“Really Disappointing”

The Chicago Cubs shocked fans and insiders alike this time when they made a sudden decision. They decided to option their top prospect, Matt Shaw, to Triple-A Iowa. It’s just been 18 games into his Major League debut, and he has already been shipped off. And honestly, for most, it felt like a panic move rather than a well-thought-out one.

Because Shaw wasn’t just any rookie. He was the Chicago Cubs opening day third baseman. He was also the No. 1 prospect in their system and ranked 18th among all baseball prospects. But he didn’t get much chance to prove his pedigree. And because of a rocky start at the plate, the Cubs thought it was the best he gets back to reset.

But the end of the day, Shaw’s number didn’t back him up. He slashed . .172/.294/.241 with one home run, three RBIs, and a 58 OPS+. Shaw even struck out 18 times in 68 appearances and made four errors in the field. But according to many, this move still isn’t justified.

Article continues below this ad

Jim Bowden didn’t hold back and, on Foul Territory, called the Chicago Cubs out. “You have to give them time. Twenty games isn’t enough… I just think it’s really disappointing that you send a rookie out after only 20 games,” said Jim Bowden. And it is understandable, because it’s just barely three weeks into the game. For someone facing MLB pitching every night for the first time, such pains in the first leg are expected. Bowden also pointed out that the struggles were nothing new for a rookie. From timing to pitch recognition, these adjustments take time.

However, a big reason as to why the Chicago Cubs even went with this route may be because they are off to a hot start. On a team as such, a slumping rookie at their most challenging positions stands out as a weakness. But this does bring out the question of if the team is bothered just by short-term thrills rather than long-term developments.

But Matt Shaw’s story is far from done. Shaw is just 23 years old, and with his time in Triple A he can take it slow and breathe and reset. And there is a huge chance that he comes back stronger. But his wasn’t the only roster change the team made.

Chicago Cubs go full reset on their bullpenThe Chicago Cubs didn’t just shake up their infield this week. They woke up and chose to give the entire bullpen a little shakeup too. So there came a series of moves, right at the heels of Matt Shaw’s move. The Cubs announced that they will be calling up left-handed Luke Little and righty Palencia from Triple-A Iowa. In turn of that, Nate Pearson was to move back to Iowa, and Eli Morgan was meanwhile placed on a 15-day injured list due to an elbow issue.

Article continues below this ad

However, this isn’t really surprising, given Nate Pearson and Morgan really didn’t do much for the team. Pearson came from Toronto mid-season last year, and he posted a 10.38 ERA over eight high-level appearances. In just 8⅔ ⅔ innings, he ended up giving 10 earned runs in 13 hits. So, not really the numbers the Cubs wanted to see if they want to be on the top.

Morgan was an off-season find, and even he didn’t do any better. He actually did worse, and his ERA of 12.27 with 10 earned allowed in 7⅓ says everything. He surely did strike out 4 batters, but he also gave three walks. So these stats did make it tough for the Cubs to retain him on an active roster right now. Even if the injury news didn’t come in, this move might just have been happening.

Little and Palencia, the new faces have had their ups and dows too in their minors. But they are a fresh look for the bullpen. Meanwhile, Vidal Brujan, who is now activated from the IL, can be making his comeback in Shaw’s place. He had been sidelined due to his eighth elbow sprain. But is he a serious a splash? Not really. The Cubs know it too, and they just maybe are wanting some refreshing energy and flexibility on the roster.

Article continues below this ad

So it’s been a heck of a whirlwind for the Chicago Cubs. If you are a fan, are you alright with Matt Shaw’s quick move? Let us know.