Game of the Week: July 27: CHW @ CHC

[Commissioner Erick]

Chicago White Sox (68-28) @ Chicago Cubs (72-25)

CHW: A.J. Cole (8-2, 3.27)
CHC: Kyle Hendricks (9-3, 2.99)


Two years ago, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox played a thrilling World Series that was only determined when Dan Jennings got Jeimer Candelario to pop out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth of Game Seven.

After disappointing division rounds in 2019, the two teams are virtually unstoppable this year, going a combined 140-53.

The battle for Chicago bragging rights may be a preview of the 2020 World Series when the Cubs and White Sox battle in the Game of the Week.

The Cubs are second in the National League in runs scored. They led the league in runs scored last year, and despite losing Josh Donaldson over the offseason, compensated by signing Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen hit 31 home runs with a .276 average and 115 RBIs for the White Sox last year, but spurned the White Sox to sign with their cross-town neighbors this year. McCutchen hasn't had quite the year he had last year, but he still has 15 home runs and the seventh best walk rate in the league.

Mike Ball has voiced his disdain for McCutchen spurning the White Sox for the Cubs—but he may not get the chance for revenge. He suffered back spasms on July 4th and has been trying to play through it. However, he's gone just 11-51 since the injury, a .216 average, with just a pair of home runs. It may be best for him to sit, but McCutchen is tough and would love to have a strong game against his former team.

The White Sox haven't missed McCutchen too badly this year. They're first in on-base percentage and in stolen bases, though just sixth in home runs. Yoan Moncada and Brandon McKay haven't hit for the power they were expected to, which has hurt just a touch in putting up offense. The team is filled with excellent contact hitters though, so normally the lack of power isn't too pressing. However, the White Sox aren't fully healthy.

Andrew Benintendi is having the best campaign of a spectacular young career. He has 27 home runs already, going along with a .337 average and a .442 OBP. He may be the best hitter in the game aside from Bryce Harper and is the main catalyst for Chicago's greatness. He sprained his wrist a week ago though, and while he's hit well since then, the injury is a nagging one and its affected his ability to throw. Unlike the Cubs who have the best record in the National League basically sewn up, the White Sox are neck and neck with the Indians for a spot in the ALDS with the loser getting sent to a win-or-go-home Wild Card Game. That gives them more pressure to not rest guys as liberally as a 68-28 team normally would.

The White Sox will send A.J. Cole to the mound and he's been excellent in his second year as a starter. He carries a 1.06 WHIP as he's combined a fly-ball nature that limits hits on balls in play, with enough command to keep pitches in the park. That 1.06 WHIP is third in the AL, though his fly ball nature will be tested against the Cubs.

His counterpart will be one of three Cubs with an ERA under 3.00. Kyle Hendricks has improved his ERA every season of his career, and he carries a 2.99 mark this season. He's allowed just five home runs this year, and 11 walks, ending up with a WHIP identical to Cole's, 1.06. He has the best walk rate in the league, and only Clayton Kershaw has a better home run rate. Hendricks wont strike anybody out though, which is dangerous against a high-average team like the White Sox.

The White Sox ability to get hits off Hendricks' extreme-contact approach versus the Cubs ability to get Cole's fly balls over the fence may determine tonight's winner.


Questions for the GMs:


For Mike Ball, Andrew Benintnedi has a bad wrist. Will he play tonight?

You mentioned Elijah Dilday was only going to be a starter until Corey D. Ray returned from an old injury. Ray has healed up and Dilday has remained in the lineup, hitting .304. Has he played himself into a starting role?

Andrew McCutchen had a great season for you last year. Why such animosity towards him?

For Brandon Hillebrand, McCutchen is hurt and Justin Upton is on the DL. Do you play McCutchen just because you don't have a great replacement?

Francisco Lindor won the MVP last year and is having an even better offensive year. Is he the best player in baseball?

Kyle Hendricks is an excellent pitcher, but the White Sox really club the ball. Are you worried about his approach not working against the White Sox?

[Mike RedSox]

For Mike Ball, Andrew Benintnedi has a bad wrist. Will he play tonight?

No he needs to have a few games off.  We went ahead and placed him on the 14 day DL.

You mentioned Elijah Dilday was only going to be a starter until Corey D. Ray returned from an old injury. Ray has healed up and Dilday has remained in the lineup, hitting .304. Has he played himself into a starting role?

There are a lot of updates on this front.  I put Benintendi on the DL, traded for Dansby Swanson and put him at SS.  Anderson will play center while Benintendi is out.  Dilday and DeCarlo have made a fine platoon at DH.  Luckily our pitchers have been able to carry the load and allow us to roster 13 hitters.  This allows for flexibility on the hitting side of the team and is especially necessary as we'll have to be creative while Benintendi is out. 

Andrew McCutchen had a great season for you last year. Why such animosity towards him?

He was a fan favorite, beloved by the south side fans.  I offered him arbitration, he declined it and signed a 1 year deal with the Cubs.  What's not to hate?

[brandoncubs]

For Brandon Hillebrand, McCutchen is hurt and Justin Upton is on the DL. Do you play McCutchen just because you don't have a great replacement?

That has been the primary motivation, but with the best record looking to be locked up, i'll probably be giving him more rest down the stretch.

Francisco Lindor won the MVP last year and is having an even better offensive year. Is he the best player in baseball?

Francisco has been everything we hoped he could be and more, but that Harper guy in Washington would probably be my pick for the best player in baseball currently.

Kyle Hendricks is an excellent pitcher, but the White Sox really club the ball. Are you worried about his approach not working against the White Sox?

