It’s time to let the creative juices flow once more!

It’s been a while since I have done it.
Put words to the page and then I’ve spun it.
Sending to readers a timely missive.
Hoping my followers aren’t too dismissive.
I’m not sure of precise causation
That caused two weeks of blog cessation.
What was it kept my fingers napping
Instead of on the keyboard tapping.
It started when two lines appeared
On the COVID test I’d commandeered.
The first line meant the test was working.
The second confirmed the virus’s lurking.
Two Moderna shots then double boosted.
Yet still in my nose the microbe roosted.
With coughs and sneezes and feeling sickly.
Into quarnatine I disappeared quickly.
So empty moments were now my friend.
Hours of leisure I thought I’d spend.
Writing blogs ’bout things that were popping.
I might have been sick but the world was not stopping.
My mind was all foggy, could not concentrate at
The things going on that I’d want to debate at.
But now it’s much better and I’m seeing clearly
Here are some things I missed most severly.
There were hearings in DC that were causing a ruckus
They told how Trump and his friends were trying to f*ck us.
Thanks to Adam, Elaine and of course Ms Liz Cheney.
We were sure mesmerized learning about how insane he.
The planet is hotter, it’s like a fire pit glowing
Who knows just what to our kids we’re bestowing.
Heat waves, deadly storms, and still the President’s action
Was blocked by refrains from coal’s friend Hot Joe Manchin.
But up in the cosmos there was such delight
As the Webb telescope provided a sight.
Of the universe edges as they were at formation
I say it’s Big Bang, some say God’s creation.
Those topics I missed while my brain it was snoozing
So my silence for weeks I hope your excusing.
I’ll do what I can to get back up to snuff.
For reading this verse, I can’t thank you enough.

_________________________________

Like what you read here? Add your name to our subscription list below. No spam, I promise!
___

———————————–

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

AAA

Iowa 7, Omaha 0

Game Recap

A day after Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb combined to shutout the Storm Chasers, Matt Dermody and Anderson Espinoza followed suit. The 32-year old Iowa native Dermody has been a nice run of late. He’s gone at least four innings in each of his last seven appearances, and not allowed more than two runs in any of them. It’s been a great rebound (4-0, 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 R, 9 BB, 32 K) from after he was rocked during a six-start stretch from mid-May to Mid-June.

May be time to start talking about @IowaCubs LHP Matt Dermody as another arm to get called up to the big leagues once the trade deadline dust settles.

Today: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB Last 7 outings: 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 ER, 32 K, 68% strikes, 1.35 ERA.

July 24, 2022

As for Espinoza, he seems to be pitching with greater confidence since making his MLB debut. There’s no question he took a long road to get there after multiple surgeries and years away from the mound, so maybe it’s freed the former top prospect of the doubt of never making it. I think he ultimately settles into a long relief role, but he’s got MLB talent if he can gain greater consistency.

Matt Mervis blasted one home run and was just inches away from a second.

Mervis just missed his second HR of the day. Settles for a 3B (off a lefty). Has hit the ball hard 3 times today. pic.twitter.com/ySTyqoDWrn

July 25, 2022

Some @MiLB single-season RBI leaders since Y2K.

131 RBI: Marquez Smith (2014)131 RBI: Ryan Howard (2004)127 RBI: AJ Reed (2015)125 RBI: Dylan Cozens (2016)

Again, Matt Mervis on pace for 135 RBI.

July 25, 2022

Top Performers

Matt Dermody: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 3.94)Anderson Espinoza: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 1, 0.00)Matt Mervis: 2-4, 3B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI (.231)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB (.205)John Hicks: 1-3, BB, SB (5) (.255)Nick Madrigal: 2-4, R (.300)Nelson Maldonado: 1-4, R, RBI, BB (.224)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

A good sign: In two games since restarting his rehab Nick Madrigal (.300/.391/.300 in 7 total games at Iowa) has reached first base twice in each.

Cam Sanders has been transferred to the Developmental List. He failed to get out of the 1st in his last start and has struggled overall since getting to Iowa. It is likely the Cubs spotted a mechanical issue they want to work through with him away from game action.

