Thursday, October 22, 2015

2016

Well, that NLCS was rough … although I'd say not as rough as 2003. If you'd told me in March that this 2015 Cubs club would make the NLCS, I would've jumped at the chance to see it, and it was a fun ride getting here.

No one was expecting this from a club starting four rookies for much of the season: Bryant, Russell, Schwarber, and Soler. The rotation was a question mark after Lester and Arrieta, and the bullpen was a question mark after (and some were saying including) Rondon and Strop.

Well, those four rookies combined for 65 home runs. That question mark of a bullpen had the fourth-lowest ERA in the NL, while the Cubs' starters had the third-lowest ERA in baseball. 

Other highlights:
  • Chris Coghlan hit a career-high 16 HR.
  • Anthony Rizzo drove in a career-high 101 runs.
  • Starlin Castro hit .343 in August, September, and October … after being moved to 2B. His best defensive month? September, with 1 error.
  • Kris Bryant lived up to the Rookie of the Year hype, hitting .275 with an OBP of .369, 26 HR, 99 RBI, and 13 SB.
  • Kyle Schwarber launched 16 HR in only 69 games played.
  • The Cubs' hitters led the NL in bases on balls.
  • Dexter Fowler hit a career-high 17 HR (and that's saying something for a guy who played five seasons at Coors Field).
  • Jorge Soler posted a .993 fielding percentage -- 1 error in 149 chances -- in Wrigley's toughest outfield spot.
  • Travis Wood closed out the regular season on a roll: 1 ER in 16 IP with 23 K and only 4 BB in September and October.
  • Jake Arrieta had a great start to the season, and was lights out in the second half, finishing with 22 wins (the highest win total since Fergie Jenkins used to take the Wrigley mound every 4th day) and these Cy Young Award worthy career-bests: a 1.77 ERA, 4 complete games (3 of them shutouts) and 236 strikeouts.
  • They were the best team in MLB in August & September, winning 43 of their last 61 regular season games.
  • They dominated the Pirates in the NL Wild Card game -- at PNC Park -- to advance to the NLDS.
  • They beat the Cardinals in the NLDS, three games to one, in a series that all Cubs fans can savor for a long time.
So what happened in the NLCS?

Well, the Mets' pitchers were locked in, and took full advantage of the expanded strike zone being afforded by the postseason umpires. Daniel Murphy was ridiculous, channeling his inner Barry Bonds and apparently forgetting that he hit only 14 regular season homers. David Wright and several other Mets played stellar defense, and their offense came through with clutch hits and heads-up base running.

Not so much for the Cubs. They hit .158 as a team in the NLCS, nearly 90 points lower than in the NLDS. They hit 3 HR versus the 10 they hit in the NLDS. Why? Who knows, but it sure looked like they ran out of steam. Few on the roster have ever played even a 162-game season, let alone in MLB postseason action. Finally, their youth and inexperience showed. Several Cubs defenders are playing new positions (Schwarber, Castro) and they, among others (Bryant, Soler) don't yet have the defensive chops that the Mets' veterans do.

Good news: they'll be much more experienced next October.

We at CMN are looking forward to many more opportunities to #FlyTheW in 2016. New Cubs Magic Number to make the 2016 postseason:


163

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

8

Cubs win and advance to their first LCS since 2003!  Gotta love these kids.  Schwarber hit a HR that still hasn't landed yet.  Rizzo comes through with a bit go ahead HR as well.  Bullpen does a good job as well.  Queue the party in Wrigleyville.

If you look really close in the front row with the #8 on his chest, you just might see 89Cubs.

Monday, October 12, 2015

9

Cubs win! A postseason MLB record SIX homers powered the Cubs past the Cards!

Fans around the globe are celebrating -- this shot, taken moments ago, is from a beachside bar in Maui!




Saturday, October 10, 2015

10

The Cubs beat the Cards 6-3 in what was a great team effort. Kyle Hendricks got the start, and Travis Wood, Trevor Cahill, and Hector Rondon combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. Rondon picked up the save and Wood got the win, continuing his late-season dominance: 1 ER, 25 K, 4 BB, and 7 H in 18 1/3 IP in September & October.
 
Back-to-back RBI bunts, an RBI single by Fowler, and a two-run HR by Soler -- all in the second inning -- gave the Cubs all the offense they'd need. Some spectacular defense and strong baserunning were the icing on the cake.

The Cubs-Cards NLDS now returns to Wrigley for two games: Game 3 on Monday at either 3:30 or 5:00 CDT and Game 4 on Tuesday. Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Cubs in Game 3.

