fathom

Another 2 homers in the first for the Cubs today. Seems like everyone in their lineup is currently on fire. Hopefully Cardinals remember how to score, as Cubs/Pirates are quickly closing on the NL Central lead.

Great comeback. Lots of positives with Rodon and Trayce leading the way

That slider is insane

QUOTE (GreenSox @ Aug 23, 2015 -> 03:58 AM) Robin Ventura is deranged. What he do wrong?

Already annoyed with Soto's pitch selection

Really impressed by Sanchez's technique on the bunt. Also, why the lack of excitement by Hawk there?

Rodon not getting much help from the offense these days. His command has been brutal tonight.

Jackson finally helps Cubs win. Braves are a disgrace, they have lost 21 of last 23 on road.

Rockies will build around Arenado, not trade him. They got rid of Tulo and will get rid of CarGo. It does them no good to get rid of their only other superstar just to bring in a pitcher.

Just as every replay goes against the Sox, the Cubs continue to get the benefit on so many close replays. The guy blatantly reached over the yellow line...same thing that happened earlier this week with Miggy's homer that was overturned.

The way this Cubs offense is, they are just incredible if the wind is blowing out. Lots of base runners with a lot of power.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 09:04 PM) Name 5 players better than him. I mean, he brings elite defense and elite offense. Over Arenado, I'd take Goldschmidt, Trout... that's really it. Maybe Harper too. just for argument's sake, he's 21st in fWAR. And you wouldn't take Harper over him? You put Harper in Colorado, and he hits 60 a year.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 10:01 PM) Because I have absolutely no idea what it was last year so why should I assume it's a 1 time thing? I 100% agree with the solution though. Give him a shot in 2016 and see what he does. It's literally the only way we'll know. Yep, if it was a mental thing with him last year, who's to say it won't show up again when he's back in the majors?

Well, at least we got Quintana

Man, this starter for the Braves is awful. Missing his spot on nearly every sinker he throws.

QUOTE (Brian @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 08:50 PM) Fowler annoys me. It used to be his nonchalant catches but now he's also on fire the past month. Since the ASB, one of the best players in all of baseball. Another incredible trade for the Cubs.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 08:27 PM) I agree that he should walk more. As for power, he's a second baseman. That's not really a power position. Brian Dozier is the only HR hitting second baseman I can think of. If he were a third baseman, for example, then I'd be more concerned about his power. It's looking like half of the starting 2nd basemen in the majors will end up with double digit homers. If Sanchez can get in the 7-10 range for a full season, that would be nice.

there's one for Dirty 30

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 09:24 PM) But here you are again, taking an indirect shot at Sanchez's offense by saying "you can't go with more that one of 'those type of players'" when referring to him. You seem to think he's a defense-only player, like Brendan Ryan, but he's not. He has hit well at every minor league level and he is starting to do so in the Majors, as well, so IMO, he is more than just an elite defender. I don't think he'll ever be a plus bat though. Doesn't walk enough or hit for enough power. However, if he can be your #9 hitter, you have the chance for a good offense.

Personally, I think you find a way to get Johnson 7-8 starts at the big league level the rest of the way to see how his stuff looks this year. If he comes up and he's throwing 89-90 again, then you can't rely on him.

Interesting match-up today with Haren, who can't keep the ball in the park, pitching with a huge wind out to LF against the team with far and away the least power in all of baseball.

FYI, since the ASB, Sanchez is 42nd in terms of fWAR for all offensive players. Only Eaton ranks higher. Also, Sanchez is higher than Kris Bryant

QUOTE (CaliSoxFanViaSWside @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 06:15 PM) Interesting suggestion of Anderson at 3rd maybe like Josh Harrison is for the Pirates. Saladino should get some reps with the Sox at SS then . Everyone has been suggesting Saladino is a utility guy but if his glove plays at SS and Anderson's at 3rd base offensively that would work better. Still too weak of an offense in my opinion if you have Saladino, Sanchez and Anderson at 2b-3b. To me, the ideal scenario is Anderson at SS, Sanchez at 2B, Saladino the utility player and Johnson traded. 3B will have to come from outside the org.

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 05:22 AM) I wasn't talking about defense, though. I'm sure his fWAR is so bad mostly because of his defense. -4.1 offense

QUOTE (Jose Abreu @ Aug 22, 2015 -> 05:17 AM) .249/16/46 is not horrible for a #6 hitter. 51st out of 56 in terms of fWAR for outfielders. He's basically been as bad as Melky and Avi this year.