AA

Tennessee 7, Chattanooga 1

Game Recap

I’m not even sure what to say about what Alexander Canario has been doing of late other than WOW. Yes, he’s hitting homers, but we always knew he could do that. What’s impressing me is he is showing greater patience and plate coverage, so he’s drawing walks and making hard contact more consistently even when pitches are at the edges of the zone. Those were the next step he needed to take in his development, and over this latest stretch he is doing it.

Alexander Canario enjoyed a perfect day at the ballpark.

The No. 18 @Cubs prospect belted his system-best 24th homer on a 4-for-4 afternoon for @smokiesbaseball: https://t.co/oU6ivefQd2 pic.twitter.com/9rncFSVbns

July 25, 2022

Chattanooga is not going to be sad to see Canario leave town. This weekend, he’s gone 7-for-12 with 2 HRs and 6 RBI. In addition, he has walked 6 times. That’s an OBP of .722

July 24, 2022

Riley Thompson returned from a stint on the Developmental List to fire three shutout innings. It was a trying first half, coming off a missed 2021 (and obviously 2020) seasons. Hopefully he’s knocked the rust off and yesterday indicates he is ready to take off in the second half. He’s one of the more talented arms in the system, and Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, so the Cubs need to gather a lot of information before the end of the year in order to make an educated roster decision on him.

Walker Powell shined in his four innings of relief as well. He’s been served well by the BABIP dragon since arriving in Tennessee, but he always pitches with better command than most AA pitchers. Not sure the stuff ever gets to be MLB caliber, but he is a big guy and has increased his velo since turning pro, so maybe there’s a little more left in the tank.

Top Performers

Alexander Canario: 4-4, 2B, HR (17), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB (.254)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, R (.282)Jake Slaughter: 1-2, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB (18) (.320)Bradlee Beesley: 2-5, R, 2 RBI (.212)Yonathan Perlaza: 0-2, 3 BB (.248)Chase Strumpf: 1-2, HBP (.250)Riley Thompson: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (6.48)Walker Powell: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (W, 2-2, 1.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Chase Strumpf exited after being hit by a pitch.

Ben Hecht has recovered from 2021 TJS and has rejoined the Smokies. He was pitching very well prior to going down with the elbow issues, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off.

High-A

South Bend 13, Quad Cities 12

Game Recap

An unexpected power outburst from the South Bend lineup led the way to 13 runs, and every one of them proved necessary. Jake Washer, the most unexpected HR hitter in the system this season, posted his second two-homer game of the season:

Speaking of Jake Washer @OutOfTheVines pic.twitter.com/9LF5x4Gg0R

July 24, 2022

Washer, Rinse and repeat pic.twitter.com/CANmMeFaix

July 24, 2022

As @MaxThoma points out, Jake Washer has the second highest fly ball rate in the system (min. 180 PA). This swing shows exactly why. pic.twitter.com/PBqPNnwSwj

July 24, 2022

But, he wasn’t the only one to go deep. Jordan Nwogu hit his 7th of tghe season, and then South Bend also received two more from unexpected sources: Yeison Santana hit his first of the year, and Casey Optiz hit the first of his career.

Jordan Nwogu ties the game with his 7th HR of the year. pic.twitter.com/URHyDvVLb9

July 24, 2022

He knew it too. pic.twitter.com/sLseuhSOht

July 24, 2022

First professional HR for Casey Opitz! pic.twitter.com/BESBgTXiHY

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Jake Washer: 4-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 4 R, RBI (.301)Yeison Santana: 1-2, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.255)Jordan Nwogu: 2-5, HR (7), R, RBI (.237)Casey Opitz: 1-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB (.192)Kevin Made: 3-5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI (.250)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB (7) (.258)Eduarniel Nunez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (3.47)

Low-A

Charleston 2, Myrtle Beach 0

Top Performers

Tyler Santana: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 5 K (L, 7-1, 2.31)Frankie Scalzo Jr: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (4.50)Juan Mora: 1-3, BB, SB (4) (.287)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3 (.209)Felix Stevens: 1-3 (.213)

This week’s “Public Affairs”TV show features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

You can watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here. 

