The Leadoff Man

Last night's umpiring by Manny Gonzalez was a dumpster fire at Wrigley Field, and I almost decided to give up on writing anything about the loss but then Jesse Rogers at ESPN wrote about a memo sent to all 30 teams about Automated Balls and Strikes at the highest level of the minors!

Despite the Cubs receiving a +1.19 run favor from the calls, it was a frustrating display, especially for Christopher Morel, who was left questioning the strike zone entirely. Adding fuel to the fire, SF's manager Bob Melvin was ejected after passionately contesting the ump's decisions. As fans, we can voice our frustration while we wait (im)patiently for RoboUmps to step in. Interestingly, MLB's recent announcement about switching to an ABS challenge system in Triple-A games couldn't have been better timed. Let's dive into the details of last night's ump show and the upcoming changes in how balls and strikes are called.

Mike Tauchman Out 4 Weeks with Groin Strain: Mastrobuoni Called Up

Mike Tauchman pulled up with a groin injury last night, sidelining him for four weeks.

As if last night's loss wasn't enough, the Cubs received more bad news with Mike Tauchman pulling up with a groin injury in the 5th inning. Tauchman, one of the steady players in the Cubs lineup, hitting .259 with an OPS of .741, is expected to be out for four weeks. His performance has been just above league average, providing some stability in a struggling lineup.

In response, the Cubs are calling up Miles Mastrobuoni from Triple-A Iowa. This decision has left many fans frustrated, as there were hopes to see promising prospects Brennen Davis or Alexander Canario. Davis has hit .227 with 4 HR and an OPS of .887 over the last month, despite a low BABIP of .212 indicating some bad luck. Canario, on the other hand, has been on fire, hitting .308 with 10 HR and an OPS of 1.103 in the same period.

Mastrobuoni, however, has also been impressive, hitting .321 over 53 at-bats in June, with eight walks. His versatility in playing all infield positions likely influenced the decision, although some fans question the logic of bringing up a utility infielder when a utility outfielder is hurt. As one fan online put it, Cody with CHGO said in a tweet "Hopefully this is a sign they play PCA every day. Mastrobuoni will just sit on the bench. You know it. I know it. It’s better than promoting Canario to just sit the bench I guess? His outfield defense sucks IMO (in my opinion) so he would have DH’d most likely and we know they don’t DH the same."

The key will be ensuring Mastrobuoni gets enough playing time to make an impact. Given his hot streak in Iowa, there's cautious optimism that he can bring his success to the big leagues and help the Cubs navigate this challenging period. However, fans are understandably skeptical, remembering his slow start to the season where he went 0-for-20. The next few weeks will reveal if Mastrobuoni can provide the spark the Cubs desperately need.

Manny Gonzalez's Umpiring Drama: A Night of Missed Calls and Frustrations

Main Point: Last night's umpiring was a nightmare, even with a +1.19 run favor for the Cubs.

Last night’s game against the Giants was a tough pill to swallow, not because of the score but because of the umpiring. Manny Gonzalez's strike zone was about as consistent as Chicago weather in April. Christopher Morel was left shaking his head after a pitch outside the zone was called a strike, leading him to chase a low pitch on the next throw. This inconsistency isn't just a minor inconvenience; it disrupts the players' focus and strategy. Things escalated in the eighth inning when SF Manager Bob Melvin, already frustrated with the calls, was ejected for arguing yet another questionable call. While managers face fines for speaking out, fans can and should hold umpires accountable. It's time for MLB to address these issues seriously.

The Cubs may have had a statistical edge from the calls, but it's the integrity of the game that's at stake. As fans, we can keep pushing for the much-anticipated RoboUmps, which promise a fairer and more consistent game. And speaking of technology, let's move on to the big news about the new ABS challenge system coming to Triple-A games. 

Automated Ball/Strike Challenge System Set to Revolutionize Triple-A Umpiring

Triple-A to implement ABS challenge system on June 25.

Starting June 25th, Triple-A games will see a significant change in how balls and strikes are called with the introduction of the ABS challenge system. This system allows hitters and catchers to challenge calls in real time, providing immediate feedback to umpires via an earpiece. The shift from the full ABS system, previously used in the first half of the season, comes after extensive research showed a preference for the challenge system among players and fans. The International League is also experimenting with reducing the number of challenges to two per game to cut down on excessive delays, addressing the issue that nearly 40% of games had more than six challenges.

The challenge system balances human judgment and technological accuracy, aiming to improve the game without removing the human element entirely. This move reflects MLB's commitment to evolving and enhancing the sport, responding to feedback from those who love it most. With these changes, we hope to see fewer nights like last night's at Wrigley and a smoother, more reliable strike zone across the board.

The earliest we could see ABS in MLB is 2026. Per Jesse Rogers of ESPN, Setting the top and bottom of the strike zone for each player presents the biggest technological hurdle MLB has yet to clear.

"There are two things you have to do," Manfred told ESPN. "One is measure the track of the ball. We're good there. The second thing you have to do is set the strike zone for each batter and we're not there yet."

Here is a video showing what the Challenge would look like from the Futures game where it was tested last summer

The Closer

Last night was a real kick in the gut for all Cubs fans, highlighting the ongoing frustrations not just with our performance, but with umpiring as well. Manny Gonzalez's erratic strike zone was a glaring reminder of why we're eager for the upcoming ABS challenge system in Triple-A. While it won't erase the sting of a 7-6 loss, it's a step towards fairer games in the future.

As our Cubs continue to struggle, it’s easy to lose heart. But let’s not forget why we’re fans in the first place. We stick with our team through thick and thin, always hoping for that next great moment. Even if the wins are scarce, the love for the game and the camaraderie among fans keep us coming back.

Looking ahead, the next game is a chance to reset and hope for fewer frustrating calls and a better performance on the field. So, let's keep the Cubs hope alive—share your thoughts, rally your fellow fans, and keep pushing for the changes we want to see in our beloved game!

Here's to better days ahead at Wrigley. Go Cubs Go!