Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Padres Monday game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2019-09-10T10:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/206210362019-09-10T10:00:00-05:002019-09-10T10:00:00-05:002019 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 143
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PimB4vMTAcJ6o-UEmOEhFu2HBUg=/485x48:3279x1911/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65216383/usa_today_13334642.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Cubs win 10-2 to snap a three-game skid</p> <p id="NoGhp8">One of the downsides to the resurgent <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> is, without a doubt, that the National League Central came into the 2019 season without a truly undermanned team. Don’t get me wrong, the <a href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> are actually a worse team now than the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> who the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> faced last night. But obviously, the point is, when you face a team that is really overmatched, particularly at this time of the year, it can really make all of your troubles go away for a day or more. </p>
<p id="JwlCEh">It is stunning even at this late date, how fluid the National League playoff picture is. Even with only five N.L. games played last night, four of the five featured teams that fancy themselves as alive for a playoff berth. That was enough to swing probabilities, at least in the eyes of Fangraphs who I’ve been using to monitor playoff chances. The Cubs, of course, continue to lead for the second wild-card slot. They won, and their odds of reaching the playoffs didn’t really increase. The <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a> and <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> each lost, damaging their respective chances. It’s odd to me that the D-backs lose ground, since it would have been aggressive to think they’d go to New York and sweep the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> who are also a playoff hopeful. The <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> and Mets both won and their chances have each increased. The Mets now have an identical probability to the D-backs, despite having two less wins. The Brewers are now the leaders in the chase and have the highest probability of unseating the Cubs. </p>
<p id="ftP499">Now that all of that oddity and gloominess is out of the way, let’s talk about last night’s game. As I said in the open, playing a subpar team can be quite a cure for what ails you. This team came in fresh off of a painful three game skid, all against those Brewers, allowing them to cling to their playoff life. <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> pitched well (what might have been if he had pitched Sunday?!?) and the offense clicked. </p>
<p id="tWsipy">Most specifically, <span>Nico Hoerner</span> was a big hit in his first game. Sports “arguments” or debates are funny things. If you were around BCB comments yesterday, you undoubtedly saw some comments from me disagreeing with the Cubs bringing up Nico Hoerner. That brings me to the funny thing about staking a position. I’m not going to wish ill on Nico because I thought it was the wrong move. I couldn’t be more delighted that he was excellent in his first game last night. There are definitely some commenters who come around BCB who I think enjoy the Cubs losing more than them winning. Always know that even when I’m critical of this team, I’m always going to walk away from that discussion and then root for the team and the players with all of my heart. Whenever I make a gloomy forecast or get down on a player, coach or manager, I’m always hoping they’ll be making me eat those words on a regular basis. Whenever I’m wrong spectacularly, I want it to be because they exceeded my expectations and not the reverse. </p>
<p id="pBlLNv">Certainly, having such a great debut is something that can never be taken away from him. It should cushion him when the inevitable errors, hitless games and base-running blunders come. Everyone has bad days, everyone struggles. It sure helps to have some success to draw on when those bad days come. </p>
<p id="wk37LC">I’ve been a Cubs fan for more than 30 years. I’ve seen a lot of young players come and go. I’ve seen some flat out busts. I’ve seen some guys who exceeded even the wildest hopes for them. All too often in that history, I’ve seen the Cubs bring a guy to the majors who isn’t a finished product, watched their flaws be exposed and then watched them flounder and under achieve what we thought they could be based on their talent and potential. Certainly, this was an unusual situation, the Cubs aren’t saying he’s a finished product, he almost certainly will return to the minors to continue his development, and he certainly has some very projectable skills in all phases of the game. And he certainly appears to have the maturity to handle the moment. I’m overjoyed to say the least.</p>
