The Kids Are Coming: A Cubs Dynasty (The Show 15)

[Jr.]

NL West April Report

San Diego Padres 14-9
Los Angeles Dodgers 11-10 2.0 GB
Colorado Rockies 11-11 2.5 GB
Arizona Diamondbacks 9-12 4.0 GB
San Francisco Giants 9-14 5.0 GB

The NL West saw a lot of turnover from 2014 to 2015. The Padres won the offseason to a lot of pundits with their acquisitions of James Shields, Craig Kimbrel, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp, and Justin Upton. The front office decided that this was the year to go for it and shipped off a lot of talented prospects to put together a roster that should compete for a pennant.

And they’re doing just that. While the new additions are helping a bit, it’s been some unheralded players that are really fueling the Padres hot start. Alexi Amarista is leading the NL in RBIs (21) while posting a middle of the order slash line (.368/.392/.662). Derek Norris is riding a high contact rate to a .322 average, but hasn’t hit for much power yet. The scary thing about this offense? Upton, Kemp, and Myers aren’t hitting much at all…. yet. If they get going, this team could turn into the best team in the NL, because their pitching is lights out. Shields has provided a great return on his 4 year $75M contract. Andrew Cashner has a sparkling 1.56 ERA through 34.2 IP. Joaquin Beniot has yet to give up a run in 12.2 IP, and Craig Kimbrel is doing Craig Kimbrel things (4/4 saves, 1.80 ERA).

Similar to the Padres, the Dodgers are being anchored by their pitching staff. Kershaw is off to another fantastic start (2.18 ERA) but doesn’t have the record (1-2) to show for it thanks to a lack of run support. Hyun-Jin Ryu has a 1.13 ERA… and 0 wins. And this is mostly due to a surprisingly lackluster start by the backend of the bullpen. Kenley Jansen has already blown 2 saves. Yimi Garcia and Chris Hatcher (the 7^th and 8^th inning guys) have combined for an ERA near 8. Offensively, the Dodgers are about league average, but they aren’t hitting for any power (only Howie Kendrick has more than 1 HR). Expect the Dodgers to be active at the trade deadline if the offense doesn’t start producing.

The Colorado Rockies are the most surprising .500 team in baseball. Thanks to their dynamic duo (Tulo and CarGo) the Rox have been able to compete with a list of nobodies on the mound. Tyler Matzek (2-1 3.07 ERA) and Kyle Kendrick (2-0 2.29 ERA) have pitched very well to start the year, but the other 3/5ths of the rotation has combined for a 6+ ERA. Unfortunately, the pitchers in the minors haven’t shown much this year to think they could have an impact at any point this season, so it looks like the Rockies are just going to ride their offense and try to compete. Everyone expects this to fall apart sooner rather than later, and if the pitching doesn’t improve, it likely will.

The Diamondbacks are a young team that could compete next year, but looks like they’re going to take some lumps this season. The bright spot this year? They have the #1 pick in June’s draft. And that’s about it. They are hitting well at the top of the order, but the lineup is not deep at all. They have some young, exciting pieces, and they have a highly rated farm system that should only get better after this year’s draft (and maybe next if their pace keeps up). Look for the DBacks to be in sell mode in a couple of months.

The San Francisco Giants are looking like they will continue their 5 year trend of alternating a World Series with missing the playoffs. After a bit of an unlikely October run last year, the Giants are pulling up the rear in the West. Madison Bumgarner (1-1 2.76 ERA) looks like his enormous innings count from last year hasn’t done much damage, but he’s not getting too much help from the rest of the staff (aside from Matt Cain). Buster Posey continues to lead the offense (.333/.368/.522), and Angel Pagan is hitting over .400 early on, but the rest of the offense is struggling after losing Pablo Sandoval and Mike Morse. But hey, everyone knew this was coming from the Giants, right?

[Jr.]

AL East April Report

Baltimore Orioles 15-7
New York Yankees 14-8 1.0 GB
Tampa Bay Rays 10-12 5.0 GB
Toronto Blue Jays 9-14 6.5 GB
Boston Red Sox 6-16 9.0 GB

What used to perennially be the best division in baseball, the AL East has fallen a couple of notches in the last few years. This year, the league seems to be a bit top heavy, at least early on, with a couple of big payrolls under achieving at the bottom.

