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/14/24100315/bcb-after-dark-chicago-cubs-david-bote-opening-day-roster">I wrote about <em>Walk on the Wild Side</em> last week</a>, tell us a movie that you disliked despite featuring some actors that you really like? I watched <em>Walk on the Wild Side</em> because Barbara Stanwyck was in it (despite being fifth-billed) and Stanwyck is a top-five actress of all time in my book. (Did you know Stanwyck and her first husband were reportedly the inspiration for the original <em>A Star is Born</em>? By the way, her first husband, Frank Fay, was a really awful person. He was a huge Vaudeville star at one point and is now thankfully forgotten.) </p>
<p id="S7DvBN">Oh, I got off track there. Stanwyck is older (mid-fifties) in <em>Walk on the Wild Side</em> and is clearly just going through the motions of a bad movie. Neither Jane Fonda nor Laurence Harvey, who had much bigger parts in this movie, are among my favorite actors of all time, but both have been in films that I very much enjoyed and turned in performances that I thought were excellent. <em>Klute</em> and <em>The Manchurian Candidate</em> to name just one for each of them. They’re good actors in a bad movie. </p>
<p id="dT3rXG">So have you ever watched a movie that you thought you’d like with an actor you enjoy that you just didn’t? I actually have an example of a film I really enjoyed but I could tell the people in the audience with me did not. I found the 2006 film <em>Stranger than Fiction,</em> starring Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Queen Latifah and Emma Thompson, to be a very clever and enjoyable offbeat rom-com. I mean, if you looked at the credits past Will Ferrell, what else would you expect? But I was in a theater with a bunch of young men who were expecting <em>Old School</em> or <em>Anchorman</em> and I can tell you they were not happy. So I’ll allow you to throw out a film for discussion that you just didn’t like because it wasn’t what you were expecting or it just wasn’t your style, even if you might grudgingly admit that others might find it better. </p>
<p id="ZwlOEX">That’s me with <em>Field of Dreams.</em> I’d read the book and I was looking forward to seeing it. I certainly liked Kevin Costner in <em>The Untouchables</em> and <em>Bull Durham. </em>It got mostly good reviews. But after renting the VHS tape (remember those?) and watching it, I wondered why everyone was saying how good it was. I still think it’s terrible. But I guess I can see some aspects of <em>Field of Dreams</em> that would appeal to other people.</p>
<p id="PjZKWf">So what movies did you expect to like with actors that you liked that you just didn’t like?</p>
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<p id="c3GRuL">Welcome back to everyone who skips the music and the movies.</p>
<p id="eu6xu7">It seems like the Cubs are committed to putting Christopher Morel at third base, at least to start the season. They really don’t have a lot of other choices. Nick Madrigal, who certainly surprised me last year by being pretty solid defensively at third base, looks to me like he’s going to start the season on the injured list. On top of that, he doesn’t hit much anyway. </p>
<p id="qf6DF3">The other choices to play third base are Patrick Wisdom, Miles Mastrobuoni and David Bote. I think we talked about Bote enough last time—the general consensus is that he stays in Iowa. Wisdom gives the Cubs light-tower power and not a whole lot else. Plus, he’s probably going to be in a platoon at first base with Michael Busch. Mastrobuoni can handle third base defensively, but he’s not much of a hitter. </p>
<p id="I6OBwX">As much as I, the minor league guy, would like to see Matt Shaw or BJ Murray get a shot, I realize that’s probably not the best decision either for the Cubs or the prospects. Maybe later in the season, but not in April.</p>
<p id="nw3J3e">So that leaves us with Morel. Obviously Morel has tremendous power. He’s hit 42 home runs in just 220 career games. He doesn’t hit many cheapies, either. </p>
<p id="PE6nSD">Morel certainly strikes out more than you would like, but his 31 percent K-rate isn’t terrible for a power hitter. You’d like to see more walks and a higher OBP, but again, last year’s .313 OBP isn’t terrible. It’s not good, but it’s not bad for someone with that much power.</p>
<p id="H0auH5">So the issue becomes, can Morel handle third base? On some plays in Spring Training, he looks terrific. On others, he looks terrible. The biggest problem is his arm. The arm is certainly strong enough to play third base, but sometimes his mechanics on a throw get all messed up. His arm slot drops and then neither he nor anyone at first base has any idea where the ball is going. Ironically, I think Morel does better on the hard plays and worse on ones that he has more time to think. But I admit that I haven’t watched a lot of Spring Training games this season and the last time I saw Morel play a significant number of games at third base was 2021 and he was in the minors.</p>
<p id="WPdI3V">Manager Craig Counsell says that he’s not worried about Morel’s errors this spring, saying that “you learn from mistakes.” I guess we’ll find out quickly if he meant that or whether he was just trying to keep Morel’s confidence up. </p>
<p id="DVmTSo"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5325015%2F2024%2F03%2F08%2Fcubs-christopher-morel-third-base-2%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F19%2F24105521%2Fbcb-after-dark-chicago-cubs-christopher-morel-third-base-errors" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">More on Morel’s defense</a> comes from Sahadev Sharma in <em>The Athletic</em> earlier this month. (sub. req.)</p>
<p id="B31nhv">So how many games will Christopher Morel play at third base this year? Do you think that this experiment will be a failure and Morel will get moved to another position (or DH) quickly? Or do you think it will be a success and he’ll play there all year? Somewhere in between?</p>