Go Cubs!


10

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

11

ARRIETA
FOWLER
SCHWARBER

NLDS NEXT

12

The Cubs make their first postseason appearance in seven years Wednesday night in Pittsburgh. 22-game winner Jake Arrieta takes the mound for the Cubs, facing off against the Pirates' Gerrit Cole.

The winner of this NL Wild Card game faces the Cardinals in St. Louis on Friday in the start of a best-of-five series.

12 = 1 (NLWC) + 3 (NLDS) + 4 (NLCS) + 4 (WS)

GO CUBS GO!


Friday, September 25, 2015

0


Cubs clinch a Wild Card spot with a Giants loss late at Oakland after a tough loss earlier today vs. the Pirates.

Some words from our CMN posters:

RFBleachers says:

I've been a Cubs fan for as long as I can remember.  Although I can remember watching the '72 World Series, the first Cubs season I can really remember is '73, when I was 7.  That means this is the 43rd season I've been avidly following the Cubs.

In those past 43 seasons, they've finished over .500 only 12 times -- and 7 of those happened after 2000.  (Those '73-'83 seasons were pretty bleak, even if they did manage to finish exactly .500 in '77.)  That makes seasons like this one even sweeter, and the future on the North Side looks bright.  Go Cubs!

89Cubs says:

Absolutely fantastic to see the Cubs back in the playoffs after a LONG 7 year wait. Hopefully this time they'll win at least one game as I'm still waiting to get REALLY involved after that happens per my post in 2008 after their playoff sweep.  I'm also still hoping for a road game vs. Pittsburgh in the Wild Card if we're not going to win the division out right.

This team is fun and exciting and they have a very bright future.  If that future trickles into the present this year, all the better.

Mr Pickles says:

I'm just glad I got to a game this week with 89Cubs. It's been a while since the magic number has been relevant for our Cubs. I'm excited about not just this year, but the next few. One of them, we'll really see great things. Here's my personal account to the clincher in 2008.





Thursday, September 24, 2015

1

The Padres beat the Giants in the bottom of the 9th at Petco! One more Cubs win or one more Giants loss and the Cubs make the playoffs!

The Cubs start a three-game set against the Pirates at Wrigley tomorrow, the Giants head to Oakland for a three-game weekend series, and the Cardinals play three more in Milwaukee this weekend.


2

Giants lost to the Padres early Thursday morning. The National League Wild Card Magic Number has dropped.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

3

Jake Arrieta became MLB's first 20-game winner of the 2015 season as the Cubs beat the Brewers 4-0 at Wrigley. Jake is the Cubs' first 20-game winner since Jon Lieber's masterful 2001 season on the North Side. Arrieta's line: CG, 9 IP, 11 K, 0 ER. The guy is nails!

Kris Bryant had a big night at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a 2-run HR and 3 RBI, and Kyle Schwarber  went 2-for-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

Meanwhile … the Nats lost at home to the O's, the Giants are at the Padres, the Bucs are at the Rox, and the Redbirds beat the Redlegs.

So, here are the Cubs Magic Numbers as of 9:30 pm CDT:

Wild Card


Home Field Advantage in the Wild Card Game


NL Central


Mister Pickles and Sean Gill in the RF bleachers at tonight's game!


Monday, September 21, 2015

4

Cubs beat the Brewers 9-5 in a slugfest at Wrigley. Rizzo went 3-for-3 with 3 R, Castro 2-for-2 with 2 RBI, Fowler 2-for-5 with 2 RBI, Bryant 3-for-5 with 2 R, and Soler had a pinch-hit 3-run HR to put the game on ice for the North Siders.

Cards also won, and the Pirates are up 6-3 over the Rockies late. Here are the Cubs Magic Numbers as of 10:20 pm CDT:

Wild Card

Home Field in the Wild Card Game

NL Central

Saturday, September 19, 2015

5

Cubs beat Wacha and the Cards 5-4 in a heartstopper! The bullpen combined for a great group effort (nevermind the 9th before Strop entered the game), an UNBELIEVABLE game-ending play by Russell, and another great game by Bryant that included a moon shot HR into the wind, 2 R, 2 RBI, and a defensive gem at a key moment.

Props to Travis Wood, who started the game and has a line of 2 ER and 21 K in his last 13 IP.  Clutch!

The win moves the Cubs 0.5 GB of the Pirates, who play tonight at LA. The Giants lost to the D-Backs Saturday, so they are now 10 GB of the Cubs for the second wild card spot.

