Tomorrow we start a three-game weekend series with the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Unfortunately, Friday’s game is on Apple TV.
The Cubs are fourth in the NL Central, six games behind the Brewers, at 59-63.
They are fourth from the bottom of the NL in runs scored per game at 4.20. And sixth in the NL in runs allowed per game at 4.18.
I sent off some questions to Al Yellon, who has been the manager of Bleeding Cubbie Blue since before there was an SB Nation. He was one of the original members of SB.
I have to ask about your thoughts on Nate Pearson, now that you’ve seen him for a bit. And, while we are talking about former Jays, same question about Julian Merryweather.
Pearson definitely has talent, and throws hard, something the Cubs don’t have a lot of in their pen. The cost to get him was low, two minor leaguers, one of whom is Rule 5 eligible this fall and not likely to be added to the Cubs’ 40-man.
On the other hand, I can see why Pearson’s ERAs have been high — seems to have the propensity to give up HR. But, maybe the Cubs can get him in their Pitch Lab next spring and fix that.
Merryweather also throws hard and can get hitters out with that fastball, but walks WAY too many guys. This game is a perfect example of that (see the 8th inning):
https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN202408020.shtml
Can we have a quick scouting report on the starting pitchers the Jays will be facing?
The Cubs have had multiple off days over the last couple of weeks and so have been doing odd things with their rotation. If they stay on rotation the Jays will face Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks and Shōta Imanaga.
Steele has been the Cubs’ best starter since the start of 2023, but he has the odd bad outing where he can’t throw his slider over the plate. He doesn’t throw real hard but has a deceptive arm slot that can fool hitters.
Kyle Hendricks starts Saturday. He’s nearing the end of an outstanding career. Every now and again he’ll give you seven shutout innings. Or, he’ll get pounded for multiple home runs. He’s pitched better than his ERA, in my view.
You’ve probably heard about Imanaga, who has been a revelation since he was signed to a very reasonable contract. He’s a fan favorite and almost always gives a good start. He doesn’t walk hitters (19 in 128.1 innings) so the Jays should be looking to put the ball in play. Also has a bit of a propensity for the long ball.
Who is your favourite Cub to watch?
It’s got to be Pete Crow-Armstrong, who the Cubs got from the Mets for two months of Javy Báez. PCA (as he’s known) is probably the best defensive CF in the game right now and has plus-plus speed. He’s still a bit raw at age 22 — hardly played at Triple-A before they called him up out of necessity (injuries). He’s started to hit better over the last few weeks, making better contact, and when he does get on base he’s a threat to steal, as of 8/12 he’s stolen 23 bases without being caught.
The Cubs are 4 games back of the last Wild Card spot (when I asked this, 6 games back now). What do you think of their chances of getting in?
It can be done but it will not be easy, largely because a) they don’t play any of the teams ahead of them and b) don’t have any of the tiebreakers. But! They have the easiest schedule of any of the teams remaining in the race and have 16 home games in September, they’ve played well at Wrigley.
Al wrote about their chances here.
What do you think of the team’s future, over the next three or four years? Are they likely to be contenders?
The Cubs, I think, are right on the cusp of real contention. They have a very good rotation and the bullpen has been better over the last month or so. What they need is a real power threat; they do have guys who can hit home runs but it’s unlikely any of them will hit 30 this year. That should be something the team should look for this offseason by trade or free agency.
I would not be surprised if they go after Corbin Burnes in free agency, as Craig Counsell was his manager in Milwaukee for several years.
What do Cubs fans think of manager Craig Counsell?
A lot of Cubs fans are down on Counsell because of the current team record, but remember that this was a surprise signing and he couldn’t bring any of his coaches, particularly Pat Murphy, who has been connected to Counsell for 30+ years — Murphy was Counsell’s college coach at Notre Dame and his bench coach in Milwaukee.
Counsell’s teams have a history of great Septembers. That’s what I’m counting on this year, too. And he’ll get to hire his own coaching staff going forward… except for Murphy, who has done a good job managing in Milwaukee.
Anything else we should know about the Cubs? I’ve neve been to Wrigley field, should I go?
The Cubs have a history this year of having an offense that can totally disappear for days at a time. Or, go on a streak hitting like crazy. Which one will you get this weekend? Who knows?
Any baseball fan should come to Wrigley Field, obviously I’m biased because it’s my favorite place on Earth, but the atmosphere and intimacy are things you really can’t get anywhere else, no, not even Fenway. For Jays fans, if you couldn’t make it for this series, they’ll be back at Wrigley in 2026 — make your plans now!
Thanks, Al.