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2016-04-24T09:15:03-05:00
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/11198795
2016-04-24T09:15:03-05:00
2016-04-24T09:15:03-05:00
Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 18
<figure>
<img alt="John Lackey in the early innings. Before the ball of twine started to unravel." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8NcKshkBdVKX--Hy3Z-SGAimMok=/0x195:2328x1747/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49388669/usa-today-9265806.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Lackey in the early innings. Before the ball of twine started to unravel. | David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Four consecutive hits to start the sixth inning, including a three-run homer, pushed John Lackey to the top of the Goat podium on Saturday night.</p> <p>As John Lennon once said, "Mama always told me there'd be days like these." Saturday night was one of those games where you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on.</p>
<p><b>Graphs for Game 18 </b>(courtesy of <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2016-04-23&team=Cubs&dh=0&season=2016" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Fangraphs</a>):</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Game 18 Chart 2016" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eU3uTh56d1gMZupQ5EErM2C-bjE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6381993/Game-018-2016.0.png">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>Stats for Game 18:</b></p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="299">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="83">
<p><b>Pitcher</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="28">
<p><b>IP</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p><b>H</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p><b>HR</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p><b>ER</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p><b>BB</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p><b>SO</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p><b>pLI</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p><b>WPA</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="83">
<p>C Richard</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="28">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.01</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.002</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="83">
<p>N Ramirez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="28">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.07</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.020</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="83">
<p>T Cahill</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="28">
<p align="right">0.1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.38</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.150</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="83">
<p>J Lackey</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="28">
<p align="right">5.2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">7</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">6</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">1.05</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.430</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="83">
<p><b>Total</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="28">
<p align="right"><b>8</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right"><b>14</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right"><b>4</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right"><b>13</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right"><b>4</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right"><b>9</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right"><b>0.64</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right"><b>-.601</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="327">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p><b>Batter</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p><b>AB</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p><b>R</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p><b>H</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p><b>HR</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p><b>RBI</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p><b>BB</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p><b>SO</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p><b>pLI</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p><b>WPA</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>D Fowler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.81</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">.250</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>A Russell</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.68</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">.178</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>K Bryant</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">1.06</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">.038</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>M Szczur</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.01</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">.000</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>J Soler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.15</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.004</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>B Zobrist</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.78</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.012</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>M Montero</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.73</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.029</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>J Heyward</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.95</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.044</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>A Rizzo</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.94</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.057</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>J Baez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">0.67</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.104</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p>J Lackey</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right">1.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right">-.113</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="89">
<p><b>Total</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right"><b>35</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right"><b>5</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="21">