The Cubs Magic Numbers are:  5 for a wild card berth, 16 to clinch home field advantage in one-off Wild Card game, and 20 to win the NL Central.

Interestingly, the Cubs lead the season series with the Bucs 10-6 with three head-to-head games remaining. So, they've locked up the tiebreaker for home field advantage in the one-off Wild Card game: if the Cubs & Pirates finish with identical regular-season records, the Cubs would host the NLWC game.

Hat tip to Rachel G and KnoxvilleCubsFan for getting this post rolling and the idea to expand to three CMNs, respectively.


6

Image result for cubs keith moreland

Cubs beat the Wacha and the Cards 5-4 in a heart stopper backed by a great bullpen performance (until the 9th) an UNBELIEVABLE game ending play by Russell and another great game by Byrant with a moon shot HR into the wind onto the street, 2 R, 2 RBI and a defensive gem at a key moment.  The Cubs gave everybody a bit of a scare in the 9th but hold on for the win to move .5 games back of the Pirates for home field advantage pending their game late tonight at LA.  The Giants are currently playing at home vs. the D-backs where with their loss the CMN drops to 5.

7

Giants lose late.  CMN for the NL Wild Card drops to 7.

Are the Cubs better off on the road for a one game Wild Card playoff berth than being at Wrigley?

NL Central number remains at 22.

Friday, September 18, 2015

8

With today's beating of the Cardinals at Wrigley, the National League Wild Card Magic Number for the Cubs has dropped to 8! There's another chance for the number to drop tonight if the Giants lose later tonight.


Are the Cubs better off on the road for a one game Wild Card playoff berth than being at Wrigley?

When the Cubs beat the division leading Cardinals, the National League Central Magic Number drops by two. It's now

22



Thursday, September 17, 2015

9


Cubs with a great slug fest win over the Pirates to win the pivotal road series in Pittsburgh: 3 games to 1.  You know it's a high powered offense day when your lead off hitter gets 6 ABs and Rizzo hits his 30th HR.  Not a strong performance by Hendricks, but it doesn't matter.

The win lowers the CMN for the Wild Card berth to 9 with the Giants idle today and the Cards playing tonight in Milwaukee.  Cubs start up an equally important series tomorrow at home against the Cards for a three game set.

While we here at CMN are always rooting for a Cubs win and a playoff berth anyway the Cubs can get it, some of us (89 Cubs mostly) have proposed the following question:

Are the Cubs better off on the road for a one game Wild Card playoff berth than being at Wrigley?

Before you dismiss this out of hand, here me out here.  The Cubs recent history of home playoff games has been dismal and having home field advantage in the 2008 NLDS and in the 2003 NLCS proved not to help.  You have to go way back to the tie breaker game in 1998  (which wasn't technically a playoff game as it was 163rd game of the regular season) to see a positive outcome for the Cubs playing with home field advantage in a postseason series.  In fact, since 1998 the Cubs playoff home record (including the '98 tie breaker) is 3-8.  To take it one step further, their home record in playoff games since '98 (including the '98 tie breaker) in clinching and win or die games is 1-5 with the lone win coming from that tie breaker game.

Why is this?  If you have attended any of Cubs home playoff game at Wrigley you know the answer.  The tension in the air as a result of the Cubs fans' negative air and imminent fear of calamity clearly affect the Cubs players and managers.  I've personally witnessed this at the 2003 NLCS as I was there for both games 6 & 7 (I won't remind anybody what happened then), at the one 2007 NLDS game vs the Diamondbacks and at one of the two home games in the 2008 NLDS.  The air was thick with the expectation of disaster and I KNOW it had an effect on the team and the managers.  

Dusty and Lou both underestimated this and ultimately fell victim to it and I fear the same for Maddon. I think the world of Joe and I think he's the best man for the job presently.  If anybody can buck this trend, he can.  However, I also don't think the team really understands what playoff baseball in Wrigley is all about....yet.  Can this inexperience on such a young team be an advantage? Possibly. And I hope it is.

However, think of the alternative. Why not have the one Wild Card game in Pittsburgh where their fans' expectations are even higher than Cubs fans presently based on their results last year?  They are EXPECTED to win.  Additionally they lost their Wild Card game at home last year, thus even further ratcheting up the pressure on them not to do it again.  

The Cubs this year, let's be honest, are in a bonus year.  We were not supposed to be here until a year or three down the road.  50% of the current roster wasn't even on the opening day roster.  

