2021-06-30: Cubs (Arrieta) at Brewers (Ashby) [Brewers win, 15-7 -- Cubs score 7 in 1st inning; Crew responds with 15 unanswered]

[Patrick425]

So glad we decided to hand the Cubs a win and take a loss so that Burns might be fresh for that crucial game against Detroit in September.

[JET15]

Et tu, Defense?

[pacopete4]

So glad we decided to hand the Cubs a win and take a loss so that Burns might be fresh for that crucial game against Detroit in September.

 

Keep beating this drum. I think you’ll look foolish by the end of the season but hey, that’s just an opinion.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Welp ...

 

Better swing the bats today.

[brooks_quichenick]

Nice of Willy to help his rookie pitcher out there. Ugh

[jonescm128]

First time I've ever seen Ashby pitch and so far I can't blame him for not having command. His fastball has so much movement. Reminds me of Johnny Hellweg.

 

Not an ideal comparison...

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Good lord ... terrible defense on that bunt. Little League defense.

[Eye Black]

What was Hiura doing on the bunt. That has to be his ball, right?

[pacopete4]

Sogard smelled blood in the water with that bunt.

[brooks_quichenick]

Feels like Bettinger’s start vs. LA all over again

[Jopal78]

Brewers will take 2 out of 3 and probably get outscored in the series at this rate.

[adambr2]

I'm not saying Ashby won't go on to have a fine MLB career but the expectations for guys like him and Small and Kelly are wayyyyyy out of whack. Some see these guys as untouchable because of the success of guys like Woodruff and Hader and Burnes and Peralta. We've really been spoiled by these guys. The reality is that it's unlikely that any of the current crop of our pitching prospects ever reach the level of success of any of those 4.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

Feels like Bettinger’s start vs. LA all over again

 

It does. Although Ashby exceeds Bettinger's absolute ceiling of a #5/swingman/AAAA starter.

[Simba2020]

I don't need to see Ashby again in 2021. That being said, seems like the team has revolted against the decision to skip Burnes.

[adambr2]

135 ERA. That's pretty far up there for a calculatable ERA.

[Patrick425]

So glad we decided to hand the Cubs a win and take a loss so that Burns might be fresh for that crucial game against Detroit in September.

 

Keep beating this drum. I think you’ll look foolish by the end of the season but hey, that’s just an opinion.

 

 

Each pitcher could end up pitching the same number of innings that they will eventually pitch using this 6 man rotation. However, why not do it strategically. When we have several games against non-division foes, then use the 6 man and give extra rest. When we are playing a team that could clearly be the team we are battling at the end, we need all hands on deck. Not against resting pitchers. I'm against the timing of it. Let's remember this game when it's late September and there is less than a game or two that separates us and the Cubs.

[pacopete4]

I'm not saying Ashby won't go on to have a fine MLB career but the expectations for guys like him and Small and Kelly are wayyyyyy out of whack. Some see these guys as untouchable because of the success of guys like Woodruff and Hader and Burnes and Peralta. We've really been spoiled by these guys. The reality is that it's unlikely that any of the current crop of our pitching prospects ever reach the level of success of any of those 4.

 

While this probably becomes true, you just don’t know until they get their opportunities. Those guys you named had to be developed and given opportunities to show their stuff just like this next wave or arms.

[Fear The Chorizo]

I sorta get the idea of keeping starters well rested and giving Ashby a shot at getting some innings for a bullpen game....but not against your main division rival and definitely not starting that game. Why can't they have started a different long reliever and then brought Ashby in midgame, instead of basically turning the game into a forfeit before the Brewers got up to bat?

[wibadgers23]

If there was ever a game for the offense to pick up the pitching, this would be it. But I’m probably safe to find something else to do today.

[Simba2020]

Making that Bettinger debut look better all the time.

[adambr2]

The decision not to start Burnes today will forever be puzzling. They have the rest of the season to be conservative with their pitching staff, today against this opponent wasn't the day for it. They could have easily went to Burnes today and did a bullpen outing next.

 

I don't know if Counsell overthought it or got too cute, but it's definitely one you look back on and ask why if you lose the division to the Cubs by a game.

[Ron Robinsons Beard]

I sorta get the idea of keeping starters well rested and giving Ashby a shot at getting some innings for a bullpen game....but not against your main division rival and definitely not starting that game. Why can't they have started a different long reliever and then brought Ashby in midgame, instead of basically turning the game into a forfeit before the Brewers got up to bat?

 

Had they known that Ashby would be as inconsistent as he's looked, I imagine they wouldn't have made the decision they did. This is kind of the ultimate "benefit of hindsight" strawman argument.

[brewers888]

Ashby gets no blame whatsoever for this debacle. You don't start a guy in his debut in a big game against a rival. Burnes should be starting and we should be sweeping this series.

[Fear The Chorizo]

I'm not saying Ashby won't go on to have a fine MLB career but the expectations for guys like him and Small and Kelly are wayyyyyy out of whack. Some see these guys as untouchable because of the success of guys like Woodruff and Hader and Burnes and Peralta. We've really been spoiled by these guys. The reality is that it's unlikely that any of the current crop of our pitching prospects ever reach the level of success of any of those 4.

 

While this probably becomes true, you just don’t know until they get their opportunities. Those guys you named had to be developed and given opportunities to show their stuff just like this next wave or arms.

 

Yeah, all three of Barnes, Woodruff, and Peralta were viewed as highly available to trade by the Brewers 1-3 seasons ago by many on this board. Ashby has the same type of arm, stuff, and familial pedigree that could make him a very good mlb pitcher no matter what his first start or even first couple seasons look like.

[ctmyers]

Narvaez really struggling to catch Ashby. Stuff is legit, but having a terrible time locating anything.