<p id="PYMT73">I’m certainly less depressed about Cubs baseball than I was 24 hours ago. Let’s hope the Padres mail in the whole series. Four wins would go a long way towards changing the outlook for the Cubs post season hopes.</p>
<p id="RQsROl">With that, we turn our attention to yesterday’s game as we look at what WPA had to say about Heroes and Goats. As always the Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA (Win Probability Added — <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2018/3/28/17159170/cubs-heroes-and-goats-2018-season-primer">here’s a good explanation of how WPA works</a>) and are not in any way subjective. Many days WPA will not tell the story of what happened, but often it can give at least a glimpse to who rose to the occasion in a high leverage moment or who didn’t get the job done in that moment. Also note, for the purposes of Heroes and Goats, we ignore the results of pitchers while they are batting and hitters while they are pitching. With that, we get to the results.</p>
<p id="p6htwz"><strong>Game 143, September 9: </strong>Cubs 10, Padres 2 (77-66)</p>
<div id="9JkBed">
<iframe src="https://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=wins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2019-09-09&team=Padres&dh=0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="450" width="450" style="border:1px solid black;"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="https://www.fangraphs.com/wins.aspx?date=2019-09-09&team=Padres&dh=0&season=2019">FanGraphs</a></span>
</div>
<p id="ibKBiS"><strong>THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="utuo2d">
<strong>Superhero: </strong><span>Nicholas Castellanos</span> (.199). Has anyone noticed that Nick really, really likes being a Cub? Nick had three more hits last night, including a two-run homer that got the scoring started. He scored three runs. In 158 PA as a Cub, he has a line of .347/.373/.707 (wRC+ 172). The only bummer for Nick is that his potentially historic doubles pace has slowed with the Cubs because he’s some balls that used to be doubles are now homers. </li>
<li id="I6ZsP6">
<strong>Hero: </strong>Nico Hoerner (.149). Of course, the best numbers as a Cub in 2019 now belong to Mr. Hoerner. Three hits, including a triple, in five at bats. He drove in four and scored two. This reminded me of the debut game of <span>Starlin Castro</span> years ago. Of course, when the dust settles, the biggest honor for Hoerner will be his first appearance here in Heroes and Goats. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. </li>
<li id="7yD5sQ">
<strong>Sidekick: </strong><span>Jason Heyward</span> (.110). Jason had two more hits and a walk, scored a run and drove one in. He had four plate appearances. After his terrible slump, his numbers slid to subpar which was a disappointment given how potent Jason’s bat was at times this year. Hopefully he can turn it around a bit over these final weeks. </li>
</ul>
<p id="iKitYt"><strong>THREE GOATS:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="xVUbve">
<strong>Billy Goat: </strong><span>Anthony Rizzo</span> (-.047). Riz was hitless in four at bats and struck out twice.</li>
<li id="4TK6hG">
<strong>Goat: </strong><span>Ben Zobrist</span> (-.026). Ben did have a single leading off the game and scored a run in the first inning that helped the Cubs secure control of this one right away. It was his only hit in four at bats. He twice made the last out of an inning with a runner in scoring position.</li>
<li id="X2dqHF">
<strong>Kid: </strong><span>David Bote</span> (-.006). This one is super tough. David had a hit and two walks. He did strike out twice. David has 330 PA now on the season and has a 109 wRC+ and a 1.6 fWAR. That’s really great production for a guy coming off the bench more times than not. </li>
</ul>
<p id="AbdK60"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong>This one came just three batters into the game. Nick Castellanos batted with one out and a runner on first. He launched a two-run homer to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead that they’d never relinquish. (.182)</p>
<p id="AUTSUC">*Padres Play of the Game: Ben Zobrist involved in both halves of this. He was on board for the Castellanos homer. And on this one, Kyle Hendricks allowed consecutive singles to start the fourth. No worries, he induced a double play ball to Zobrist at second. Unfortunately, Ben’s throw went into the outfield instead. Runners ended up at second and third and a run scored, setting up all of the Padres scoring. (.178)</p>