The Orioles may have been the best team in baseball last season, but untimely injuries to Manny Machado and Matt Wieters put a big dent in their quest for a title. While they were swept by the Royals, it may have been the closest 4-0 series loss in MLB history. This year, the Orioles may be leading the AL East, but it looks like a bit of smoke and mirrors. They aren’t getting much production from Chris Davis (.213/.267/.488), Matt Wieters (.214/.313/.339), or Steve Pearce (.197/.284/.455). The starters are being led by the ever-unreliable Ubaldo Jimenez (1-0 3.96 ERA) and the perennially over-achieving Chris Tillman (3-1 3.58 ERA). However, the bullpen is the best in baseball, even with losing Andrew Miller in the offseason. Zach Britton has yet to give up an earned run and might be the best closer in baseball now, after toiling as a starting pitcher for years in pro ball. Darren O’Day, Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz, and Brad Brach have combined for a sub 2.00 ERA, but they have thrown a lot of innings already and it would be a surprise for them to keep this kind of workload and performance.

The Yankees are right on the Orioles’ tailfeather thanks to the most prolific offense in baseball (#1 in runs). While they are aging rapidly, they continue to hit, except for Mark Texieira (.188/.309/.377). The team is getting great production out of the rest of the lineup, however, including Didi Gregorious, who seems to be filling in for Derek Jeter quite well. However, the Yankees are struggling on the mound as Masahiro Tanaka (2-2 4.22 ERA) has not yet found his pre-injury form from last year, while CC Sabathia (2-1 4.15 ERA) does not seem to be aging too gracefully. The bullpen isn’t quite what it was last year, but it’s still been very solid. Dellin Betances has struggled out of the gate, mostly due to an inflated walk rate (8 in 13 IP), but if he can reign that back in, he’ll form quite the 8/9 combo with Andrew Miller (9 saves, 2.00 ERA).

Tampa Bay lost a lot from last year to this year, and they look to be in a bit of a rebuild process this season. The offense is a bit up and down with some guys underperforming (Evan Longoria .247) and others overperforming (Asdrubal Cabrera .324). The pitching staff is in a similar boat with Alex Cobb (2-2 2.16 ERA) excelling, while other struggle (Chris Archer 5.95 ERA, Matt Moore 11.70 ERA). If this trend continues, do the Rays look to move Evan Longoria who is by far their biggest trade chip? With threats of relocation looming, would the ownership/front office really move the face of the franchise? Maybe ask David Price..

The Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays might be the most disappointing teams in baseball so far. With 2 of the top 10 payrolls in baseball, the teams are a combined 15 games under .500 through April. And the story is the same for both teams; lack of consistency in the starting pitching and underperformance from highly paid hitters. The Blue Jays made a big move to acquire Josh Donaldson (.257/.360/.392) from the A’s in the offseason and that hasn’t panned out too well yet. Jose Reyes (.217/.224/.349) has been abysmal in the leadoff spot. The bench has done nothing, with the exception of Danny Valencia. The Red Sox have a little better production, but the pitching staff is worse. Rookie Matt Barnes (0-1 6.45 ERA) is off to a rough start, and Justin Masterson (0-4 11.49 ERA) looks lost on the mound. The Red Sox have a lot of pitching prospects that are close to MLB ready.. it shouldn’t be too long before we see at least one of them at Fenway.

[Jr.]

AL Central April Report

Cleveland Indians 13-8
Minnesota Twins 12-10 1.5 GB
Kansas City Royals 11-12 3.0 GB
Chicago White Sox 10-12 3.5 GB
Detroit Tigers 9-14 5.0 GB

The Cleveland Indians had a rough season in 2014 after making the inaugural Wild Card game in 2013… they’re looking to right the ship and return to the postseason in 2015. They won 6 in a row to end the month and vault to the top of the division. They’re led offensively by Michael Brantley (.398/.435/.590) and Jason Kipnis (.279/.374/.430). However, if this win streak is going to continue, the pitching staff has to improve. Corey Kluber has been okay, but not up to his Cy Young standard of last season, Danny Salazar (3-0 3.54 ERA) looks to have found his comfort zone after failing to meet high expectations last year. Trevor Bauer (2-2 5.16 ERA) and Carlos Carrasco (1-2 7.36 ERA) have struggled mightily and need to turn it around so the team can find more consistency.

