Finally recording a new episode of Onto Waveland (its the podcast I do with Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney) after months of being locked out (not literally, but, well, effectively), and then a week of trying to coordinate schedules of people in three different time zones covering different aspects of the sport exploding back into life. Itll be good to get back on the mic. If you want to check it out, our regular schedule will resume soon twice a week and you can find it wherever you get your podcasts.
Jason Heyward is willing to move to center field to accommodate Seiya Suzuki, who is believed to be best deployed in right field:
I think thats a fine and admirable offer sincere, too but there are a couple things to keep in mind. For one, Heyward would have to get back to actually hitting righties well in order to justify even thinking about keeping him semi-regularly in the lineup against righties in center field (where you could otherwise deploy, for example, Rafael Ortega, who destroyed righties last year). For another thing, Heyward hasnt played any center field since 2019, and he rated out a little below average. If he could still be a little below average out there, that would probably be fine from a defensive perspective (Ortega and Ian Happ, as other options against righties, wouldnt necessarily be better defensively), but I dont know after three more years of aging.
That is all to say: good to know that Heyward might be a part-time option in center field for the Cubs, but it should be considered far from a sure thing that, even if Suzuki is the regular right fielder, Heyward is the best option against righties in center field. (And against lefties, you DEFINITELY wouldnt want Heyward in there, both because he hasnt hit lefties in years and years, but also because thats where Id like to see Michael Hermosillo getting every start, if he makes the team.)
Cubs reliever David Robertson, one of MANY new additions this week, on signing with the Cubs (Cubs.com): Its a good fit for me. Its a strong team. Its a great city. Ive lived in Chicago before. I just thought that I could mix in here and probably pick up some late innings in the back end of this pen. They were very convincing.
To that point, Robertson is one of many theoretical back-end options for the Cubs in the early part of the season. I tend to think David Ross is not going to NAME A CLOSER to open the season, but instead there will be a couple guys who might get the 9th depending on how the game has shaken loose, with a particular deference to one guy or the other. Robertson obviously has closing experience, albeit pre-injury and a bit in the past. Mychal Givens has done some closing over the last few years. Rowan Wick has closer stuff. I think Manny Rodriguez, if he makes the big league team, will work in earlier innings. Chris Martin is more of a middle/setup type. Keegan Thompson, I would argue, could have the stuff to be dominant in a one-inning role, but he might be even more valuable to the Cubs in a multi-inning role. This is just gonna have to shake loose over time.
Speaking of which, FanGraphs looked at a trio of Cubs recent relief signings Robertson, Givens, and Daniel Norris and I think appropriately sums up the hey, they could be good or maybe not but lets find out nature of not only these signings, but the entire 2022 Cubs enterprise. Among their comments:
Will his control rebound enough to put together another solid season? I have no idea, and the Cubs probably dont either. But he might be great, and hell certainly be serviceable, and if things work out well he might fetch a prospect at the trade deadline.
Robertson is even more of an enigma. After a long string of effective years of relief, things have fallen apart for him recently. He blew his elbow out in 2019, missed all of 2020 rehabbing, and only got a major league job after pitching well for Team USA at the Olympics. He struck out 32% of his opponents in a brief stint in Tampa Bay, threw four scoreless innings in the postseason, and hit free agency.
Robertson lives or dies with his cutter, which he throws 75% of the time. He complements it with a two-plane curveball that hitters simply cant pick up; the pitch sports a career 20.6% swinging strike rate, which is downright outrageous. At 36, hes one elbow injury or velocity decline away from looking quite ordinary but he looked excellent last year, and the money is certainly right from Chicagos side to take a chance on him and see what they find.
Givens walked 12.5% of his opponents between stops in Colorado and Cincinnati last year, and looks far removed from his peak years in Baltimore. But stop me if youve heard this before he still throws hard, and his fastball/slider/changeup pitch mix gives him the tools to attack lefties and righties, and he misses a ton of bats when hes right. Will he be good this year? I have absolutely no idea. But if the alternative was some non-roster invitees and career minor leaguers, I like the idea of trying to catch lightning in a bottle with three pitchers who have shown they can put up good numbers at the major league level.
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Scott Effross throws wiffleballs out there, with his sinker and his slider pairing together perfectly, each breaking hard in opposite directions. Heres the slider from yesterday:
Trevor Bauers administrative leave has been extended through April 16. I understand there is an investigation ongoing by MLB, but at some point the league has to stop punting and just issue its decision/punishment. Whenever that does happen, it seems pretty likely it will be retroactive (i.e., Bauer will have already served his suspension from last July through whenever), and then the clock will immediately start ticking on what the Dodgers decide to do.