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<p id="DJ92hn">Thanks for stopping in this evening. I hope you enjoyed yourself. Let us know if we can do anything else for you. Please recycle any cans and bottles. Get home safely. Tip your waitstaff. And join us again tomorrow evening for more <em>BCB After Dark.</em></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/19/24105521/bcb-after-dark-chicago-cubs-christopher-morel-third-base-errorsJosh Timmers2024-03-18T13:00:00-05:002024-03-18T13:00:00-05:002024 Cubs player profiles: Outfielders
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<figcaption>Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The first in a four-part series. Today we thumbnail the Cubs’ starting outfield and backup candidates.</p> <p id="dwKRLy">Halfway through Spring Training, a spot or two in the outfield remain open. Ian Happ, Cody Bellinger, and Seiya Suzuki are the starters, with MIke Tauchman the fourth man and Player X still to be determined. </p>
<p id="eZhwgy">Alexander Canario would seem to have the inside track as the fifth man, with David Peralta maybe the best sixth option, assuming that the Cubs want PCA to get regular at-bats in Iowa.</p>
<p id="VQr1El">Ian Happ is back, and I don’t see the Cubs carrying a sixth outfielder. Peralta would have to be added to the 40-man roster, and it’s hard to see who would give up a spot. Canario and Tauchman can play all outfield positions and several of the infielders can patrol the outfield as well.</p>
<p id="mwqTvc">That said, the outfield has a shot at being one of the best units in MLB. Let’s look at them individually:</p>
<h3 id="6X8rjT"><strong>Starters</strong></h3>
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<cite>Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="L05ABE"><strong>Ian Happ</strong></h3>
<p id="kwfKGH"><strong>Career line:</strong> .249/.343/.454</p>
<p id="l5AZMy"><strong>2023:</strong> .248/.360/.431</p>
<p id="V5FMl7"><strong>Outlook:</strong> This is what Happ is, a medium-power outfielder with a medium glove who hits from both sides of the plate and will take a walk. His numbers suggest he should lead off but he isn’t especially good at that. His consistency has become his strength, something that wouldn’t have been apparent earlier in Happ’s career. He’s signed through 2026 but several minor leaguers have the potential to interrupt his stay in Chicago. Still, he’s the team’s player rep, is popular with the fans, and sells really good coffee.</p>
<p id="13Q3Ve">He’s going to hit between 20-25 homers and play every day. I’d like a little more BA for a third-spot hitter but he’ll do. Fifth or sixth would be preferable, though.</p>
<p id="FCBgAj">My eye says his best comp is José Cruz. That’s a good player.</p>
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<img alt="Colorado Rockies v Chicago Cubs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iBB_Iy9ew5mOorCMFUBbwjqw3jQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338183/1718825154.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="kdfE5D"><strong>Cody Bellinger</strong></h3>
<p id="Qp9QTJ"><strong>Career line:</strong> .256/.335/.493</p>
<p id="B9MwRX"><strong>2023:</strong> .307/.356/.525</p>
<p id="6qTc8r"><strong>Outlook:</strong> Bellinger was an easy pick for Comeback Player of the Year once I saw him in action. His injuries were behind him and he Rizzo’d his swing, allowing him more elbow room with two strikes and a ton of oppo liners.</p>
<p id="xVYQEc">It was great to see the Cubs sign him, and to such a realistic deal. He’s the bird in the hand right now — the way to win a job is to beat out the incumbent. Of course, if he stays, the Cubs will have to open the checkbook to an unseemly degree. I suspect he might grow a little more thump in 2024. Michael Busch will have to be really good to keep Bellinger away from first base in 2025, when we presume PCA will be ready to assume center field.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="oSkQB2"><strong>Seiya Suzuki</strong></h3>
<p id="3OBzKv"><strong>Career line:</strong> .275/.348/.463</p>
<p id="JIPdDQ"><strong>2023:</strong> .285/.357/.485</p>
<p id="jlDj8q"><strong>Outlook:</strong> Suzuki gets better and better as he goes on, learns the league and what it requires from his body. He’s put on some muscle in the offseason and he has been barreling the ball in the spring. I’m looking for 25-30 HR and 80-100 RBI from Suzuki, who might be the best pure hitter on the team.</p>
<p id="2Lbh5a">It looks like he’s scheduled for the two-spot and that’s a good thing. Suzuki can legitimately rake, has good speed and instincts, and should be a plus from that place in the lineup, no matter who leads off.</p>
<p id="Jo7vUq">His outfield play is not special, but he’s competent enough. The Cubs starting outfield is going to be a key to the team’s fortunes. We’re talking about 60+ home runs and 250+ RBI.</p>
<h3 id="wyBmuQ"><strong>Backups</strong></h3>
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<img alt="Chicago Cubs v Kansas City Royals" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eX_eDxe3yRq8XA_dwPPtGxifdmM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338188/2041570347.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="bjcN1S"><strong>Mike Tauchman</strong></h3>
<p id="tSWAoZ"><strong>Career line:</strong> .249/.340/.377</p>
<p id="4I6pQ4"><strong>2023:</strong> .252/.363/.377</p>
<p id="CXA5aO"><strong>Outlook:</strong> Tauchman is the team’s No. 4 outfielder, has the ability to play all three spots defensively, and will give you a professional at-bat. He doesn’t exactly hurt you out there but he’s way on the plus side of 30 and the road is getting shorter. He has decent power when he turns on the ball but that really isn’t his game.</p>
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<img alt="Chicago White Sox v Chicago Cubs" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mnBQO6U_BDSDA6xb_Y3-Tt7Krj0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338195/2033877139.jpg">
