It remains a serious problem that the Cubs' nominal closer is a guy who pathologically can no longer miss bats. I think tonight probably needs to be seen as a tipping point. Role change at a minimum. IL stint possibly. This was a disaster.
Comments
Log in with your Bluesky account to leave a comment
Here's a fun fact: The cubs may have the most runs scored overall but they also have the most runs allowed out of every first place team in both leagues. Assuming that the offense is going to at some point, slow down the bullpen situation is going to fuck us over and ruin our season if not addressed
Well, maybe it'll do him some good. Hodge has been lights out since he got blown up by the Diamondbacks. But yeah, Hodge needs to be the closer at this point. I've seen enough from Palencia that I wouldn't mind him in the 8th inning role.
Eh, I’m not sure it was necessarily wrong. That’s supposed to be his inning and he basically wears it if he gives it up. It was essentially over when he gave up the 2nd run anyway and they just had to take him out after he was physically incapable of getting an out.
He'd put together 9 consecutive scoreless appearances going into last night. In the 6 most recent of those appearances he'd given up ONE hit and ONE walk. Combined.
I fully agree he shouldn't be the closer at this stage; he's lost the strikeout tool. But he can still be a valuable reliever.
I suppose I should note he technically was on the mound for a run that scored in that April 6 Padres game, but it was unearned and the result of an error by Justin Turner at first. Pressly had done his job in that one and gotten a ground ball. Turner just failed to catch the throw from Swanson.
Comments
The contract is a sunk cost. The #Cubs have the best shot at the playoffs in years with this team. Don't fiu by not moving on from this mistake.
I fully agree he shouldn't be the closer at this stage; he's lost the strikeout tool. But he can still be a valuable reliever.