The Twins are a surprise in 2^nd place in the division, but that might be more due to other teams underachieving than anything the Twins have done as a team. They’ve lost 5 in a row to end the month, and the good feelings of a 12-5 start might be fading fast. When Trevor Plouffe (.309/.364/.580) and an ageless Torii Hunter (.291/.313/.392) are leading your offense, it’s hard to instill much confidence in the rest of the league. The pitching staff has been okay, but not great. However, the Twins weren’t supposed to compete this year. The organizations best players might be in the minors right now, which means that anything that happens this year is gravy as the organization looks at 2016/2017 as their breakout seasons.

Last year’s Cinderella team hasn’t been able to reproduce their magic so far. The Royals had a magical run to the World Series before they ran into the buzzsaw that was Madison Bumgarner. However, the Royals pitching staff, a strength last year, seems to be missing the leadership of James Shields quite a bit. Yordano Ventura (3-1 2.93 ERA) might be about to breakout, but the rest of the staff sports a 5+ ERA. Even the Royals outstanding bullpen can’t help that. The organization has some very good prospects in the minors, but they don’t seem to be quite ready to make an impact in the majors yet. This could be a disappointing season for Kansas City, but it might be a set up for an outstanding 2016 as those young prospects develop into MLB ready players.

One of the other major winners of the off-season, the Chicago White Sox are off to a disappointing start. Jeff Samardzija (2-1 4.97 ERA) is showing why the Cubs were hesitant to give him $100M and traded him away. The other additions, Melky Cabrera (.291/.337/.372), Adam LaRoche (.337/.391/.602), and David Robertson (8 saves, 2.53 ERA) are performing up to expectations, but they are getting almost no support from the rest of the team. 2014 Rookie of the Year, Jose Abreu (.207/.299/.354) is looking like the league has figured him out.

By far the biggest disappointment to start this season in the AL Central are the Detroit Tigers. Yoenis Cespedes (.198/.247/.370) is making Billy Beane look like a genius for trading him. Ian Kinsler (.222/.241/.321) looks like a shell of his elite years in Texas. But the biggest issue is the starting staff. David Price’s (0-2 3.19 ERA) peripherals look good, but he’s getting no run support. Justin Verlander (1-1 4.70 ERA) has lost 3-5 mph on his fastball and looks lost trying to pitch at 91-93 instead of 95+. Anibal Sanchez (1-2 4.34 ERA) is also off to a horrible start. The good news, the Tigers still have Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. If Verlander and Sanchez figure out what’s going on, this team is going to go on a run and put themselves right back into the playoff race.

[Jr.]

AL West April Report

Houston Astros 14-8
Texas Rangers 13-8 0.5 GB
Los Angeles Angels 11-11 3.0 GB
Seattle Mariners 11-11 3.0 GB
Oakland Athletics 5-18 9.5 GB

Probably the toughest division to pick before the season, the AL West has proven that to be just right. The Houston Astros, the first franchise to own the top pick for 3 consecutive years, lead the division after losing over 100 games 3 of the last 4 years. Jose Altuve (.326/.363/.523) leads the way for Houston, along with underrated acquisition Jed Lowrie (.313/.368/.525). The surprising thing is that the Astros are doing this without much from George Springer (.227/.329/.409). The pitching staff has been solid, if unspectacular, led by Scott Feldman (2-1 1.55 ERA) and Brett Oberholtzer (3-0 2.83 ERA). Not everything is going right for the Astros so far this year, though. Top prospect Carlos Correa (.2065/.250/.265) is off to a horrific start in AAA. Many thought he would be called up this year, but he’ll need a big turn-around for that to happen.

The Rangers are typically an offensive juggernaut. That’s not the case so far this season. The trade to bring Josh Hamilton (.195/.238/.338) back is off to a disastrous start. Prince Fielder (.250/.392/.383) has been slow to regain his form after neck surgery that kept him out almost all of last season. However, Adrian Beltre (.363/.407/.625) continues to defy Father Time and play like a 28 year old. The top of the pitching staff has been excellent as well. Yu Darvish (4-1 2.19 ERA), Wandy Rodriguez (1-1 2.36 ERA) and Derek Holland (2-1 1.88 ERA) lead the staff. The 4^th and 5^th starters are struggling, but Yovani Gallardo (1-1 5.23 ERA) has a great track record and should regress back to his career averages.