<p id="oOdV9h"><strong>Cumulative Standings Top/Bottom 3:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="vR6otE">
<span>Kris Bryant</span> 30.75</li>
<li id="6ygIif">Anthony Rizzo 29</li>
<li id="tAZO4L">Kyle Hendricks 16</li>
<li id="GiFBZ4">!<span>Carl Edwards Jr.</span> -12</li>
<li id="do0Xkb">Jason Heyward -20</li>
<li id="EkTd29">
<span>Pedro Strop</span> -20.5</li>
</ul>
<p id="IKDal1"><strong>Up Next: </strong>Game two of the four-game set. The Cubs have won three of the first four games in the season series between the two teams and they will win the season series with one win in the last three games. Of course, the Cubs are aiming much higher than that. The Padres are largely playing out the string and getting some guys who might be pieces for next year some experience as they hope their playoff window is starting to open, even in a division that includes the mighty <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>.</p>
<p id="wNM64I">The Cubs sent <span>Jose Quintana</span> to the mound. The Padres are 11-19 against lefthanded starters (55-58 vs RH). Jose is 13-8 with a 4.00 ERA on the season in 157⅓ innings. Over his last seven starts, he is 5-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 40⅔ innings. Last time out, he got knocked around but collected a win. He threw five innings and allowed five hits, two walks, two homers and four runs. He struck out five. He faced the Padres back in July and was a winner in that one. He threw five innings, allowed eight hits, one walk and five runs. He struck out seven. He did allow three homers though. He was even better against them in a win last year (six innings, four hits, no walks, one run). Current Padres have 136 PA against Q with a .689 OPS. A huge portion of that is <span>Eric Hosmer</span> (78, .529) from the days when both resided in the AL Central. Hunter Renfroe has two homers in just nine PA against Jose (1.306).</p>
<p id="jPNC1z">The Padres will send <span>Ronald Bolanos</span> to the hill for his second major league appearance. Last time, he threw six innings, allowing five hits, two walks and two runs. He struck out four. He took the loss in that start against the Diamondbacks. The 22-year-old right-hander, signed out of Cuba, pitched at two levels for the Padres in the minors this year. Across 23 starts and 25 appearances total he had a 3.66 ERA in 130⅓ innings. He struck out 9.8 batters per nine innings. He also walked 3.7 per nine. Continuing a conversation from yesterday, Bolanos never threw a pitch for the Padres at the Triple-A level. </p>
<p id="pC3PkI">Let’s hope the Cubs bats can be patient with the kid and make him work. I certainly like the odds of Quintana having a good start against this Padres team.</p>
<div id="k5gas5"><div data-anthem-component="poll:8838792"></div></div>
<p id="ckQUEt"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/10/20858782/2019-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-143Thomas Smith2019-09-10T08:00:00-05:002019-09-10T08:00:00-05:00Cubs 10, Padres 2: Welcome to the Show, Nico Hoerner!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gFKji4KWr6_PLLRM_NfaKHBtD9o=/0x97:4097x2828/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65215453/usa_today_13335107.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Now <strong>THAT</strong> was a debut.</p> <p id="R6JJIB">Late in the broadcast of <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2019_09_09_chnmlb_sdnmlb_1">the Cubs’ 10-2 win over the Padres</a> Monday night, Len and JD were musing about the spectacular debut of shortstop <span>Nico Hoerner</span>, and one of them (can’t remember who) said, “Someday we’ll just say ‘Nico’ about him, just a first name, and everyone will know who we’re talking about, like ‘Javy’.”</p>
<p id="zKJ4kZ">Someday just might be today. Nico had one of the best debuts in recent major-league history, with two singles, a triple, two runs scored, four RBI and some nice plays in the field. And then there’s this:</p>
<div id="04jkj6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shortstop Nico Hoerner has 3 hits & 4 RBI in his MLB debut for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cubs</a>.<br><br>He's the 2nd middle infielder to have 3+ hits & 4+ RBI in his MLB debut since RBI became an official stat in 1920, along with Phillies SS Ted Kazanski on 6/25/1953 - against the Cubs.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EverybodyIn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EverybodyIn</a></p>— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) <a href="https://twitter.com/StatsBySTATS/status/1171287168381345792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="tWmISj">(If you’re remembering <span>Starlin Castro</span>’s MLB debut and thinking he did this, nope. Starlin had six RBI, but only two hits, a triple and a home run, in his debut game in Cincinnati <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN201005070.shtml">May 7, 2010</a>. And I think Nico’s debut was better, because the stakes are higher for the team right now.)</p>