The Cubs are also an outstanding road baseball team and have just proven they can win in Pittsburgh. I'll take Arrieta starting on the road against any team, anywhere, any time.  Arrieta in the Wrigley postseason pressure cooker?  I'm just not quite as confident.

Can the Cubs win at home for the one winner take all Wild Card game?  It's baseball, so anything can happen.  Do I think their chances are slightly better on the road for this same game?  I think I do.

I say, let the kids stay loose on the road and continue to exceed everybody's expectations and beat the Pirates in Pittsburgh before taking on the Cards.

What do you think?  We'd love to hear your comments.

Go Cubs!


Wednesday, September 16, 2015

10


Cubs beat the Pirates 3-2 in 12 to drop the Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth to 10! Jake Arrieta tossed another quality start and Kris Bryant went 3-for-6 with an RBI and a run scored.

With the win, the Cubs are 3 GB of the Pirates for home field advantage in the NL Wild Card game and 7 GB of the Cardinals for the NL Central lead.

Up next: the series finale vs. Pittsburgh tomorrow, followed by a ten-game homestand starting Friday with three against the Cards. Go Cubs!

The Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central is



10

11

Giants late night, extra innings loss combined with Cubs DH split with Pitt brings the Magic Number down to 11.

Two more games in Pittsburgh, then a three-game set against the Cardinals at Wrigley starting Friday. The Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central is

26


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

12


Cubs split the doubleheader in Pittsburgh today, so the Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth drops to 12.

They remain 4 GB of the Bucs for home field advantage in the Wild Card game, 6.5 GB of the Cards (who are at Milwaukee tonight), and 7 games ahead of the Giants (who are hosting the Reds tonight).

Two more games in Pittsburgh, then a three-game set against the Cardinals at Wrigley starting Friday. The Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central is

26


Go Cubs!

12

at least

Sunday, September 13, 2015

13

The Cubs came up short at Philly Saturday while the Giants won, so no progress was made on the Cubs Magic Number for the NL Wild Card. But...

Good news for Cubs fans: the Cards dropped two games at Cincy on Saturday, lowering the Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central to 27 with 21 games remaining.

The Cubs have an 8.5 game lead over the Giants for the second NL Wild Card berth, and the Pirates have a 3 game lead over the Cubs for home field advantage in the one-game Wild Card playoff. The winner of that game will advance to the NLDS and play the NL division winner with the best record (St. Louis at this point).

HUGE week coming up: series finale at Philly today, followed by a four-game set at Pittsburgh and then a three-game set vs. the Cardinals at Wrigley that kicks off a ten-game homestand (STL, MIL, PIT, and a makeup game with KC).

That's right, thirteen of the Cubs' next seventeen games are against the Cards & Pirates. Let's go!


Friday, September 11, 2015

13

Let's WIN two! Cubs take the doubleheader from the Phillies behind strong starts from Arrieta (MLB-leading 19th win) and Hendricks. Firepower from Schwarber (2 HR), Castro, and Bryant (1 HR apiece). That's 8 wins in their last 10 games and 30 of 42 since being swept by the lowly Phillies back in July.

Cubs Magic Number for the NL Central is 29 28 after the Cards lost 4-2 to the Reds early Saturday in the completion of Friday's suspended game. Nice to get a little help from the Redlegs.

14

Early game is a W for the Cubs. Game 2 coming up.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

15

Cubs got rained out tonight, so let's play two tomorrow in Philly! Cards got shredded by the Reds 11-0 today, so the Cubs Magic Number to win the NL Central drops to 31.

To clarify: the Cubs Magic Number to earn an NL Wild Card playoff berth is 15. Each Cubs win or next-best-team's loss (currently the Giants) drops this magic number by 1.

The Cubs Magic Number to win the NL Central is 31. Each Cubs win or division leader's loss (currently the Cardinals) drops this magic number by 1.

15

Both Washington and San Francisco lost last night, bring the number down again. Cubs begin a 4 game series in Philadelphia tonight.

NL Central Wild Card sits at 32.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

16

What a game.  St. Louis made it close, but the Cubs fought hard to quiet the Cardinals in the 8th.  Let's go Cubs!!  I want to see the sweep tomorrow afternoon.

Monday, September 7, 2015

18

Wild card here we come. The Cubs dominated the Cardinals today and the Pirates lost. NL Central Magic Number is 34.