The Angels are hanging around at the start of the season, and they look like they’re just waiting to explode. Led by the best player in baseball, Mike Trout (.326/.385/.640), the Angels are sitting at .500 after an up and down opening month. Trout has been his usual self, but he’s gotten very little help from the rest of the offense. The pitching is in a similar boat as Matt Shoemaker (2-0 1.52 ERA) and CJ Wilson (1-1 1.46 ERA) have been outstanding, Garrett Richards (2-1 3.24 ERA) looks to be regaining his pre-injury form from last year, but Tyler Skaggs (1-2 5.04 ERA) and Jered Weaver (1-3 6.86 ERA) have severely underperformed. The bullpen has been unreliable as well as only 3 regular guys have an ERA under 4.00

Seattle is going through the same struggle it does every season. A middling offense paired with an above average pitching staff. The usual suspects are doing their things; Robbie Cano (.321/.367/.476), Felix Hernandez (2-2 2.94 ERA), and Hisashi Iwakuma (2-1 1.82 ERA) are all at or better than their career averages. But they need the rest of the roster to step up and provide some assistance. The M’s have spent more money the last couple of years than they ever have, so don’t be surprised if they are making moves to bolster the 25 man roster in July.

The Oakland A’s have some of the best fans in baseball, and they deserve better than what they’re getting. Billy Beane went all-in last year, and it ended in heart-breaking fashion in the loss to Kansas City in the Wild Card Game. He then stripped the roster down in the off-season and tried to rebuild it in one year to maintain competitiveness. That hasn’t worked out. The A’s have the worst record in baseball and are 29^th in both batting average (.240) and ERA (5.14). The normally reliable Sean Doolittle has a 13.50 ERA in 3 outings, every starter has an ERA over 4.25, and only 2 regulars in the field are hitting over .260. It looks like it’s going to be a long season in Oakland, and there will likely be a lot of roster turnover.

[Jr.]

MLB.com Top 10 Prospects April Report

#1 Byron Buxton, OF (Minnesota Twins, AAA, 21 years old) - .286/.348/.333 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 SBs
Scouting grades: Hit: 70 | Power: 60 | Run: 80 | Arm: 70 | Field: 75 | Overall: 75
Buxton’s numbers are a bit of a mystery at this point. He’s only struck out 5 times in 42 ABs in AAA. But he’s not providing any power, nor is he stealing bases. He profiles as a possible 20 HR, 40 SB guy, but he has yet to show that at the AAA level. Maybe he’s getting back into his groove coming off an injury-plagued 2014 season.
MLB ETA – Late June

#2 Carlos Correa, SS (Houston Astros, AAA, 20 years old) - ..206/.250/.265 0 HR, 3 RBI
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 70 | Run: 50 | Arm: 70 | Field: 50 | Overall: 70
The Astros couldn’t be more disappointed with Correa’s start. They won’t say it, and they don’t necessarily need him on the MLB team, but I’m sure they expected him to burst into AAA after dominating the lower levels so thoroughly. Correa still projects as a future star at SS, but he needs to show it at the AAA level soon, or his stock could drop quickly.
MLB ETA – 2016

#3 Francisco Lindor, SS (Cleveland Indians, AAA, 21 years old) - .265/.351/.441 2 HR, 9 RBI, 4 SBs
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 40 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 70 | Overall: 65
Lindor is an elite defender and projects as a league average bat. He won’t hit for much power, but his defense should more than make up for what he lacks at the plate. The Indians would like to see him develop a little more before calling him up, but if any injury occurs in the middle infield at the MLB level, Lindor is likely the guy to come in. He’s off to a pretty good start at the plate and continues to wow scouts with his defense.
MLB ETA – September

