The Chicago Cubs played the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon in Cactus League play with Jordan Wicks getting his second start of the spring. The Cubs team did the majority of its damage by base hits and walks while taking advantage of opportunities on the base paths displaying their speed on the way to a 6-1 victory Wednesday.
Scoring:
1st inning: Seiya Suzuki hit a double and later scored on a wild pitch 1-0 Cubs. Garrett Mitchell led off the bottom of the first with a base hit and eventually ended up being thrown out at home trying to score on a base hit to left when Alexander Canario threw an absolute laser home to nail Mitchell at home keeping the Brewer off the board.
4th inning: Michael Busch led off with a hit then stole second base and was driven home by Alexander Canario who had a nice day all around, when he singled up the middle and hit the pitcher on its way to center field 2-0 Cubs.
5th Inning: Willian Contreras doubled to left scoring Vinny Capra from second 2-1.
6th Inning: Owen Cassie singled to Center scoring Pete Crow-Armstrong from second who got on base with a fielder choice before stealing second. Pablo Aliendo doubled to left field allowing Matt Shaw to score 4-1. Luis Vasques singled scoring Owen Cassie and Pablo Aliendo ending the scoring for the game leaving it 6-1 Cubs.
Overall Impression
The one thing people sometimes fail to realize during Spring Training is that pitchers and even hitters are working on something specific each at-bat or each outing. Whether that be working on back door breaking balls trying to get the fastball on the inner half of the plate, or a hitter trying a drag bunt to get on base. These do not factor into the box score but if you pay attention each player has a specific plan for each game, which is generally previously discussed and worked on with the coaching staff. A perfect example was Jordan Wicks and Pete Crow-Armstrong today. Jordan Wicks while being stretched out and going a couple of innings today did give up a hit in each inning but never surrendered a run thanks in part to the great throw from Canario. Wicks was working on all his pitches but was working on his breaking stuff and the location of the fastball in. These games aren’t like a regular season where they are checking out scouting reports on the hitters prior they are working on what they want to do and are focused on execution rather than results. Pete Crow-Armstrong tried a drag bunt and if replay could be used he would’ve been safe as the kid can truly fly down the base paths. He has been working on this daily with the coaches and they want him to add this as they know his speed on the base paths can easily turn into a double once on first.
Owen Cassie, Matt Shaw, Alexander Canario, and Michael Busch all impressed me today with their at-bats, and Michael Busch with his speed surprised me with the steal of second. These guys are going to be real contributors to this Cubs team this season for Busch and potential Canario. Cassie and Shaw should contribute late this year or at the very latest next season for this club. Caleb Kilian is an arm I am looking forward to watching this summer, the kid has a 99-100 mph fastball, a good breaking curveball, and a nasty 92 mph change-up. I think he could be a closer in the making over the next few seasons with his power stuff.