<p align="right"><b>7</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right"><b>1</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="27">
<p align="right"><b>5</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="23">
<p align="right"><b>8</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="24">
<p align="right"><b>8</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="35">
<p align="right"><b>0.84</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="right"><b>.101</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><i>Writer's Note: </i><i>The daily selections of the three Heroes and three Goats are based solely on the top three and bottom three WPA scores for the game. <b>The selections are not based on my subjective opinion.</b></i></p>
<p><b>THE THREE HEROES: </b>Only three players on the positive side of the WPA fence, and if you saw the game you probably already know who they are.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Superhero -</b> <span>Dexter Fowler</span> (.250). A nice night overall for Fowler with his game-tying double pushing him to the top of the list.</li>
<li> <b>Hero -</b> <span>Addison Russell</span> (.178). Absolutely mashed his homer to left and had three walks -- one of the intentional variety -- to boot.</li>
<li> <b>Sidekick -</b> <span>Kris Bryant</span> (.038). Gave the Cubs a temporary lead in the fifth, but his other four missed chances with runners on kept him from advancing any higher in the Heroes.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>THE THREE GOATS: </b>The bumps continue as the -.113 hitting from John Lackey is moved out. It's the tenth podium bump so far this season; it took 29 games to reach the same mark in 2015.</p>
<ul>
<li> <b>Billy Goat -</b> <span>John Lackey</span> (-.430). The first three innings looked great. After that, however...</li>
<li> <b>Goat -</b> <span>Trevor Cahill</span> (-.150). Pro tip: Don't throw water on a grease fire. The results are never good.</li>
<li> <b>Kid -</b> <span>Javier Baez</span> (-.104). Lots of groundouts on the night, including a 6-4-3 variety.</li>
</ul>
<p><b>RANKINGS THROUGH GAME 18: </b>Fowler works himself back to the positive side of the ledger, while Lackey falls to the back of the pack in the starting rotation.</p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="327">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p><b>Heroes</b><b></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>1st</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>2nd</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>3rd</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center"><b>Total</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Anthony Rizzo</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">12.5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Dexter Fowler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">11</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jake Arrieta</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jason Hammel</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jon Lester</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Addison Russell</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jorge Soler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kris Bryant</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">7.5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Miguel Montero</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">7</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Adam Warren</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jason Heyward</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>John Lackey</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kyle Hendricks</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Matt Szczur</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Pedro Strop</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Ben Zobrist</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Hector Rondon</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>David Ross</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Justin Grimm</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Neil Ramirez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Tommy La Stella</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="47">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="319">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p><b>Goats</b><b></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>1st</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>2nd</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>3rd</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center"><b>Total</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Addison Russell</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">17</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jason Heyward</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">16</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kris Bryant</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">4.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">10.5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Dexter Fowler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">10</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Ben Zobrist</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">10</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Anthony Rizzo</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">8.5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>John Lackey</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jorge Soler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">6</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Trevor Cahill</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kyle Hendricks</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Miguel Montero</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Matt Szczur</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Pedro Strop</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Tommy La Stella</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>David Ross</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Javier Baez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jon Lester</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kyle Schwarber</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Neil Ramirez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Travis Wood</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="39">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="316">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p><b>Overall</b><b></b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center"><b>Hero</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center"><b>Goat</b></p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center"><b>+/-</b></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jake Arrieta</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jason Hammel</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jon Lester</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Anthony Rizzo</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">12.