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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Royals fans and fans across the country.

We are fewer than three weeks from the end of the season. Despite the crummy ball the Royals have played, this summer has really flown by. The Royals have guaranteed they will go a third straight season without losing 100 games, but precious little else in the positives column.

Any team that fails to earn a playoff berth is naturally considered ripe for a potential change at the managerial level. The Royals are no exception to this.

I find these odds a bit laughable. If for no other reason than Kurt Suzuki is on a one-year deal. There’s no reason to fire him; you can just not offer him another contract. I also have a hard time believing the Royals would want to fire their manager two seasons after he led the squad to one of the greatest bounceback seasons in MLB history, taking 2023’s 106-loss squad and managing them to 86 wins and a playoff berth. To say nothing of the fact that the Royals chose to extend him this past offseason and he hasn’t even technically started that new contract, yet.

But, well, the odds tell me someone thinks he’s getting fired. Are you that someone? I set up this poll with four possible answers so we can discern between whether the Royals should fire him and whether the Royals will fire him. Sound off in the poll and in the comments!

As the 2026 Mariners continue to insist on burying themselves at the bottom of the massive pit they dug for themselves in the AL West, joy has been in short supply.

Lazaro Montes decided to do something about that upon being called up to the big leagues.

For years, those of us sick enough to follow the Mariners minor leagues had heard tales of the potential power in Montes’s swing, even before he ended up at 6’5” and 210 pounds. Every scouting report on Laz went something like “he will strike out a lot, his fielding will resemble young Nelson Cruz, but if he uncorks that swing on the right pitch at the right moment, that ball will be sent to Jupiter.” Something like that.

Jupiter or the center field concourse at T-Mobile Park on the fly, something that no one has ever done in a game in its 27 seasons of existence. 474 feet with an exit velocity of 116 MPH.

Frankly, this team and this season has done nothing but disappoint me and piss me off. But this home run, man. This ball deserves its due. Similar to especially huge Vogelbach and Zunino upper deck blasts of yore; if your season is gonna be a lost one, you might as well go yard.

Pitcher Cal Quantrill already knows he f*cked up here.

Everyone in the stadium knows it now, especially the large human strolling across the plate.

Nothing to be done but watch it fly.

Spiritually, somewhere, Nelson Cruz surely made this face again.

I like to think so anyway. This showing of pure power deserved it.

Moments like this remind me that you truly never know what you might see at a baseball game, no matter what the stakes are. Sometimes it might be a n0-hitter, or a rare triple play, or maybe simply the longest home run anyone has ever hit in a particular stadium. Even in a team’s disappointing season, the sport of baseball never fails to surprise and strike awe into even the most cynical hearts (mine).

Looking forward to more moon shots, Laz. Thanks for this one, especially.

Ahead of Wednesday’s middle game between the Atlanta Braves and the Tampa Bay Rays, the Braves made official one move that had already been known ahead of time and made another move that could add a very interesting wrinkle to their bullpen here in the home stretch.

We all knew that Reynaldo López was going to be activated in time for his start today since he’s the one replacing Bryce Elder, so that’s the obvious move. The interesting one is that Elieser Hernández has once again been designated for assignment but his replacement on the roster will be Bailey Falter.

Reynaldo López has gone down an interesting path here in 2026. He’s been in both the rotation and the bullpen and he’ll be returning to the rotation upon activation. He’s currently sitting on an ERA of 3.64 (87 ERA-) and a FIP of 4.32 (105 FIP-) across 24 appearances (11 start) and 71.2 innings pitched, which is a perfectly fine line of work in the time where he’s been healthy and/or fully functional.

That’s just been the problem, though — he’s either been dealing with stuff like this or mechanical issues that have kept him from being out there as often as he’d like. With that being said, he’s certainly going to get an opportunity to prove that the rotation is the place for him and he could very well be a valuable piece for the Braves down the home stretch.

Meanwhile, Bailey Falter is getting the call-up after Elieser Hernández’s (relatively) extended time with the big league Braves has come to an end. The Braves acquired Falter from the Royals in one of their deadline deals and they immediately stashed him at Triple-A once acquiring him. He’s been doing quite well with the Gwinnett Stripers and as this Feed post from clmj1 indicates, this could end up being a very astute move on the part of the Braves to have Falter in the bullpen for this upcoming stretch of games.

