Murakami is the Key

With all of Mune’s struggles and no end to them in sight, it’s really tough to be in a position where our chances of winning the 2026 AL Central rest on his shoulders.

What is his stat line that has been highlighted in every broadcast for the past two weeks? Something to the effect of, “Since August 28th Murakami is hitting .105 with a 50% strikeout rate.”

That type of “production” from our three hole / cleanup guy doesn’t just massively contribute to RISP LOB woes but I really think it has a huge hand in all of the other guys pressing.

If Mune can get hot suddenly we will see a lot of those concerns vanish. We’d also have protection for guys like Vargas or Colson. The rest of the team would be able to take a breather without feeling the individual need to carry this team.

I haven’t looked into his history while in Japan but I do recall that he is known as a streaky hitter - I’d just be shocked if he’s ever been this far gone.

It’s tough to watch Venable and Getz keep running him out there, giving him the MVP bubble wrap treatment. He doesn’t deserve it.

They probably are facing self inflicted pressures in their own rite - with a driving belief operating that if they bench him Chicago will become a less attractive destination for other Japanese players in the future. I’m sure they also want to maintain a favorable relationship with potential contract negotiations on an extension.

Problems therein are: We now aren’t sure if we want him extended and the bubble wrap is hurting the team… which is the only really important thing.

Prior to this, our starting pitching was the biggest weight dragging us down… and with that department now trending in the right direction, it’s easy to hope that the bullpen levels out in short order.

He looked better today but 102 mph exit velocity 415 foot foul balls only count for a strike. There are a lot of reasons we could already have this division locked up but we are where we are.

And from where I’m sitting, all eyes should be on Munesama. It time to get back to Strokin!

Footnote: If I’m Getz or Venable, I’m platooning him with Grich and moving him down to the 7 or 8 spot. It puts him in a better position to succeed if he’s only facing righties and that may help him feel less pressure. Will they do that? Fucking doubtful.

Edited 58 minutes ago58 min by hi8is