<cite>Photo by David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="x4EKSt"><strong>Alexander Canario</strong></h3>
<p id="aiAx46"><strong>Career line (minors):</strong> .264/.346/.499</p>
<p id="0ILNRN"><strong>2023:</strong> .294/.294./.647</p>
<p id="n9b1DX"><strong>Outlook:</strong> Canario has excellent power but questionable strike-zone judgement. He does not walk much but his SLG is going to be high. He’s going to have to work to get and maintain a spot with some challenges from below as Brennen Davis and Kevin Alcantara ply their trade in the minor leagues, and depending on results, could be a candidate for the Nelson Maldonado treatment. His glove is decent from all three OF slots.</p>
<p id="tOVgcM">Right now, he’s a near-lock for the No. 5 outfielder spot as his competition has already been farmed, and he’ll possibly share DH duties with someone who bats from the left side. That could be Tauchman, Miles Mastrobuoni, or Matt Mervis, depending on how things shake out. We’ll look at the very fluid DH scenario soon.</p>
<p id="cCVXgI"><strong>NEXT UP:</strong> Infielders.</p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/18/24101253/2024-cubs-player-profiles-outfielders-ian-happ-seiya-suzuki-cody-bellingerDuane Pesice2024-03-18T09:30:00-05:002024-03-18T09:30:00-05:00Another look at the Cubs’ possible 2024 Opening Day roster
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<figcaption>The Cubs open the 2024 season at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas | Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We are 10 days from the season opener at Texas.</p> <p id="biDo0v">Sunday, <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/17/24103945/cubs-reduce-spring-roster-to-42">the Cubs announced more spring roster cuts</a>, reducing the total number of players still in camp to 42.</p>
<p id="Oz9g3F">Let’s have a look at those remaining, and see if we can suss out who’s going to be standing along the baseline at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas for player introductions 10 days from today.</p>
<h3 id="zdFlby">Starting pitchers</h3>
<p id="mTVGHF">As of now, it appears Jameson Taillon will open the season on the injured list, though <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-starting-rotation-plans-for-2024-regular-season">per this article</a> he appears to be making progress and might miss only one or two starts.</p>
<p id="ibWzT4">For now, let’s go with Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Shõta Imanaga, Jordan Wicks and Drew Smyly.</p>
<p id="IO2FKV">Caleb Kilian will almost certainly begin the year on the 60-day injured list.</p>
<h3 id="zqyVpa">Relief pitchers</h3>
<p id="5Wb3nG">The following relievers remain in camp, in alphabetical order, non-roster pitchers indicated with an asterisk:</p>
<p id="WQgqVk">Yency Almonte, Adbert Alzolay, Javier Assad, Colten Brewer*, Jose Cuas, Carl Edwards Jr.*, Edwin Escobar*, Mark Leiter Jr., Luke Little, Richard Lovelady*, Julian Merryweather, Hector Neris, Daniel Palencia, Thomas Pannone*, Hayden Wesneski</p>
<p id="BgWvvg">That’s 15 pitchers for eight spots. Though a couple of the non-roster guys have thrown well this spring, I doubt there’s any room for any of them on the Opening Day roster. Some of them have opt-outs; others could wind up at Triple-A Iowa.</p>
<p id="uGbQnq">There are five non-roster pitchers remaining. That leaves 10 pitchers for eight spots. Cuas, Little, Palencia and Wesneski have options left, so it seems likely that two of those four will head to Iowa and the others will remain.</p>
<p id="hnSQ05">That leaves Almonte, Alzolay, Assas, Leiter, Merryweather, Neris for sure and two of Cuas, Little, Palencia and Wesneski. Personally? I’d keep Little and Wesneski, but Craig Counsell’s opinion is the one that matters. We haven’t heard specifics, yet.</p>
<h3 id="Pl5kDj">Catchers</h3>
<p id="mDvB4S">Yan Gomes and Miguel Amaya will open the season as the Cubs’ two catchers. Jorge Alfaro and Joe Hudson remain as non-roster guys. One of them probably heads to Iowa as the “break glass in case of emergency” catcher, the other probably leaves the organization.</p>
<h3 id="H1DSiV">Infielders</h3>
<p id="EMvBlj">The following infielders remain in camp: Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson, Christopher Morel, Nick Madrigal, Miles Mastrobuoni, Patrick Wisdom and non-roster players David Bote, Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith.</p>
<p id="1jpuBP">Busch, Hoerner, Swanson and Morel are locks. Madrigal hasn’t played since February 28 and could start the year on the IL. I would think Wisdom has a leg up on some of the others because of his power potential and the fact that he can play first base, third base and two outfield positions. </p>
<p id="5VcZ5q">Assuming the Cubs keep six infielders, that leaves one spot between Bote, Mastrobuoni, Cooper and Smith. The latter two have not played much lately and I suspect they’re both let go soon.</p>
<p id="M98TJC">So the way I see it, it’s Bote or Mastrobuoni for the last infield spot. Both can play multiple positions. Bote’s a non-roster guy and would need a 40-man spot. We’ve been over this many times. I think they’ll find room. Craig Counsell seems to like him.</p>
<p id="3V2IfC">As always, we await developments.</p>
<h3 id="NdbLxu">Outfielders</h3>
<p id="I8rrQf">Ian Happ played Sunday for the first time in 16 days. It would seem he’ll be ready for Opening Day. Happ, Cody Bellinger, Seiya Suzuki and Mike Tauchman are locks (Counsell has already told Tauchman he’ll be on the Opening Day roster).</p>
<p id="HxcMUP">So that leaves, essentially, two players for one spot: Alexander Canario or David Peralta. Peralta has played in just three games this spring and would also need a 40-man spot. On the other hand. Canario might be better served getting everyday at-bats at Iowa instead of being the fifth outfielder in Chicago.</p>