<p id="zpQwAu">The Cubs began this game on a high note. <span>Ben Zobrist</span> led off with a single, and one out later, <span>Nicholas Castellanos</span> <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/9406aba0-6fae961c-9ae5c169-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">gave the Cubs the lead [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="541m72"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/9406aba0-6fae961c-9ae5c169-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="vrwIiJ"></p>
<p id="wY4G7P">That baseball went a long, long way:</p>
<div id="Ma91Kb">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> 2 @ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> 0 [T1-1o]:<br><br>Nicholas Castellanos homers (25): fly ball to CF (2-run)<br><br>Hit: 427.59ft, 106.79mph, 27.21° <br><br>Pitch: 94.8mph Two-Seam Fastball (RHP Cal Quantrill, 13) <a href="https://t.co/9yyHWLZhol">pic.twitter.com/9yyHWLZhol</a></p>— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/DingerTracker/status/1171246556793712640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="HmHx63">Nico’s first major-league at-bat <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/8acb232a-5286db14-f4b240d5-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">came in the second inning [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="l2zkSS"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/8acb232a-5286db14-f4b240d5-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="uJQ9gF"></p>
<p id="AfLYb3">Len Kasper begins that clip by saying, “I think he had the best camp of any player not invited to major-league spring training I’ve ever seen.” I would concur with that. Nico played in 14 major-league spring games and went 8-for-17 (.471) with three doubles, two triples, a home run — and no strikeouts. Granted, that’s spring training, and a lot of it against minor-league pitchers. But for lack of a better description, he just <em>looked</em> like a major-league player. <a href="https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/nico-hoerner-impressing-in-cubs-camp">And that’s not just me saying that:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="RNNHUT">After the Cubs picked <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/nico-hoerner-663538">Nico Hoerner</a> in the first round of last summer’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a>, <span>John Baker</span> picked up the phone and called David Esquer.</p>
<p id="Tldwpu">Baker, who now works in the Cubs’ mental skills department, played for Esquer at the University of California, and he knew he could trust his old coach to give an honest opinion about the kid Chicago just selected out of Stanford. Esquer -- now the head baseball coach with the Cardinal -- raved about Hoerner’s makeup and intelligence, along with his skills on a baseball diamond.</p>
<p id="24SHvG">”It was funny,” Baker said on Thursday morning. “He told me, ‘Don’t bring him around big league camp, because everyone’s going to want him to stay.’ It was very prophetic.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="TJ88Tx">Prophetic indeed. </p>
<p id="F39yZx">The Cubs added a run in the fourth, and again, Nico was involved. <span>Victor Caratini</span> led off with a single and was forced at second by Hoerner. Jason Heyward singled Nico to third. <span>David Bote</span> was the next hitter, and he walked — <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/9628a519-05a0e9f2-e5f7e5e5-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">but ball four was a wild pitch [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="GLatF7"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/9628a519-05a0e9f2-e5f7e5e5-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="3SKX4T"></p>
<p id="GbYOni">Let’s not get <em>too</em> far ahead of ourselves here, but that was a Javy-like read on the wild pitch, which didn’t get too far away from catcher <span>Austin Hedges</span>. That was a great slide, and funny to watch pitcher <span>Cal Quantrill</span> — a Stanford teammate of Hoerner — leap out of the way.</p>
<p id="znQEJF">The Padres scored a pair in the bottom of the inning, thanks in part to a bad throw by <span>Zobrist</span> on a potential double-play ball. One of the runs off <span>Kyle Hendricks</span> was unearned as a result.</p>
<p id="zFMQrq">So it’s 3-2 entering the fifth, and that’s when the Cubs put the game away. <span>Kyle Schwarber</span> led off the inning <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/d51c9b84-6b6c2c18-f5492c92-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">and made it 4-2 [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="Oudsoc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/d51c9b84-6b6c2c18-f5492c92-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="6pXYOt"></p>