Part 1 of the interview with GOP S CT 2nd Dist Nominee Curran, who was an Assistant IL Attorney General for 4 years, can also be seen this coming week on cable in most, if not all, of the towns, villages and cities comprising the 2nd District (see cable listings, below).    

The Dems now have a 4-3 majority on the Supreme Court, but if the GOP wins the two open seats (2nd and 3rd Districts, both purple) in November, the GOP will have the majority on the IL Supreme Court for the 1st time in 60 years.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

The half-hour show with Mark Curran airs this Tuesday night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable CH 17 in much of the IL Supreme Court’s 2nd District (Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry & DeKalb counties) in the following towns, villages and suburbs:

Beach Park, Del Mar Woods, Grayslake, Great Lakes Naval, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Bluff, Lake Eleanor, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Third Lake, Wadsworth, Wauconda, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and Zion;

Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake (ch.74) East Dundee, Fox River Grove, Fox River Valley Gardens, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Oakwood Hills, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Barrington, Trout Valley and West Dundee;

Hainesville, Holiday Hills, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCollum Lake, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, Spring Grove, Sunnyside, Volo, Wonder Lake and Woodstock.

Part 1 of the Berkowitz’s interview featuring Mark Curran also airs:

–This coming Tuesday night in 25 Chicago Metro north and northwest suburbs at 8:30 pm, on Comcast Cable:

–Ch. 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette and on–Ch. 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett (2nd Dist.), Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.

The show also airs in:

In Highland Park (all in the S CT 2nd District), 8:30 pm, Cable Ch 19, this Monday and Wednesday.

It’s time to let the creative juices flow once more!

It’s been a while since I have done it.
Put words to the page and then I’ve spun it.
Sending to readers a timely missive.
Hoping my followers aren’t too dismissive.
I’m not sure of precise causation
That caused two weeks of blog cessation.
What was it kept my fingers napping
Instead of on the keyboard tapping.
It started when two lines appeared
On the COVID test I’d commandeered.
The first line meant the test was working.
The second confirmed the virus’s lurking.
Two Moderna shots then double boosted.
Yet still in my nose the microbe roosted.
With coughs and sneezes and feeling sickly.
Into quarnatine I disappeared quickly.
So empty moments were now my friend.
Hours of leisure I thought I’d spend.
Writing blogs ’bout things that were popping.
I might have been sick but the world was not stopping.
My mind was all foggy, could not concentrate at
The things going on that I’d want to debate at.
But now it’s much better and I’m seeing clearly
Here are some things I missed most severly.
There were hearings in DC that were causing a ruckus
They told how Trump and his friends were trying to f*ck us.
Thanks to Adam, Elaine and of course Ms Liz Cheney.
We were sure mesmerized learning about how insane he.
The planet is hotter, it’s like a fire pit glowing
Who knows just what to our kids we’re bestowing.
Heat waves, deadly storms, and still the President’s action
Was blocked by refrains from coal’s friend Hot Joe Manchin.
But up in the cosmos there was such delight
As the Webb telescope provided a sight.
Of the universe edges as they were at formation
I say it’s Big Bang, some say God’s creation.
Those topics I missed while my brain it was snoozing
So my silence for weeks I hope your excusing.
I’ll do what I can to get back up to snuff.
For reading this verse, I can’t thank you enough.

_________________________________

Like what you read here? Add your name to our subscription list below. No spam, I promise!
___

———————————–

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

AAA

Iowa 7, Omaha 0

Game Recap

A day after Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb combined to shutout the Storm Chasers, Matt Dermody and Anderson Espinoza followed suit. The 32-year old Iowa native Dermody has been a nice run of late. He’s gone at least four innings in each of his last seven appearances, and not allowed more than two runs in any of them. It’s been a great rebound (4-0, 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 R, 9 BB, 32 K) from after he was rocked during a six-start stretch from mid-May to Mid-June.

May be time to start talking about @IowaCubs LHP Matt Dermody as another arm to get called up to the big leagues once the trade deadline dust settles.

Today: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB Last 7 outings: 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 ER, 32 K, 68% strikes, 1.35 ERA.