<p id="pcz8t4">I’m not sure who Counsell and the brass will pick between those two.</p>
<p id="MmqBcW">That’s how I see the Opening Day roster as of now.</p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/18/24104760/cubs-possible-2024-opening-day-rosterAl Yellon2024-03-18T07:00:00-05:002024-03-18T07:00:00-05:00Outside The Confines: Little bit o’ Seoul
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<figcaption>Photo by Gene Wang/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Dodgers and Padres arrive in Seoul. Teams are dealing with injuries. </p> <p id="XLZEO4">I believe it is the AP style guide that any story about Korea has to have some kind of Seoul/Soul pun in the headlines.</p>
<ul>
<li id="EfJeDt">Thomas Harrigan has <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-seoul-series-2024-faq-dodgers-padres">what you need to know about the Seoul Series.</a>
</li>
<li id="6ZqPIx">Fabian Ardaya notes that the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5346101%2F2024%2F03%2F16%2Fdodgers-arrive-korea-series%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104612%2Foutside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-cease" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Dodgers got a rock star-like greeting from the fans when they arrived in Seoul.</a> (<em>The Athletic</em> sub. req.)</li>
<li id="cNm6Hv">Karl Ravech and Eduardo Perez will be calling the Seoul Series for ESPN. They spoke with Bob Nightengale about <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fmlb%2Fcolumnist%2Fbob-nightengale%2F2024%2F03%2F17%2Fpadres-dodgers-pandemic-espn-karl-ravech-eduardo-perez%2F73000437007%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104612%2Foutside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-cease" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">their memories of calling KBO games during the COVID pandemic.</a> They are glad to be calling games in Korea in person this time instead of from 7000 miles away. </li>
<li id="DF2vLx">The Padres were already boarding the plane to Korea when the Dylan Cease trade happened. Do-Hyoung Park explains <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/dylan-cease-seoul-series-journey?partnerId=it-20240317-9315097-mlb-1-A&utm_id=it-20240317-9315097-mlb-1-A&lctg=94079420">the mad scramble that managed to get Cease to Seoul.</a> He had to fly commercial.</li>
<li id="BMU3gc">Cease and the Padres tell Dennis Lin <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5347677%2F2024%2F03%2F17%2Fdylan-cease-padres-south-korea%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104612%2Foutside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-cease" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">why it was so important for him to make it to Seoul for the series.</a> (<em>The Athletic</em> sub. req.)</li>
<li id="NOaCiB">Eno Sarris evaluates where the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5342662%2F2024%2F03%2F14%2Fpadres-mlb-best-rotations-dylan-cease%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104612%2Foutside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-cease" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Padres starting rotation ranks with the addition of Cease</a>. (<em>The Athletic</em> sub. req.)</li>
<li id="Dh4RVx">In light of the Cease deal, R.J. Anderson looks at <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/dylan-cease-trade-examining-a-j-pellers-penchant-for-trading-away-padres-top-prospects-over-past-decade/">what exactly is Padres GM AJ Preller’s record on trading away prospects.</a>
</li>
<li id="RTG8V2">Do-Hyoung Park notes that <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/korea-cheer-squads-creating-festive-atmosphere-for-mlb-games">cheer squads and songs are an important part of the Korean baseball experience.</a> Both the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and the Padres have been given their own cheer squads.</li>
<li id="LPQ5aj">And dance squads! Here is the official Dodgers’ dance squad.</li>
</ul>
<div id="QL3eK9">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/DFY8oMHOQi">pic.twitter.com/DFY8oMHOQi</a></p>— Dodgers_Dougout (@Dodgers_Dougout) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dodgers_Dougout/status/1769206968848396639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<ul>
<li id="Ui8Z1P">Shohei Ohtani’s bride has been revealed! Meet <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5344635%2F2024%2F03%2F15%2Fmamiko-tanaka-profile-shohei-ohtani%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104612%2Foutside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-cease" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mamiko Tanaka, a six-foot-tall retired Japanese professional basketball player.</a> (<em>The Athletic</em> sub. req.)</li>
<li id="WT04Ls">Back to the Cease deal, Bob Nightengale notes that the <a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a> left the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fmlb%2Fcolumnist%2Fbob-nightengale%2F2024%2F03%2F14%2Fdylan-cease-trade-white-sox-padres%2F72972072007%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bleedcubbieblue.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104612%2Foutside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-cease" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Yankees hanging by dealing Cease to the Padres when they did.</a>
</li>
<li id="bbfG37">The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> could have had Cease had they agreed to trade outfield prospect Spencer Jones. <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39723388/new-york-yankees-spencer-jones-future-lefty-aaron-judge">Meet Spencer Jones, the prospect that the Yankees believe is too good to deal.</a> They call him a left-handed Aaron Judge. </li>
<li id="6Hcdmh">The Yankees got some good news as ace Gerrit Cole will not need surgery. However, <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/gerrit-cole-to-avoid-throwing-for-three-to-four-weeks">Cole is being shut down for the next three-to-four weeks.</a> So he’s probably out a minimum of two months, if everything goes well. </li>
