Bleed Cubbie Blue - Cubs vs. Blue Jays Monday 8/29 game threadsA Chicago Cubs Fan Community Since February 9, 2005https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47557/cubbieblue.png2022-08-30T10:00:00-05:00http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/rss/stream/230902712022-08-30T10:00:00-05:002022-08-30T10:00:00-05:002022 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 129
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Chicago Cubs at Toronto Blue Jays" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zQ_ofscn2ny8JtUvs2045XYaDLA=/638x172:3719x2226/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71301955/usa_today_18949561.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A 4-0 Cubs lead evaporates in a 5-4 loss</p> <p id="wvRRiU">We’ve talked at length in this space this year about the young Cubs. About how this is clearly a team in transition. Where this club has been successful, it hasn’t been on the backs of aging veterans hanging on and reliving the glory days. Going down the roster, Jesse Chavez broke camp with the team, he’s 38. David Robertson (37) was the team’s closer until the trade deadline. He is without question the veteran that produced the most value for this team. Chris Martin (36) was another reliever on this team, traded away in July. Wade Miley (35) was expected to provide some innings to the rotation, but only managed 18. Yan Gomes (34) has 219 plate appearances. Drew Smyly (33) will almost certainly go over 20 starts and 100 innings. </p>
<p id="cElEOs">You get the picture. Jason Heyward, Andrelton Simmons, Kyle Hendricks and Mychal Givens are all in their age-32 season. Three of them have combined injured with bad performance and none will be seen again in Cubs uniforms this year. Givens, the lone productive member of the 32-year-old class, was another traded at the deadline. You have to get down to Willson Contreras and Patrick Wisdom at 30 to find positive offensive value for players 30 or over. </p>
<p id="FcvhHG">Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson, who have been the best starting pitchers, are 26 and 27. The offense has been lead by Ian Happ (27), Contreras, Nico Hoerner (25), Seiya Suzuki (27) and Christopher Morel (23). The core contributors on this team are young and have plenty of baseball ahead of them. </p>
<p id="bRcBzB">With that comes growing pains, of course. But also reason to be optimistic about the future. These games the last week plus have been an interesting gauntlet for these players. The Cubs were last off on August 12, the day after the Field of Dreams game. Before that, they were off on August 3 when they were rained out in St. Louis, not even a planned day off. For the players coming from the minor league system, the typical schedule has you off essentially every Monday. For Suzuki, he’s coming from Japan where they play a shorter schedule with more time off. Most of these guys have never been through the unrelenting schedule that is the second half in MLB. </p>
<p id="8LvFQg">The Cubs have played 18 games in the last 17 days. And they’ve done it with a 9-9 record. The last 13 games of that are against teams that are playoff hopefuls. They’ve played those games with a 6-7 record. They’ll play two more games in this series, then have a day off, then three more games against the division-leading Cardinals. Then a day off and then six straight games against the Giants and Mets. The Giants were a 2021 playoff team that has more or less faded out of contention this year. The Cubs will also have a series against the Phillies before the season ends. The Phillies appear headed for the playoffs. </p>
<p id="KUYTcz">So these younger players are getting a dose of both the relentless nature of late season baseball and playing games that matter in the playoff hunt. Make no mistake, the Cubs have damaged the Brewers’ hopes of making the playoffs based on their unlikely season series win (10-9). One would have expected the Brewers to win at least 10 and maybe as many as 12 of the games from the Cubs. At even 11 wins, the Brewers would be holding onto the last playoff spot. </p>
<p id="ThnAyB">The 6-7 in 13 games against playoff hopefuls isn’t bad. But exactly using the Brewers as an example, if this team progresses, the difference between 6-7 and 7-6 could ultimately leave the team a game out of the playoffs next year. Particularly of note, three of the losses were by a single run and another was by two. A game like Monday night’s was absolutely winnable. Further, Monday night’s game was one of only a very small handful of games I can point to that the Cubs have lost post trade deadline that were essentially lost because of the talent that was traded away at or near the deadline. The depleted bullpen has certainly started to cause some damage. </p>
