AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast

The Rundown: Steele Effective in First Start, Some Replacement Cubs Standing Out, Royals Catcher Recognizes Hard-Working Fans

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterAugust 11, 2021

“This is the mystery of the coldest quotient; upon us all, upon us all, a little rain must fall.” – Led Zeppelin, The Rain Song

Instant Replay

Yesterday’s weather provided a perfect metaphor for the Cubs, at least the version we’ve been watching since July 31. The North Siders are 1-8 (.111) this month and 8-18 (.307) since the All-Star break as they head toward a 96-loss season, if not worse. After being swept by the Brewers in yesterday’s doubleheader, their record stands at 52-63. The Cubs have lost six straight, their second-longest losing streak this season behind the 11-game tailspin that ignited the Great Reset.

There were a few bright spots, however, and Justin Steele was one. Despite taking the loss in the afternoon affair, Steele pitched well until he unraveled over a series of eight pitches in the top of the 4th that saw him allow a double to Eduardo Escobar and home runs to Lorenzo Cain and Avisaíl García. The young lefty had allowed one infield single up to that point and was lifted after five innings and 70 pitches.

Patrick Wisdom broke out of a mini-slump in the nightcap to go 2-for-3 with his first home run since July 29. Wisdom has hit just .207 (6-for-29) with 12 strikeouts since the trade deadline. The Cubs lost 6-3 in a game that never really felt like they had a chance to win, even when they had the lead. That may have been due to weather delays and the combined 14 pitchers that were used in the seven-inning affair.

Though he’s probably not a long-term outfield solution, Rafael Ortega has been on fire since mid-July, slashing .410/.459/1.113 OPS in his last 25 games. If anything, he’s earned the right to start next season depending on what the Cubs do in free agency. The 30-year-old entered last night’s game with a 141 OPS+ in 148 plate appearances.

Things don’t get any better tonight as Chicago draws Corbin Burnes, who struck out 10 batters in six innings without a walk the last time he faced the Cubs. The home team will counter with Jake Arrieta, who is still trying to get untracked since returning from the IL and needs to string together a few strong starts to be part of any team’s plans next season.

Cubs News & Notes

Odds & Sods

 “This is God’s punishment for seven-inning doubleheaders.” – Danny Rockett

Climbing the Ladder

“All I can say is that my life is pretty plain, I like watching the puddles gather in the rain.” – Blind Melon, No Rain

  • Games Played: 115
  • Total Plate Appearances: 4,212
  • Total Strikeouts: 1,115
  • Strikeout Rate: 26.5%
  • Team Batting Average: .228

Ortega was 4-for-8 in the two games yesterday and shows the kind of aggressiveness and energy on the basepaths that is somewhat reminiscent of Javier Báez, though a little less flashy.

How About That!

Báez missed last night’s game due to lower back tightness. The shortstop is hitting just .176 since being traded by Chicago.

The White Sox and Yankees are embracing a “once-in-a-lifetime feeling” as they prepare for Thursday’s Field of Dreams game.

The Orioles have been outscored 63-23 in their last six games and became the first team in nine years to allow nine or more runs in six consecutive tilts.

The Rangers beat the Mariners last night to end a 14-game road losing streak.

The worst baseball uniforms ever feature a crabs logo on the seat of the trousers.

Dodgers infielder Trea Turner made a nifty slide into home in last night’s game against the Phillies, beating a rocket from Bryce Harper to score.

It troubles me to write this, but former Cleveland shortstop Omar Vizquel has been accused of sexually harassing an autistic batboy. It’s a tough read, especially the first paragraph, which wastes no time in getting into the sordid details.

Tuesday’s Three Stars

  1. Salvador Perez – The Kansas City catcher homered twice to set a career-high with 29 on a 2-for 3 night as the Royals upended the Yankees 8-4.
  2. MLB Relievers – Due to heavy schedules, injuries, and weather delays, 11 starters pitched four innings or less yesterday.
  3. J.A. Happ – The St. Louis hurler, who was acquired at the trade deadline, held the Pirates to one hit in the Cardinals’ 4-1 win in Pittsburgh. Happ had five strikeouts on the night.

Not a Star

Ian Happ was 1-for-5 in yesterday’s doubleheader with four strikeouts and is now slashing .178/.288/.322 on the season. He’s struck out 106 times in 298 at-bats and has more punchouts than total bases (96).

Extra Innings

It’s nice to see a player recognize the absurd costs of attending a baseball game.

They Said It

  • “Just realized that there were more pitches to be made and I just went right back at them [after giving up the 4th inning home runs]. Brush it right off. You’ve got to get over those things quickly. It’s baseball.” – Justin Steele
  • “That’s one of those keys, to continue to pitch, get us some more outs, especially in today’s [doubleheader]. It was nice for him to settle in and still give us some outs after that, but things happen quickly, especially here sometimes, and he settled in nicely and definitely locked it back in. It was nice to see.” – David Ross
  • “Honestly, I’ve never doubted that I’ve had the ability to be a Major League starter and a Major League player. It’s all about having the opportunity, being given a proper chance. And I think I’m receiving that right now. That’s what I’m taking advantage of.” – Rafael Ortega

Wednesday Walk-Up Song

Loser by Beck – It would be nice to string together a few wins, though starting a winning streak against Burnes is probably next to impossible.

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterAugust 11, 2021
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