20

With a sweep of the Diamond Backs, the Cubs move closer to the post season.  On to St. Louis and Philadelphia,  and hopefully more wins to secure a playoff spot.  Go Cubs!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

21

Cubs beat the dbacks again. Arrieta with another fine performance and made his 18th W on the year. One more game against the dbacks and then the cubs are off to STL. Cubs divisional magic number is 38. When we play STL, every win will cut that by two.

22

Wildcard Magic Number. Cubs are leading dbacks again today. Go Cubs!

Friday, September 4, 2015

23

Wild Card Magic Number. The Cubs are entering the holiday weekend against the DBacks at home. They need some wins. They're off to STL on Monday. Divisional magic number is 41.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

26

We're switching it up. 26 is the # for the Wild Card. Post season play. First since 2008. Let's go CUBBIES!!! The division is likely our of touch at 42. Let's focus on the realistic.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

43

HOLY COW! Jake Arrieta threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers in LA tonight. Kris Bryant's two-run homer in the 1st inning was all it took to give the Cubs a much-needed win. Arrieta was ridiculous: 12 K and 1 BB in 9 IP.

And, since the Giants lost today, the Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card berth is now

28

44

At least the Giants lost, too.

The Cubs Magic Number for an NL Wild Card playoff berth is now

30

with 34 games remaining.  Go Cubs!

Saturday, August 29, 2015

44

Time to get back on track!

In other news, the Cubs Magic Number for the NL Wild Card playoff spot is

31

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

46

Another winning streak.

In other news, the Cubs Magic Number for the Wild Card is

33

Friday, August 21, 2015

52

Back on track! The Cubs beat Atlanta 7-1 behind Arrieta's quality start, Rizzo's 3 RBI, and Coghlan's 2  RBI. Arrieta is the first pitcher in MLB this season to reach 15 wins. The homestand continues Friday with the second of the four-game set against Atlanta.

And, in other news, the Cubs Magic Number for the NL Wild Card is 

39

Sunday, August 16, 2015

54

At least the Cards lost today, too. Time to start a new winning streak -- a seven-game homestand starts Tuesday vs. Detroit. After that, it'll be the Braves and a make-up game against Cleveland before a six-game swing out west to face the Giants & Dodgers. Go Cubs go!

And in other news, the Cubs' Magic Number for the NL Wild Card is still

43

55

Another day, another win. That's 9 in a row. Go Cubs!

In other news, the Cubs Magic Number for the Wild Card is

43

Saturday, August 15, 2015

56

Cubs beat the Sox 6-5 in an exciting game at the Cell. That makes it 8 wins in a row! Woot!

In other news, the Cubs Magic Number for the Wild Card is

44

Thursday, August 13, 2015

57

Sweep! The Cubs drubbed the Brewers 9-2 at Wrigley this afternoon. Kyle Schwarber went 3-for-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI, Fowler went 2-for-3 with a HR 2 RBI, and two other Cubs added HRs as Lester struck out 10 over 6 IP to pick up the win. The Cubs are on a seven-game winning streak and have won 13 of their last 14 games. They're now only 1.5 games behind the Pirates in the NL Central and have a five-game lead over the Giants for the second NL Wild Card berth. The Cubs now face the South Siders in a weekend series. Go Cubs!

58

Sweep! The Cubs drubbed the Brewers 9-2 at Wrigley this afternoon. Kyle Schwarber went 3-for-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI, Fowler went 2-for-3 with a HR 2 RBI, and two other Cubs added HRs as Lester struck out 10 over 6 IP to pick up the win. The Cubs are on a seven-game winning streak and have won 13 of their last 14 games. They're now only one game behind the Pirates in the NL Central and have a five-game lead over the Giants for the second NL Wild Card berth. The Cubs face the South Siders in a weekend series next. Go Cubs!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

60

The Cubs beat the Brewers last night, 6-3, their fifth straight win and 11th in their last 12 games! Dan Haren gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings, and four Cubs relievers combined to shut out the Brewers the rest of the way. Rizzo went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and Soler added 2 more. James Russell pitched the ninth and picked up his first save of the season. The Cubs & Brewers go at it again tonight at Wrigley. (It's crazy that the Cubs have the fourth-best record in MLB, yet sit in 3rd place in their division. Watch your backs, Pirates!)