#4 Addison Russell, SS (Chicago Cubs, AAA, 21 years old) - .286/.359/.386 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 SBs
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Arm: 60 | Field: 55 | Overall: 65
Acquired by the Cubs in early July last year as a part of the Jeff Samardzija trade, Russell has done nothing but hit at every level. There are questions about where he fits with Chicago at the MLB level. He’s not an elite hitter or defender, but he’s very solid at both, and most scouts think he’s already the Cubs best SS. Russell got off to a ferocious start this year, but has since cooled off a bit. The Cubs are known to want their prospects to have measured success at each level before being promoted, so it’s likely that Russell won’t be seen in Chicago anytime before July or August, barring injury. He needs a little more time to develop his approach at the plate, but when he is promoted, he should produce quickly.
MLB ETA – August

#5 Joey Gallo, 3B (Texas Rangers, AAA, 21 years old) - .290/.400/.532 4 HR, 14 RBI
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 80 | Run: 30 | Arm: 70 | Field: 40 | Overall: 65
Gallo has monstrous power that just isn’t seen regularly. An 80 rating for power is as high as it gets, and Gallo has earned every bit of that rating. He’s off to a good start in AAA, though he’s got to show improvement against LHP, but the power is there. He’ll never be an elite defender, and a move to 1B might in store in his future, he’s not a great runner, and there’s a lot of swing and miss in his game. But the power will always play, and should keep him at the MLB level for a long time.
MLB ETA – Late July

#6 Lucas Giolito, RHP (Washington Nationals, AA, 20 years old) – 30 IP, 3.00 ERA, 28 Ks/4 BBs
Scouting grades: Fastball: 80 | Curveball:70 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 60 | Overall: 65
Giolito underwent UCL reconstructive surgery in 2012 and didn’t pitch a full professional season until last year. And yet, he’s still a top 10 prospect. That shows just how truly dominant Giolito can be. His fastball sits in the mid-upper 90s, has a power curve and a developing changeup. He should be able to increase his innings load this season and really stretch himself out. In an organization loaded with elite pitching, Giolito can establish himself as a possible #1 this season.
MLB ETA – mid 2016

#7 Noah Syndergaard, RHP (New York Mets, AAA, 22 years old) – 31.2 IP, 2.27 ERA, 43 Ks/14 BBs
Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 60 | Overall: 65
Built in the mold of a classic power RHP, Syndergaard is touching the doorknob to the majors. Despite high walk totals so far this year, it is widely regarded that Syndergaard has some of the best control of any MiLB prospect right now. The strikeout totals show he’s got elite stuff, combining a mid-upper 90s fastball with an above average curve. He improved his changeup into an above-average pitch, giving him that much needed 3^rd pitch.
MLB ETA – Late June

#8 Julio Urias, LHP (Los Angeles Dodgers, AA, 18 years old) – 21.1 IP 3.80 ERA, 25 Ks/8 BBs
Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 65 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55 | Overall: 65
The youngest player in full-season, professional baseball in 2014, Urias is the next Dodger phenom in the same mold as Clayton Kershaw was. He’s gotten off to a bit of a slow start this year, but his stuff plays at the highest levels. He combines a mid-90s fastball with a very good curve and changeup. He needs to improve his control, not just with walk numbers but within the strike zone as well. Once he manages that, the Dodgers won’t be able to keep him in the Minors.
MLB ETA – 2016

#9 Miguel Sano, 3B (Minnesota Twins, AAA, 21 years old) - .244/.300/.489 3 HR, 11 RBI
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 80 | Run: 40 | Arm: 60 | Field: 40 | Overall: 65
Sano looked to be ready to make his MLB debut last season, but UCL reconstruction before the season knocked him out for the year and he’s had to play catch up this season. He came into the 2015 season with a renewed vigor. At 6’4, 260 lbs, he may be too big to stick at 3B. A move to the OF or 1B could be in his future, but much like Joey Gallo, his prodigious power will keep him at the MLB level for a long time. His K rate is high, but he’s shown the ability in the minors to make some consistent contact.
MLB ETA – July

#10 Corey Seager, SS (Los Angeles Dodgers, AAA, 21 years old) - .206/.296/.317 2 HR, 5 RBI 2 SBs
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 65
Seager led the MiLB in hitting and doubles in 2014 playing at Class A and has showed an advanced approach and ability at the plate. That hasn’t been the case so far in 2015, but that’s mostly due to a .097 average away from Oklahoma City. He’s probably too big to stick at SS, but if he can, his bat will be elite there and will up his value considerably. Seager has a smooth, balanced swing from the left side with power to all fields. Jimmy Rollins is not the long-term answer for the Dodgers, so they are giving Seager every chance to stick there.
MLB ETA - 2016

[Gronk4M13]

This is so in depth. I really like your write-ups.

