Taillon lobbies to stay with Cubs past deadline
There are rumors about pitcher Jameson Taillon being a trade target leading up to the July 30 deadline.
He could certainly help some teams. After giving up just 1 run in 7 innings against the Brewers late Tuesday night, his season ERA dipped to 2.96.
After the game, he talked about trying to take trade talk in stride. He signed a four-year deal with the Cubs before the 2023 season.
“I would love to stay here obviously,” Taillon said. “I chose coming to Chicago and being a Cub, so that's where I'm at. I’ve had a great time here. I love showing up here every day. It's a great group of guys. I think we've said it a lot, I feel like we should be better than we are. To this point, we just haven't gotten it done.”
Realistically, it would require a loaded offer for the Cubs to part with Taillon. He's been very good since the middle of last season, has a reasonable contract that runs for two more years and the Cubs don't have an obvious replacement available for the starting rotation right now.
Taillon also had a message for Cubs fans, who stuck with him during a slow start last year.
“I never had anyone on the streets talk bad to me,” he said. “I never felt like I was getting booed or nothing got out of hand with that. So I have a lot of respect for the fans on that front.
“Having the support probably helped push me threw and get me where I am.”
Hit doctoring
The Cubs coaching staff helped turn things around for catcher Miguel Amaya at the plate. He's hitting .524 since taking three days off in early July to work on his approach.
An obvious question is can they do the same for outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who has gone 0 for his last 17? Crow-Armstrong wasn't in Wednesday's starting lineup with the Brewers starting a lefty.
“That (brainstorming session) has happened,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I don't think we've gotten the results that Miguel has. That's a result of these things too. You keep trying with Pete, for sure.”
MLB seems to have hit an era of strong pitching. How much tougher is it for a young player now compared to when Counsell first got to the big leagues in the 90s?
“It's always been hard to hit,” he said. “There's different eras, I think the pitching has taken advantage of some technology to make themselves better. Hitters are definitely better. It's harder for everybody, not just harder for young players.”
Around the horn
Manager Craig Counsell said Cody Bellinger (broken finger) will likely be activated during the upcoming road trip. … Brewers OF Christian Yelich left Tuesday's game with back soreness. He wasn't in Wednesday's lineup and there's concern about whether he may need surgery. …
Counsell said Adbert Alzolay will join a minor league affiliate for his next rehab outing on Saturday. Alzolay (right flexor strain) threw an inning in an Arizona rookie league game Tuesday and gave up a run. …
Counsell on his role as the July 30 trade deadline approaches: “I've always seen it as a consultant. We have people spending the bulk of their days, weeks and months on players and these issues. That's their sweet spot and you let them do their thing and help where you can.”