<li id="fBuYLq">Third baseman J.D. Davis has <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39742323/oakland-athletics-jd-davis-reach-1-year-25-million-deal">agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Athletics</a>. There are also another million in incentives. </li>
<li id="z4UDDN">Davis says <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/j-d-davis-grateful-for-opportunity-to-play-with-oakland-a-s">he was eager to play on the other side of the Bay and for A’s manager Mark Kotsay</a>, who is a legend at Cal-State Fullerton, their mutual alma mater. </li>
<li id="ftkroE">Outfielder <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39745013/veteran-kole-calhoun-retires-12-year-career">Kole Calhoun has retired after a 12-year career. </a>
</li>
<li id="1E4HlL">Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen will <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39738042/blue-jays-catcher-danny-jansen-2-weeks-wrist-fracture">miss at least two weeks with a wrist fracture.</a>
</li>
<li id="qje08p">Brian Murphy has <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-pitchers-who-must-step-up-for-injured-teammates-in-2024">ten pitchers who need to step up after injuries to their teammates.</a>
</li>
<li id="LIc3Qg">Michael Baumann examines <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/devin-williams-is-out-for-three-months-how-will-milwaukee-cope/">how the Brewers will deal with the injury to their closer Devin Williams.</a> </li>
<li id="U6q8F6">
<a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> owner Steve Cohen says <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39752676/mets-steven-cohen-expect-new-pete-alonso-deal-2024">there have been no talks about a contract extension for first baseman Pete Alonso</a> and that he doesn’t expect any before Alonso reaches free agency after the season. </li>
<li id="hP5C8i">However, the Rockies are <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/bud-black-rockies-contract-discussions-2024">talking contract extension with manager Bud Black.</a> Honestly, I do not understand the Rockies. </li>
<li id="EvGznU">Davy Andrews is <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/its-time-to-get-excited-about-oneil-cruz-and-elly-de-la-cruz/">excited about two young NL Central players</a>—the Pirates Oneil Cruz and the Reds Elly De La Cruz. He thinks you should be too. Does he know you are a <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> fan?</li>
<li id="rrBqzx">Tom Verducci <a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2024/03/15/tigers-ace-tarik-skubal-steps-into-the-spotlight-as-detroits-opening-day-starter">profiles Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.</a> </li>
<li id="aDXg72">Anthony Castrovince lists <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-teams-that-made-the-best-offseason-moves-2023-24">the 12 teams that had the best offseason.</a>
</li>
<li id="gBhU9e">Will Leitch and Mike Petriello <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/drafting-2024-world-series-contenders">draft teams by how likely they are to win the World Series.</a>
</li>
<li id="UDohIP">David Laurila speaks with <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> rookie <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes-orion-kerkering-studies-for-a-doctorate-in-sliders/">Orion Kerkering about how he’s working to improve his slider.</a>
</li>
<li id="RVPTBN">Tess Taruskin has part two of <a href="https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-visual-scouting-primer-hitting-part-two/">her series explaining scouting terms about hitting</a>. It’s worth checking out. </li>
<li id="hCpJbv">R.J. Anderson has three college players who have <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2024-mlb-draft-risers-fallers-after-one-month-of-college-baseball-including-two-way-player-strikeout-king/">helped their draft stock and three who have hurt it</a> so far this year. </li>
<li id="w32itf">Anthony Castrovince has t<a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/pete-reiser-s-impact-on-major-league-baseball">he story of Pete Reiser, the outfielder who might have been a Hall of Famer</a> if he could have just taken it a little easier. Reiser almost killed himself making a catch in center field at Ebbets Field when his head hit the wall. But he hung on to the ball. </li>
<li id="00BctF">And finally, in honor of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, Matt Monagan <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/purdue-s-zach-edey-was-a-great-baseball-player">checks in with 7’4” Purdue star Zach Edey, whose first love was baseball.</a> He didn’t play basketball until he was a sophomore in high school because he was so determined to become a major league pitcher. So imagine Randy Johnson plus six inches on the mound. If Randy Johnson was terrifying, what would Zach Edey have been?</li>
</ul>
<p id="0U0lpR">And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster.</p>
<p id="27vMph"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/18/24104612/outside-the-confines-mlb-news-seoul-series-dodgers-padres-shohei-ohtani-dylan-ceaseJosh Timmers2024-03-18T06:00:00-05:002024-03-18T06:00:00-05:00Baseball history unpacked, March 18
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rJhIy__aoNQmouXE6LZWBX7OnBQ=/1277x77:2819x1105/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214659/812871964.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Lau, coaching with the Yankees in 1981 | Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios via Getty Images Studios/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A M-W-F digest, replete with #Cubs, #MLB, and #MiLB content, gathered from reputable sources. Charlie Lau passes, and other stories.</p> <p id="bV5rYU">On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/"><strong>Bleed Cubbie Blue</strong></a> is pleased to present a light-hearted,<em> </em><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/"><strong>Cubs</strong></a>-centric look at baseball’s colorful past, with plenty of <em>the lore</em> and various narratives to follow as they unfold over the course of time. <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/history/timeline01.jsp"><strong>Here’s a handy Cubs timeline</strong></a>, to help you follow along.</p>
