Cubs Friday (9/14) Start Pushed Back...

[Cool Hand Lucroy]

Just saw that the Cubs have moved the start time back to 7PM after originally having scheduled a 1:20PM first pitch for Friday (one of the ways the Cubs have dealt with their limited night game allotments has been Friday afternoon starts).

 

I don't really care that much, but it seemed worth noting, and it did make me wonder about MLB policy regarding pitch times. It really seems like there should be a weather- or other contingency-related reason to make a switch on basically 36 hours notice.

 

Anyway, wasn't sure where to put it. Don't think it's a big deal and understand why they're doing it, but if anyone knows the MLB policy I'd be interested in it.

[MrTPlush]

I mean game times are switched all the time to make them nationally televised etc. Since this is the first game of a series doubt the other team cares. Not like the other team has to go across the country to play at 1pm the next day. Not sure on the policy, but seems reasonable.

[jerichoholicninja]

Makes sense that they changed the time and only because I want the Cubs to face as much adversity of possible do I have a problem with it.

 

I'm pretty sure MLB rules about regular season game times (including weather related issues) are totally in the hands of the home team and have been since forever I'm sure. Which certainly made sense in the 1920's and 30's but not in the past 50 years. It's probably time update those rules for the 20th century.

[jjfanec]

Did the national media feel as bad for the Brewers when they played 21 games in 20 days? Did CC and the Crew whine about it all the time? They lost 7 of 8 to finish off that stretch.

[istanbultaye]

No, but I will give in to Objectivity and say that the Cub's stretch is worse than the Brewer's stretch, and so far (in terms of wins/losses) they've handled it better than the Brewer's handled theirs. There is also the caveat that they get the expanded roster to cushion the blow a bit, but if they want to win games, they have to put their stars in, so it doesn't help as much as some might suggest.

[KeithStone53151]

I mean game times are switched all the time to make them nationally televised etc. Since this is the first game of a series doubt the other team cares. Not like the other team has to go across the country to play at 1pm the next day. Not sure on the policy, but seems reasonable.

 

Changing them for competitive reasons is different than for TV/financial reasons. An extreme scenario, maybe the Brewers should have changed the final home game of ours to 11 pm on the 5th since the Cubs had to be in DC for a game at 6 the next day and we had Thursday off. That would have been total crap, teams should not be allowed to change game times for competitive reasons.

 

This is a more extreme situation and a bit different than the one last year. I was much more upset about switching the time last year. This one is a bit of an extreme situation caused by weather. I don't like it, but it's slightly less BS than the switch last year...and far and away less BS than the "rainout" game.

[long ball]

I agree that home teams should not be able to change scheduled start times for competitive reasons.

 

If they move start times due to accommodating national TV requests or definitive weather complications that's completely different.

 

Having said that, I'm not going to get worked up about this. I'm taking great pleasure in the Cubs fans and writers complaining all over twitter about this stretch of days without a true off day. This stretch is brutal. No way around it. Even if it was just the original 23 games in a row (where we're at as of last night) the Brewers are still just 1 GB though.

[MadScientist]

I mean game times are switched all the time to make them nationally televised etc. Since this is the first game of a series doubt the other team cares. Not like the other team has to go across the country to play at 1pm the next day. Not sure on the policy, but seems reasonable.

 

Changing them for competitive reasons is different than for TV/financial reasons. An extreme scenario, maybe the Brewers should have changed the final home game of ours to 11 pm on the 5th since the Cubs had to be in DC for a game at 6 the next day and we had Thursday off. That would have been total crap, teams should not be allowed to change game times for competitive reasons.

 

This is a more extreme situation and a bit different than the one last year. I was much more upset about switching the time last year. This one is a bit of an extreme situation caused by weather. I don't like it, but it's slightly less BS than the switch last year...and far and away less BS than the "rainout" game.

I'm sure there are rules about changing start times, and both teams probably have to agree to it. Given the situation, I don't really have an issue with it. It should have been done earlier, but the Cubs were probably hoping that the league would do change the makeup game due to weather anyway. Also they may have had to wait for city approval if changing the time exceeded their night game limit. Does anyone know what that limit is? I remember that it was initially 18 games per season, but it is a lot more now.

[KeithStone53151]

I mean game times are switched all the time to make them nationally televised etc. Since this is the first game of a series doubt the other team cares. Not like the other team has to go across the country to play at 1pm the next day. Not sure on the policy, but seems reasonable.