That definitely is a concern when you are facing a powerhouse lineup like the Sox have, but as long as Kyle keeps the ball down and in the park and gives our defense a chance to make plays, we should be in good shape.

[Commissioner Erick]

Cubs 4 - White Sox 2


WP: D. Otero (5-1)
LP: C. Martinez (10-7)
SV: J. Carrizales (23)


Carlos Martinez got a surprise start against the Chicago Cubs and for six innings gave the Cubs flashbacks to 2018.

This Cubs lineup is too strong to be shut out for long though.

The Cubs got three runs in the seventh inning, Kyle Hendricks didn't allow an earned run in 6.2 innings, and the Cubs edged the Chicago White Sox in a clash of Windy City juggernauts 4-2.

Carlos Martinez also flashed back to 2018 for the first six innings, striking out five and not allowing a run for the first six frames. With one out in the first he stranded Francisco Lindor at third base with one out by striking out Kris Bryant. After Anthony Rizzo walked, Xander Bogaerts flew out to end the inning. After a Wilson Contreras single with two outs in the second, Martinez didn't allow another hit until Jeimer Candelario singled with one out in the sixth inning.

However, Martinez generally doesn't pitch very deep into games, and his attempt to go 7 innings this time backfired.

Bogaerts walked to start the fifth and was sacrificed to second. Candelario's sharp single to center advanced Bogaerts to third and Contreras' ground ball tied the game.

Martinez was pulled, but was still responsible for Candelario at second base. Derek Law came in from the pen and Albert Almora dumped a single in front of novice defender Tim Anderson, filling in for Benintendi in center, and bringing home Candelario to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. Lindor singled up the middle, and Freeman followed with another dumped single in front of Anderson to plate Almora and make the score 3-1 Cubs.

The White Sox loaded the bases with nobody out in the eighth inning but couldn't come all the way back. Corey D. Ray hit a sacrifice fly against Francisco Liriano to cut the deficit to one. However, the Cubs' manager bot brought in Bonkers Carizales to keep the game at that score. Carrizales struck out Alfredo Despaigne on three pitches, and unlike his counterpart, Almora made a nifty grab of a line drive off the bat of Brendan McKay to preserve the lead.

To twist the knife, Andrew McCutchen batted with two outs in the eighth inning against Tony Zych. He brushed off his bad back and hooked a liner down the left field line 391 feet to make the score 4-2.

Carrizales worked around a two-out single in the ninth to strike out the side, fanning Yoan Moncada to complete his 23rd save.

Francisco Liriano notched hold number 19, and Dan Otero got the win to move to 5-1.


Questions for the GMs:


For Mike Ball, Tim Anderson's defense really let you down in the eighth inning. Will you go back to Anderson in center field going forward?

Carlos Martinez was terrific through six but took the loss when Law faltered. Any thoughts of leaving Martinez in, or even pulling him sooner there?

You faced a good staff without Benintendi and couldn't muster much offense. You didn't have Benintendi for the World Series in 2018, but still captured the crown. However, this team is different than that one. Do you feel your offense is still exceptional with Benintendi on the disabled list?

For Brandon Hillebrand, you showed no hesitation bringing in Carrizales for more than one inning. How worried are you in overworking him though?

Dan Otero was excellent in 2018 for the White Sox, but tore his UCL and was cut before he could officially claim a ring for the champions. Otero has pitched well against the White Sox since them, not allowing an earned run in 4.1 innings against them since 2018. How nice was it to see him get the win against his old team?

To continue the revenge theme, Andrew McCutchen played some small ball with a sacrifice bunt, but also homered against a manager who feels McCutchen screwed him over. How was it seeing Cutch provide some theatrics with a huge home run?

Kyle Hendricks allowed just one run despite striking out only three hitters. How important was your defense to last night's win?

[brandoncubs]

For Brandon Hillebrand, you showed no hesitation bringing in Carrizales for more than one inning. How worried are you in overworking him though?

Bonkers has an abnormally great amount of stamina for a relief pitcher, so I don't mind if he pitches more than 1 inning like in the olden days. Without Wade Davis, I will probably need Bonkers to do such come playoff time.

To continue the revenge theme, Andrew McCutchen played some small ball with a sacrifice bunt, but also homered against a manager who feels McCutchen screwed him over. How was it seeing Cutch provide some theatrics with a huge home run?

I'm sure Cutch felt great hitting a crucial homer, and I couldn't be happier for him. He's been struggling with injuries this season, but we recognize the hard work he has put in and the pain he is going through. He's gonna serve some time on the disabled list for the meantime so he can be fresh for the playoffs. It can also allow Mark Zagunis some more playing time, who has been a nice surprise for us this season.

Kyle Hendricks allowed just one run despite striking out only three hitters. How important was your defense to last night's win?

Defense wins championships, especially if you can pair it with an explosive offense. I don't think it was ever more evident than in this game. If Almora doesn't make that catch in the 8th, we probably lose the game.

[Mike RedSox]

For Mike Ball, Tim Anderson's defense really let you down in the eighth inning. Will you go back to Anderson in center field going forward?

Of course.

Carlos Martinez was terrific through six but took the loss when Law faltered. Any thoughts of leaving Martinez in, or even pulling him sooner there?

You don't pull Carlos Martinez after 6.

You faced a good staff without Benintendi and couldn't muster much offense. You didn't have Benintendi for the World Series in 2018, but still captured the crown. However, this team is different than that one. Do you feel your offense is still exceptional with Benintendi on the disabled list?

Yes.  This offense is otherworldly.  Why won't the media discuss the addition of Dansby Swanson?  Mainstream media is letting the general public down.  He has an elite glove and amazing contact.  With Benintendi back Dansby's on-base and speed change the lineup completely.