Sunday, August 9, 2015

61

Sweep! The Cubs held off the Giants again this afternoon at Wrigley, 2-0. They completed the four-game sweep and moved ahead of the Giants by 3.5 games in the race for the second NL Wild Card playoff berth. Arrieta tossed a gem -- 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 6 K -- and lowered his ERA to 2.38 for the season. He also tripled and scored on a sac fly by Russell. Kris Bryant notched the other RBI, but the story of the game was Cubs closer Hector Rondon loading the bases in the top of the ninth (1B, 2B, and HBP) and proceeding to strike out the next three batters to pick up the save and secure the sweep! Next up: the Brewers come to Chicago for a three-game set, followed by a weekend series vs. the Sox at US Cellular.

63

The Cubs beat the Giants for the third day in a row today! Final score: 8-6. Kris Bryant hit a 3-R HR and Kyle Schwarber's 2-for-4 performance raised his season average to .352. The Cubs' offense is averaging 5.4 runs per game in August -- up from 3.6 in July. They've won 9 of their last 10 and seem to be coming into their own at the right time of year. The series finale against the Giants is tomorrow at Wrigley.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

64

Cubs beat the Giants 7-3 behind Lester's quality start, Fowler's 3-for-5 performance (including a HR), and 2 RBI each from Soler and Schwarber. They now hold a 1.5-game lead over San Francisco for the second wild-card spot. The Cubs host the Giants again this afternoon at Wrigley, with Kyle Hendricks squaring off against Matt Cain.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

65

Big win tonight at Wrigley! The Cubs hung on to beat the Giants 5-4. Schwarber hit a 3-run homer and Soler added 2 more RBIs and went 2-for-4. The bullpen came through: Motte, Strop, and Rondon didn't allow a Giant hit over the final three innings. Back at it tomorrow afternoon vs. the Giants at the Friendly Confines.

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

66

Cubs blanked the Pirates 5-0 in Pittsburgh -- their sixth win in a row -- behind a strong start by Jake Arrieta and a nice offensive night for Starlin Castro.  The Cards also lost, but the Giants won.  The Cubs and Pirates go at it again tomorrow night at PNC.  Go Cubs!

68

Despite last night's rainout in Pittsburgh, the Cubs are still the hottest team in MLB. They're riding a five-game winning streak into tonight's matchup against the Pirates, who are four games ahead of the North Siders in the standings. The Cubs' current win streak has put them a half-game ahead of the Giants in the race for the final wild-card spot. Considering that their next six games are against those two teams, followed by three against the Brewers (whom the Cubs just swept in Milwaukee), the next week and a half could be a huge factor in the Cubs' postseason hopes! Go Cubs!

Monday, July 13, 2015

83

Well, a split with the Cards and a 1-2 series against the Sox weren't exactly what the doctor ordered going into the All-Star Break, but Arrieta's CG win on Sunday at least ended the first "half" of the season on a high note.

The upcoming seven-game road trip against two sub-.500 teams (Braves & Reds) and a six-game home stand against the lowly Phils and Rockies could be just what the Cubs need to climb back up in the standings.  If the season ended today, they'd nab the second wild card spot, but the Mets are close on their heels.

Enjoy watching Rizzo & Bryant in the Home Run Derby tonight, and go Cubs!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

87

Despite snatching a defeat from the jaws of victory tonight, the Cubs have won 7 of their last 10 games.  It looks like Maddon is getting the bullpen settled in for the stretch run (Strop's blown save today notwithstanding), and Rafael Soriano has looked sharp in the minors so far.  I'd be surprised if he's not on the major league roster later this summer.  Rizzo and Bryant made the All-Star roster and will participate in the Home Run Derby, the first time Cubs teammates have done so.

2015's been a radical departure from the previous five (yes, five!) seasons and are on pace to complete their 10th over-.500 season since 1972.  (My first Cubs memories are from the '73 season.  It's been a rough handful of decades.)  They have the NL's fourth-best record and, if the season ended today, would earn a wild-card berth.  Here's to a great second half!  Go Cubs!

Thursday, July 2, 2015

97

The Cubs shut out the Mets (six of my favorite words) for the second night in a row, this time in extras.  They wrap up the series tomorrow before heading home to face the Marlins, Cards, and White Sox before the All-Star Break.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

100

The Cubs have won 4 straight and have the 3rd best record in the NL to date! They're facing the Dodgers at Wrigley right now, wrap up the series tomorrow, and then head to St. Louis for a weekend set against the Cards, who have MLB's best record.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

102

Cubs blanked the Twins today in Minneapolis, 8-0, behind Arrieta's complete game shutout and Fowler's grand slam.  The Cubs head home for a four-game set vs. the Dodgers this week before heading to St. Louis for the first of two series against the first-place Cards before the All-Star break.