In other words, Rick Hahn made it pretty plain last fall that the White Sox were going to trade Craig Kimbrel, but then, well, things happened:
It still seems possible that a Kimbrel trade will come together over the next couple weeks, maybe especially after Kenley Jansen signs. Kimbrel, man. Dude has had ONE normal-ish Spring Training in the last four years.
A significant case about minor league pay and jobs continues to wind its way through the courts in California (appeals will be forthcoming), and there could also be legislation in the state that aims to blow up the whole developmental system:
It seems highly likely to me that, if that bill were actually made law in California, MLB organizations would pull their minor league teams out of the state rather than risk losing their minor league players after just four years (compared to every other org, which would get upwards of seven years). Still, this is definitely worth tracking now.
This is a pretty interesting random data pull:
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- Lowe's Teams Up with Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and CONMEBOL Copa Amrica 2024 USA to Win Over Soccer ... - Lowes Corporate - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 AXS Aero All in the name of speed and distance? - GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Porosome treatment targeting CFTR shows promise in CF models - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- The Reign of Girls Generation's YoonA in Endorsements: The CF Queen - allkpop - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Lowe's Teams Up with Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and CONMEBOL Copa Amrica 2024 USA to Win Over Ftbol ... - Inter Miami CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- The changing epidemiology of pulmonary infection in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: an 18-year ... - Nature.com - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Controlling anxiety is a key part of managing my health with CF - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Orlando City at CF Montreal: Three Keys to Victory - The Mane Land - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Learn to Evaluate (CF) using the Charts - Stock Traders Daily - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Industries and JERA Announce Joint Development Agreement to Develop Greenfield Low-Carbon Ammonia ... - Business Wire - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Montreal plays Orlando City in conference action - FOX Sports - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Montral: What is the ceiling for Josef Martnez's new team? | MLSSoccer.com - MLSsoccer.com - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Spotlight on CF Industries Holdings: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity - CF Industries Holdings (NY - Benzinga - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Mamardashvili boast the highest spot-kick saves this season - Valencia CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Jaume Domnech: "I have the VCF DNA inside me" - Valencia CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- MATCH RECAP: Inter Miami CF Earns 2-3 Win on the Road Over Sporting Kansas City at a Packed Arrowhead Stadium - Inter Miami CF - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Pavel "The Experiment" Dailidko: Undefeated in 2023 and Charging into BRAVE CF 81 this Saturday, April 20 - Black Belt Magazine - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- JERA and CF Industries Holdings sing ammonia production deal - SAFETY4SEA - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Lowe's Teams Up with Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and CONMEBOL Copa Amrica 2024 USA to Win Over Soccer ... - PR Newswire - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Shares Purchased by Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. - Defense World - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- CF: Milan to jump above Juventus in UEFA ranking for first time in 10 years - Sempre Milan - April 20th, 2024 [April 20th, 2024]
- Color Star's Partner Team Villarreal CF Bests Real Madrid CF Once Again As The Yellow Submarine Maintains Its Impressive Win Record -... - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- Brave CF 70 Slovenia: Joilton Lutterbach vs. Andreas Gustafsson; Date, fight times, how to watch on DAZN - dazn.com - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- Malaga CF owner Sheikh Al-Thani vows never to put the club he has run into the ground up for sale - The Olive Press - April 19th, 2023 [April 19th, 2023]
- CF Industries partnering with South Korea firm on $2 billion blue ammonia project in Ascension - The Advocate - March 4th, 2023 [March 4th, 2023]
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- Reg CF: 2022 Delivered A Decline For Investment Crowdfunding As Economy Slowed, But Expectations Going - Crowdfund Insider - February 7th, 2023 [February 7th, 2023]
- Cystic fibrosis life expectancy: Averages by stage and age - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Cystic Fibrosis Carrier: What You Should Know - Healthline - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- Cystic Fibrosis: Prenatal Screening and Diagnosis | ACOG - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- CF Moto to launch a retro mini bike, will compete with Honda Grom in the international markets, all we know so far - DNP INDIA - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Short Interest Down 10.3% in October - MarketBeat - November 16th, 2022 [November 16th, 2022]
- Will CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (CF) Stay at the Top of the Basic Materials Sector? - InvestorsObserver - October 25th, 2022 [October 25th, 2022]
- Wanyama on Sunday played his last match for CF Montreal- Here are potential destinations - The Standard - October 25th, 2022 [October 25th, 2022]
- Scouting Report: 5 things you should know about CF Montral when they play NYCFC in the MLS Cup Playoffs - Hudson River Blue - October 21st, 2022 [October 21st, 2022]