<p id="MJ6obB">That was Kyle’s 35th of the year and the Cubs’ 224th of the season. They need 12 home runs in their last 19 games to break the franchise record (235, set in 2004). At their current pace (1.57 per game) they should hit 30 more.</p>
<p id="xDRMKm">Back to the fifth inning: Singles by Castellanos and Caratini sandwiched around a strikeout put runners on first and third.</p>
<p id="w4qsk4"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/54fabc38-c9d28469-361a5d2f-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Nico time! [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="T3uphm"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/54fabc38-c9d28469-361a5d2f-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="hvqYyz"></p>
<p id="eSukdM">You cannot make this stuff up, seriously, bring this game’s storyline to a Hollywood producer and they’d throw you out of the office. Hoerner’s two-run triple made it 6-2.</p>
<p id="vpFHp6"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/591fa424-6f42dec6-ac6042f9-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Heyward quickly made it 7-2 [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="kUme1E"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/591fa424-6f42dec6-ac6042f9-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="bZ5Ch5"></p>
<p id="sj7DAz">Bote singled Heyward to third and then <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/67b6813f-7f2f4014-3963fad8-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Hendricks helped out with the bat [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="XX6VbA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/67b6813f-7f2f4014-3963fad8-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="H0zaaZ"></p>
<p id="0edf4P">That was a perfectly placed suicide squeeze, making it 8-2. The Cubs put two more on the board in the sixth. Schwarber and Castellanos singled to lead off the frame and both advanced on an infield out.</p>
<p id="AKKtlO"><a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/7fa7e622-13547aea-5d1c0f73-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Nico time, again! [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="SR6ZG3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-09/09/7fa7e622-13547aea-5d1c0f73-CSVM-DIAMONDTMP-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="sjd26Y"></p>
<p id="Egh1ZA">That two-run single completed the Cubs scoring for the evening.</p>
<p id="vwdZ59">Meanwhile, Hendricks was breezing through this game, apart from the little two-run glitch in the fourth, and would have finished the sixth if not for a throwing error by Bote. <span>Brad Wieck</span>, who the Cubs acquired from the Padres for <span>Carl Edwards Jr.</span>, finished off the inning and <span>Alec Mills</span>, <span>James Norwood</span> and <span>Derek Holland</span> combined for the final three innings, allowing two hits and no runs with three strikeouts.</p>
<p id="M0J3L5">Hendricks’ good outing reduced his 2019 road ERA from 5.20 to 4.94. That’s still not great, but at least it appears to be trending in the right direction.</p>
<p id="5lSAYQ">Now, obviously, Nico Hoerner isn’t going to do this every game. But it’s absolutely clear to me, just as it was in spring training, that he’s already good enough to be a major-league player. He seemed to impart an energy that the Cubs have been lacking for much of this season. Even if <span>Addison Russell</span> doesn’t have to go to the seven-day concussion list, I’d hope Nico will play many, if not most, days in the starting lineup. And can you imagine the reception he’ll get when he plays his first game at Wrigley Field, possibly Friday?</p>
<p id="LP5rYX">He’ll definitely start Tuesday’s game:</p>
<div id="G8V813">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hoerner will start at SS tomorrow btw</p>— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1171303018173628419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="nC3enr">Here are some fun Nico facts:</p>
<div id="I8E97g">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> with 3 hits in MLB debut<br><br>tonight - Nico Hoerner<br>7/19/2013 - Junior Lake<br>3/31/2008 - Kosuke Fukudome<br>9/2/1988 - Doug Dascenzo</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1171276183025139713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="iw0QQW">Here’s hoping Nico has a better career than those guys.</p>