 

Changing them for competitive reasons is different than for TV/financial reasons. An extreme scenario, maybe the Brewers should have changed the final home game of ours to 11 pm on the 5th since the Cubs had to be in DC for a game at 6 the next day and we had Thursday off. That would have been total crap, teams should not be allowed to change game times for competitive reasons.

 

This is a more extreme situation and a bit different than the one last year. I was much more upset about switching the time last year. This one is a bit of an extreme situation caused by weather. I don't like it, but it's slightly less BS than the switch last year...and far and away less BS than the "rainout" game.

I'm sure there are rules about changing start times, and both teams probably have to agree to it. Given the situation, I don't really have an issue with it. It should have been done earlier, but the Cubs were probably hoping that the league would do change the makeup game due to weather anyway. Also they may have had to wait for city approval if changing the time exceeded their night game limit. Does anyone know what that limit is? I remember that it was initially 18 games per season, but it is a lot more now.

 

I can definitively say both teams do not have to agree. Last year the Cubs played their first Friday night game in their history against the Brewers, and the Brewers voiced their concern because it was obvious BS. And again, that "rainout". This time change might not even be on my radar if these other 2 much worse scheduling changes for competitive reasons hadn't happened. Cubs management is pure trash.

[jerichoholicninja]

Cubs management is pure trash knows how to use the rules to their advantage.

[KeithStone53151]

Cubs management is pure trash knows how to use the rules to their advantage.

 

I would argue what they are doing is technically against the rules and shouldn't be allowed by MLB. Unfortunately MLB keeps looking the other way. If changing game times for competitive reasons and cancelling game for fictitious rainouts is allowed, the Brewers apparently should try harder to utilize shady tactics to provide them an advantage.

 

I mean, come on guy. You have some unusual takes at times but this is one of your worst...

[jerichoholicninja]

Cubs management is pure trash knows how to use the rules to their advantage.

 

I would argue what they are doing is technically against the rules and shouldn't be allowed by MLB. Unfortunately MLB keeps looking the other way. If changing game times for competitive reasons and cancelling game for fictitious rainouts is allowed, the Brewers apparently should try harder to utilize shady tactics to provide them an advantage.

 

I mean, come on guy. You have some unusual takes at times but this is one of your worst...

 

Not saying that it's right nor that I agree with it. If it was illegal they wouldn't be getting away with it. Can't fault them for taking every advantage they can within the rules. That's just being smart.

[pacopete4]

I'd want Brewers management to do everything they can to tip the scales towards us. I don't know why people get in such a tizzy about the Cubs management doing what is best for their club.

[jerichoholicninja]

I'd want Brewers management to do everything they can to tip the scales towards us. I don't know why people get in such a tizzy about the Cubs management doing what is best for their club.

 

Exactly. If the Brewers were doing this we would all be praising Stearns for doing everything he could to help his team.

[82brewcrew82]

I'm sure this was more of an issue form the players union that from Cubs management. I'd be willing to bet there is some sort of rule in the CBA that they loop-holed in order to move the game time back.

[Fear The Chorizo]

the only reason it's probably a 1:20 start time to begin with is the stupid wrigleyville ordinance allowing for only so many night games. The Cubs probably requested a waiver due to these unusual circumstances and were either granted it or had to pay a fine of some sort to have another friday night game.

 

this is a non-issue to me, even from a competitive advantage standpoint.

[Thurston Fluff]

No, but I will give in to Objectivity and say that the Cub's stretch is worse than the Brewer's stretch, and so far (in terms of wins/losses) they've handled it better than the Brewer's handled theirs. There is also the caveat that they get the expanded roster to cushion the blow a bit, but if they want to win games, they have to put their stars in, so it doesn't help as much as some might suggest.

 

I agree this a a worse stretch than the Brewers back to back 21 then 20 games in a row stretch. I do think however that the Brewers would have been better suited to deal with a 30 game stretch in September than the Cubs are. That is a hidden disadvantage of trading all your top minor league talent away. Finally as far as how they are handling it it's too early to tell how they will deal with it wins and loses wise but they sure complained about it far more than the Brewers did.

