Post by Commissioner Erick on Feb 25, 2020 22:28:42 GMT -5
St. Louis Cardinals (9-7) @ Chicago Cubs (14-2)
STL: Michael Wacha (0-0, 2.14)
CHC: Sonny Gray (1-0, 2.81)
After last season, the St. Louis Cardinals getting off to a start that projects them to have the best season in their history would be a cause for playoff optimism. Instead, the Chicago Cubs have rebounded from an incredibly disappointing 2022 and have roared to a 14-2 record to begin the 2023 season. The Cardinals are 9-7 and already are 5 games back of Chicago. Baserunning has been their best trait as everybody who has played significant playing time has had a positive UBR. It's helped the Cardinals score the fifth most runs despite only the seventh most home runs and eighth best on-base percentage. Their starters are only 1-3, but Michael Wacha has been strong with a 2.04 ERA.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have been dominant. At 14-2, they already have a commanding NL Central lead behind a dominant pitching staff and a strong offense. Eight regulars have already knocked at least six runs, while seven have scored that many. Kris Bryant has led the team with five home runs and 12 RBIs in the early going. He hasn't hit for much of an average after missing most of last year with bone chips in his elbow. However, the power production he's provided has helped Chicago return to the elite levels of years past. With Francisco Lindor and Xander Bogaerts as good as ever, and Manny Machado having another strong season, the Cubs are getting a boatload of people on base to start 2023. Kris Bryant is driving them home and driving the Cubs to the NL Central lead.
Questions for the GM's:
For Steve Bennett, your high profile veterans haven't produced. How good has Nick Pratto been to keep the offense afloat?
The Cubs have a tremendous offense. What do you feel is the key to beating them tonight?
Luis Contreras is only 21. Did that give you any trepidation when you gave him the closing job?
For Brandon Hillebrand, Jonathan Sierra has gotten off to a hot start with the bat. What will his role with the team be?
You traded for a few relief arms from San Francisco. How will Nick Wittgren and Juan Flores fit in to your team?
Your defense has improved over last year's. What's been the biggest difference on that end?
TRIVIA: Luis Contreras recorded 16 saves last season as a 20-year old. Before him, who is the only other pitcher to record a season with 16 saves as a 22-year-old or younger?
STL: Michael Wacha (0-0, 2.14)
CHC: Sonny Gray (1-0, 2.81)
After last season, the St. Louis Cardinals getting off to a start that projects them to have the best season in their history would be a cause for playoff optimism. Instead, the Chicago Cubs have rebounded from an incredibly disappointing 2022 and have roared to a 14-2 record to begin the 2023 season. The Cardinals are 9-7 and already are 5 games back of Chicago. Baserunning has been their best trait as everybody who has played significant playing time has had a positive UBR. It's helped the Cardinals score the fifth most runs despite only the seventh most home runs and eighth best on-base percentage. Their starters are only 1-3, but Michael Wacha has been strong with a 2.04 ERA.
The Cubs, meanwhile, have been dominant. At 14-2, they already have a commanding NL Central lead behind a dominant pitching staff and a strong offense. Eight regulars have already knocked at least six runs, while seven have scored that many. Kris Bryant has led the team with five home runs and 12 RBIs in the early going. He hasn't hit for much of an average after missing most of last year with bone chips in his elbow. However, the power production he's provided has helped Chicago return to the elite levels of years past. With Francisco Lindor and Xander Bogaerts as good as ever, and Manny Machado having another strong season, the Cubs are getting a boatload of people on base to start 2023. Kris Bryant is driving them home and driving the Cubs to the NL Central lead.
Questions for the GM's:
For Steve Bennett, your high profile veterans haven't produced. How good has Nick Pratto been to keep the offense afloat?
The Cubs have a tremendous offense. What do you feel is the key to beating them tonight?
Luis Contreras is only 21. Did that give you any trepidation when you gave him the closing job?
For Brandon Hillebrand, Jonathan Sierra has gotten off to a hot start with the bat. What will his role with the team be?
You traded for a few relief arms from San Francisco. How will Nick Wittgren and Juan Flores fit in to your team?
Your defense has improved over last year's. What's been the biggest difference on that end?
TRIVIA: Luis Contreras recorded 16 saves last season as a 20-year old. Before him, who is the only other pitcher to record a season with 16 saves as a 22-year-old or younger?