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">8.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Miguel Montero</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">7</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Adam Warren</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jorge Soler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">8</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">6</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Hector Rondon</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Dexter Fowler</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">11</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">10</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Justin Grimm</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Matt Szczur</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Pedro Strop</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>David Ross</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Neil Ramirez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kyle Hendricks</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Tommy La Stella</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Javier Baez</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kyle Schwarber</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Travis Wood</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">1</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-1</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Kris Bryant</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">7.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">10.5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>John Lackey</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">3</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">6</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-3</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Trevor Cahill</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">0</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">5</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-5</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Addison Russell</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">9</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">17</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Ben Zobrist</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">2</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">10</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-8</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="bottom" width="164">
<p>Jason Heyward</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">4</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">16</p>
</td>
<td valign="bottom" width="51">
<p align="center">-12</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/4/24/11497272/cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-18
Russ La Croix
2016-04-24T08:00:04-05:00
2016-04-24T08:00:04-05:00
Reds 13, Cubs 5: A Stinker
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VV_eAaZrLo4HklPzoU1rUVseBRg=/0x197:2594x1926/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49388443/usa-today-9266226.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Every team has one of these every once in a while.</p> <p>Remember the old Bugs Bunny line, "Ain't I a stinker?"</p>
<p>"Stinker" was what Saturday's <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2016_04_23_chnmlb_cinmlb_1" target="_blank">13-5 Cubs loss to the Reds was</a>, and it also reminded me of this Bugs Bunny cartoon:</p>
<p><img src="http://worldseriesdreaming.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/baseballbugsanimated.gif"></p>
<p>That's what this game felt like, at least while watching parades of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> runners cross the plate. It's the most runs the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> have allowed since <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201508310.shtml" target="_blank">August 31, 2015</a>, coincidentally, also against the Reds, that one at Wrigley Field. The good news is that last year's Cubs team followed that loss by winning eight of their next 10 games, and this year's bunch is certainly capable of doing that.</p>
<p>The summary of this one will be succinct, because I'm sure you don't want to hear all the gory details. The game was close until the bottom of the sixth, when <span>John Lackey</span> fell apart and <span>Trevor Cahill</span> wasn't much better; three Reds homers (two of them three-run shots) highlighted a seven-run inning for them.</p>
<p>The good thing about that is this: When the Cubs scored two runs in the seventh after being down 9-5, I had the sense that maybe they could still make a game of this. Because <span>Neil Ramirez</span> and <span>Clayton Richard</span> both got hit hard, it didn't happen, but that's how good the 2016 Cubs are. Even after taking a pitching pounding, they didn't seem completely out of it. That, of course, is a good thing.</p>
<p>Even in this horrific loss, there were still some positive things that happened. <span>Dexter Fowler</span> continued pounding baseballs, going 2-for-4 with a walk. As April begins to approach its end, <span>Jason Heyward</span> begins to heat up: he also had a pair of hits and a stolen base, and I suspect some power won't be too far away. <span>Addison Russell</span> <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/v617361683/?c_id=mlb" target="_blank">homered [VIDEO]</a>, walked three times and scored twice.</p>
<p>The Cubs certainly had enough chances to score; they left 11 men on base, even while going 3-for-14 with RISP. Many times, five runs is enough to win. (It would have been enough in 14 previous Cubs games this year, two of which they lost.) And even losing eight runs on their run differential so far this year, dropping it to +59, it's still 18 runs better than anyone else.</p>
<p><b>Cubs walk watch:</b> Go figure, right? The eight walks drawn is the third-highest total for the Cubs so far this season, and the largest in a defeat. They've now walked 93 times, 16 more than anyone else, and are averaging 5.17 walks per game. Pace: 837, which would break the major-league record. Obviously, it's unlikely the Cubs can keep up this walking pace.</p>
<p>Or can they?</p>