We’ll see if Falter does end up getting some big innings of work once those situations come calling but he’ll at least be a very interesting option for Walt Weiss to utilize out of the bullpen with such crucial games ahead. We’ll see what happens, folks!

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The Colorado Rockies and New York Yankees continue a series this evening, and the Yankees are sizable favorites again. 

That shouldn't be much of a surprise either. New York hurler Will Warren has been vulnerable this season, but he gets a favorable matchup against a strikeout-heavy team. Meanwhile, the Rockies' Tomoyuki Sugano looks tailor-made for a pummeling from the Yankees. 

Here are my Rockies vs Yankees predictions and MLB picks for Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Who will win Rockies vs Yankees today: Yankees -1.5 (51%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

COVERS INTEL: Batters have posted an expected slugging percentage of .621 against Sugano's fastball, and the Yankees are one the league's best fastball-hitting teams.

Rockies vs Yankees Over/Under pick: Over 9.5 (44%)

The Yankees' Will Warren should miss his fair share of bats against a Rockies lineup that chases and whiffs, and his changeup has been a real weapon this year (68th percentile offspeed run value). But strikeouts alone won't keep the scoring low.

Warren sits in the bottom 8% in hard-hit rate and bottom 3% in average exit velocity allowed, so the Rockies' hitters who do connect will connect hard. Pair that with all of the previously mentioned issues for Sugano on the other side, a short porch to right field at Yankee Stadium, and a New York lineup full of left-handed pull power, and I'm playing the Over for two units as well up to 10 runs.

Rockies vs Yankees home run prediction: Aaron Judge (29%)

Rockies vs Yankees weather

Conditions at Yankee Stadium will be warm with winds up to 15 mph blowing out, which could increase run production. 

Rockies vs Yankees odds

• Moneyline: Rockies 32% | Yankees 69%
• Run line: Rockies +1.5 | Yankees -1.5
• Over/Under: Over 9 | Under 9

Rockies vs Yankees trend

The New York Yankees have covered the run line in 28 of their last 50 games (+10.55 Units / 18% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Rockies vs. Yankees.

How to watch Rockies vs Yankees and game info

Rockies vs Yankees latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Foster Griffin has been hit or miss as a starter for the Guardians, but, tonight, he has a chance to be a hero.

The Guardians will play the Orioles tonight, the Twins, the White Sox, the Athletics, the Red Sox and the Royals to conclude the season. Tonight is their last chance to impact a team in (somewhat) competition with them for the third wildcard and a chance to steal a road series while the White Sox play a spunky Pirates’ team. Getting this series would be crucial to giving the Guardians a boost going into the final leg of their road trip.

Griffin’s best pitch this year is his cutter. The Orioles are ranked 27th against cutters this season (don’t look at who is ranked 28th). Of course, the competing issue in this realm is that the Orioles are tenth against LHP this season with a 102 wRC+. Coby Mayo has a 212 wRC+ and Christian Encarnacion-Strand has a 196 wRC+ vs. LHP this season, and, of course, Pete Alonso is one of the best right-handed sluggers in the game; he has only a 117 wRC+ vs. southpaws this season but this include nine homers. Griffin is going to need to navigate these three hitters effectively to survive five-six innings and give the bullpen (which had to pitch four and a third innings yesterday) a chance to do their part. Though the Orioles, as a whole, hit sinkers well, Alonso, Mayo and Encarnacion-Strand have struggled vs. sinkers and cutters this year, all below average. If Griffin can locate those two offerings well, he will give himself a chance to neutralize these three biggest threats to his ability to deliver a good performance.

With that said, a word to Stephen Vogt – if Griffin can get through four innings with the lead, don’t be afraid to have a quick hook ready for him if he runs into trouble in the fifth. Griffin has been a LOT worse in the fifth and suffers a good bit with the third-time-through-the-order-penalty (5.47 ERA compared to 2.77 ERA in innings 1-4). Tim Herrin and Craig Yoho both threw 17 pitches yesterday so should be available if needed for a limited appearance, and Cade Smith should be fine with the off-day approaching tomorrow. Hunter Gaddis threw over 20 pitches, so it’s likely Erik Sabrowski should be seen as the eighth inning guy. With the expanded roster, giving Daniel Espino, Franco Aleman or even Matt Festa a clean inning in the fifth and then bridging the next two innings with whoever is not chosen for that task and having Yoho and Herrin available to finish off a handedness-based matchup in the sixth or seventh should be feasible if the team even makes a predetermination to remove Griffin in the fifth with a lead or tie.

