Cubs Clash with Astros: A Series Packed with Potential

The Leadoff Man

The Astros are in last place in the NL West with a record of 7-16. They stumble into Wrigley Field: A Prime Opportunity for the Cubs to Strike

As the Cubs get ready to face the Astros this Tuesday through Thursday, keep an eye on Houston's bullpen. Despite high expectations, key relievers—Bryan Abreu, Ryan Pressly, and Josh Hader—have been struggling, evidenced by their elevated ERAs early in the season. However, advanced metrics like FIP and SIERA suggest that their poor performances may not continue, indicating that these issues might be temporary. Both Pressly and Hader have shown strong 'stuff,' although defensive mistakes have impacted their results negatively. Given that the Astros rely heavily on these high-leverage arms, the Cubs could benefit if these struggles persist into the series. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros fansite crawfishboxes.com expresses a critical view, stating, 'The consequences of trading away the farm for the last nine years are now evident, as the team's prospects have diminished. Winning a championship under these conditions seems unlikely. We might as well just go through the motions.' This sentiment adds another layer to the upcoming series, suggesting the Cubs might find ample opportunities to capitalize

Michael Busch Swings into the Future: xSLG Unpacked

Who doesn't enjoy a great baseball story? Michael Busch, the newest sensation on the North Side, is proving that the Cubs' first base position is in good hands after Anthony Rizzo's departure. Since swapping Dodger Blue for Cubbie Blue, Busch has been in spectacular form, homering in five straight games last week. But it’s not just his raw power that's capturing attention—it’s also his Expected Slugging Percentage (xSLG) that’s got us all intrigued

Crunching Numbers with xSLG: Think of xSLG as a sabermetric tool. It looks at how fast the ball leaves his bat (exit velocity) and the angle at which it's hit (launch angle) to predict whether it should result in a home run or an out. For Michael Busch, xSLG highlights his consistent power hitting, suggesting those home runs are no fluke.

Michael Busch’s Meteoric Rise: Since joining the Cubs, Busch hasn't just filled Rizzo’s shoes—he's carving out his own place in Cubs history. He's showing why the Cubs’ front office traded for him, bringing a spark back to the lineup. For those tracking his stats, his xSLG ranks him 5th in the MLB – he's not just excelling, he's outperforming expectations.

More Than Just Home Runs: But Michael Busch isn't all about long balls. His game is multifaceted, much like the layers of a deep-dish pizza. He patiently reads pitches and makes good contact, proving he's not a one-hit wonder. His potential as the Cubs' long-term answer at first base is becoming clearer with each game. Plus, his xSLG tells us that even when he's not clearing the fences, he consistently hits with game-changing power.

Conclusion: Cubs fans recognize a star in the making. Michael Busch is more than just a good story; he's a fixture for the future. With stats like xSLG backing up his impressive performance, it’s exciting to imagine what's ahead. So, get ready for the show—watching Busch at the plate is going to be one of the highlights of the season. Here’s to hoping he keeps proving that the best is yet to come!

What to expect from JP France

Cubs fans can anticipate a mixed bag when JP France takes the mound. His season so far has been a tale of two extremes: he’s had games where he's kept hits and runs low, like his solid starts against the Yankees and Rangers, but he's also had outings where he's been hit hard, evidenced by his high ERA of 7.08. Looking at his pitch-type frequency, expect to see a heavy rotation of cutters and four-seamers, and if the Cubs can capitalize on the counts where France tends to struggle, they could see some action on the bases.

What to expect in the 3rd MLB start of Spencer Arrighetti

When Spencer Arrighetti takes the mound at Wrigley this Wednesday, Cubs fans should remember his rocky MLB debut. Despite giving up seven runs in three innings, his next outing against the powerful Atlanta Braves showed improvement, suggesting he has the potential to bounce back. With a lively fastball and a range of pitches, Cubs batters will need patience and a good strategy to capitalize on any lingering rookie nerves.

What to expect from Justin Verlander on Thursday

Cubs fans, brace yourselves for a showdown with Justin Verlander this Thursday but don't expect the flamethrower of his heyday. In his season opener, he navigated through innings with savvy rather than sheer strikeout power, signaling an opportunity for the Cubs’ lineup to barrel up the ball and rally, particularly if they can work the count and drive up his pitch tally.