<p id="37QXWs">The point is, these guys are going to have to learn to pull out some of these tight games against good teams. Hopefully as soon as next year the Cubs will be trying to get into the postseason. Some of these tight games might swing them in or out. Certainly, that’s not going to be true if there isn’t a further influx of talent, likely some from within and some from without. But, guys like Nick Madrigal and Nico Hoerner might take meaningful at bats with games on the line. Guys like Justin Steele and Keegan Thompson might be throwing significant innings against good lineups. Brandon Hughes and Erich Uelmen might be sent into high leverage situations that could impact the team’s playoff situation. </p>
<p id="Z2iKoI">I think more often than not, all of them have come through. Maybe they’ll be able to draw on these minor successes this year and use them to draw on in major situations next year. This is all part of the learning curve. Some of these games can be frustrating to be sure, but if they help mold the core of this team to be even better in the future, then it was invaluable. </p>
<p id="NNwVac">Despite the frustrating last few innings of Monday’s loss, there were some good things. Let’s find three stars. </p>
<p id="e7A4PG">1) Javier Assad threw five scoreless innings to run his streak to nine to start his career. He allowed four hits and two walks. </p>
<p id="sftn3v">2) Nick Madrigal, another three-hit game. This is the fourth three-hit game since he returned from injury August 4. He’s also had three two-hit games in that time. He had six two-hit games pre-injury and just one three-hit. </p>
<p id="xCYv2B">3) Franmil Reyes had a pair of hits and a walk and scored a run. </p>
<p id="iR2RyO">And now we look at the Heroes and Goats from Monday’s loss. </p>
<p id="K9N0SX"><strong>Game 129, August 29: </strong>Blue Jays 5, Cubs 4 (55-74)</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JZ6s5wcEkyFJ1SPQlp3TXJq8aq8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23981227/chart.png">
<figcaption>Fangraphs</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="YJbrLU">Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.</p>
<p id="zdTeVY"><strong>THREE HEROES:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="42j513">
<strong>Superhero: </strong>Javier Assad (.278). 5IP (21 batters), 4H, 2BB, K</li>
<li id="3XLtEV">
<strong>Hero: </strong>Brandon Hughes (.180). 1⅓ IP (5 batters), H, K</li>
<li id="PS02xv">
<strong>Sidekick: </strong>Mark Leiter Jr. (.111). 1⅓ IP (6 batters), H, 2BB, R (0ER) - (L 2-6)</li>
</ul>
<p id="JOsdf2"><strong>THREE GOATS: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="fLojDv">
<strong>Billy Goat: </strong>Ian Happ (-.394). 1-5, K, CS</li>
<li id="Vf3n57">
<strong>Goat: </strong>Nico Hoerner (-.261). 1-5, RBI</li>
<li id="oWOZJC">
<strong>Kid: </strong>Erich Uelmen (-.252). IP (6 batters), 2H, BB, 3R</li>
</ul>
<p id="RHTcBe"><strong>WPA Play of the Game: </strong>Danny Jansen’s single in the 11th off of Mark Leiter Jr. was a walk-off. (.297)</p>
<p id="lgOdiE">*Cubs Play of the Game: After the Cubs intentionally walked the first batter in the 10th, Leiter induced a double play grounder off the bat of Bo Bichette. (.249)</p>
<div id="QfsK9D"><div data-anthem-component="poll:11487294"></div></div>
<p id="iTnQrj"><strong>Rizzo Award Cumulative Standings: </strong>(Top 5/Bottom 5)</p>
<p id="eEPeIk">The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.</p>
<ul>
<li id="9NIaxR">David Robertson +22.5</li>
<li id="rE1bFw">Nico Hoerner +19.5</li>
<li id="VnMiON">Scott Effross +17</li>
<li id="AoXtd1">Christopher Morel +14</li>
<li id="gEglTA">Patrick Wisdom +13.5</li>
<li id="hQIS2m">Daniel Norris/Frank Schwindel/Rowan Wick -9.5</li>
<li id="qUAR8H">Yan Gomes -15</li>
<li id="e4BbIL">Jason Heyward -15.5</li>
<li id="PuJlQD">Rafael Ortega -16.5</li>
</ul>
<p id="IKeMnt"><strong>Up Next: </strong>Game two of the three-game set. Marcus Stroman (3-6, 4.10) will face one of his old teams. He’ll face Kevin Gausman (9-9, 3.15) for the Blue Jays. </p>
<p id="MZmEom"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/30/23328340/2022-cubs-heroes-and-goats-game-129Thomas Smith2022-08-30T08:00:00-05:002022-08-30T08:00:00-05:00Blue Jays 5, Cubs 4: Running on empty
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/utPvLDiPbUy4X-AECDhzDBqIFvA=/0x0:3801x2534/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71301277/1242808661.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs did not run the bases well Monday. It might have cost them the game.</p> <p id="af2Q3T"><strong>TORONTO</strong> — <a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/cubs-vs-blue-jays/2022/08/29/661801#game_state=final,game_tab=box,game=661801">The Cubs lost to the Blue Jays 5-4 Monday</a>, and truth be told they probably should have won this game and scored several more runs. There were at least four questionable baserunning choices made by Cubs, as well as some odd choices by David Ross regarding pitching, that helped lead to this 11-inning defeat.</p>