Griffin reportedly turned down an extension offer from the Nationals to see if he can land a bigger payday in free agency. Good for him, it’s likely his only shot for a payday. This kind of game tonight – in a tight playoff hunt against a solid offensive foe – is a chance for him to demonstrate to all prospective teams in the offseason that he’s a reliable option who deserves to get a multi-year, lucrative deal. Last start, Griffin was demonstrative toward Angel Genao after a groundball got through the infield. Tonight, he needs to worry about his own darn self. This is your chance to show why Cleveland acquired you and why you should be considered one of the top free agent starting pitchers in November. The ball’s in your glove.

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The Milwaukee Brewers are a modest home favorite to sweep their three-game series against the Chicago Cubs ahead of the 7:40 p.m. ET first pitch at American Family Field on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

My top Cubs vs. Brewers predictions and MLB picks anticipate the two offenses sending this total Over the number in a Cubs win tonight.

Who will win Cubs vs Brewers today: Cubs moneyline (45.9%)

For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.

The Chicago Cubs have taken consecutive tough-luck losses, and I’m anticipating veteran righty Kevin Gausman building off his statement start against the Milwaukee Brewers last time out to lead the North Siders to victory tonight.

Chicago has stranded 17 runners through the first two games of the series, and it’ll see Milwaukee righty Logan Henderson for the second time in less than a week.

The Cubbies are fifth in wOBA and third in ISO against righties for the campaign, and they also pace the majors in xwOBA and wRC+ over the past 30 days, so I’m expecting them to plate more base runners in the series finale.

Finally, with a travel day ahead, I expect the Cubbies to leave it all on the field to avoid a series sweep, and I'd back the Chicago moneyline at 48.8%.

COVERS INTEL: The Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers respectively rank first and fourth in wOBA and second and first in on-base percentage this season.

Cubs vs Brewers Over/Under pick: Over 7.5 (51.2%)

In addition to the highlighted success of the Chicago offense, the Brewers have also been rolling at the dish.

Milwaukee paces the majors in wOBA against right-handed pitchers for the year, and they also rank second in wOBA and eighth in xwOBA over the past 30 days.

The Cubbies have played to the Over in 23 of their last 40 games (+6.70 Units / 15% ROI), too, so I’d recommend the Over 7.5 to 53.5%.

Cubs vs Brewers home run prediction: Pete Crow-Armstrong (23.9%)

Cubbies star Pete Crow-Armstrong took Henderson deep last week, and his .316 ISO against righties is second in the majors.

Additionally, Crow-Armstrong paces the league with 20 homers and a .395 ISO in the second half.

Cubs vs Brewers weather

The roof is expected to be closed at American Family Field tonight because of lingering cloudy conditions and a 20-35% chance of scattered morning or early-evening showers, with the climate-controlled indoor temperature set to a perfect 72°F.

Status of the movable roof at American Family Field is available on the official website of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Cubs vs Brewers odds

• Moneyline: Cubs 47.6% | Brewers 56.5%
• Run line: Cubs +1.5 (64.3%) | Brewers -1.5 (39.2%)
• Over/Under: Over 7.5 (52.5%) | Under 7.5 (52.5%)

Cubs vs Brewers trend

The Chicago Cubs have won 25 of their past 40 road games (+8.85 Units / 18% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Brewers.

How to watch Cubs vs Brewers and game info

Cubs vs Brewers latest injuries

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Reds fans and fans across the country.

Elly De La Cruz has not yet reached Tungsten Arm O’Doyle levels of legendry just yet, but he’s close. In the dark of the night on Tuesday while plying his trade against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Elly swatted a gargantuan 444 foot homer off of two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal that left the baseball world once again in awe, doing so as the Reds fell 3-2 to drop their second straight game (and the series as a whole) against the Evil Empire out west.

He also added a relay throw from shallow CF that nailed Teoscar Hernandez at the plate, a throw that Statcast measured at a whopping 105.3 mph.

The arm is completely ridiculous. That’s effectively peak Aroldis Chapman on the mound, and it comes from a guy who now leads all of Major League Baseball in average, slugging percentage, and OPS against left-handed pitching just one year after the switch-hitter saw prompts for him from idiots to consider abandoning hitting right-handed altogether.