<p>That's all I've got for this recap, and you probably don't want to read much more about this game (I sure don't). The good news, as it generally is in baseball, that there's another game today. By winning, the Cubs could get out of Cincinnati winning three of four, which is what I was hoping for out of this series in the first place. <span>Jason Hammel</span> will pitch against <span>Alfredo Simon</span>. The game preview will post at 10:45 a.m. CT.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/4/24/11497114/cubs-reds-recap-john-lackey-addison-russell-mlb-scores
Al Yellon
2016-04-23T20:55:02-05:00
2016-04-23T20:55:02-05:00
Overflow Thread 3: Cubs vs. Reds, Saturday 4/23
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iJCfoT5dJ9xd4P0ZFH8bd7Y2wL8=/0x0:4104x2736/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49384721/GettyImages-523332102.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>----</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/4/23/11434866/overflow-thread-3-cubs-vs-reds-saturday-4-23-6-10-ct
Al Yellon
2016-04-23T20:10:03-05:00
2016-04-23T20:10:03-05:00
Overflow Thread 2: Cubs vs. Reds, Saturday 4/23
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6OSRAObZDUrNkg8ewzFNAcFSU9w=/0x750:2740x2577/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49384717/GettyImages-523332064.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>----</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/4/23/11434858/overflow-thread-2-cubs-vs-reds-saturday-4-23-6-10-ct
Al Yellon
2016-04-23T19:10:02-05:00
2016-04-23T19:10:02-05:00
Overflow Thread 1: Cubs vs. Reds, Saturday 4/23
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/37Ud1qiKv3rpgsK5i72jfJ2YosQ=/0x207:1542x1235/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49384713/usa-today-9264532.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>----</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/4/23/11434848/overflow-thread-1-cubs-vs-reds-saturday-4-23-6-10-ct
Al Yellon
2016-04-23T16:00:02-05:00
2016-04-23T16:00:02-05:00
Cubs vs. Reds Preview, Saturday 4/23, 6:10 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5tRC9kRo1hwgIlBhxEbEHQaeR5A=/0x0:4167x2778/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49384687/GettyImages-523332062.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs go for three straight over the Reds.</p> <p>Going to continue this theme because it's so impressive.</p>
<p>The Cubs have the best run differential in the major leagues at +67. Take out the blowouts of 16-0, 9-0 and 8-1 and it would be +36... still the best in the major leagues. By five runs.</p>
<p><b>More fun with numbers:</b> The Cubs are nine games over .500. The Cubs didn't get to nine games over .500 last year until July 7, and didn't <i>stay</i> nine games (or more) over .500 until August 1.</p>
<p>The dominance of the Cubs so far this year is not something we've been used to. But I think we can learn to be accustomed to this. Right?</p>
<p>Here are today's particulars.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<blockquote>
<pre>Fowler CF, Heyward RF, Bryant LF, Rizzo 1B, Zobrist 2B, Montero C, Baez 3B, Russell SS, Lackey P</pre>
</blockquote>
<p>Reds lineup:</p>
<blockquote>
<pre>Cozart SS, Suarez 3B, Votto 1B, Phillips 2B, Bruce RF, Mesoraco C, Duvall LF, Schebler CF, Straily P</pre>
</blockquote>
<center>
<p><span><img src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6215611/johnlackey2016.0.jpg"></span></p>
<span> </span>
<h2><span>John Lackey</span></h2>
<h2>vs</h2>
<p><span><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6364443/573185.0.jpg"></span></p>
<span> </span>
<h2><span>Dan Straily</span></h2>
</center>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201604130.shtml">Last week at Wrigley Field</a>, John Lackey held the Reds to two runs in 6⅔ innings. Then he had a better start against the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a>. The Cubs have scored buckets of runs in his starts already -- 28 in three starts this year. Any or all of the above would be great tonight. Current Reds are hitting .250 (36-for-144) against Lackey with five home runs, two of those by <span>Jay Bruce</span> and two by <span>Joey Votto</span>.</p>
<p>Say, here's Dan Straily, the somewhat-forgotten part of the trade that brought <span>Dexter Fowler</span> to the Cubs from the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Astros</a> (<span>Luis Valbuena</span> was the other part). Straily spent most of 2015 in Triple-A, was traded to the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a> at the end of spring training and three days later claimed by the Reds off waivers. He's made three relief appearances and one start this year. The start, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN201604180.shtml">April 18 against the Rockies</a>, wasn't bad. He pitched 2⅓ innings against the Cubs in the game Lackey started last week, and allowed two runs.</p>
<p>Today's game is on CSN Chicago.</p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp?ymd=20140401#date=4/23/2016" target="_blank">Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2016_04_23_chnmlb_cinmlb_1#game=2016_04_22_chnmlb_cinmlb_1,game_state=Live" target="_blank">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/CHC.shtml" target="_blank">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/events/508268/pregame" target="_blank">SB Nation game preview</a></p>
<p>Please visit our SB Nation <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reds</a> site <a href="http://www.redreporter.com" target="_blank">Red Reporter</a>. If you do go there to interact with Reds fans, please be respectful, abide by their individual site rules and serve as a good representation of Cub fans in general and BCB in particular.</p>
<p>The 2016 Game Thread procedure will be the same as the one used at the end of 2015. Here's how it works.</p>
<p>You'll find the game preview posted separately on the front page, two hours before game time (90 minutes for some early day games following night games).</p>
<p>At the same time, a StoryStream™ containing the preview will also post on the front page. The First Pitch Thread and all the overflow threads will be published in that stream, as well as the recap. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post, and at the time I write the recap I will rename the stream "Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of Week) Game Threads" so you can go back and find every thread related to that particular game.</p>
<p>You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread, all the overflow threads and recap in the box marked "Chicago Cubs Game Threads" at the bottom of the front page (you can also find them in <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/game-threads">this section link</a>). They will also appear in the game's StoryStream™ as noted above.</p>
<p>The First Pitch thread will post at five minutes before game time, then an overflow thread at one hour, two hours and 2:45 after the scheduled game time.</p>
<p>Discuss amongst yourselves.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2016/4/23/11421194/chicago-cubs-cincinnati-reds-preview-lineups
Al Yellon