<p id="vXCZsb"><strong>Today in baseball history:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="8l89w0">
<strong>1886</strong> - The <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/New_York_State_League">New York State League</a> admits clubs from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Buffalo,_NY">Buffalo</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Toronto,_ON">Toronto</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Hamilton,_ON">Hamilton</a>. The inclusion of the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Canada">Canadian</a> teams causes the league to change its name to the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/International_League">International League</a>. (2)</li>
<li id="otkz0W">
<strong>1942</strong> - Two black players, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jackie_Robinson">Jackie Robinson</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Nate_Moreland">Nate Moreland</a>, request a tryout with the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1942_White_Sox">Chicago White Sox</a> during <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Spring_training">spring training</a> in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Pasadena,_CA">Pasadena, California</a>. Sox <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Manager">manager</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jimmie_Dykes">Jimmie Dykes</a> allows the two to work out but later dismisses them. Robinson will have to wait five years before making his major league debut. (1,2)</li>
<li id="rEaiT9">
<strong>1943</strong> - Due to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/World_War_II">wartime</a> travel restrictions, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Spring_training">spring training</a> camps begin opening in northern locations. Some of the locales include <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Bear_Mountain,_NY">Bear Mountain, New York</a> (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1943_Dodgers">Brooklyn Dodgers</a>), <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/French_Lick,_IN">French Lick Springs, Indiana</a> (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1943_Cubs">Cubs</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1943_White_Sox">White Sox</a>), <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Asbury_Park,_NJ">Asbury Park, New Jersey</a> (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1943_Yankees">Yankees</a>), <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Medford,_MA">Medford, Massachusetts</a> (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1943_Red_Sox">Boston Red Sox</a>) and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Wallingford,_CT">Wallingford, Connecticut</a> (<a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1943_Braves">Boston Braves</a>). (2)</li>
<li id="bYwWoo">
<strong>1953</strong> - The <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1953_Braves">Milwaukee Braves</a> become the first franchise to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Relocation">move</a> since <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1903">1903</a>, when the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Baltimore_Orioles_(1901-1902)">Baltimore Orioles</a> became the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/New_York_Highlanders">New York Highlanders</a>. The Braves have been in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Boston,_MA">Boston, MA</a> for 77 years. In a related move, the minor league <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Milwaukee_Brewers_(AA)">Milwaukee Brewers</a> move to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Toledo,_OH">Toledo, Ohio</a>, where they become the latest incarnation of the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Toledo_Mud_Hens">Toledo Mud Hens</a>. (1,2)</li>
<li id="gdmI8r">
<strong>1970</strong> - The <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1970_Indians">Cleveland Indians</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1970_Brewers">Seattle Pilots</a> play an <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Exhibition_game">exhibition game</a> with the experimental X-5 <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Baseball_(equipment)">ball</a>, which is reported to be five per cent livelier than a regulation ball. The Pilots beat the Indians, 19-14. One week later, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Commissioner">Commissioner</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Bowie_Kuhn">Bowie Kuhn</a> orders the livelier ball to be discontinued. (2)</li>
<li id="azTcjL">
<strong>1984</strong> - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Charlie_Lau">Charlie Lau</a>, renowned batting instructor, dies in <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Key_Colony_Beach,_FL">Key Colony Beach, FL</a>, at age 50 after a long bout with cancer. Lau, whose major league career <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Batting_average">batting average</a> was .255, earned his fame as the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Kansas_City_Royals">Kansas City Royals</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Hitting_coach">batting coach</a> from <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1971_Royals">1971</a> to <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1978_Royals">1978</a>, where his star pupil was <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/George_Brett">George Brett</a>. Lau also served as a batting coach for the <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Baltimore_Orioles">Baltimore Orioles</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Oakland_Athletics">Oakland Athletics</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/New_York_Yankees">New York Yankees</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Chicago_White_Sox">Chicago White Sox</a> and wrote a book called <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/The_Art_of_Hitting_.300"><em>The Art of Hitting .300</em></a>. (1,2)</li>