Though he missed a few weeks due to injury and recently was relegated to DH-only duties due to a quad strain, there are now only four (4!) players across MLB who have been more valuable than Elly, per FanGraphs. He’s been a 5.3 fWAR, 5.0 bWAR player so far this season, joining Eric Davis and Joe Morgan as the only three players in Reds history to post multiple 25 homer, 25 steal seasons.

Still, he somehow has his doubters. People will point to the errors at SS, the lack of stealing 67 bases again, and the still-untapped upside he clearly possesses as the reasons why, among other silliness. For whatever reason, it seems some folks still choose to discount what Elly provides both the Reds and the masses as the Reds themselves continue to languish in the cellar of the NL Central.

I want to hear it from you, though. What grade would you give Elly for his 2026 performance? Just how good as Cincinnati’s superstar been in your eyes?

Let us know in the poll below!

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Baseball all day LONG!

My MLB moneyline predictions for today's slate include backing a lot of pricey favorites, which include the Milwaukee Brewers.

Before we dive in, be sure to check out all our MLB picks for Wednesday, Sept. 9.

MLB moneyline picks for September 9

For help understanding Polymarket probabilities, see our odds calculator.

Matchup	Pick
Twins vs Tigers	46%
Blue Jays vs Athletics	64%
Cardinals vs Giants	55%
Nationals vs Padres	63%
Rangers vs Mariners	42%
Guardians vs Orioles	52%
Astros vs Phillies	41%
Mets vs Marlins	54%
Angels vs Red Sox	34%
Rockies vs Yankees	69%
Rays vs Braves	46%
Diamondbacks vs Royals	48%
Pirates vs White Sox	56%
Cubs vs Brewers	55%
Reds vs Dodgers	28%

Prices courtesy of Polymarket as of Sept. 9.

Expert MLB moneyline picks for Sept. 9

Twins vs Tigers: Twins 

Twins win probability: 46%

There is nothing gravitating me toward wanting to back the Tigers in this one. Why would you want to pay juice for a team that has had a wRC+ below 85 for over 21 games now?

Sure, the Twins have an 80 over their last six, but over their last 21, they are above 100. Plus, Zebby Matthews has found his footing late in the season, owning a 2.66 ERA and 0.84 WHIP while allowing very minimal hard contact.

Trust the Twins.

Blue Jays vs Athletics: Blue Jays 

Blue Jays win probability: 64%

Paying this much juice for the Blue Jays has not been the most fun bet to make this season. However, their bats have come alive over their last 21 games, posting a 120 wRC+, .342 wOBA, and .777 OPS.

It looks like Toronto is going with a bullpen game on the bump this afternoon, which could make things a little sweaty, but it is the Blue Jays or nothing here.

Cardinals vs Giants: Cardinals 

Cardinals win probability: 55%

The road team speaks to me more in this matchup, as Andre Pallante has been pretty solid across his last five starts, posting a 2.51 ERA while limiting hard-hit balls.

The Birds' bats have been much hotter than the Giants' over the last week-plus, and Blade Tidwell has been allowing a concerning amount of barrels over his last three starts.

Give me the Cardinals. 

Nationals vs Padres: Padres 

Padres win probability: 63%

Walker Buehler has been a breath of fresh air over his last five outings, sporting a 2.57 ERA and 0.85 WHIP while limiting hitters to just a 28% hard-hit rate.

The Padres' bats have gone a bit cold, but the Nationals are much colder, posting just a 78 wRC+, .639 OPS, and a near 28% strikeout rate over their last six games.

Pay the juice.

Rangers vs Mariners: Rangers 

Rangers win probability: 42%

Cody Bradford may not have looked the sexiest across his last few starts, but the Rangers' bats are far too hot to fade at the moment.

Kade Anderson has a 5.40 ERA through three starts while owning a 2.94 xERA, so he could be due for some progression. But with how hot the Rangers are at the plate, it shouldn't be today.

Guardians vs Orioles: Guardians  

Guardians win probability: 52%

The Orioles' near 30% strikeout rate and 79 wRC+ over their last week of play are a major turnoff in this spot. Sure, Foster Griffin is not a strikeout pitcher, but he has done a great job limiting hard-hit balls for the Guardians over his last few outings.

The team playing better baseball over their last six, 12, and 21 games is the Guardians.

Astros vs Phillies: Astros 

Astros win probability: 41%

The Cristopher Sanchez tax is in full effect today, as the Phillies are a heavy favorite. However, their lineup has been ice cold, posting just a 74 wRC+, .279 wOBA, and .633 OPS over their last six games.

