A memorable first week of the season at Wrigley Field did not end the way many assumed it would. The Cubs unveiled the new clubhouse, won in dramatic fashion on Opening Night and completed the sweep of the Reds. But the Cubs could not figure out the Rockies pitching staff.
Jake Arrieta dominated Saturday. Jon Lester was very good Sunday. The Cubs dropped two of three to Colorado and still finished the six-game homestand with a 4-2 record. And Joe Maddon’s team is one of two teams in baseball with nine wins on the young season.
Here are the headlines from the last three-plus days chock full of all the news and notes to get you caught up to speed before the series with the Cardinals.
Cubs Sweep the Series, Take All Three from the Reds – Cubs 8, Reds 1
The Cubs completed the three-game sweep of the Reds on Thursday night. Jason Hammel was excellent on the mound, doubled in a run and scored another. Kris Bryant hit a home run and the Cubs scored five runs late to pull away from the Reds.
Hammel was the story of the game before the eighth inning as he silenced his critics for the second time this season.
Cubs Down on the Farm Report – 04/15/16
Donnie Dewees and Bijan Rademacher stayed hot at the plate down on the farm. On the mound, Stephen Fife, Jonathan Martinez, Tyler Ihrig and Zach Hedges were very good at the end of the first full week of the minor league season.
Tom recapped all of the action in the Cubs’ system.
The Daily CCO: Run Differential, Walks and Other Cubs News and Notes
Friday was Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball. Before the Cubs opened the series with the Rockies, it was all about the numbers. The Cubs began the weekend with the best record in baseball and riding a five-game winning streak after outscoring their opponents 64-21.
The Tribune explained what it means when the Cubs reach the bases and point at the base while looking back in the dugout.
Daily Report includes all of the news, notes, links and This Day in Cubs History.
From the Wire: Cubs Activate INF/OF Javier Baez from DL, Option INF Munenori Kawasaki to Iowa
The Cubs made official what was known the night before … Javier Baez was activated from the 15-day DL prior to the first of three with the Rockies. And to make room for him on the roster, Munenori Kawasaki was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.
Rocky Day for Cubs Offense, Defense – Rockies 6, Cubs 1
The Cubs had a bad day at the office. The offense was a no show during the first day game of the season at Wrigley Field … and the defense threw the ball all over the place. The Cubs made more mental mistakes on the field than the four errors and passed ball the players were charged with on Friday afternoon.
Cubs Plan for Kyle Schwarber to Be Involved in Prep Meetings
Kyle Schwarber’s season may be over on the field, but it’s not in the classroom. The Cubs will continue to develop him as a catcher. The team plans on him being involved in the prep meetings at least on days Jason Hammel starts.
The Daily CCO: Jason Heyward Receives Gold Glove and Other Cubs News
In case you haven’t noticed, Jason Heyward is pretty, pretty good in right field. The day after he received Wilson’s Defensive Player of the Year Award, Heyward was presented with the Gold Glove he earned last season patrolling the outfield for the Redbirds.
Javier Baez discussed how the Cubs plan on using him this season.
Pierce Johnson and Stephen Fife landed on the Triple-A disabled list. Johnson could be back soon. Fife is likely sidelined for at least a month.
Daily Report includes all of the news, notes and links, This Day in Cubs History and Kevin Costner wants to make another baseball movie, this one about the Cubs.
Cubs Prospect Donnie Dewees Producing at the Plate
Donnie Dewees is off to a very good start with South Bend … check out the report that includes all of the numbers and a few videos, too.
Arrieta Tosses Eight Scoreless, Cubs Launch Three Homers – Cubs 6, Rockies 2
Jake Arrieta was incredible again Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. As David Ross said, Arrieta has been so good that he is spoiling his teammates and the fan base. Arrieta completed eight scoreless innings and has not allowed a run at Wrigley Field in the regular season since last July 25.
Anthony Rizzo and Jorge Soler hit back-to-back jacks on consecutive pitches. Dexter Fowler launched a three-run homer. And Grandpa Rossy drove in a run with a sac fly.
Recap includes video.
Cubs Highlights from Down on the Farm
Several prospects have begun the season on a positive note, especially Willson Contreras and Dan Vogelbach.
This report looks at the numbers, possibly a few players you may not be familiar with and includes a few videos … well, just because video is fun.
The Daily CCO: Kris Bryant’s Big League Debut was One Year Ago Today and Other Cubs News
Kris Bryant made his Major League debut exactly one year ago. And the numbers he put up in his first 162 games are rather good. Bryant really likes hitting at Wrigley Field, not so much on the road. The numbers back it up.
Jake Arrieta is in the middle of another historic run, and the report includes several of the facts.
Joe Maddon wants to start Javier Baez at least two or three times a week. Several of the players have new endorsement deals.
Daily Report includes all of the news, notes, rumors, links and the very popular This Day in Cubs History
Lester Receives No Support, Cubs Lose Series to Rockies – Rockies 2, Cubs 0
Jon Lester gave up one of the two solo home runs Nolan Arenado hit on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Lester struck out 10 batters in 7 1/3 innings and led off the sixth inning with a double. The Cubs could not figure out Tyler Chatwood and managed only three hits.
The Cubs offense struggled in two of the three games against Rockies’ pitching. The Cubs better adjust quickly before the rest of the league uses Colorado’s game plan as a blueprint to beat them.
Maybe the media and fan base will quit thinking the regular season is just a formality for the Cubs.