<div id="j4JH6Y">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nico Hoerner is the first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> player with 3+ hits and 4+ RBI in MLB Debut since Dee Fondy on April 17, 1951</p>— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) <a href="https://twitter.com/ckamka/status/1171276537615851520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="mUK74g"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/fondyde01.shtml">Dee Fondy</a> was 26 and had spent five years in the minor leagues when he did that. Nico is 22 and about 15 months removed from his last game at Stanford.</p>
<p id="efaBJT">From a Padres beat writer:</p>
<div id="HEpMnK">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nico Hoerner is a rookie playing his first big league ballgame, you say? Nah. No way.</p>— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJCassavell/status/1171267255855800320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="P6yZQb">For his part, Nico was awed by the crowd reaction in San Diego:</p>
<div id="thbgK1">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nico Hoerner on hearing his name chanted on the road in his debut: “That part was just otherworldly. Really grateful for that. Its about as good as it gets.”</p>— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1171303816995561472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="H4QzJq">When you have impressed Ben Zobrist, you have definitely arrived:</p>
<div id="ZOUyWZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ben Zobrist on Nico: “Very important game for us after the last few tough days. To see his name in the lineup and have him show up and keep his composure and do his job really well it was definitely a real breathe of fresh air for where we’re at right now.”</p>— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNChiCubs/status/1171305166202519552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="D2e9OS">The Cubs gained ground on the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>, who were idle Monday, and now trail them by four games. They also gained on two wild-card contenders, the <a href="https://www.thegoodphight.com/">Phillies</a> and <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>, who both lost Monday evening. The <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> won, so Milwaukee remains two games behind the Cubs for the second wild-card spot.</p>
<p id="Z0pgdg">Tuesday night’s second game of this four-game set in San Diego, featuring Nico Hoerner at shortstop, will again be at 9:10 p.m. CT. <span>Jose Quintana</span> will start for the Cubs and <span>Ronald Bolanos</span> will go for the Padres. TV coverage will be via NBC Sports Chicago Plus (and nationally on MLB Network outside the Cubs and Padres market territories).</p>
<p id="V7XAaD">Go Nico! Go Cubs!</p>
<p id="jcVvFL"></p>
<p id="TBDHor"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/10/20858685/cubs-padres-recap-nico-hoerner-nicholas-castellanos-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2019-09-09T23:10:00-05:002019-09-09T23:10:00-05:00Overflow thread 2: Cubs vs. Padres, Monday 9/9, 9:10 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SIDgVwIs6Ja8WnGuFirMfdxfG3k=/0x0:3056x2037/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65213855/usa_today_13330566.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qyzE5j">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/9/20856992/overflow-thread-2-cubs-vs-padres-monday-9-9-9-10-ctAl Yellon2019-09-09T22:10:00-05:002019-09-09T22:10:00-05:00Overflow thread 1: Cubs vs. Padres, Monday 9/9, 9:10 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/k-BRPrEBOejVUp6-8Zj45AiNGvw=/114x0:2741x1751/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65213386/usa_today_13330567.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qyzE5j">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/9/20856993/overflow-thread-1-cubs-vs-padres-monday-9-9-9-10-ctAl Yellon2019-09-09T21:05:00-05:002019-09-09T21:05:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Monday 9/9, 9:10 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Z3zd8YhaNZJFHZxQlDdkqyQnTxw=/118x157:3207x2216/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65213150/usa_today_13219091.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="qyzE5j">Go get ‘em, Kyle.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/9/20856988/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-padres-monday-9-9-9-10-ctAl Yellon2019-09-09T19:00:00-05:002019-09-09T19:00:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres preview, Monday 9/9, 9:10 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EBNFOt8dCwt35Cm1ga3691rzEoQ=/0x166:2922x2114/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65212577/usa_today_13330573.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The last four-game series didn’t go well. Perhaps this one will be better.</p> <p id="PXmyOm">Today’s roster move: <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/9/20857375/cubs-roster-moves-addison-russell-concussion-list-nico-hoerner-recalled-randy-rosario-dfa">Here</a></p>