Houston has not been much better, but Hunter Brown has been nails for the Astros. The right-hander has posted a 1.96 ERA and 1.31 WHIP over his last three starts while allowing just a 6.38% barrel rate.

Take the dog.

Mets vs Marlins: Marlins

Marlins win probability: 54%

In Janson Junk we trust!

The Marlins right-hander has been extremely solid over his last few starts, and he draws a Mets lineup that has been swinging a hot bat. If Junk can keep New York in check, the Marlins should have a favorable matchup on the other side against Robert Stock.

Stock owns a 6.52 ERA over his last three outings, and Miami should have an opportunity to put some pressure on him early. If Junk can do his part against this Mets lineup, I like the Fightin' Fish to come out on top.

Angels vs Red Sox: Angels

Angels win probability: 34%

The Ryan Johnson disrespect has gone too far!

The Angels starter has been excellent over his last five starts, posting a 1.63 ERA and 1.01 WHIP while allowing a hard-hit rate under 40%.

Sure, Red Sox starter Jake Bennett has been great, but the Angels seemed just fine in last night's 6-1 win.

Give the dogs a chance!

Rockies vs Yankees: Yankees

Yankees win probability: 69%

Death. Taxes. Why on earth would we ever back Tomoyuki Sugano?

Yankees right-hander Will Warren has been very solid in his most recent starts, while Sugano owns a 9.69 ERA over his last three.

Yankees or nothing.

Rays vs Braves: Rays 

Rays win probability: 46%

The Rays as a dog? Yes, please!

Football must really be back, because why on earth would the Braves be a favorite here with Reynaldo Lopez on the bump? He owns a 5.40 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over his last three starts.

Meanwhile, Griffin Jax has a 2.75 xERA over his last five starts while allowing just a 5.63% barrel rate. The Rays' bats are also much hotter than the Braves' at this point in time.

Rays or nothing.

Diamondbacks vs Royals: Royals

Royals win probability: 48%

Royals or nothing here.

It is perplexing as to why a team with a 70 wRC+, .273 wOBA, and .116 ISO, with a pitcher who owns a 5.40 ERA on the mound this evening, is a road favorite.

The Royals' bats have been scorching hot, so keep leaning into that. 

Pirates vs White Sox: White Sox 

White Sox win probability: 56%

This White Sox team has to bounce back after last night's blowout loss. They could lose the Central if they do not put their heads down and get back to work now!

Right-hander Davis Martin has not been the greatest over his last few starts, but he has been nails all season long at the Rate. Hopefully, this team can bring the juice, as they typically do after a big loss.

Cubs vs Brewers: Brewers 

Brewers win probability: 55%

This should be a good old-fashioned pitchers' duel, as both big-glove Kevin Gausman and Logan Henderson have been lights out over their last few starts.

The Cubs' offense has started to dip over their last six games, as they own a sub-100 wRC+, .314 wOBA, and .139 ISO.

With the Cubs' horrendous bullpen, the lean will always go to the other team when they are cold at the dish.

Reds vs Dodgers: Reds

Reds win probability: 28%

We are not paying that much juice for any team to win a game. Give me the red-hot Reds bats as a major underdog.

Luckily for us, the Dodgers' bats have been a little cold as of late, barely barreling the ball or making hard contact. No reason to pay all that juice.

GO REDS GO!

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

As October draws near for teams in playoff contention, they are starting to use this time to put their bullpen in a pecking order. They have had a season’s worth of data and observation to determine which of the players in the bullpen are worthy of logging those high stress innings that come with pitching in the postseason. Maybe there were some recent callups that they would like to see in bigger spots to check for resiliency, to check to see how the nerves will hold up when the lights get a little brighter. Nothing can replicated the pressures of playoff baseball until the situation actually comes up, but in some games, there are ways to get players as close as possible, so that’s what teams try to do.

The Phillies are no strangers to this. Recently, they have begun trying things out with Alex McFarlane, putting him into spots that are at least close to mirroring those that he could be used in in October. At times, he has responded with aplomb:

Other times, he has not succeeded:

What has become more obvious is that the coaching staff has preferred that McFarlane come up in those spots instead of another young right hander that has good stuff.

