(Creative Commons: ingermaaike2)
Friday night’s Cubs‘ 7-6 win over the White Sox was like a piece of modern art. Cubs and Sox fans could see what they wanted to while looking at the same thing. Optimistic Cubs fans could see a team that could hit four home runs and gained some ground in the wild card standings. They could also see a team that has a third baseman in Isaac Paredes who seems to have settled into that position nicely. In addition, center fielder, Pete Crow-Armstrong continues to grow as a hitter, getting three hits, including a triple. The fact that the triple came off one of the toughest left-handed pitchers in baseball makes it even more impressive.
Pessimistic Cubs fans could see a team that nearly blew a seven-run lead to what might be the worst team in MLB history. And they could also see a team that has a closer in Hector Neris who makes heart patients keep their Nito nearby, and a team that seemed to take their foot off the accelerator. And lastly, a team that seems to play down to the level of their opposition.
A White Sox perspective
For the optimistic White Sox fan, this was a game where the Sox got off the deck from a seven-run deficit to make the game a real nail-biter. In addition, Andrew Benintendi continues to experience a revival, hitting another two home runs. Besides hitting two home runs, Benintendi also made a great throw to cut down Pete Crow-Armstrong at the plate.
As always, it’s easier to be a pessimist than an optimist when you are a White Sox fan. For example, what’s going on with the Sox two best players? Garrett Crochet was lit up by four home runs. Was that a fluke or is it a real issue? And what is wrong with Luis Robert Jr.? He went 0-5 with two strikeouts and saw his batting average drop to .203. He has quietly been a huge disappointment in a potentially historically bad White Sox season.
A deeper dive
The recent Andrew Benintendi surge is interesting. He’s been a statistical leader when it comes to the White Sox demise. Has been playing with an injury? Is it a different kind of funk? I don’t know but in his last five games Benintendi has gone 8-20 with five home runs and nine RBIs. But perhaps the most interesting thing about Benintendi’s game was his throw to gun down Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Benintendi has been, statistically, one of the worst defenders in baseball for the last couple of years. That hasn’t always been the case in his career. In theory, Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. should be 2/3 of a decent outfield going forward.
After a slow start, Isaac Paredes has started to hit for the Cubs. In 38 at bats with the Cubs, Paredes has seven hits, including two home runs and two doubles to go along with seven RBIs. He seems to be settling in with the team nicely.
There was some concern about the possibility of Christopher Morel going off after being traded to the Rays. And that fear was amplified after Morel hit two home runs in his first two games as a Ray. However, after 29 at bats as a Ray, Morel has four hits with two home runs and only two RBIs. So, the trade hasn’t bitten the Cubs yet.
Enjoy sports trivia? Check this out: Yesterday’s Heroes Sports Quizzes: Sports Trivia for Baby Boomers eBook : Lambert, Larry: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store