July 24, 2022

As for Espinoza, he seems to be pitching with greater confidence since making his MLB debut. There’s no question he took a long road to get there after multiple surgeries and years away from the mound, so maybe it’s freed the former top prospect of the doubt of never making it. I think he ultimately settles into a long relief role, but he’s got MLB talent if he can gain greater consistency.

Matt Mervis blasted one home run and was just inches away from a second.

Mervis just missed his second HR of the day. Settles for a 3B (off a lefty). Has hit the ball hard 3 times today. pic.twitter.com/ySTyqoDWrn

July 25, 2022

Some @MiLB single-season RBI leaders since Y2K.

131 RBI: Marquez Smith (2014)131 RBI: Ryan Howard (2004)127 RBI: AJ Reed (2015)125 RBI: Dylan Cozens (2016)

Again, Matt Mervis on pace for 135 RBI.

July 25, 2022

Top Performers

Matt Dermody: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 3.94)Anderson Espinoza: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 1, 0.00)Matt Mervis: 2-4, 3B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI (.231)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB (.205)John Hicks: 1-3, BB, SB (5) (.255)Nick Madrigal: 2-4, R (.300)Nelson Maldonado: 1-4, R, RBI, BB (.224)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

A good sign: In two games since restarting his rehab Nick Madrigal (.300/.391/.300 in 7 total games at Iowa) has reached first base twice in each.

Cam Sanders has been transferred to the Developmental List. He failed to get out of the 1st in his last start and has struggled overall since getting to Iowa. It is likely the Cubs spotted a mechanical issue they want to work through with him away from game action.

AA

Tennessee 7, Chattanooga 1

Game Recap

I’m not even sure what to say about what Alexander Canario has been doing of late other than WOW. Yes, he’s hitting homers, but we always knew he could do that. What’s impressing me is he is showing greater patience and plate coverage, so he’s drawing walks and making hard contact more consistently even when pitches are at the edges of the zone. Those were the next step he needed to take in his development, and over this latest stretch he is doing it.

Alexander Canario enjoyed a perfect day at the ballpark.

The No. 18 @Cubs prospect belted his system-best 24th homer on a 4-for-4 afternoon for @smokiesbaseball: https://t.co/oU6ivefQd2 pic.twitter.com/9rncFSVbns

July 25, 2022

Chattanooga is not going to be sad to see Canario leave town. This weekend, he’s gone 7-for-12 with 2 HRs and 6 RBI. In addition, he has walked 6 times. That’s an OBP of .722

July 24, 2022

Riley Thompson returned from a stint on the Developmental List to fire three shutout innings. It was a trying first half, coming off a missed 2021 (and obviously 2020) seasons. Hopefully he’s knocked the rust off and yesterday indicates he is ready to take off in the second half. He’s one of the more talented arms in the system, and Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, so the Cubs need to gather a lot of information before the end of the year in order to make an educated roster decision on him.

Walker Powell shined in his four innings of relief as well. He’s been served well by the BABIP dragon since arriving in Tennessee, but he always pitches with better command than most AA pitchers. Not sure the stuff ever gets to be MLB caliber, but he is a big guy and has increased his velo since turning pro, so maybe there’s a little more left in the tank.

Top Performers

Alexander Canario: 4-4, 2B, HR (17), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB (.254)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, R (.282)Jake Slaughter: 1-2, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB (18) (.320)Bradlee Beesley: 2-5, R, 2 RBI (.212)Yonathan Perlaza: 0-2, 3 BB (.248)Chase Strumpf: 1-2, HBP (.250)Riley Thompson: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (6.48)Walker Powell: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (W, 2-2, 1.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Chase Strumpf exited after being hit by a pitch.

Ben Hecht has recovered from 2021 TJS and has rejoined the Smokies. He was pitching very well prior to going down with the elbow issues, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off.