The Phillies did not lose Friday night’s game against the Braves thanks to Orion Kerkering. When he came into the game that night, the team was already down a run, so his job was simply to hold the fort. The offense was stifled for most of the evening, even though they had a few chances to do damage against Braves starter Chris Sale. Yet when the team was in a higher leverage spot, it was McFarlane that called upon to get the more difficult part of the Braves’ order (Michael Harris, Ronald Acuna, Drake Baldwin, Ozzie Albies), making Kerkering’s job of simply holding down the fort a bit easier. He wasn’t facing slouches that would slot into the order against him, but it’s not the same quintet that McFarlane faced.

And yet, once again, Kerkering came up short, allowing a two run home run to Mauricio Dubon that essentially salted the game away for Atlanta and gave them a series opening win.

This has become something of a regular pattern for Kerkering of late. He has struggled when put into games late, positing a 4.50 ERA in innings seven through nine. That’s 23rd among pitchers that have between 35 and 50 innings pitched in those final three frames, but they are skewed slightly by his only throwing four innings in the ninth inning. For his season, Kerkering has allowed:

• 4.70 ERA in 15 1/3 innings pitched in the seventh inning
• 4.72 ERA in 26 2/3 innings pitched in the eighth inning

He has not pitched well when called on late in games. The trust that he will be able to right the ship in time for more meaningful games has dwindled to the point where one should openly wonder the coaching staff would trust him.

They should not. Orion Kerkering should not be put in high leverage situations any longer.

The problem is that there are issues the Phillies are having in those spots. Prior to the season, Brad Keller was signed following a highly successful 2025 season in which he was one of the best relievers in the game in those same innings with the Cubs. Giving Keller those big spots in front of Duran gave the Phillies, at least on paper, an edge when it came to closing down games. Once Keller got off to a slow start then eventually succumbed to injury, the Phillies were forced into plan B. Luckily for them, Jonathan Bowlan has had a very good season in a trade with the Royals, becoming Don Mattingly’s preferred option in the eighth when the team has a lead.

However, Bowlan cannot pitch every game and has himself shown signs of weariness of late, giving up home runs in three of his last four outings. That’s why the team has been looking elsewhere for someone to start handling those high leverage spots. At first it was Kerkering, but he has not demonstrated with any kind of consistency that he is an answer in those situations. Does that put the Phillies in a sizeable disadvantage? Of course it does. Going to October thinking that only a few options currently sitting in the bullpen can handle any kind of leverage situation has to be frustrating. They will continue to try out McFarlane thanks to his superior stuff and the fact that many teams probably haven’t seen much of him yet thanks to his newness to the league.

One thing that they can’t do is put Kerkering in those spots. Handling the fifth, sixth innings, when there is still time to make things change in the game? Those are the places where he needs to live for the forseeable future.

So long as it’s not a high leverage spot, that’ll do just fine.

If you had just a little bit less than five months, you win the prize. The question? How long can a pretty good team last with no bullpen? With smoke and mirrors and grit and perseverance, they held in there for a long time. The bullpen was never good, but for most of the year it was largely functional. My concern all along ended up being well founded. The dynamic offense was covering up a lot of weaknesses. Through the whole first half of the season, the team largely wasn’t playing any “standard” type of game where the team is leading after six and hands it to the bullpen. When you pair that with a mountain of injuries, no pitcher really ever settled into any kind of role.

Then, around midseason Jacob Webb got insanely hot. He was the less heralded of the two offseason bullpen acquisitions. Phil Maton, long since gone to injury after months of ineffectiveness, was the one with the pedigree. Maton has a contract that runs past this year. I’m sure Cub fans will welcome him back next year with open arms and minds. Alas, that’s a conversation for another day. But Webb, he dominated for a couple of months there. And for a second time, this team covered for their ineptitude in the bullpen.

To give credit where credit is due, the Cubs probably found a half dozen guys this year who I find really intriguing. The problem was, every single one of them got overexposed. They all ended up in bigger roles and in bigger situations than was intended for them. Some of them succumbed to injury, some to ineffectiveness and only one or two remain mostly effective.

As the season has worn on and the games increasingly the games feel like postseason games, the bullpen is increasingly exposed. The result is a heaping handful of late season blown saves. I say that with some irony. I’ve defended the team a fair bit. The blown save statistic gets more and more useless as teams go to relievers earlier and earlier. If you are spouting Cub blown saves, I’m always going to ask you if you are aware of the fifth inning blown save in what I believe was a 2-1 game. What decade was it when you expected any team to allow a reliever to throw 4+ innings in a one run game?