[Jr.]

Cubs avoid sweep, Offense gets back on track

Kris Bryant smacks a double in his 1st at bat. Bryant drove in 3 to lead the Cubs to victory

CHICAGO – The Cubs exploded for 7 runs in the first 2 innings, and managed to hold off a late rally from the 1^st place Milwaukee Brewers to win 8-6. Chicago was led by Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant who both had 3 hits, and Javier Baez who hit NL lead-tying 8^th homerun.

The Cubs had been scuffling a bit offensively, so manager Joe Maddon made a few lineup changes entering the game. “I thought we needed to mix things up a bit. Kris [Bryant] has struggled lately, so I wanted to give him some protection with the idea that he would get more pitches to hit. And Starlin has been ripping the cover off of the ball, so moving him to leadoff gives him more and more fastballs.”

Batting leadoff for only the 2^nd time this season, Castro went 2-4 and extended his hit streak to 15 games, the longest active streak in baseball. Rizzo hit in the 2 hole and gave Bryant the chance to hit with runners on base throughout the night. Chris Denorfia moved down to the 4 hole, and went 0-4, but his .320 average gives pitchers a 2^nd thought when they want to just pitch around Bryant.

The Cubs got on the board in a big way early led by Bryant and Baez. Castro led off with a single, followed by another single from Anthony Rizzo. Bryant then jumped on the 1^st pitch he saw and drove a double to the ivy in right field, scoring both runners. Montero then reached on another single, and Javy Baez provided the big blow of the night; a 3 run HR over the left field wall. “Javy did a great job of not flying off of that hanging slider and put a really good swing on it to drive it out of the park,” said Bryant after the game.

The Cubs added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 2^nd. Castro once again reached base, this time on a double, and was driven home by Rizzo’s single to left field. Bryant then laced another double, again on the first pitch, to drive Rizzo home.

Chicago’s offense got a bit stagnant from that point, but Kyle Hendricks cruised through 5 innings, only allowing 4 baserunners. However, he hit a snag in the 5^th when the Brewers put up 4 runs without recording an out. Scooter Gennett led off with a double, followed by an RBI single from Ryan Braun. Khris Davis then doubled Braun home, and scored himself on Adam Lind’s towering 2 run homerun to right field. Hendricks allowed another hit, but was able to escape the 6^th without any more damage.

The Brewers added two more runs in the 8^th when Carlos Gomez smashed a hanging curve from Yoervis Medina out to left field to make the game 7-6. The Cubs added a big insurance run in the bottom of the 8^th as pinch hitter Matt Szczur line a double over Braun’s head in RF. Braun took a hard step in off the bat and got burned as the ball continued to carry to the wall. That scored Jorge Soler from 1^st to give the Cubs an 8-6 lead. Jason Motte shut the door to record his 3^rd save of the season.


Chicago goes on the road tomorrow to face the rival St. Louis Cardinals. It's a rematch of Opening Night as Jon Lester (3-2 3.66 ERA) takes on Adam Wainwright (1-3 2.56 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 pm CT. The Brewers look to get back on track as they host the Dodgers. Jimmy Nelson (2-1 3.10 ERA) will take on Brett Anderson (2-1 3.12 ERA) with first pitch scheduled for 5:20 CT.


Highlights:




Box Score:

Spoiler

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs
May 3, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Milwaukee (19-6)	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	2	0	6	11	0
Chicago (14-11)	5	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	x	8	13	0
W: Kyle Hendricks (2-1) L: Wily Peralta (2-1) S: Jason Motte (3)

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Segura, SS	5	0	0	0	0	0	0	.307
Gennett, 2B	5	1	3	0	0	0	0	.302
Braun, RF	4	1	1	1	0	0	0	.390
Davis, LF	4	2	2	1	0	0	0	.285
Lind, 1B	3	1	1	2	1	1	1	.392
Gomez, CF	4	1	1	2	0	0	1	.252
Lucroy, C	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.333
Ramirez, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.275
Peralta, P	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.181
Parra, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.318
Herrera, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.214
Maldonado, C	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.333
TEAM TOTALS	37	6	11	6	1	4	2
BATTING: 2B: Gennett 2, Davis 2 HR: Lind, Gomez RBI: Braun, Davis, Lind 2, Gomez 2