High-A

South Bend 13, Quad Cities 12

Game Recap

An unexpected power outburst from the South Bend lineup led the way to 13 runs, and every one of them proved necessary. Jake Washer, the most unexpected HR hitter in the system this season, posted his second two-homer game of the season:

Speaking of Jake Washer @OutOfTheVines pic.twitter.com/9LF5x4Gg0R

July 24, 2022

Washer, Rinse and repeat pic.twitter.com/CANmMeFaix

July 24, 2022

As @MaxThoma points out, Jake Washer has the second highest fly ball rate in the system (min. 180 PA). This swing shows exactly why. pic.twitter.com/PBqPNnwSwj

July 24, 2022

But, he wasn’t the only one to go deep. Jordan Nwogu hit his 7th of tghe season, and then South Bend also received two more from unexpected sources: Yeison Santana hit his first of the year, and Casey Optiz hit the first of his career.

Jordan Nwogu ties the game with his 7th HR of the year. pic.twitter.com/URHyDvVLb9

July 24, 2022

He knew it too. pic.twitter.com/sLseuhSOht

July 24, 2022

First professional HR for Casey Opitz! pic.twitter.com/BESBgTXiHY

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Jake Washer: 4-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 4 R, RBI (.301)Yeison Santana: 1-2, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.255)Jordan Nwogu: 2-5, HR (7), R, RBI (.237)Casey Opitz: 1-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB (.192)Kevin Made: 3-5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI (.250)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB (7) (.258)Eduarniel Nunez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (3.47)

Low-A

Charleston 2, Myrtle Beach 0

Top Performers

Tyler Santana: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 5 K (L, 7-1, 2.31)Frankie Scalzo Jr: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (4.50)Juan Mora: 1-3, BB, SB (4) (.287)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3 (.209)Felix Stevens: 1-3 (.213)

This week’s “Public Affairs”TV show features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

You can watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here. 

Part 1 of the interview with GOP S CT 2nd Dist Nominee Curran, who was an Assistant IL Attorney General for 4 years, can also be seen this coming week on cable in most, if not all, of the towns, villages and cities comprising the 2nd District (see cable listings, below).    

The Dems now have a 4-3 majority on the Supreme Court, but if the GOP wins the two open seats (2nd and 3rd Districts, both purple) in November, the GOP will have the majority on the IL Supreme Court for the 1st time in 60 years.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

The half-hour show with Mark Curran airs this Tuesday night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable CH 17 in much of the IL Supreme Court’s 2nd District (Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry & DeKalb counties) in the following towns, villages and suburbs:

Beach Park, Del Mar Woods, Grayslake, Great Lakes Naval, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Bluff, Lake Eleanor, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Third Lake, Wadsworth, Wauconda, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and Zion;

Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake (ch.74) East Dundee, Fox River Grove, Fox River Valley Gardens, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Oakwood Hills, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Barrington, Trout Valley and West Dundee;

Hainesville, Holiday Hills, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCollum Lake, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, Spring Grove, Sunnyside, Volo, Wonder Lake and Woodstock.

Part 1 of the Berkowitz’s interview featuring Mark Curran also airs:

–This coming Tuesday night in 25 Chicago Metro north and northwest suburbs at 8:30 pm, on Comcast Cable:

–Ch. 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette and on–Ch. 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett (2nd Dist.), Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.

The show also airs in:

In Highland Park (all in the S CT 2nd District), 8:30 pm, Cable Ch 19, this Monday and Wednesday.

It’s time to let the creative juices flow once more!

It’s been a while since I have done it.
Put words to the page and then I’ve spun it.
Sending to readers a timely missive.
Hoping my followers aren’t too dismissive.
I’m not sure of precise causation
That caused two weeks of blog cessation.
What was it kept my fingers napping
Instead of on the keyboard tapping.
It started when two lines appeared
On the COVID test I’d commandeered.
The first line meant the test was working.
The second confirmed the virus’s lurking.
Two Moderna shots then double boosted.
Yet still in my nose the microbe roosted.
With coughs and sneezes and feeling sickly.
Into quarnatine I disappeared quickly.
So empty moments were now my friend.
Hours of leisure I thought I’d spend.
Writing blogs ’bout things that were popping.
I might have been sick but the world was not stopping.
My mind was all foggy, could not concentrate at
The things going on that I’d want to debate at.
But now it’s much better and I’m seeing clearly
Here are some things I missed most severly.
There were hearings in DC that were causing a ruckus
They told how Trump and his friends were trying to f*ck us.
Thanks to Adam, Elaine and of course Ms Liz Cheney.
We were sure mesmerized learning about how insane he.
The planet is hotter, it’s like a fire pit glowing
Who knows just what to our kids we’re bestowing.
Heat waves, deadly storms, and still the President’s action
Was blocked by refrains from coal’s friend Hot Joe Manchin.
But up in the cosmos there was such delight
As the Webb telescope provided a sight.
Of the universe edges as they were at formation
I say it’s Big Bang, some say God’s creation.
Those topics I missed while my brain it was snoozing
So my silence for weeks I hope your excusing.
I’ll do what I can to get back up to snuff.
For reading this verse, I can’t thank you enough.

