CHC Thread | Javy HR's Twice | COL (Butler) vs. CHC (Lester)

Javy goes yard twice in return to Iowa. What's really, really important to notice about Javy's HR's is his reduced leg kick (it almost looks like Bryant's toe pivot) and his direct track to the ball. His follow through is still all Javy, but he maintains both hands on the bat and is more controlled. Just for fun, take a look at Javy's big swing from 07/23 in AZ. I hope that his reduced leg kick is something that he's comfortable with and it's something he believes in.

Last night, Starlin Castro was removed in the latter innings of the game and all of us were on #hugwatch duty. Joe Maddon reiterated that it was merely baseball specific as Castro was due up fourth in the bottom of the inning and he wanted to keep Chris Coghlan's bat in the lineup, moving him to 2B defensively (and Russell to SS). Also, and this may or may not be related, but Eloy Jiminez was removed from his game in the 5th inning last night. Again, that could be just baseball related or it could be something else.

Dallas Beeler has no business being in the rotation right now and obviously Rafael Soriano has near nothing left at all. The Cubs bullpen could get a huge hit as Neil Ramirez may have to go on the DL again due to more lingering shoulder problems. After warmups last night, he was deemed unavailable. That's just not good. One more thing in the bullpen--Rondon could get moved back into the 9th inning role with Motte struggling lately. However, I like how Maddon was using Rondon in high leverage situations in the 7th and 8th innings to get the tougher outs in the opposing lineup. Zac Rosscup has been pitching very well in his rehab so he could be a recall here soon.

The trade deadline is two days away. I think it's going to be a good one.