<p id="D4D63f">Also, here's a summary of today's other news:</p>
<div id="EgnyIC">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lotta <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> doings today: SS Addison Russell in concussion protocol and not in lineup tonight. Kris Bryant has cortisone shot in knee and is out tonight. Questionable for tomorrow. No word yet on Javy Baez visit w/specialist for hairline fracture in thumb. More on that later.</p>— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMillerBbl/status/1171193446754738176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Pj66fy">And now for something completely different. </p>
<p id="YPuLfG">From 1982-2004, Major League Baseball’s schedule was created by two college professors, a married couple, Henry and Holly Stephenson. They used to lay it out on their kitchen table.</p>
<p id="Z2XQHT">In 2005, MLB chose to computerize this task and the Stephensons were out of a gig.</p>
<p id="E1Sbzu">The schedules haven’t been the same since. In today’s Cubs game notes, they paid tribute to the Hendersons and I present that tribute to you here in its entirety, given the Cubs having to travel from Milwaukee to San Diego to Chicago in the space of five days.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="mbA2s5"><strong>WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, HENRY AND HOLLY STEPHENSON?: </strong>The Cubs this week make their fourth and final trip to the West Coast this season, but the second time a California city has been paired up with a trip to Milwaukee … earlier this season, the Cubs began a road trip with three games in San Francisco only to continue it in Milwaukee the very next series. </p>
<p id="8gvBOc">In 2019, the Cubs right now see their San Diego trip paired with Milwaukee while in 2018, their trip to Los Angeles was paired with Cincinnati … next year, Chicago’s trip to San Diego is paired with Pittsburgh … alas, a nation turns its travel weary eyes to you, Henry and Holly Stephenson. </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="qYPeBc"><a href="https://www.everythingzoomer.com/arts-entertainment/film-television/2017/02/22/mlb-schedulers/">Here’s more on Henry and Holly Stephenson.</a> From that article:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="DdXUQH">To make the process increasingly complicated, the league also allowed special requests from individual teams. “New York always had a long list,” Holly laments.</p>
<p id="RSPzQ8">Despite the many challenges the dynamic duo would thrive, holding the position of MLB schedulers for 25 years before the MLB opted for randomization software—a decision that Holly still can’t get behind. “I did kind of resent computers coming in because they’re not artwork. But,” she says with a laugh, “I have no idea how you use advanced combinatorial optimization software to create a schedule.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="1xNkqY">To be fair, it is very difficult to schedule 15-team leagues and have everything come out fair for everyone, and that won’t change until expansion comes and we have 16-team leagues. That could be a decade away.</p>
<p id="QC0ON2">Having said that, the schedules weren’t great from 2005-12, when there was a 16-team A.L. and 14-team N.L. The Stephensons would probably do a better job than the computers are doing now.</p>
<p id="vwlSn0">If you’re interested in the video that’s blacked out on the link above due to a copyright claim, <a href="http://www.espn.com/watch/player?id=52815513-8535-4f11-b4aa-278b9389ff11">you can watch it here</a>.</p>
<p id="KCB2iH">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="3IvQgQ"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="ZTtpGd">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here is tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> starting lineup. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EverybodyIn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EverybodyIn</a> <br><br>Game preview: <a href="https://t.co/lGnYh9rQBI">https://t.co/lGnYh9rQBI</a> <a href="https://t.co/6ZPM5bXzad">pic.twitter.com/6ZPM5bXzad</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1171192162911948806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="ao1n2Y"><a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="4Y2apZ">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here’s tonight’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> lineup for the first of four against the Cubs: <a href="https://t.co/UKk86XdhPj">pic.twitter.com/UKk86XdhPj</a></p>— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1171181530548301824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="l48zeM">Martini... Martini... <a href="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-08/05/7a320791-e41833f7-344ef9b9-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">that name sounds familiar... [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="5JhJtI"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><video controls="" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;">Your browser does not support HTML5 video.