_________________________________

Like what you read here? Add your name to our subscription list below. No spam, I promise!
___

———————————–

Alexander Canario (photo by Todd Johnson)

AAA

Iowa 7, Omaha 0

Game Recap

A day after Caleb Kilian and Sean Newcomb combined to shutout the Storm Chasers, Matt Dermody and Anderson Espinoza followed suit. The 32-year old Iowa native Dermody has been a nice run of late. He’s gone at least four innings in each of his last seven appearances, and not allowed more than two runs in any of them. It’s been a great rebound (4-0, 1.35 ERA, 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 R, 9 BB, 32 K) from after he was rocked during a six-start stretch from mid-May to Mid-June.

May be time to start talking about @IowaCubs LHP Matt Dermody as another arm to get called up to the big leagues once the trade deadline dust settles.

Today: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 6 K, 0 BB Last 7 outings: 33.1 IP, 26 H, 5 ER, 32 K, 68% strikes, 1.35 ERA.

July 24, 2022

As for Espinoza, he seems to be pitching with greater confidence since making his MLB debut. There’s no question he took a long road to get there after multiple surgeries and years away from the mound, so maybe it’s freed the former top prospect of the doubt of never making it. I think he ultimately settles into a long relief role, but he’s got MLB talent if he can gain greater consistency.

Matt Mervis blasted one home run and was just inches away from a second.

Mervis just missed his second HR of the day. Settles for a 3B (off a lefty). Has hit the ball hard 3 times today. pic.twitter.com/ySTyqoDWrn

July 25, 2022

Some @MiLB single-season RBI leaders since Y2K.

131 RBI: Marquez Smith (2014)131 RBI: Ryan Howard (2004)127 RBI: AJ Reed (2015)125 RBI: Dylan Cozens (2016)

Again, Matt Mervis on pace for 135 RBI.

July 25, 2022

Top Performers

Matt Dermody: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K (W, 6-3, 3.94)Anderson Espinoza: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K (S, 1, 0.00)Matt Mervis: 2-4, 3B, HR (1), 2 R, 3 RBI (.231)Zach Davis: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, BB (.205)John Hicks: 1-3, BB, SB (5) (.255)Nick Madrigal: 2-4, R (.300)Nelson Maldonado: 1-4, R, RBI, BB (.224)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

A good sign: In two games since restarting his rehab Nick Madrigal (.300/.391/.300 in 7 total games at Iowa) has reached first base twice in each.

Cam Sanders has been transferred to the Developmental List. He failed to get out of the 1st in his last start and has struggled overall since getting to Iowa. It is likely the Cubs spotted a mechanical issue they want to work through with him away from game action.

AA

Tennessee 7, Chattanooga 1

Game Recap

I’m not even sure what to say about what Alexander Canario has been doing of late other than WOW. Yes, he’s hitting homers, but we always knew he could do that. What’s impressing me is he is showing greater patience and plate coverage, so he’s drawing walks and making hard contact more consistently even when pitches are at the edges of the zone. Those were the next step he needed to take in his development, and over this latest stretch he is doing it.

Alexander Canario enjoyed a perfect day at the ballpark.

