Cubs 0-3 Since Samardzija Deal; A’s 3-0

Random thoughts (or whatever you want to call them) while wondering why people feel compelled to bash or laud the World Cup (as if their interest or lack of it means anything to anyone else).

Canada’s not in the World Cup? Then pay no attention to this photo.

* Speaking of kicking things around, let the record show that the Chicago Cubs’ record since they traded away pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Oakland A’s on July 4 is 0-3 and Oakland’s record is 3-0. And Smardzija’s record is 1-0. The statistical-analysis department at ElliottHarris.com has returned from a day off to calculate with a fair degree of certainty that Samardzija’s record will not change until he next pitches (based on the assumption he is involved in the decision). He remains on pace to have more victories than the Cubs — OK, maybe not for the rest of the season but by the time he next pitches.

* Speaking of the Samrdzija deal, shortstop Addison Russell went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts for the Cubs’ Class AA Tennessee. Elsewhere in the world of future Cubs Hall of Famers, Javy Baez homered for Class AAA Iowa and Jorge Soler homered for Tennessee; Albert Almora had a home in each game of a Class A Daytona Beach doubleheader. Pay no attention to the error by Kris Bryant that led to four unearned runs against Dan Straily (acquired in the Samardzija trade).

* Speaking of the Cubs, their 9-3 loss to the Reds in Cincinnati actually wasn’t as bad as it looks. At least from starter Edwin Jackson’s perspective. He left trailing 4-3 after six innings. Not exactly a Cy Young performance perhaps, but the bullpen, which yielded five runs in two innings, as sigh-worthy. Followed by a shaking of the head and a shrug of the shoulders.

There is video below of Anika Shay. For those who care (or don’t).

* Still speaking of the Cubs, their statistical chances for match Samardzija’s victory total with Oakland seem reasonably good. They are playing a day/night doubleheaders Tuesday. And more often than not, teams split doubleheaders.

* Yes, still speaking of the Cubs, is there any reason than diehard Cubs fandom to vote for first baseman Anthony Rizzo to land a roster spot on the National League team in the All-Star Game? OK, other than the possibility of increasing his ultimate trade value when he is an established veteran and the team might be competitive? It can’t be based on statistics (see Monday’s post for some comparative numbers — or don’t, if you’re so disinclined). And, yes, your humble correspondent is aware Rizzo hit a two-run homer Monday and has 47 runs batted in. Put him in the home-run derby and let that suffice for an additional Cubs presence at the All-Star festivities.

* White Sox right-hander Scott Carroll 6 2/3 innings of one-hit ball with two walks and five strikeouts in 4-0 victory vs. the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. It is the second consecutive Monday that a Chicago team has won a two-hitter at Fenway (the Cubs did it a week ago). The Cubs and White Sox are trying to figure a way to reconfigure their schedules so that they can play at Fenway on Mondays for the rest of the season (or until they lose on a Monday there).

* Adam Dunn homered for the White Sox. His 453rd career homer passed former Red Sox star Carl Yastrzemski for 35th on the all-time list for home runs. You certainly have to think that moment left White Sox broadcaster Ken “Hawk” Harrelson — a former teammate of Yaz — with mixed emotions. That and a chance to talk about the Hall of Fame left fielder.

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