4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

[JODYE]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

If I remember he was referring to it affecting velocity and how that would effect him in the future, which did have some merit. This was brought up because of the comparison to Pedro.

[JODYE]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

So I just want to understand, we took on like 18 million more of salaries at the catcher position for two guys who are supposedly much better defensively, yet can't get the ball halfway to second on steal attempts. Got it.

[Bard]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

So I just want to understand, we took on like 18 million more of salaries at the catcher position for two guys who are supposedly much better defensively, yet can't get the ball halfway to second on steal attempts. Got it.

First game. Rossy threw out a guy and could have been two if Castro chested up the ball or picked it.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

So I just want to understand, we took on like 18 million more of salaries at the catcher position for two guys who are supposedly much better defensively, yet can't get the ball halfway to second on steal attempts. Got it.

With as sloppy as everything else has been, I'm willing to cut them some slack too.

[JODYE]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

Ross on that second throw didn't even get it past the infield grass lol

[ThreeKing]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

One of the worst home plate umpires I've seen in a long time. This guy suuuuuckkksssssss.

[Jr.]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

If I remember he was referring to it affecting velocity and how that would effect his velocity in the future, which did have some merit. This was brought up because of the comparison to Pedro.

Only by injury. That leg action increases arm speed (velocity), which also increases stress (on the arm and knee). Early on, Schilling was talking about Carlos' lack of control and how the firm front leg contributed to that, which isn't true at all.

Pedro landed more bent, but his front side was by no means "soft". He just didn't have the violent straightening. I'm sure that contributed to his longevity.

[Bard]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

Enjoyable opening night.

[JODYE]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

I know what the adverse effects of a stiff legged plant are. I must have missed the part where he was discussing control. Granted I've been trying to tune him out most of the night. But I agree that the Pedro comparison was off base but the comments about diminishing velocity were accurate due to what you also stated, the added stress on the elbow.

[bcruise]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

Cubs looked like they were still stuck in ST. Cards looked like the defending division champs.

[CameRoN0407]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

Welp, the first game is in the books. Have a great season everyone!

[JODYE]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

Rough opening night, but bullpen looked good. Saw some good at bats and some not so good ones. I really like LaStella's approach at the plate and think when Bryant comes up, Soler at the 2 spot will make much more sense to me.

Great showing from Wainwright. Not so much for Lester.

Also a bit concerning that this throwing to first thing was never addressed in the past. I dont care how good of a pitcher you are, keeping runners honest is a huge part of being a pitcher.

[ML]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

My thoughts on the first game of the season:

-On paper this one looked like it was going to be a gem for the get-go. A hungry Cubbies team opening the year at home with their shiny new toy named Jon Lester on the bump going up against a Cardinals team who is always good with the dominant Adam Wainwright.

-Lester looked a little shaky out there tonight, could be feeling some pressure from the fans, new atmosphere, nerves, etc. Last 2 times he faced St. Louis was in 2013 in the World Series (we all know how that ended). Pretty sure he gave up 1 run in 15.1 innings with 15 strikeouts.

-Lester struggled but the Cubs couldn't get any momentum going with the bobbled ball in right field to go down a run as well as leaving a runner in scoring position after getting him on with one or less outs for the first 3 innings. Also I'm no coach but at least stepping off the rubber or a lazy throw over to first would be a lot better than him forgetting he had people on base.

-Wainwright was vintage Wainwright, painting the black and throwing hammer curveballs that put images of Beltrans knees wobbling in the NLCS however many years ago that was. ESPN showed how he did a great job of getting out good pitchers by managing to get them to chase pitches out of the zone.

-Have a day JHey. Huge fan of him, soon as he went 3-3 I predicted him to become 2015 MVP. Of course he then failed to reach base his next 2 ABs. Glad he has a fresh start on one of the best organizations in baseball. I think this will help him tap into some of that potential he has.

-The umpire could not have been more excited to punch people out. He was awful. In his defense he was consistent for both teams with his bad calls. A lot of headshaking there.

-ESPN's strike zone box thing annoys the hell out of me, even worse is when they make it 3-D and put the camera off to an angle. Rough night for ESPN overall (Kruk and Schilling should not be in a booth together at any point).

-Rosenthal's 98mph fastball painting the black to get the first out of the 9th inning was F I L T H Y.


TLDR; Overall just happy for the season to be back. Cub fans I'm sorry but with or without Bryant you guys aren't going 162-0. Good match-up to start the year and here's to another great season ahead of us.

P.S. Highlight of the night for me was easily when ESPN showed Schilling's first opening day start for the Phillies and him getting rocked. Laugh out loud funny.

[BleacherBum2310]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

I actually thought the at bats versus Wainwright were pretty good just didn't fall. and he's really good. Ramirez, Strop, Rondon is going to be crazy good this year.

and no more espn cub games please.

[CameRoN0407]

Re: 4/5 - 4/19 Game Discussion Thread

WP: Adam Wainwright (1-0) LP: Jon Lester (0-1) SV: Trevor Rosenthal (1)

Cardinals:

Adam Wainwright: 6 IP, 5 H, O R/ER, OBB, 6 K

Jason Heyward 3-5, 2 2B, 1 R, 1 SB
Matt Holliday 2-4, 2 RBI, 1BB, 1 SO
Matt Carpenter 2-5, 1 RBI, 1R,

Jon Lester: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R/ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Dexter Fowler 1-4, 1 2B
David Ross 1-2, 1 2B
Tommy La Stella 1-3, 1 SB