- 2-year-old living with cystic fibrosis helped by new treatments - 11Alive.com WXIA - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Phage Trial to Treat CF Patients with Multi-Drug Resistant Bacterial Infections - UC San Diego Health - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- High Blood-sugar Levels at Night Affect Lung Function in CF Adults... - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- This 7-year-old is finally on a 'life-changing' cystic fibrosis drug. For others in Ontario, access is tricky - CBC.ca - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- CF's Thomas and Easttam dodge Panthers' high-powered defense, tackle running offense head-on - Camden News - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- The Difficulties of Diving Back In After Taking a Hiatus | Cystic... - Cystic Fibrosis News Today - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Cystic Fibrosis Market to Showcase Growth at a CAGR of 9% During the Forecast Period (2022-2032) | DelveInsight - PR Newswire - October 13th, 2022 [October 13th, 2022]
- Massive Predictions: Columbus Crew at CF Montral - Massive Report - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Why CF Acquisition Corp. VI Blasted 14% Higher Today - The Motley Fool - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Watch Real Betis vs. Villarreal CF Online: Live Stream, Start Time - For The Win - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Watch Getafe CF vs. Real Sociedad Online: Live Stream, Start Time - For The Win - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- Mauro Icardi linked with move to Inter Miami CF - AS USA - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- CF Acquisition (NASDAQ:CFVI) Rumble Takes On Traditional Media Outlets With New 'Rumble Exclusives' Liv - Benzinga - September 9th, 2022 [September 9th, 2022]
- SF Giants CF struggles on triple by Klay's brother - SFGATE - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. Statement Regarding ITC Injury Determination Concerning Imports of UAN from Russia and Trinidad and Tobago - Business... - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- CF man jailed in hit-and-run case - Leader-Telegram - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- AEG and Socios.com Launch Partnership for the Inaugural Soccer Champions Tour Featuring Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona, Juventus, Club America and Club... - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- Taty Castellanos plays his final game for NYCFC in 2-0 home win - Hudson River Blue - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr.: Position Change to CF from SS 'Not out of the Question' - Bleacher Report - July 25th, 2022 [July 25th, 2022]
- CF Industries Stock: From Boom To Bust - Sell Into The Rallies (NYSE:CF) - Seeking Alpha - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- CF graduates to chart their own paths to success - Valley Breeze - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- Poirier: We need the strength of the fans" - Real Madrid CF - June 20th, 2022 [June 20th, 2022]
- Vertex to Present Data Demonstrating Significant Benefits of Long-Term and Early Treatment With CFTR Modulators at the European Cystic Fibrosis... - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Jayda Coleman, Oklahoma CF, robs Texas of a home run at the wall - Saturday Down South - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Gennaro Gattuso brings tenacity and technique to the Valencia CF dugout - Yardbarker - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- 77-85: On to the league final - Real Madrid CF - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Gator Greats On CF Hall of Fame Ballot - ESPN 98.1 FM - 850 AM WRUF - WRUF - June 11th, 2022 [June 11th, 2022]
- Mariners CF Julio Rodrguez named AL Rookie of the Month for May - Seattle Sports - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- CF woman charged with theft of trade secrets from former employer - Leader-Telegram - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Laso: The team were magnificent in defense" - Real Madrid CF - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- The Austrian Wonderboy Returns To Action At BRAVE CF 59 in Uzbekistan - FightBook MMA - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Son Ye Jin Teases Fans With First CF Since Wedding to Hyun Bin - Kdramastars - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Fourth anniversary of the Duodcima - Real Madrid CF - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Meet the Avro CF-105 Arrow: The Long-Ranger Fighter Designed to Battle Russia - 19FortyFive - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Charlottetown to host professional soccer match between Sunderland AFC, CF Montral U23 teams - Saltwire - June 5th, 2022 [June 5th, 2022]
- Neutrophil Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) - Physician's Weekly - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) Expected to Announce Earnings of $6.16 Per Share - Defense World - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Living with Cystic Fibrosis: A CF patient experience story | LHSC - London Health Sciences Centre - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- CF Montreals Ismal Kon is showing impressive promise early this MLS season - The Athletic - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Film produced by CF native to be shown at Micon Cinemas - Leader-Telegram - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- CF & CFRP Market Research Report by Carbon Fiber Materials, Resin Type, Manufacturing Process, End-use Industry, Region - Global Forecast to 2027... - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Experienced defensive backs for CF thriving this off-season - Camden News - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- The 37th anniversary of Real Madrid's first UEFA Cup - Real Madrid CF - May 21st, 2022 [May 21st, 2022]
- Q&A: How a Cystic fibrosis diagnosis has changed in recent years - WRAL News - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]
- Kinnear: Hope, Turning CF Into 'Cure Found' and Betting on the Long Shot - insidelacrosse.com - May 6th, 2022 [May 6th, 2022]