MLB: ***Official 2018 Chicago Cubs Season Thread***

[CYdTracked]

I just noticed this but who in the hell did Eddie Butler beat out for a bullpen spot? Just weird seeing him on the active roster. Maybe a switch to the pen as a long man will help but his career WHIP is 1.68 which is not a great stat for a bullpen guy who you count on to get some crucial outs in the middle of a game sometimes.

 

[CycloneErik]

I just noticed this but who in the hell did Eddie Butler beat out for a bullpen spot? Just weird seeing him on the active roster. Maybe a switch to the pen as a long man will help but his career WHIP is 1.68 which is not a great stat for a bullpen guy who you count on to get some crucial outs in the middle of a game sometimes.

We dumped Justin Grimm. Probably him.

 

[CYdTracked]

We dumped Justin Grimm. Probably him.

That was my guess too but I thought maybe we had a couple other arms in camp that would be preferred over him. Then again I think Maddon chose to go with an extra bullpen arm over a bench player to start the season too. As long as starts like Lester's is not the norm for this rotation shouldn't need an extra guy in the pen I would hope.

 

[CycloneErik]

That was my guess too but I thought maybe we had a couple other arms in camp that would be preferred over him. Then again I think Maddon chose to go with an extra bullpen arm over a bench player to start the season too. As long as starts like Lester's is not the norm for this rotation shouldn't need an extra guy in the pen I would hope.

Lester will be fine. No worries at all here.

 

[CloneFan4]

We dumped Justin Grimm. Probably him.

Surprised Cubs female fans aren't revolting everywhere.

 

[cycloneG]

 

[ClonesTwentyOne]

Cubs win the World Series!

 

[KnappShack]

No runs from the pen?

Kewl

 

[laminak]

Surprised Cubs female fans aren't revolting everywhere.

They're too busy staring at Kris.

 

[ClonesTwentyOne]

And the cardinals are about to lose. Today was a good day.

 

[Cyched]

162-0

 

[CloneFan4]

They're too busy staring at Kris.

I know they are! Grimm didn't get the attention he desreved

 

[CYdTracked]

It's just 1 game against a team that may wind up being one of if not the worst team in baseball this year but was nice to see the bullpen lock it down after Lester was pulled early. We know what the starting staff is capable of doing but there are a lot of questions about the bullpen coming into this season so was nice to see them get off on the right foot there today. The offense was good, Heyward and Russell combined to go 3 for 6 with 2 runs, 1 RBI and 2 walks without a K between the 2 of them. Again, just 1 game but those 2 are going to be key to be able to contribute in some form at the plate to be more than just good gloves in the field. Baez was swinging for the fences nearly every swing and took some ugly cuts - he too is going to have to be more consistent at the plate this year.

 

[isumellie]

I just noticed this but who in the hell did Eddie Butler beat out for a bullpen spot? Just weird seeing him on the active roster. Maybe a switch to the pen as a long man will help but his career WHIP is 1.68 which is not a great stat for a bullpen guy who you count on to get some crucial outs in the middle of a game sometimes.

Butler is also out of options so that may have contributed to him staying on the major league roster.

 

[laminak]

Cogs is back (with a minor league deal.)

 

[CycloneErik]

It's just 1 game against a team that may wind up being one of if not the worst team in baseball this year but was nice to see the bullpen lock it down after Lester was pulled early. We know what the starting staff is capable of doing but there are a lot of questions about the bullpen coming into this season so was nice to see them get off on the right foot there today. The offense was good, Heyward and Russell combined to go 3 for 6 with 2 runs, 1 RBI and 2 walks without a K between the 2 of them. Again, just 1 game but those 2 are going to be key to be able to contribute in some form at the plate to be more than just good gloves in the field. Baez was swinging for the fences nearly every swing and took some ugly cuts - he too is going to have to be more consistent at the plate this year.

I disagree. Baez was over .270 last year. He'll be just fine.

 

[NorthCyd]

So I take it there is no free radio streaming option for Cubs baseball.

 

[1UNI2ISU]

So I take it there is no free radio streaming option for Cubs baseball.

Correct. MLB has it on lockdown.

 

[CyForPresident]

Eddie Butler is out of options. Either they put him on the 25 man or lose him. And considering they want Monty to have less stress on his arm by not switching between relief and starting, Butler is basically the depth if someone gets hurt.

 

[ISUCubswin]

Maddon has made it clear about Lester starting opening day - he's been there before, so I guess it was a respect thing.

Felt Darvish should go game 3 because he knows the hype around him is huge and wants him to get into the season a little bit.