104

The Cubs have gone 4-3 since the last CMN update and are currently up 2-0 on the Twins in Minneapolis.  The Cubs head home for a four-game set vs. the Dodgers this week before heading to St. Louis for the first of two series against the first-place Cards before the All-Star break.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

110

It's been an up & down week for the Cubs, who split a two-game series at Detroit and have split the first two games of a weekend series at Wrigley against the Reds.  Kyle Hendricks faces off against Mike Leake at 6:15 CDT tonight.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

114

Cubs beat the Nationals in DC today, 6-3, to take the weekend series 3 games to 1.  Kyle Hendricks had a nice outing -- 2 ER in 5 IP, and the bullpen shut out the Nats for the second day in a row.  Bryant went 3-for-4 and scored twice, and Coghlan & Castro each had 2 hits and 2 RBI.  Cubbies head to Detroit for a two-game series on Tuesday before heading back to the Friendly Confines on Thursday for a weekend series against the Reds.

115

Hammel struck out 7 over 8 IP, Fowler, Rizzo, and Herrera each went 2-for-4 for with an RBI, and the Cubs beat the Nats 4-2 in DC.  Strop picked up the save and the Cards & Pirates both lost to cap off a great day for the North Siders.  Series finale tomorrow in Washington:  Hendricks vs. Zimmerman.

Saturday, June 6, 2015

117

Cubs beat the Nats 2-1 on Thursday night.  Arrieta had another quality start:  8 K and 1 ER in 6 IP.  Five Chicago relievers combined to blank Washington the rest of the way.  The series continues over the weekend.

Monday, June 1, 2015

118

Jason Hammel struck out 11 and the Cubs beat the Marlins in Miami, 5-1.  Castro homered and eight different Cubs reached base.  More good news:  the Cards lost to the Brew Crew.  The North Siders are back in action tomorrow night in the Sunshine State.

Sunday, May 31, 2015

120

Cubs beat the Royals in extras, 2-1, to split the rain-shortened series with KC.  Wada had another strong outing, Coghlan went 3-for-4, and Ross had the walk-off RBI single in the 11th.  Cubs kick off a road trip in Miami tomorrow.  And … RIP, Lennie Merullo, the last former member of the 1945 Cubs' World Series team, who passed away yesterday.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

122

Cubs win!  Addy Russell hits a walk-off double in the bottom of the 9th, and the Cubs come back to beat the Nats 3-2.  Another strong outing for Hendricks and solo HRs by Fowler & Bryant.  Back in action tomorrow vs. Washington at Wrigley.

Sunday, May 24, 2015

123

Big win by the Cubs in Phoenix last night!  Rizzo had 6 RBI including the game-winning 3-R HR, Soler went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, and Arrieta tossed a quality start despite 2 Cubs' errors.  More good news:  the Cards are on a 3-game losing streak.  Hammel takes the hill for the Cubs in Phoenix today, and they're back in Chicago tomorrow for game one of a series vs. the Nats.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

126

Cubs take the series from the Padres, 2 games to 1, with a 3-0 complete game shutout by Kyle Hendricks.  Addy Russell and Kris Bryant homered for the Cubs, who head to Phoenix for a weekend set against the Snakes that starts tomorrow.  The Cards also lost tonight, so the Cubs are now 3.5 games back in the NL Central.

Monday, May 18, 2015

129

Gotta love it when the magic number goes down on an off day for the Cubs!  Mets beat the Cards in 14 innings tonight.  Cubs kick off a three-game series in San Diego on Tuesday.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

130

Cubs win!  Cubs win!  Cubs win!  Six in a row - this one a 4-1 W over the Pirates at Wrigley.  Great team effort:  another quality start for Lester and two hits apiece for Bryant, Rizzo, and Soler.  And ... the Cards have dropped two straight to Detroit.  #UndefeatedBleachers

Friday, May 15, 2015

133

5 in a row!  A dramatic win at Wrigley - Cubs turned a 7-1 5th inning lead into a 12th inning 11-10 win.  Soler managed to battle the late afternoon RF sun better than the Pirates' Polanco did, as Soler made a desperation catch to end a Pirate rally but Polanco let a Szczur popup drop in for the walk-off single.  Back in action tomorrow at Wrigley vs. the Pirates.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

134

4 games in a row against the NL East leading Mets!!!