[KeithStone53151]

No, but I will give in to Objectivity and say that the Cub's stretch is worse than the Brewer's stretch, and so far (in terms of wins/losses) they've handled it better than the Brewer's handled theirs. There is also the caveat that they get the expanded roster to cushion the blow a bit, but if they want to win games, they have to put their stars in, so it doesn't help as much as some might suggest.

 

I agree this a a worse stretch than the Brewers back to back 21 then 20 games in a row stretch. I do think however that the Brewers would have been better suited to deal with a 30 game stretch in September than the Cubs are. That is a hidden disadvantage of trading all your top minor league talent away. Finally as far as how they are handling it it's too early to tell how they will deal with it wins and loses wise but they sure complained about it far more than the Brewers did.

 

I love that you came back to their garbage farm system. Great point.

[MrTPlush]

the only reason it's probably a 1:20 start time to begin with is the stupid wrigleyville ordinance allowing for only so many night games. The Cubs probably requested a waiver due to these unusual circumstances and were either granted it or had to pay a fine of some sort to have another friday night game.

 

this is a non-issue to me, even from a competitive advantage standpoint.

 

It isn’t a stupid ordinance. When the park went in a million years ago their were no night games. The residents of that part of town don’t want constant night games...why is that stupid? If the Cubs don’t like it they can move. I don’t think any other stadium is just in the middle of a residential area...that place isn’t a hoppin’ place at night without the Cubs there.

[dlk9s]

It's fine. Who cares.

[82brewcrew82]

It's fine. Who cares.

Pretty much this.

[tmwiese55]

I don't think their stretch is worse than what MKE dealt with. First, the expanded rosters is absolutely huge for relief pitching depth. Second, I know a rainout isn't a true off day in the sense that you have to be at the stadium. But the reality is your pitchers still don't have to pitch and get a day of rest for their arm. And that's the most important aspect of playing games like this, wearing of the pen. And keep in mind our stretch did have the ASB, but right after had to play 17 straight games and it was for no reason, just straight up scheduled that way as opposed to somewhat self inflicted by not having a roof on your stadium.

[JohnBriggs12]

Pedro Strop is likely lost for the rest of the regular season, and perhaps into the playoffs with a hamstring injury. The Cub bullpen depth took a huge hit. Edwards is still struggling big time. Likely it's closer by committee now between Wilson who has control issues and Chavez. It also means they could try and rust to get Morrow ready, and who knows what he'll have when he comes back. Anyway, it ties Maddon's hands somewhat.

[KeithStone53151]

Pedro Strop is likely lost for the rest of the regular season, and perhaps into the playoffs with a hamstring injury. The Cub bullpen depth took a huge hit. Edwards is still struggling big time. Likely it's closer by committee now between Wilson who has control issues and Chavez. It also means they could try and rust to get Morrow ready, and who knows what he'll have when he comes back. Anyway, it ties Maddon's hands somewhat.

 

You have to feel for Strop, but man it is really nice to see Maddon's dreadful managing finally come back to bite him. Strop had pitched 1.2 innings already and it was a key spot in the 10th to tack on more runs. If any of his other good relievers were available, Strop probably gets pulled for a PH here to likely extend the lead. But Maddon had used something like 9 other relievers already that game and had nobody left that he trusted...so he sent Strop out to hit. I would be furious with him if I was a Cubs fan. Seriously, what an idiot.

[JohnBriggs12]

Pedro Strop is likely lost for the rest of the regular season, and perhaps into the playoffs with a hamstring injury. The Cub bullpen depth took a huge hit. Edwards is still struggling big time. Likely it's closer by committee now between Wilson who has control issues and Chavez. It also means they could try and rust to get Morrow ready, and who knows what he'll have when he comes back. Anyway, it ties Maddon's hands somewhat.

 

You have to feel for Strop, but man it is really nice to see Maddon's dreadful managing finally come back to bite him. Strop had pitched 1.2 innings already and it was a key spot in the 10th to tack on more runs. If any of his other good relievers were available, Strop probably gets pulled for a PH here to likely extend the lead. But Maddon had used something like 9 other relievers already that game and had nobody left that he trusted...so he sent Strop out to hit. I would be furious with him if I was a Cubs fan. Seriously, what an idiot.

 

It should come back to bite him either in the regular season or the postseason or both. Right now, he can't possibly trust Edwards, Kintzler or Duensing. That leaves Cishek who's been overused, Wilson, Chavez, Rosario, De la Rosa, and maybe Alec Mills.