Imanaga is Up Next on the Bump

Cubs Superfan Trivia 

Reading about a loss? Ugh, that's such a downer! But hey, let's shake off those gloomy vibes and dive headfirst into something fun!

The Leadoff Man

So, the Cubs took a bit of a tumble yesterday with a 4-1 loss. It stings, sure, but that's baseball for you—full of ups and downs.

Well, folks, Saturday's game against the Dodgers was a bit of a heartbreaker, wasn't it? The Cubs didn't quite find their stride, ending on the wrong side of a 4-1 score. But hey, that's the ebb and flow of baseball for you. Now, all eyes are on Sunday's game, where Shoto Imanaga, our very own "Throwing Philosopher," is gearing up for his second start with the Cubs. Last time, he turned the unpredictable Chicago weather into an ally, crafting a win with some clever gameplay. So, what does he have planned against Gavin Stone and the Dodgers this time? Let's dive in.

Reflecting on the Loss and Looking Ahead

Shoto Imanaga's debut showed us that he's not just a pitcher; he's a strategist, using every element, including the wild Cubs weather, to his advantage. It's not every day you see a player who thinks two steps ahead, making him a fascinating addition to our room

As we gear up for Sunday's showdown, the big question on everyone's mind is: What will the "Throwing Philosopher" do next? His approach to the game, blending intellect with skill, brings a fresh dynamic to the field. Facing off against Gavin Stone. Imanaga's clever use of strategy in his last outing has set expectations high. Can he outsmart the Dodgers?

Sunday’s Opponent on the Mound

Sunday’s Starter for the Dodgers is Gavin Stone, once a reliever at Central Arkansas, has made significant strides since being drafted as the highest-pitched Bear in history.

Despite a challenging first half last season, he impressed in the minors with a record-setting 1.48 ERA in 2022. Stone's pitching arsenal has evolved remarkably under the Dodgers, particularly with his changeup now a formidable plus-plus pitch known for its devastating tumble. However, his reliance on the changeup and struggles with his fastball, which lacks life despite its 93-95 mph velocity, were notable last season. His slider and cutter show potential but lack consistency.

For the Cubs facing Stone, the strategy might involve preparing for his potent changeup while looking to capitalize on any fastball and slider vulnerabilities. Stone's ability to bounce back and adjust his approach, especially in using his fastball more effectively to enhance his changeup's deception, will be key in this matchup..

Trivia Answers from Earlier this week

Mike Montgomery was on the mound when the Cubs defeated Cleveland for the 2016 World Series title

Wrigley Field was originally Weeghman Park