<p id="Z7eadw">Questionable Baserunning Decision No. 1 happened in the first inning. It is depicted at the top of this recap. Ian Happ had singled with two out but got himself picked off, eventually tagged out by Jays second baseman Cavan Biggio.</p>
<p id="uEtnwm">The Cubs did take the lead in the third. Alfonso Rivas led off with a single and went to third on a single by Nick Madrigal, one of three Madrigal hits on the night. Rivas then scored when <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-08/29/4f7be41f-217add58-2b69f4b1-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Willson Contreras beat this potential double-play relay [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="LRgDw7">
<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%2F2022%2F2022-08%2F29%2F4f7be41f-217add58-2b69f4b1-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>
<script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="FNplTp"></p>
<p id="QLfiJs">The Cubs extended their lead to 2-0 in the fourth. Seiya Suzuki led off with a single and Franmil Reyes singled him to third. <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-08/29/e6eed3fe-28e0d777-ed657fd8-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">Nico Hoerner drove Suzuki in with a single [VIDEO].</a></p>
<div id="27v9Qw">
<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%2F2022%2F2022-08%2F29%2Fe6eed3fe-28e0d777-ed657fd8-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>
<script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="m5vjiD"></p>
<p id="jwMPHp">Unfortunately, on that RBI single, Franmil Reyes made Questionable Baserunning Decision No. 2, trying to take third. He was thrown out. Psst, Franmil? You’re not that fast.</p>
<p id="DJeiQI">Questionable Baserunning Decision No. 3 was made by Madrigal. He singled with one out in the fifth. Contreras hit a double that bounced into the seats, so Madrigal had to stop at third.</p>
<p id="n7cLaJ">Then Ian Happ struck out, but the third strike was dropped and so Happ ran toward first, where he was thrown out. <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-08/29/455baaa2-51c9e1f7-e871c297-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">What were you thinking, Nick? [VIDEO]</a></p>
<div id="DVnbNS">
<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%2F2022%2F2022-08%2F29%2F455baaa2-51c9e1f7-e871c297-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>
<script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="0GC9Kb"></p>
<p id="uVEsUN">Seriously, that was dumb. Stay on third! There would have been runners on second and third with two out and Suzuki at bat, a much better chance to score runs than trying to score on a dropped third strike. I know David Ross preaches aggressiveness on the basepaths, but this... no, just no.</p>
<p id="Y2ABzO">While all this was going on, Javier Assad was piling up scoreless innings. As he did in his first start vs. the Cardinals, Assad got into trouble in the first inning, loading the bases on two hits and a walk. He got out of that and allowed just two other hits, recording five scoreless innings. That produced this fun fact:</p>
<div id="Ocj3qB">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Javier Assad of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cubs</a> is the first MLB pitcher in the modern era to have a scoreless start against a team 10+ games over .500 in each of his first 2 career appearances (vs. 70-51 Cardinals, at 68-58 Blue Jays).</p>— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) <a href="https://twitter.com/StatsBySTATS/status/1564429903017164800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="kOMNaZ">That’s nice, but... why wasn’t Assad sent out to at least start the sixth? He’d thrown only 80 pitches. This meant Cubs relievers had to throw at least four innings to nail down the win, and that’s been problematic this year.</p>
<p id="MqInSg">The Cubs put two more on the board in the sixth. Reyes walked with one out, and one out later Rafael Ortega blooped a single to right. P.J. Higgins was sent up to bat for Rivas, and <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-08/29/76e72fb1-89123ca1-355b62e7-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">came through with a two-run double [VIDEO]</a>.</p>
<div id="zC8N59">
<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%2F2022%2F2022-08%2F29%2F76e72fb1-89123ca1-355b62e7-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>
<script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="O0HZeC"></p>
<p id="V7pGHO">4-0 heading to the bottom of the sixth. What could possibly go wrong?</p>