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

135

Cubs beat the Mets 2-1 on a walk-off bases-loaded walk to Coghlan, and the Cards lose to Cleveland.  Great game thrown by Hammel:  8 IP, 1 ER, 5 K.  Cubs host the series finale tomorrow afternoon at Wrigley.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

137

Another great night at Wrigley:  Cubs beat the Mets 6-1.  Arrieta looked great:  8 IP, 10K, 1 ER.  Bryant went 3-for-4 with his 3rd HR of the season, Coghlan knocked in 2, and Castro & Soler each went 2-for-5.  Two more against the Mets this week at the Friendly Confines.  A little help from Cleveland would be nice...

Monday, May 11, 2015

138

Four of my favorite words in the English language:  Cubs beat the Mets!  Lester went 6 and picked up another quality start, Bryant & Rizzo had back-to-back HRs in the 1st, and Addy Russell hit what turned out to be the game-winning RBI single in the 4th.  More good news:  the bleachers are (partially) open!  More Mets-Cubs tomorrow night at Wrigley.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

139

Well, at least the Cards have also dropped two in a row.  The Cubs now head home for a four-game set versus the Mets starting Monday night.

Friday, May 8, 2015

141

Cubs hit 4 home runs and squeak by after a rough 9th inning. Cards win too, so Cubs remain 7 games back after a tough series in St Louis. The Hawks sweep yesterday and the Bulls win tonight in dramatic fashion, so it's a great Chicago sports night.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

142

The Cubs finally hung on to a lead to beat the Cards in St. Louis Wednesday night.  Rizzo (3 RBI), Bryant, and Soler each went 2-for-4 and Lester tossed another quality start.  The North Siders will try to even the series tomorrow afternoon at Busch.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

144

Two firsts at Wrigley on Friday:  Lester's first W in a Cubs uni and Russell's first big-league HR!  Cubs won 1-0 and have the 4th best record in the NL.  The Cards, who won in extras Friday night, have the best record in MLB and host the Cubs starting Monday for a four-game series.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

145

A great night at Wrigley! Wood tosses a quality start, Fowler goes 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, Castro goes 3-for-5, Junior Lake goes 2-for-5 in his return to Wrigley, and the Cubs beat the Pirates 6-2.  Cards beat the Phils, so the Cubs remain 1 GB.

Monday, April 27, 2015

146

Cubs shutout the Pirates behind 8 shutout innings,4 hits from Hammel,  2 for 3 with 2 RBI from Rizzo and 2 RBI from Bryant. Cards lose at home to the lowly Phillies. Now if only the Bulls would win.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

148

Cubs win 5-2 in Cincy and the Cards finally lose in Milwaukee.  Arrieta notched another quality start, Montero went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI, and Russell knocked in 3 with a bases-loaded double.  The Cubs head home to face Pittsburgh tomorrow night.

Friday, April 24, 2015

150

Another comeback, extra innings W for the Cubs tonight in Cincy!  Cubs win 7-3 in 11.  Rizzo goes 3-for-4 and Bryant goes 2-for-4.  A quality start for Lester in a no-decision.  Back in action at the Great American Ballpark tomorrow!

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

151

Another comeback win for the Cubs in Pittsburgh -- this time in dramatic fashion! A 3-run 9th put the Cubs over the top, 9-8.  Castro picked up 4 RBI, Bryant added 2 more, and Addison Russell made his Cubs debut.  And the Cards fell to the Nats in extras -- great day to be a Cubs fan!


Monday, April 20, 2015

153

A great night in Pittsburgh! Another quality start from Arrieta, Soler goes 4-for-5, Bryant goes 3-for-4 and drives in 3, and the Cubs pound out 14 hits in a comeback 5-2 win.  Back in action tomorrow night at PNC Park.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

154

Kyle Hendricks tosses a quality start, Kris Bryant goes 2-for-3 with an RBI and 3 walks, and the Cubs win in extras over the Padres!  Jon Lester goes after his first W in a Cubs uniform tomorrow in the rubber game of the series.

Friday, April 17, 2015

155

Happy #KrisBryantDay at Wrigley today folks.  Beautiful day for a game.  Our favorite tweet of the day referencing Bryant making his debut is here.  Enjoy the day folks.  The reality of the winning the Division starts back up tomorrow.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

154

Cubs take the series from the Reds backed by Rizzo's HR and Wood's 7 strong shut out innings with only 3 hits and 2 BBs.  Rest day tomorrow.

Monday, April 13, 2015

156

Cubs are above. 500. The first time in 2 years. Porta potties, pissed off rooftops and jumbotron. Oh my. Maybe this is the year.

Rfbleachers, thanks for the kick.