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Castro, SS	4	2	2	0	0	1	0	.398
Rizzo, 1B	4	2	3	1	0	1	0	.316
Bryant, 3B	4	1	3	3	0	1	0	.266
Denorfia, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.320
Montero, C	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.280
Baez, 2B	4	1	1	3	0	2	1	.247
Soler, RF	4	1	1	0	0	2	0	.227
Hendricks, P	2	0	1	0	0	2	0	.200
Olt, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Szczur, PH/CF	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	.250
Lake, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.285
TEAM TOTALS	36	8	13	8	0	10	1
BATTING: 2B: Castro, Bryant 2, Szczur HR: Baez RBI: Rizzo, Bryant 3, Baez 3, Szczur
BASERUNNING: CS: Bryant

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Peralta (L, 2-1)	3.0	9	7	7	0	3	1	5.08
Jeffress	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	2.45
Wooten	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
Cotts	2.2	3	1	1	0	2	0	4.82
Henderson	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	3.46
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	13	8	8	0	10	1

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hendricks (W, 2-1)	6.0	8	4	4	1	4	1	5.10
Russell (H, 2)	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Strop (H, 7)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.79
Medina (H, 4)	1.0	2	2	2	0	0	1	1.84
Motte (S, 3)	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1.22
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	11	6	6	1	4	2

MLB Notes: The Red Sox called up OF Rusney Castillo from AAA. Castillo was signed from Cuba last year and made his 2015 MLB Debut on Saturday, going 1-4 with a 3 run triple, in the Red Sox 8-5 victory over the Yankees.

Sim Game Recap:
Brewers Game 1 - A 4 run 3rd inning led the Brewers over Jason Hammel (5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 1 ER) and the Cubs 5-4. A costly error by Jorge Soler led to the big inning as he misplayed a ball down the line off the bat of Scooter Gennett with 2 outs that extended the inning. Ryan Braun and Khris Davis followed with a couple of hits that drove in 3 runs. The Cubs rallied in the 9th as Chris Denorfia connected on a long homerun, but Starlin Castro struck out to end the threat.

Brewers Game 2 - The Cubs once again fell short as they lost to the Brew Crew 3-2. Travis Wood could only last 3.1 innings as he gave up 7 hits and walked 3, but limited the damage to 3 runs. But the Cubs struggled to figure out Mike Fiers (6 IP, 4 H, 2 R) as they could only scratch out a pair of RBI singles from Chris Denorfia and Miguel Montero. The Chicago bullpen threw 5.2 shutout innings in relief of Wood.

[Jr.]

Cubs lose, take 3 of 4 from Cardinals

Castro was 2-4 with a RBI, but it wasn't enough as the Cubs couldn't complete the sweep in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS – After losing 2 of 3 to the division leading Brewers, the Cubs answered back with a 3-1 series victory over the Cardinals. The Cubs had a chance for a sweep, but squandered a 3-1 lead and lost 5-3 this afternoon.

Chicago scored first with a RBI single from Starlin Castro that scored Junior Lake, but the lead lasted less than an inning as the Cardinals answered in the bottom of the 3^rd when Jason Heyward tripled in Lance Lynn.

The Cubs would take the lead again in the 5^th on a 2 run double from Kris Bryant that scored Junior Lake and Anthony Rizzo. It was Bryant’s team leading 6^th double and 24^th and 25^th RBIs on the season. This lead actually lasted into the 6^th inning, but Travis Wood (5.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R) couldn’t hold it.

The Cardinals put together a string of 2 out hits from Matt Holliday, Johnny Peralta, and Randal Grichuk to score 3 runs in the inning and take a 4-3 lead. St. Louis added an insurance run in the 7^th when pinch hitter Peter Bourjos singled, stole 2^nd, and scored on a single from Matt Carpenter.

Jordan Walden was credited with the win in relief after pitching 2 perfect innings. Trevor Rosenthal slammed the door on the victory with a flawless 9^th as the Cardinals avoided the 4 game sweep.