In my best sarcastic voice, I can’t wait for a team to use two openers and then a bulk guy. That would allow the guy who pitches the largest number of innings to potentially be credited with a save in relief for someone who only faces a few batters in relief. I’m sure official scorers don’t want more decisions on their plate, but they should absolutely be given discretion as to if a blown save applies. The rule of thumb? Was it plausible that the reliever would finish the game?

Rant aside though, dating back to the Mariners series, there have been a whole series of legit blown saves. Of course there were some legit ones before that, but since that series in Seattle, it has felt like every save was blown. That’s not true. When I stop and think for a minute, I remember Ryan Zeferjahn’s save clearly. There have been a few. But there haven’t been nearly enough. This year’s Cub season is almost certain to end with a combo platter of one of their own pitchers going into the game with what appears to be a fire extinguisher and turn out to be straight pouring gasoline on a fire. Then, the other team’s effective closer will blow the Cubs away, leaving them shaking their head.

In the post mortem for this season, it’s going to be interesting to simultaneously have loved the aggressive trade deadline that netted players that solved real problems for this team while also being frustrated that the team didn’t obtain a legit closer. I’d feel 100 times better with Ryan Rolison and Trent Thornton working the sixth inning, Zeferjahn the seventh, Webb the eighth and some acquired closer working the ninth.

So much frustration. Somehow, this game would have been better with a run scoring in the bottom of the eighth and a 2-1 victory closed out by Trevor Megill. Chasing Megill, failing to score more against DL Hall and then watching the Cub bullpen blowing the ninth and tenth innings was downright awful. Baseball is a cruel, cruel mistress.

Three Positives:

• Aaron Civale faced six batters, retired all of them and struck out the first four. I understand there have been some observations about leverage. He faced six batters in a tie game against the team with the best record in baseball.
• Carson Kelly came through with a pinch-hit, two-run double in the ninth to give the Cubs the lead.
• Michael Conforto came off of the bench for a match-up platoon. He was hit by a pitch and drew a walk. The Cubs only had 12 base runners all day, seven hits, three walks and two hit batters.

Game 146, September 8: Brewers 4, Cubs 3 (81-65)

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are determined by WPA scores and are in no way subjective.

THREE HEROES:

• Superhero: Carson Kelly (.239). 1-1, 2B, 2 RBI
• Hero: Aaron Civale (.164). 2 IP, 6 BF, 4 K
• Sidekick: Michael Conforto (.156). 0-0, BB, HBP

THREE GOATS:

• Billy Goat: Jacob Webb (-.407). IP, 5 BF, 2 H, 2 R
• Goat: Alex Bregman (-.387). 0-5
• Kid: Caleb Thielbar (-.188). 0.1 IP, 2 H, BB, R (0 ER), K

WPA Play of the Game: Jackson Chourio’s two-run homer with two outs in the ninth to tie the game. (.491)

Cubs Play of the Game: Carson Kelly’s two-run double in the top of the ninth inning. (.240)

Cubs Player of the Game:

Game 147 Winner: Pete Crow-Armstrong received 33 of 74 votes.

Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 5/Bottom 5)

The award is named for Anthony Rizzo, who finished first in this category three of the first four years it was in existence and four times overall. He also recorded the highest season total ever at +65.5. The point scale is three points for a Superhero down to negative three points for a Billy Goat.

• Alex Bregman +27
• Pete Crow-Armstrong +26.5
• Michael Conforto +15
• Ben Brown +13.5
• Javier Assad +12
• Jameson Taillon -13
• Seiya Suzuki -15
• Nico Hoerner -17
• Dansby Swanson -17
• Caleb Thielbar -18.5

Scoreboard Watching: Phillies lose (0.5 games up on Cubs). Braves lose (5.5 up). Diamondbacks win (3 back). Brewers win (nine up). Padres win (3.5 back). Dodgers win (7.5 up).

Up Next: The Cubs will try to salvage a win in this series and a split of their road trip. They are 5-7 since their last off day. They are 7-12 in their last 19. Kevin Gausman (9-11, 4.38) starts for the Cubs. He’s won his last three starts, including one against the Brewers. He allowed one run over seven in that one. Logan Henderson (9-3, 2.48) starts for the Brewers. He lost that game to Gausman, despite only allowing three hits and two runs over seven innings.

Find a win. That first Wild Card is still very much within the Cubs’ grasp, but they’ve got to get back to winning games. Maybe, the offense will break out. They haven’t done so now since August 31 when they scored 17 against the Brewers.