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Cubs News: Things to watch for in the Detroit Tigers series
Chicago Cubs: Unlike recent years, the upcoming series against the rebuilding Detroit Tigers will be exciting despite their record.
After a lengthy, up and down homestand, the Chicago Cubs will hit the road and head to the Motor City to play the Detriot Tigers. The three-game set, which begins Monday evening will take place at Comerica Park, where the Cubs last played a series back in August 2018.
Last time they played them, the Tigers were in the early stages of their rebuild. They are still in the middle of that process, but they look like they are making progress. The Tigers have built up their farm system via drafting and trades. Significant strides were made last week when they called up several top prospects, including their considerable prized asset, Casey Mize.
The Cubs are still sitting in first place despite some recent skidding, and the Tigers are four games below .500 at 11-15. While the Cubs must take advantage of sub-.500 teams and beat them, the Tigers are not necessarily going to be a cakewalk. Here are some things to watch out for in this series.
Chicago Cubs: One of baseball’s top prospects is set to face the Cubs in his second career start.
As mentioned earlier, the Tigers called up their number one asset last week in RHP Casey Mize. He was the Tigers’ first overall pick in 2018 out of Auburn University and is one of baseball’s top prospects. The 23-year old made his MLB debut against the White Sox in Chicago back on the 19th. He went 4 1/3 innings and gave up three runs on seven hits, striking out seven and not issuing a walk.
In his first start, he showed off his nasty splitter, as well as his moving fastball that sits in the mid-to-high 90s, and some breaking pitches. The splitter is his signature pitch that he can throw in the upper-80s that can fade and drop like crazy. When he throws it effectively, it is practically impossible to make contact. The fact that he is already ranked among pitchers with the best movement after one start on MLB.com says a lot.
Monday is Mize’s turn to pitch again for the second time in his MLB career. The Cubs offense has struggled and Mize is brand new to the majors. Something is going to give. Mize’s stuff is electric, but how he handles his first career start in Detroit will be interesting. If he can keep his command and locate his stuff, then it could be a long night for Cubs batters. Regardless it will be a game to watch.
Chicago Cubs: Some familiar faces will be playing against their former organization.
Back in 2017, the Cubs were looking to strengthen their roster for another postseason run, and they acquired Alex Avila and Justin Wilson from the Tigers. What the Cubs gave in return included infielders Isaac Paredes and Jeimer Candelario.
Candelario (26) played in 16 games as a Cub in 2016 and 2017 before being traded, and Paredes (21) was 18 playing in South Bend when he was dealt. The Tigers are looking to have both guys play roles in their rebuild and both are now on the MLB club.
Candelario has had an up-and-down tenure so far with the Tigers. He had 19 homers and 54 RBI (2.5 fWAR) in 144 games in 2018 and struggled in 2019, hitting just .203/.306/.337 with eight home runs in 94 MLB games. So far, in 2020, he is hitting .279/.319/.477 with two home runs, five doubles, three triples and 10 RBI.
Paredes made his MLB debut along with Mize and so far is hitting .250 with a .768 OPS and six RBI. His first MLB home run was a grand slam that came on Friday in Cleveland. He went 3-for-4 in his last game. While Candelario has faced the Cubs before as a Tiger, this will be the first time for Paredes to face his former organization. The young shortstop looks to be covering that position for the Tigers for years to come.
Chicago Cubs: While he might not be the man who once ruled baseball, it is always exciting to face Miggy.
It is hard to believe Miguel Cabrera has been a Tiger for 13 years now. Cabrera is now 37 and unfortunately, on the downswing of his career. The future Hall of Famer is one of the very best players of our generation. His resume includes 11 All-Star games, two MVP awards, a Triple Crown, seven Silver Slugger awards, four batting titles and a World Series win in 2003 with the Marlins.
This year Cabrera is struggling, hitting .181/.275/.319 with four home runs and 13 RBI. The sun is setting on his career, and his struggles are attributed to old age and wear and tear on the body. He has played in 174 total games in 2018-2019 and has dealt with back, knee and ankle issues the past several years.
Keep in mind Cabrera is making a little over $11 million (adjusted salary for a 60-game season) and has three more years under team control with two more years after that being mutual options. He won’t be a UFA until 2026.
Next. Kyle Seager could be a Cubs trade target. dark
Despite his struggles, he is a guy you do not make to make a mistake. Old players who are past their prime seem to be able to do damage against Cubs pitching. He will be facing Alec Mills in game one. Regardless of how he is playing, watching Cabrera is special, knowing he has an obvious path to Cooperstown.
One question we are looking for an answer for as of now is when Jose Quintana will be used. David Ross said he might rejoin the team and be used out of the bullpen. That is one other thing to watch for potentially.