<p id="YZ4ioP">Well, you know the answer to that, but let me go into detail. Erich Uelmen threw an easy 1-2-3 sixth, but ran into trouble in the seventh after Matt Chapman extended him by working an 10-pitch leadoff walk. Me? I’d have taken Uelmen out right there. But Ross left him in and he allowed a single and then Danny Jansen smashed a three-run homer that went a long way:</p>
<div id="eHRPFA">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> 4 @ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> 3 [B7-0o]:<br><br>Danny Jansen homers (11): fly ball to LCF (3-run)<br><br>Hit: 414ft, 105.5mph, 28° <br><br>Pitch: 84mph Slider (RHP Erich Uelmen, 2)</p>— Home Run Tracker (@DingerTracker) <a href="https://twitter.com/DingerTracker/status/1564426237468196865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="Hek8cn">Ross then lifted Uelmen for Manuel Rodriguez, who retired three Jays in a row on ground outs. Again, though, a Cubs reliever ran out of gas when asked to throw multiple innings. Rodriguez retired the first two Jays in the eighth, but then allowed a double and RBI single and the game was tied.</p>
<p id="64NVJl">No one scored in the ninth and so the game went to extras. In the 10th, Nelson Velázquez was sent out to be the Manfred man, and he took off for third when it looked like Happ had sent an RBI hit to the outfield. <a href="https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2022/2022-08/29/97566c0a-63bac82a-2a591d9b-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4">But Bo Bichette made this nice grab for an unassisted double play [VIDEO].</a></p>
<div id="2IjHcS">
<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%2F2022%2F2022-08%2F29%2F97566c0a-63bac82a-2a591d9b-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>
<script async="" src="https://cdn.iframe.ly/embed.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="STCSSZ"></p>
<p id="82Xknf">I’m not going to call that one a Questionable Baserunning Decision, because it took a fine catch by Bichette to make that into a double play.</p>
<p id="JQEQyx">The Cubs turned a double play of their own in the bottom of the 10th to help keep the game tied, and on it was to inning number 11, where Questionable Baserunning Decision No. 4 happened.</p>
<p id="p5likx">Seiya Suzuki was the Manfred man. Reyes blooped a ball into center field that looked like it was going to be caught. When it dropped, Suzuki had to stop at third, but for some reason, Reyes tried to stretch a gift single into a double. He was thrown out easily.</p>
<p id="cnDlXq">The Cubs failed to score, and the Jays walked it off against Mark Leiter Jr. in the bottom of the inning.</p>
<p id="X48ixq">The Cubs had 16 baserunners in this game (14 hits, two walks). They had 13 at-bats with RISP (3-for-13). They probably should have scored a lot more than four runs and won this game in nine innings’ time. Instead, their record in extra-inning games dropped to 7-12 (the 19 extra-inning affairs are the most in MLB this year) and in one-run games, they’re now 19-24.</p>
<p id="j6yGKc">Again: Aggressive baserunning can be good. But the choices have to be better than they were in this game. And the Cubs still haven’t won a game in Toronto since 2008.</p>
<p id="SYJFCm">As is always the case in Toronto, people are unfailingly polite and friendly. I was waiting in a line for food when a man, who saw me wearing Cubs gear, struck up a conversation. He told me his grandson had been drafted by the Padres, but chose to play baseball at Rutgers instead. Apparently a local TV channel did a feature on this kid and asked the grandparents for some photos. They located some of this kid when he was younger — wearing Cubs gear.</p>
<p id="rq0wCX">Also, the Jays gameday staff holds fans at the top of aisles during play, so people seated don’t have their views blocked by people walking down aisles. They’re allowed down between batters. What a concept.</p>
<p id="zO1FMN">The Cubs will try to even up this series Tuesday. Marcus Stroman, who played six years in Toronto, will start for the Cubs, and he gave this shoutout to Toronto fans on Twitter:</p>
<div id="OzhnKV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">CANADA! I love you all. Toronto will forever hold a special place in my heart. The culture, the people, and the city are second to none. Thank you for always showing love and riding with me. Beyond thankful and grateful for my time here. Will forever come back and visit! </p>— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) <a href="https://twitter.com/STR0/status/1564313941592997889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="CnxtqK">The Jays played a video tribute to Stroman before the game, too.</p>
