Pete Crow-Armstrong made his debut for the Chicago Cubs last night.
That’s a really big fuckin deal around here.
Most of you don’t care but that won’t prevent the following 1,500 words on the young man.
Unless theres a big moment.
Then were going full PETER.
Operationally though, he’s a Pete.
- Most hyphenated names stem from Royal blood.
His blood is rich and thick with plus plus coagulation properties.
The Mets would subsequently finish 19-27 and miss the playoffs by 11.5 games.
- Pete was 19 and not even a full season into his pro career when traded to the Cubs.
He was outside the Top 100 prospects but considered Top 5 within the Mets system.
Successful alumni (by volume) inversely reciprocate all levels of school pride.
- On the subject of celebrity, both of Petes parents are actors.
That may not mean shit to you but that absolutely feels right at home for me.
- Mr. Armstrongs most notable acting credit is for Ted Sprague from season 1 of Heroes.
Many years ago that meant much more to me.
Thats called pedigree folks.
- Pete’s left ear is pierced but he doesnt play with an earring.
Wed like to swap that out with at least one gold chain immediately.
Bad signature:
Hard name to sign, but hes had years to work on it.
That’s very disappointing.
Theres no excuse for that much loop in the C or the A.
Sure, solid P, but that’s about it.
Id talk to Alzolay and Jeimer pronto.
Hes young and awesome and the Mets should have never traded him.
From my loins:
- First off the only reason hes getting called up is because he deserves it.
Petes been outstanding in just his 2nd full professional season with an .876 OPS across AA and AAA.
That includes 53 extra base hits in 500 plate appearances.
I would be surprised if Pete slugged over .500 right away but thats not my point.
Thats looking ahead though, which is very fuckin easy from this chair.
Hes gonna be awesome.
Everythings going to be great.Come one, come all, come see the Chicago Cubs and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Save it for the convention.
Right now were talking Right Now, and right now Im trying to figure out where he fits.
Centerfield you idiot
Do the Cubs need help in CF right now?
Theres certainly a shift to Bellinger at 1st for the playoffs.
Nobody else can play it for the Cubs at the level it demands.
So yeah, maybe the Cubs do need some help in CF.
Is Pete better than me?
- Mike Tauchman’s burner
Maybe.
I can argue that both ways and feel intelligent.
I have no clue until Pete plays, but Mike Tauchman has been solid all things considered.
Problem is he doesnt play against lefties.
That is not up for debate.
So can Pete hit lefties?
Minor league numbers say yes.
He slashed .272/.366/.480 in 145 plate appearances vs .288/.364/.524 against RHP which moans of different approaches.
Especially when you look at the walk rates.
About 2-1 strikeout-to-walk against LHP which jumps to over 3-1 against righties.
Again, havent watched him in the big leagues because he hasnt played a game yet.
But this is all good stuff.
Its patient, opportunistic, balanced.
I love OBP higher against lefties with a marginally lower slug.
So then assume that translates normally in the big leagues.
Are we suggesting Pete become the every day CF, but only against LHP?
That’s actually so fucked up that we should not do it.
The Cubs should know better.
We also know its a bad idea to have Jeimer Candelario play the field when he can DH.
And we know Morel cant be trusted in CF at the most critical time of the season.
Nobody’s going to come out and say that right now.
That would be insane.
And I say that with no disrespect to Mike Tauchman.
It’s really just a matter of strengths.
One step forward - the best brand of Cubs baseball must prioritize catching the ball over hitting it.
Run prevention reigns supreme.
And with a contact-first pitching staff, you’re forced to lean defense.
vs. LHP
We’re just spitballing here.
It would be pretty stupid to automatically assume any of this happens.
No harm to the 2023 season with a better idea about the future.
That’s exactly what the Cubs need for other, larger decisions.
For now, the most important thing is giving Pete an opportunity to prove himself right away.
If it lands, the Cubs are instantly better, deeper, more dynamic.
It’s still a playoff caliber club and Pete still has a bright future.
Worst case it starts slow.
Hello my name is Mike Trout and I hit .182 in my first September playoff chase.
I repeat: There’s no downside.
Basically like Darryl Ward without any of the sausage drama.