Chicago looks to exact revenge in Milwaukee as they face the Brewers tomorrow. Kyle Hendricks (2-1 5.10 ERA) and Wily Peralta (2-1 5.08 ERA) face off for the 2^nd consecutive start for each. The Cubs won their last matchup 8-6. The Cardinals hit the road to face the Pittsburgh Pirates for a 3 game set. John Lackey (2-0 3.38 ERA) will face Charlie Morton (0-3 5.56 ERA) in game 1.

Highlights:



Box Score:

Spoiler

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
may 7, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (17-12)	0	0	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	3	7	1
St. Louis (12-17)	0	0	1	0	0	3	1	0	x	5	12	2
W: Jordan Walden (1-1) L: Travis Wood (3-2) S: Trevor Rosenthal (7)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Castro, SS	4	0	2	1	0	0	0	.379
Rizzo, 1B	4	1	1	0	0	1	0	.322
Bryant, 3B	4	0	1	2	0	2	0	.272
Ross, C	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.296
Denorfia, PR	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.328
Montero, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.263
Baez, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.231
Soler, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.214
Szczur, CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.250
Wood, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.077
LaStella, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.118
Olt, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.182
Lake, LF	4	2	2	0	0	1	0	.244
TEAM TOTALS	35	3	7	3	1	11	0
BATTING: 2B: Lake (3), Bryant (6) RBI: Castro (8), Bryant 2 (25)
FIELDING: E: Wood (1)

St. Louis Cardinals
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Heyward, RF	4	0	1	1	0	0	0	.250
Carpenter, 3B	4	0	1	1	0	0	0	.310
Molina, C	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.311
Adams, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.242
Holliday, LF	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.270
Peralta, SS	4	1	1	1	0	1	0	.248
Grichuk, CF	4	0	3	1	0	0	0	.205
Kozma, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.138
Lynn, P	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.077
Jay, PH	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.299
Bourjos, PH	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.405
Easley, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.143
TEAM TOTALS	36	5	12	5	0	5	0
BATTING: 2B: Holliday (5), Molina (7), Grichuk (2) 3B: Heyward (2) RBI: Carpenter (6), Heyward (12), Holliday (9), Peralta (9), Grichuk (2)
FIELDING: E: Lynn (1), Molina (2)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Wood (L, 3-2)	5.2	8	4	4	0	2	0	4.64
Jackson	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	5.06
Russell	1.0	2	1	1	0	1	0	1.50
Grimm	1.0	2	0	0	0	2	0	3.97
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	12	5	5	0	5	0

St. Louis Cardinals
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Lynn	5.0	6	3	3	0	6	0	2.79
Walden (W, 1-1)	2.0	0	0	0	0	4	0	0.95
Siegrist (H, 4)	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	4.73
Rosenthal (S, 7)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.25
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	7	3	3	1	11	0

Sim Games Report:

Cardinals Game 1 – John Lester (7.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 Ks) was extremely effective as the Cubs staff combined to shut out the Cardinals en route to a 3-0 victory. Anthony Rizzo (2-4 HR, RBI) and David Ross (3-4 HR, 2 RBI) supplied the offense. Starlin Castro’s 15 game hit streak was snapped with an 0-4.

Cardinals Game 2 – Chicago outlasts the Cardinals 4-3 in 17 innings. The Cardinals held a 1 run lead in the 9^th, but a Kris Bryant HR off of Trevor Rosenthal sent the game into extra innings. Anthony Rizzo gave the Cubs a lead on a solo HR in the 17^th and Jason Motte shut the door for his 5^th save. Yoervis Medina recorded his 1^st win of the year with a perfect inning of relief. The Cubs bullpen pitched 12 innings of scoreless baseball in relief of Jake Arrieta (5 IP, 7 H, 3 R).

Cardinals Game 3 – Jason Hammel delivers a complete game shutout when the team needed it most after the 17 inning affair the previous day that drained the pen. Hammel was masterful as he struck out 8 with only 6 hits and 1 BB allowed. The Cubs offense touched Carlos Martinez for 3 runs and gave him his 5^th loss of the season. Rizzo hit a homerun for the 3^rd consecutive game, Matt Szczur tripled in a run, and Jason Hammel helped himself at the plate with a RBI double to give the Cubs the 3-0 victory.