The No. 18 @Cubs prospect belted his system-best 24th homer on a 4-for-4 afternoon for @smokiesbaseball: https://t.co/oU6ivefQd2 pic.twitter.com/9rncFSVbns

July 25, 2022

Chattanooga is not going to be sad to see Canario leave town. This weekend, he’s gone 7-for-12 with 2 HRs and 6 RBI. In addition, he has walked 6 times. That’s an OBP of .722

July 24, 2022

Riley Thompson returned from a stint on the Developmental List to fire three shutout innings. It was a trying first half, coming off a missed 2021 (and obviously 2020) seasons. Hopefully he’s knocked the rust off and yesterday indicates he is ready to take off in the second half. He’s one of the more talented arms in the system, and Rule 5 eligible in the offseason, so the Cubs need to gather a lot of information before the end of the year in order to make an educated roster decision on him.

Walker Powell shined in his four innings of relief as well. He’s been served well by the BABIP dragon since arriving in Tennessee, but he always pitches with better command than most AA pitchers. Not sure the stuff ever gets to be MLB caliber, but he is a big guy and has increased his velo since turning pro, so maybe there’s a little more left in the tank.

Top Performers

Alexander Canario: 4-4, 2B, HR (17), 3 R, 2 RBI, BB (.254)Bryce Ball: 3-5, 2B, R (.282)Jake Slaughter: 1-2, 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB (18) (.320)Bradlee Beesley: 2-5, R, 2 RBI (.212)Yonathan Perlaza: 0-2, 3 BB (.248)Chase Strumpf: 1-2, HBP (.250)Riley Thompson: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K (6.48)Walker Powell: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K (W, 2-2, 1.59)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Chase Strumpf exited after being hit by a pitch.

Ben Hecht has recovered from 2021 TJS and has rejoined the Smokies. He was pitching very well prior to going down with the elbow issues, so hopefully he can pick up where he left off.

High-A

South Bend 13, Quad Cities 12

Game Recap

An unexpected power outburst from the South Bend lineup led the way to 13 runs, and every one of them proved necessary. Jake Washer, the most unexpected HR hitter in the system this season, posted his second two-homer game of the season:

Speaking of Jake Washer @OutOfTheVines pic.twitter.com/9LF5x4Gg0R

July 24, 2022

Washer, Rinse and repeat pic.twitter.com/CANmMeFaix

July 24, 2022

As @MaxThoma points out, Jake Washer has the second highest fly ball rate in the system (min. 180 PA). This swing shows exactly why. pic.twitter.com/PBqPNnwSwj

July 24, 2022

But, he wasn’t the only one to go deep. Jordan Nwogu hit his 7th of tghe season, and then South Bend also received two more from unexpected sources: Yeison Santana hit his first of the year, and Casey Optiz hit the first of his career.

Jordan Nwogu ties the game with his 7th HR of the year. pic.twitter.com/URHyDvVLb9

July 24, 2022

He knew it too. pic.twitter.com/sLseuhSOht

July 24, 2022

First professional HR for Casey Opitz! pic.twitter.com/BESBgTXiHY

July 24, 2022

Top Performers

Jake Washer: 4-5, 2B, 2 HR (12, 13), 4 R, RBI (.301)Yeison Santana: 1-2, HR (1), 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.255)Jordan Nwogu: 2-5, HR (7), R, RBI (.237)Casey Opitz: 1-4, HR (1), R, 2 RBI, BB (.192)Kevin Made: 3-5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI (.250)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-5, 2B, R, RBI, SB (7) (.258)Eduarniel Nunez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K (3.47)

Low-A

Charleston 2, Myrtle Beach 0

Top Performers

Tyler Santana: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, BB, 5 K (L, 7-1, 2.31)Frankie Scalzo Jr: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (4.50)Juan Mora: 1-3, BB, SB (4) (.287)Jacob Wetzel: 1-3 (.209)Felix Stevens: 1-3 (.213)

This week’s “Public Affairs”TV show features Mark Curran, the GOP nominee for the IL Supreme Court 2nd District seat in this November’s General Election. This show is Part 1 of show host Jeff Berkowitz’s two-part interview with S CT candidate Mark Curran (R-Libertyville).

You can watch 24/7 part 1 of Berkowitz’s interview with Curran, the former Lake County Sheriff (12 years) and Assistant State’s Attorney (8 years) by clicking here. 