<source src="https://cuts.diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2019/2019-08/05/7a320791-e41833f7-344ef9b9-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4" type="video/mp4"></source></video></div></div>
<p id="MxnYXK"></p>
<p id="6GGvKC">Yep. Same guy. <span>Nick Martini</span>, Crystal Lake native, family full of Cubs fans, claimed two weeks ago on waivers from the A’s by the Padres.</p>
<p id="oUw1QQ">Also of interest tonight:</p>
<div id="aXWlOx">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Umpires for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> (76-66) at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Padres?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Padres</a> (66-76):<br>HP: Fieldin Culbreth<br>1B: CB Bucknor<br>2B: D.J. Reyburn<br>3B: Ramon De Jesus. <br><br>First Pitch: 10:10 pm<br>Venue: Petco Park</p>— Umpire Crew (@UmpCrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/UmpCrew/status/1171182396269584385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="AY6SU8">That means C.B. Bucknor behind the plate tomorrow for <span>Jose Quintana</span>’s start. Beware.</p>
<h2 id="V5jSYv">
<span>Kyle Hendricks</span>, RHP vs. <span>Cal Quantrill</span>, RHP</h2>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T_ahy9YH65UxikvtzndzYuBYb_c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/12890813/usa_today_10737403.jpg">
<cite>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DZuIQSnxUY34epd1h-RUgVwDQco=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18318461/usa_today_12381990.jpg">
<cite>Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="Q2ErTE">Kyle Hendricks was scratched from his start Sunday and pushed back to today, in order for <span>Jon Lester</span> to throw against the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>.</p>
<p id="fk3ig6">Welp. That didn’t work out. Perhaps this will.</p>
<p id="YC7CI5">Hendricks has not pitched well on the road. You know that, I don’t need to belabor it. He did throw well against the Padres <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201907210.shtml">July 21 at Wrigley Field</a> — seven innings, four hits, two runs, five strikeouts. A repeat of that tonight would be helpful. (The Cubs lost that July 21 game, but it wasn’t Hendricks’ fault — bullpen failure.)</p>
<p id="OK1pzS">Cal Quantrill threw 5x innings in “relief” in that July 21 game, as the Padres used an opener before they got to Quantrill in the third inning. He gave the Cubs just two hits and struck out six.</p>
<p id="TDnF8S">Since that game, Quantrill has been in the Padres’ rotation, making seven starts. It has not gone well: 5.68 ERA, 1.289 WHIP in 30 innings. Overall this year he has served up 12 home runs in 90⅔ innings, and he got torched for eight runs in each of his last two starts. He has been worse at home (5.05 ERA) than on the road (4.17 ERA).</p>
<p id="uUzhRW">More of that, please.</p>
<p id="6Y8mwd">Today’s game is on WGN.</p>
<p id="cxuSIp"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2019/09/09">Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.</a></p>
<p id="Xe5URc"><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2019_09_09_chnmlb_sdnmlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2019/SDN201909090.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="AScVZw"><span>SB Nation game preview</span></p>
<p id="c01E3n">Please visit our SB Nation <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> site <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/">Gaslamp Ball</a>. If you do go there to interact with Padres 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 id="4R9cxt">The 2019 Game Thread procedure will be the same as the one used in previous years. Here’s how it works.</p>
<p id="uNrOo7">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 id="Jy7Er2">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 id="F5ehVY">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/chicago-cubs-game-threads">this section link</a>). They will also appear in the game’s StoryStream as noted above.</p>
<p id="pjBR1E">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 id="cWIBoH">Discuss amongst yourselves.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2019/9/9/20855385/chicago-cubs-san-diego-padres-preview-mondayAl Yellon