The Cubs must have recuperated over the All-Star Break. In any case, they looked like their old selves in dominating a good Texas team Friday afternoon. Hendricks pitched six solid shutout innings and might have gone on had he not been pulled for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the sixth, a decision that resulted in padding the Cubs lead and virtually assuring a win.
The team looked great in the field and I was happy to see them score some runs without depending on the long ball. Their plate discipline was excellent. They took a 1-0 lead into the sixth inning and eventually wore down the Rangers starter, pushing across five more runs. After that the bullpen took over and performed well. Edwards has been rather impressive of late. The only weakness might have been Wood, who got in trouble in the eighth and needed to be bailed out by Strop. Grimm pitched a solid ninth inning, rather surprisingly, as he has been awful lately, really most of the year.
On the roster front, the Cubs activated Ross and Richard, sent Kawasaki to Iowa, and put Cahill on the DL with knee problems. They continue to carry a bizarre and excessive assortment of relievers and too few bench options, but this, I suppose, is a function of having two regular outfielders on the DL.
This wouldn't be July without a whole series of speculation about trade deadline deals. The Cubs could use a solid left-handed reliever and they no doubt covet Andrew Miller of the Yankees, but I have some doubts they will be able to pry him lose. First off, the Yanks still think they have a wild card shot and second, they are not likely to deal Miller unless they can extend Chapman. The price for Miller is one I venture the Cubs will not be willing to pay and the price for Chapman, a rental player, is likely one they should not consider. If I were to wager on the subject, I would think the Cubs will make a more modest move, maybe for a guy like Abad of the Twins or Doolittle of Oakland if he is healthy.
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