Part 1 of the interview with GOP S CT 2nd Dist Nominee Curran, who was an Assistant IL Attorney General for 4 years, can also be seen this coming week on cable in most, if not all, of the towns, villages and cities comprising the 2nd District (see cable listings, below).    

The Dems now have a 4-3 majority on the Supreme Court, but if the GOP wins the two open seats (2nd and 3rd Districts, both purple) in November, the GOP will have the majority on the IL Supreme Court for the 1st time in 60 years.

Although Curran could not, due to the Canons of legal ethics, say or discuss how he would rule on any matters that might come before him as a Justice, he did discuss in Part 1 of the interview general issues relating to the law and abortion, his “Calling to run” for the IL Supreme Court & impartiality.

The half-hour show with Mark Curran airs this Tuesday night at 8:30 pm on Comcast Cable CH 17 in much of the IL Supreme Court’s 2nd District (Lake, Kane, Kendall, McHenry & DeKalb counties) in the following towns, villages and suburbs:

Beach Park, Del Mar Woods, Grayslake, Great Lakes Naval, Green Oaks, Gurnee, Lake Bluff, Lake Eleanor, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Mundelein, North Chicago, Park City, Third Lake, Wadsworth, Wauconda, Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor and Zion;

Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Carpentersville, Cary, Crystal Lake (ch.74) East Dundee, Fox River Grove, Fox River Valley Gardens, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, Oakwood Hills, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Barrington, Trout Valley and West Dundee;

Hainesville, Holiday Hills, Island Lake, Johnsburg, Lakemoor, McCollum Lake, McHenry, Prairie Grove, Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park, Spring Grove, Sunnyside, Volo, Wonder Lake and Woodstock.

Part 1 of the Berkowitz’s interview featuring Mark Curran also airs:

–This coming Tuesday night in 25 Chicago Metro north and northwest suburbs at 8:30 pm, on Comcast Cable:

–Ch. 19 in Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, parts of Inverness, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles, Northfield, Palatine, Rolling Meadows and Wilmette and on–Ch. 35 in Arlington Heights, Bartlett (2nd Dist.), Glenview, Golf, Des Plaines, Hanover Park, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Prospect Heights, Schaumburg, Skokie, Streamwood and Wheeling.

The show also airs in:

In Highland Park (all in the S CT 2nd District), 8:30 pm, Cable Ch 19, this Monday and Wednesday.

It’s time to let the creative juices flow once more!

It’s been a while since I have done it.
Put words to the page and then I’ve spun it.
Sending to readers a timely missive.
Hoping my followers aren’t too dismissive.
I’m not sure of precise causation
That caused two weeks of blog cessation.
What was it kept my fingers napping
Instead of on the keyboard tapping.
It started when two lines appeared
On the COVID test I’d commandeered.
The first line meant the test was working.
The second confirmed the virus’s lurking.
Two Moderna shots then double boosted.
Yet still in my nose the microbe roosted.
With coughs and sneezes and feeling sickly.
Into quarnatine I disappeared quickly.
So empty moments were now my friend.
Hours of leisure I thought I’d spend.
Writing blogs ’bout things that were popping.
I might have been sick but the world was not stopping.
My mind was all foggy, could not concentrate at
The things going on that I’d want to debate at.
But now it’s much better and I’m seeing clearly
Here are some things I missed most severly.
There were hearings in DC that were causing a ruckus
They told how Trump and his friends were trying to f*ck us.
Thanks to Adam, Elaine and of course Ms Liz Cheney.
We were sure mesmerized learning about how insane he.
The planet is hotter, it’s like a fire pit glowing
Who knows just what to our kids we’re bestowing.
Heat waves, deadly storms, and still the President’s action
Was blocked by refrains from coal’s friend Hot Joe Manchin.
But up in the cosmos there was such delight
As the Webb telescope provided a sight.
Of the universe edges as they were at formation
I say it’s Big Bang, some say God’s creation.
Those topics I missed while my brain it was snoozing
So my silence for weeks I hope your excusing.
I’ll do what I can to get back up to snuff.
For reading this verse, I can’t thank you enough.

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