<div id="TAYytF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stro many memories <a href="https://twitter.com/STR0?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@STR0</a> <a href="https://t.co/B8hR8GwaLe">pic.twitter.com/B8hR8GwaLe</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1564397584101392393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="w9QGWw">Kevin Gausman will be Toronto’s starter Tuesday. Game time is again 6:07 p.m. CT and TV coverage will be via Marquee Sports Network.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/30/23328509/cubs-blue-jays-recap-javier-assad-nick-madrigal-mlb-scoresAl Yellon2022-08-29T19:35:00-05:002022-08-29T19:35:00-05:00Overflow thread: Cubs vs. Blue Jays, Monday 8/29, 6:07 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b9H9qN5Ayezcken27ffYyZC6Aeo=/262x258:2080x1470/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71299844/1418829153.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="fwsPwk">——</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/29/23326229/overflow-thread-cubs-vs-blue-jays-monday-8-29-6-07-ctAl Yellon2022-08-29T18:00:00-05:002022-08-29T18:00:00-05:00First pitch thread: Cubs vs. Blue Jays, Monday 8/29, 6:07 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8g2sOCcItZIFJupavyf5FGAPVbM=/0x393:3233x2548/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71299550/1418232199.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="fwsPwk">Go get ‘em, Javier.</p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/29/23326227/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-blue-jays-monday-8-29-6-07-ctAl Yellon2022-08-29T16:00:00-05:002022-08-29T16:00:00-05:00Chicago Cubs vs. Toronto Blue Jays preview, Monday 8/29, 6:07 CT
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-XXt_wtPJXmxuz2171j1yjg7Nqc=/0x541:1814x1750/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71299069/usa_today_18945230.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Cubs open a series in Canada for the first time in eight years.</p> <p id="B2lOa3"><strong>TORONTO</strong> — Yes, I have headed to the Great White North to see this three-game series. One of the reasons is this: I’ve seen every game the Cubs have played in Toronto up to now (2003, 2008, 2014) and didn’t want to end my streak. I had plans to go in 2020, but that got cancelled by the pandemic.</p>
<p id="hn5PMR">Now that the MLB schedule’s been changed and the Cubs will go to Toronto every other year (they’ll make a Toronto trip again in 2023, in fact), I’ll probably stop the streak after this series. </p>
<p id="lbcxKY">But beyond all that, Toronto is a wonderful city to visit with lots of great stuff to do, and only eight hours’ drive from Chicago. It’s my first Cubs road trip (outside of going to the South Side of Chicago, Milwaukee and the Field of Dreams in Iowa) since May 2019, when I went to see the team play in Seattle.</p>
<p id="UY60CW">Monday notes...</p>
<ul>
<li id="4lVdz2">
<strong>LOTS OF CUBS:</strong> Luke Farrell became the 58th Cub to appear this season when he pitched last Wednesday at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have used the third-most players this year after the Angels (61) and Pirates (60). When Brendon Little and Jeremiah Estrada, pitchers added for the Blue Jays series, make their MLB debuts, that will make 60, and the second time the Cubs have had 60 or more players in a season. First time: Last year, with a franchise (and MLB) record 69.</li>
<li id="OqCKhB">
<strong>ALSO REGARDING LITTLE AND ESTRADA:</strong> When those two make their MLB debuts, they will become the 13th and 14th Cubs who have done that this year. The other 12: Javier Assad, Narciso Crook, Anderson Espinoza, Brandon Hughes, Caleb Kilian, Christopher Morel, Nicholas Padilla, Ethan Roberts, Seiya Suzuki, Matt Swarmer, Erich Uelmen and Nelson Velázquez.</li>
<li id="qO5J8w">
<strong>HE’S HOT:</strong> Seiya Suzuki, last 11 games since August 19: .343/.452/.543 (12-for-35) with four doubles, a home run and six walks.</li>
<li id="dHOhli">
<strong>HE’S NOT:</strong> Willson Contreras, last four games: 0-for-12 with five strikeouts.</li>
</ul>
<p id="IINzHo">Here are today’s particulars.</p>
<p id="628IUi"><a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="jo171W">
<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 in Toronto. <a href="https://t.co/AtC5J9N0bt">pic.twitter.com/AtC5J9N0bt</a></p>— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cubs/status/1564338907415707651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="nU1Gao"><a href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a> lineup:</p>
<div id="Sa0qn6">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We welcome the Cubs for the first time since 2014!<br><br>Get your tickets: <a href="https://t.co/lFBMDDkXNv">https://t.co/lFBMDDkXNv</a> <a href="https://t.co/V1PUCywaYu">pic.twitter.com/V1PUCywaYu</a></p>— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlueJays/status/1564335040334647296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="U0XXdd">Also of interest for tonight (and this series, time listed is PT):</p>
