Hello again, everybody. There have been ramblings on Mondays, on Tuesdays, on Wednesdays, on Thursdays, and on Fridays … but never has there ever been ramblings on a Saturday! I don’t mean to shock your system, but it is a shock to mine as well. A weekend Ramblings!
With that said, there really is not that much to talk about as it has been extremely quiet in the baseball world the past 72 hours … not much going on at all.
So let’s get down to it and do some Rambling on what I hope is simply splendid Saturday for all.
• I am all good with what Theo and Jed did at the deadline. They got more-than-a-serviceable fifth starter and reliever for very little in the grand scheme of things.
• So let me just jinx this real quick … the Cubs have many games left against the Brewers who got a lot weaker at the deadline. Here is to hoping the Cubs take advantage. And Braun just went yard on Hammel. Yep ….
• This offense is bad. I mean, it is not good. This is what worries me greatly. Rizzo is the only regular … the only regular hitting above .260. John Mallee has some work to do.
• Like a lot of work to do.
• Here is a question to ask: will Starlin Castro clear waivers for the August waiver-wire deadline? With his performance, is someone going to pick up that contract?
• He is scheduled to make $7 million, $9 million, $10 million and $11 million the next four years. I honestly can’t see a GM confidently pulling the trigger on that one. Yes, someone might block it, which happens all the time, but double-digit million dollar years for a guy currently hitting .237? Rough.
• And yes, I have flip-flopped on Starlin. I have always been a big defender, but he appears to be so very much in his head with no way out right now.
• I know Maddon worked closely with him the other day, and he followed that with a three-hit night, but, while some rumors never touch the truth, I have a feeling Theo and Jed were really looking for a taker.
• It is currently July 31, and I am intently watching a Cubs game with emotion riding on the outcome. Could someone please explain what this feeling is? I cannot recall caring about the outcome of a baseball game on July 31 in a very long time.
• Jake Arrieta is a boss. He has just been amazing the past few months. His hook is simply nasty when he has is under control.
• Lester, Arrieta, Hammel, Hendricks, Haren. Solid. That is a very solid starting staff. The next two months could be a lot of fun. And the fun part is that the first four will be back next year.
• And it is time to breathe in regards to Lester. He had me really worried in April and May, but he just dominated July, and as the weather continues to warm, I hope he continues his torrid pace. It has been fun to watch.
• I am not sure this a weekly or monthly stat, but I was discussing the idea of “Cub killers” with Best Pal Stats Inc. at the game on Tuesday night. It is quite a funny thing to discuss. Whenever I heard the phrase “Cubs killer,” I immediately think of Will Clark.
• Now, the question is, when you hear that phrase, who do you think of? If I get enough names, I will do the research and make this a regular rambling point to note.
• Speaking of Tuesday night’s game, upon entering the game, it was announced that James Russell ranked 11th on the Cubs all-time appearances list for pitchers. James Russell … 11th!
• I will list the top-10 in a following rambling point of the day, but take a minute to see how many you can guess. It is a fun and, for me, eye-opening exercise. Num
• Next week will be quite telling for the Cubs. Three on the road against a very good Pirates team and the four at home against the defending World Series Champions. It could be a foreshadowing of August. And wouldn’t it be nice to 5-2.
• And now, in order from 1 to 10:
- Charlie Root
- Carlos Marmol
- Lee Smith
- Don Elston
- Guy Bush
- Fergie Jenkins
- Ryan Dempster
- Bill Hutchinson
- Bill Lee
- Rick Reuschel
• I honestly could not believe Carlos Marmol has the second-most appearances of any Cubs pitcher ever. I remember his first appearance was a Sunday in June of 2006 as a starter. Here is to the Rubber-Band Man himself.
And here is to all of you. I hope you have thoroughly enjoyed the first weekend Ramblings in the history of the CCO. And I hope you have a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.
And until next time …
Stay Classy Cubs Fans!!
