St. Louis Cardinals (82-58) @ Chicago Cubs (69-70)
Let’s be honest… there’s no chance that the Cubs will catch us in the division race. They just aren’t playing that well (3-9 in their last 12 games). However, we won’t relax until the magic number hits zero. We are 6-3 against the Cubs this season, and these final three games of the season series could pound the final nails in their coffin.
September 10, 2021: G141 (83-58, 1st, +13.5G, M#9)
Star: STL SP Jose Flores 9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, game score of 89
The Cubs put today’s starter, 37-year-old SP Zack Grienke, on conditional waivers. Grienke’s 2022 option has vested at $7.6 million, and perhaps the Cubs are hoping someone will take that obligation off their hands. Or, maybe there is a trade in the works. Grienke is 11-13 with a 4.23 ERA in 212 IP, with 155 K’s against only 44 walks. He is still a decent back-end starter, albeit a bit over-priced and fragile.
September 11, 2021: G142 (84-58, 1st, +14.5G, M#7)
Star: STL SP Gerald Thompson 7.1 IP, 8 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
A moment of silence was observed before the game to mark the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Kolten Wong hurt his foot running the bases and will be out for two weeks. It is just as well. He was banged up and will need the time to get healthy for the post-season.
September 12, 2021: G143 (85-58, 1st, +15.5G, M#5)
Star: STL 2B Franklin Barreto 3-4, RBI, RS
That sound you hear is the Cubs season coming to an end. They were able to trade Zach Grienke to Minnesota for the #2 pitching prospect in MLB, 20-year-old Carlos Vazquez. It’s a decent consolation prize. Thanks for playing “N.L. Central” this year.
Players of the Week:
AL: BOS 3B B.A. Vollmuth 10-24, 3 HR, 8 RBI
NL: PIT 2B Gian-Andrea Massari 13-28, 5 RS (leads the majors in BAVG, OBP & Hits)