<li id="2Hyxvy">
<strong>1985</strong> - <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Commissioner">Commissioner</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Peter_Ueberroth">Peter Ueberroth</a> reinstates <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Hall_of_Fame_members">Hall of Fame members</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Willie_Mays">Willie Mays</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Mickey_Mantle">Mickey Mantle</a>, who had been <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Blacklist">banned</a> from association with <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Organized_baseball">organized baseball</a> by former commissioner <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Bowie_Kuhn">Bowie Kuhn</a> due to their employment by <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Atlantic_City,_NJ">Atlantic City</a> casinos. Ueberroth’s ruling will allow both men to pursue employment with major league teams. (1,2)</li>
<li id="VJBvLr">
<strong>1990</strong> - Major league players and owners reach a new <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Collective_bargaining_agreement">collective bargaining agreement</a> that will end the 32-day <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Strike_(labor)#1990">lockout</a> of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Spring_training">spring training</a> camps. Highlights of the deal include increasing the clubs’ contributions to the players’ pension fund, raising the major league <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Minimum_salary">minimum salary</a> to $100,000, and a compromise on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Salary_arbitration">salary arbitration</a> that leaves 17 percent of players with between two and three years of major league experience eligible. (1,2)</li>
<li id="G30wfS">
<strong>2009</strong> - The <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Chicago_Cubs">Chicago Cubs</a> announce that they will retire <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Uniform_number">number</a> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/31">31</a> on <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/May_3">May 3rd</a> in honor of <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Ferguson_Jenkins">Ferguson Jenkins</a> and <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Greg_Maddux">Greg Maddux</a>. (2)</li>
</ul>
<p id="rKbjHr"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/"><strong>Cubs</strong></a><strong> birthdays: </strong><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/callani01.shtml">Jimmy Callahan</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bithohi01.shtml">Hiram Bithorn</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/littldi01.shtml">Dick Littlefield</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rodnefe01.shtml">Fernando Rodney</a>, <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mancitr01.shtml">Trey Mancini</a>.</p>
<p id="Xe7DpZ"><strong>Today in History:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="LdryS9">
<strong>37</strong> - Roman Senate annuls Tiberius’ will and proclaims Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (aka Caligula = Little Boots) emperor.</li>
<li id="zJdU6O">
<strong>1314</strong> - Jacques de Molay, the 23rd and the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, is burned at the stake by King Philip IV of France.</li>
<li id="Jp7ovV">
<strong>1662</strong> - First public bus service begins, promoted by Blaise Pascal, operates in Paris as the “Carosses a Cinq Sous” until 1675.</li>
<li id="8k8Jc3">
<strong>1881</strong> - Barnum & Bailey Circus, traveling as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, debuts at Madison Square Garden in New York City following the merger of two existing circus groups.</li>
<li id="MyRJnR">
<strong>1965</strong> - Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov leaves his spacecraft Voskhod 2 for 12 minutes and becomes the first person to conduct a spacewalk.</li>
</ul>
<p id="2WjISd"><strong>Common sources:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="jG6JRb">(1) — <a href="http://www.todayinbaseballhistory.com/"><strong>Today in Baseball History</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="Z9o2q5">(2) — <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/friv/birthdays.cgi"><strong>Baseball Reference</strong></a><strong>.</strong>
</li>
<li id="m9eWLx">(3) — <a href="https://sabr.org/"><strong>Society for American Baseball Research</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="oIox9D">(4) — <a href="https://baseballhall.org/"><strong>Baseball Hall of Fame</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="BKeTfd">(5) — <a href="http://www.thisdayinchicagocubshistory.com/"><strong>This Day in Chicago Cubs history</strong></a>.</li>
<li id="468gIN">
<a href="https://www.onthisday.com/"><strong>For world history</strong></a>.</li>
</ul>
<p id="desndh">*pictured.</p>
<p id="s2ePAG"><em>Some of these items spread from site to site without being verified. That is </em><em><strong>exactly</strong></em><em> why we ask for reputable sources if you have differences with a posted factoid. We are trying to set the record as straight as possible. But it isn’t brain surgery.</em></p>
