(Creative Commons: lukask | Openverse
When the Chicago Cubs hired robo-manager model CC-1, the move was universally hailed as a great move. Robo-manger CC-1, otherwise known as Craig Counsell was hired to help the Cubs win on the margins. CC-1 replaced humanoid manager GPR, aka Granpa Pa Rossi. Sadly, CC-1 has displayed all the perceived deficiencies of GPR but lacked the communication skills his predecessor possessed.
CC-1 has shown the concept of lefty hitter vs righty pitcher and vice versa to be hardwired into his programming. That was never more in display than during Tuesday night’s 1-0 loss to the Brewers and the Cubs threatening, CC-1 pinch hit for Michael Busch and Mike Tauchman with Patrick Wisdom and David Bote. The results were predictably bad.
I understand the general principle, but Busch is 14-45 against lefties this season and Tauchman is hitting .260 against them. Wisdom and Bote were less likely to succeed in that spot.
And Neris does his thing
Which is fail in the ninth inning. In Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to the Brewers, Neris came on and gave up the game-winning run. The only surprising thing about that is Neris didn’t put on the winning run via a walk.
Are their technical issues with CC-1?
While the model moves, the lack of animation could indicate a problem with the power source. CC1 certainly seems like a low voltage unit.
In addition, speech is enabled with CC1, but it seems to be recorded on the same endless loop. Couple that with the low voltage delivery and the Cubs might want to check their factory warranty.
Maybe Jesse Rogers can help
Reporter Jesse Rogers seemed to get a spark of life out of CC1 when he asked CC-1 about Chris Morel’s all or nothing approach at the plate. CC-1’s’ that’ a bad take approach’ remark seemed to miss the mark on various fronts.
A bad take is letting Christopher Morel play at third base this long with such a low level of production. It’s ironic that the most animation CC-1 has shown this year was in response to a reporter’s legitimate take.
Random Cubs thoughts
I thought I wanted Pete Crow-Armstong to play centerfield on a regular basis. After seeing him go hitless thus far in the season’s second half, I’m not sure I have the stomach for it. They might as well run with PCA now, but I’m not optimistic.
What is perhaps more disturbing is the thought that if PCA is the crown jewel of the farm system, what does that say about the rest of the prospects?
It wasn’t that long ago Matt Mevis washed out. Despite hitting a little better after the break, Miguel Amaya doesn’t look like a long-term solution at catcher.
Alexander Canario gets to come up occasionally and sit on a big-league bench. Is that his ceiling?
And who are the Cubs going to trade to get somebody that can help next season?
We’ll have to wait and see what Robo-GM, JH-1 can do.
PS, the more I look at the robot, the more it looks like Craig Counsell.
Enjoy sports trivia? Check this out.Yesterday’s Heroes Sports Quizzes: Sports Trivia for Baby Boomers by Larry Lambert | Goodreads