<div id="msUV0n">
<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> (55-73) at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BlueJays?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BlueJays</a> (68-58):<br>Nick Mahrley, Brian O'Nora, Chad Fairchild, Tripp Gibson (base assignments not confirmed until first pitch)<br><br>First Pitch: 4:07 pm<br>Venue: Rogers Centre</p>— Umpire Crew (@UmpCrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/UmpCrew/status/1564335059028660227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<h2 id="lePhfq">Javier Assad, RHP vs. Jose Berrios, RHP</h2>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-_EbUNSh6neoFrQ0R99bnrc1saY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23965171/STL.jpg">
<cite>Larry Kave/Myrtle Beach Pelicans</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/iOhU9f3uxk5_-P7-k4Kld70IU-s=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23977461/usa_today_18076149.jpg">
<cite>USA TODAY NETWORK</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="iWmfB2">Javier Assad had a decent MLB debut <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202208231.shtml">last Tuesday</a> against the Cardinals. A bit shaky early, and with four walks overall, he was able to complete four innings without allowing a run against a pretty good hitting team.</p>
<p id="GDHJ4T">Assad hasn’t yet thrown 100 MLB pitches so I can’t show you a pitch selection graphic, and he has obviously never faced the Blue Jays or anyone on their active roster.</p>
<p id="vhTJyZ">Hoping for another good, but longer, outing.</p>
<p id="AuJ9lR">The Blue Jays traded for Jose Berrios last year and he was pretty good over the last couple of months, so they signed him to a seven-year, $131 million contract.</p>
<p id="fbUBxp">Whoops, that’s not working out very well. Berrios has made some good starts this year but mostly he’s been getting hit really hard, with an AL-leading 27 home runs allowed, and in August he has a 7.08 ERA and 1.525 WHIP in four starts.</p>
<p id="oRcTOt">He’s been somewhat better in Toronto (4.10 ERA in 12 starts) than on the road (6.48 ERA in 13 starts), but that still isn’t all that good.</p>
<p id="TVbWnr">Despite Berrios’ numbers, the Jays are 18-7 in his 25 starts, largely because Berrios ranks fourth of 125 qualified starters in run support, 5.9 runs per start.</p>
<p id="jBg7KH">He last faced the Cubs in 2020, which is largely irrelevant because most of those guys are not on the team anymore. The only Cub who has more than a handful of PA against him is Franmil Reyes, who is 7-for-14 (.500) against him.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rti46qDdvw4ZXFqgqah_SYQC0Uo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23977489/Screen_Shot_2022_08_28_at_7.59.58_PM.png">
<cite><a class="ql-link" href="https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/pitchmix#621244_2022" target="_blank">Statcast</a></cite>
</figure>
<p id="99GlrB">Today’s game is on Marquee Sports Network. <a href="https://www.marqueesportsnetwork.com/providers/">Here’s a list of providers currently carrying Marquee<strong>.</strong></a></p>
<p id="Hqro5e"><a href="https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/2022/08/29/">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=2022_08_29_chnmlb_tormlb_1">MLB.com Gameday</a></p>
<p id="iDRiK8"><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/previews/2022/TOR202208290.shtml">Baseball-reference.com game preview</a></p>
<p id="7oSHCm">Please visit our SB Nation Blue Jays site <a href="http://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Bluebird Banter</a>. If you do go there to interact with Blue Jays 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="mRtOMf">The 2022 Game Thread procedure will be like last years, similar to what we’ve used for Spring Training.</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, titled “Cubs vs. (Team) (Day of week/date) game threads.” It will contain every post related to that particular game, including the First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread, as well as the recap when it’s published. The recap will also live on the front page as a separate post.</p>
<p id="F5ehVY">You will also be able to find the preview, First Pitch Thread and the overflow thread 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>). The StoryStream for each game can also be found in that section.</p>
<p id="pjBR1E">The First Pitch thread will post at five minutes before game time, then an overflow thread at 90 minutes after the scheduled game time.</p>
<p id="cWIBoH">Discuss amongst yourselves.</p>
<p id="YKOZbJ"></p>
https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2022/8/29/23324573/chicago-cubs-toronto-blue-jays-preview-mondayAl Yellon