Craig Counsell (Creative Commons/Arturo Pardavila III)
For the first time in recent memory a member of the Chicago Cubs showed a pulse. And no, it wasn’t manager Craig Counsell, it was starting pitcher, Justin Steele. I’m not generally a big fan of yelling and screaming, but it’s nice to see a Cub show some life. Heaven knows Counsell doesn’t.
I was excited when the Cubs signed Counsell to be their manager, but right about now, I’d like to know what the Brewers’ return policy is on defective managers. It seems like the Cubs bought a manger without a pulse. Seriously, somebody put a mirror in from his face to see if he’s breathing. Even Joe Biden said after watching a Counsell post-game interview, “Wow, that guy looks lifeless.” Okay, I just made that last part up. More on Counsell later.
The Cubs get a win in Milwaukee
The Cubs hung on for a 5-3 win, but it was a battle. Hector Neris closed and got the save while giving up a hit and the obligatory walk. And why is Counsell still rolling him out in save situations?
And I thought David Ross was thick when it came to not learning from bullpen management mistakes. Give somebody else a chance to close.
Ian Happ hit the game-winning two-run homer in the 8th, his 11th. But Steele was the big story.
The Brewers tied the game at two in the third inning after some abysmal play in the field by the Cubs. After Steele finally worked his way out of the inning, as he entered the dugout, he had a message for his teammates. He told them to wake up. Only he interjected an F bomb with the wakeup call. It was the first sign of life I’ve seen from the Cubs all year. Basically, they’ve been team asbestos.
More on that inning
The disgusting third inning including Christopher Morel making a half-hearted effort on a groundball, a botched rundown, Nico Hoerner failing to block a throw to second that went into the outfield, and a pop fly that neither Hoerner nor Pete Crow-Armstrong could corral and a passed ball. And it looked much worse than it reads. Some of the [players involved showed a casualness that isn’t becoming a bunch of underachievers.
Random thoughts after the game
Morel has had a terrible season. While he has drawn more walks, he has a WAR of 0.3. That’s not good. Last season his WAR was 1.3. That’s not improvement.
Cody Bellinger has been the subject of trade rumors. I say send him down the line. Open up a slot for one of the farm hands.
While Crow-Armstrong is exciting, I’m not sure he’ll measure up to the hype. Actually, I think he won’t. I’ve even noticed a disturbing trend in his defensive game. I believe he’ll lead the league in great plays almost made.
While I continue to think that Craig Counsell was Bernie’s stunt double in Weekend at Bernie’s, I have a new favorite Cub. The still winless Justin Steele.
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