<p id="7iHJ5h"><em>Also, the ‘history’ segment is highly edited for space and interest. Of course a great many other things happened on those days. We try to follow up on the interesting or unfamiliar ones.</em></p>
<p id="wgM98P"><em>And everything is subject to editorial oui.</em></p>
<p id="Y83Gej"><em>Thanks for reading.</em></p>
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https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/18/24103949/baseball-history-unpacked-march-18Duane Pesice2024-03-17T18:30:03-05:002024-03-17T18:30:03-05:00Cubs 8, Rangers 6: The power barrage continues
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<figcaption>Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Cubs sent more baseballs out of the yard Sunday at Sloan Park.</p> <p id="XBTiId"><strong>MESA, Arizona</strong> — The Cubs hosted many of the regulars from the defending World Series champion Rangers and put the hurt on them, hitting two home runs and smashing several other extra-base hits in an 8-6 victory. Since March 9, including split-squad games, the Cubs are 8-1. (Not that spring wins and losses mean anything, but wins are always nice.)</p>
<p id="tueh4Q">In the bottom of the first, Seiya Suzuki, who’s been on a tear lately, doubled with one out. He advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Cody Bellinger. Here are the double and the sac fly:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Seiya and Belli connect to get the Cubs on the board! <a href="https://t.co/WzQDsncgN4">pic.twitter.com/WzQDsncgN4</a></p>— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatchMarquee/status/1769460900505718983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="IxDzUU">The Cubs made it 2-0 in the third. Miguel Amaya singled with one out and scored on <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-03/17/1c608fcc-d724a1cc-dda130f7-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">this double by Ian Happ [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="LviJCx">Happ was playing in his first game since March 1. He’s been out with a hamstring injury. He didn’t seem restricted in running the bases, but I would guess he’ll be limited to DH duty for a while. There’s still a chance he could be ready for Opening Day — in fact, today’s lineup could very well be the Cubs’ Opening Day lineup, except with Yan Gomes catching instead of Amaya.</p>
<p id="49UQrf">Javier Assad threw three good innings to begin his outing, allowing a leadoff single in the first and then retiring nine straight Rangers. He got in trouble in the fourth, with three singles leading to a run. Still, it seemed a very good start for Assad, who threw around 60 pitches. <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-03/17/331df026-b2a39355-d11c4089-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Here are his four strikeouts [VIDEO].</a></p>
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<div><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com%2FFORGE%2F2024%2F2024-03%2F17%2F331df026-b2a39355-d11c4089-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4&key=9ef4a209439e42bc59783ba959d50197" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" allow="encrypted-media *;"></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="Qx6tlk">Most of the Cubs regulars were out of the game when they blew it open in the sixth. With one out, Bellinger walked and advanced to third on an error by Rangers pitcher Jose Ureña. Not that the base advances mattered, because <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-03/17/377223cb-7c36b4ea-ba86fd3f-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Jake Slaughter cleared ‘em with this three-run homer [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="0okREc">Nice call on the homer by Miguel Amaya!</p>
<p id="zD4G8T">Michael Busch followed with a triple and scored on a single by Nico Hoerner to make it 6-1, and <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-03/17/93332c94-13c29d3f-0dfb3068-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">another homer, by Cubs minor leaguer Christian Franklin, made the score 8-1 [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
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<p id="TBx5u1">That was on the first pitch thrown by Rangers lefty Chasen Shreve.</p>
<p id="F34RBw">Edwin Escobar, Sam McWilliams and Richard Lovelady let the Rangers back in the game, allowing a total of five runs, including two homers, in two innings. None of those guys will be on the Cubs Opening Day roster; some of them might be at Triple-A Iowa this year, and let’s hope they pitch better than they did Sunday.</p>
<p id="tVl3gl">Daniel Palencia, still vying for a roster spot, threw a 1-2-3 ninth to finish things up.</p>
<p id="kd3kxp"><strong>Attendance watch:</strong> 16,142 paid on a festive St. Patrick’s Day Sunday at Sloan Park. That’s just 10 short of the all-time Sloan Park (and Spring Training) record of 16,152, set February 25, 2023 against the Giants. That makes the season total for 13 dates 165,839, or 12,757 per date.</p>
<p id="Dqsba6">The Cubs have Monday off, their second and last off day of the spring schedule. They will face the Diamondbacks at Sloan Park Tuesday evening, their second home night game of spring 2024. Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to go for the Cubs. At this writing the D-backs do not have a starter listed. Game time Tuesday is 8:05 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports network.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/17/24104341/cubs-rangers-recap-seiya-suzuki-michael-busch-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2024-03-17T16:30:00-05:002024-03-17T16:30:00-05:00Overflow thread: Cubs vs. Rangers, Sunday 3/17, 3:05 CT
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<figcaption>Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="d4XLif">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2024/3/17/24103838/overflow-thread-cubs-vs-rangers-sunday-3-17-3-05-ctAl Yellon