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CHGO Digest: Cubs clawing back, Jaylon Johnson snubbed

August 5, 2024

May 20, 2006; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski (12) collides with Chicago cubs catcher Michael Barrett (5) to score a run during the second inning at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE © Copyright 2006 Jerry Lai

Good morning, friends!

How great can the implications of a two-game series be for two sub-.500 baseball clubs?

It doesn’t matter what you try to tell yourself — you care about the Crosstown Classic. You should. It might not be your club’s biggest rival, and it isn’t either team’s World Series, but losing ruins moods, appetites, and weekends.

For the Cubs, they need wins. For the White Sox, they need a win.

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— Patrick Norton

Cubs’ desire to win in 2025 helping now.

It probably could’ve been a sweep without another late-inning meltdown. This time, it was the defense dropping the ball figuratively and literally.

But winning three out of four is a step toward playing meaningful baseball down the stretch. Sitting 8.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central and 6 games back of the third wild card spot, the Cubs certainly have their work cut out for them.

Anything’s possible, right?

If the Cubs have any shot at leapfrogging five teams for a playoff spot, they’ll need more from trade deadline acquisition Isaac Paredes. The 25-year-old third basemen can provide plenty of pull-side pop, but it’s something Cubs fans are still waiting to see. In six games with his new club, Paredes is just 3-23.
After ranking near the top in blown saves earlier in the season, the Cubs’ bullpen seems to have found its groove. As a unit, the ‘pen allowed the lowest ERA in baseball in July (1.50). However, the crew compiled just three saves throughout the month.
INF Matt Shaw, INF James Triantos, and OF Kevin Alcantara will be joining Owen Caissie, Moises Ballesteros, and Cade Horton with the Iowa Cubs this week. The decision from the Cubs’ front office brings the franchise’s top six prospects within striking distance of a call-up to the big leagues.

🔎 GO DEEPER | CHGO Cubs’ Ryan Herrera takes a look at the growth of Pete Crow-Armstrong through consistent playing time and a growing trust from his manager.

Tee off at the CHGO Kickoff!

Hit the links and compete with your friends and favorite CHGO personalities at Cog Hill on August 23rd for the second annual CHGO Kickoff Classic!

Golf with us!

DJ Moore, Jaylon Johnson snubbed

While answering a question at the podium on Saturday, Bears tight end Cole Kmet paused, looked at his watch, and said, “It’s only August 3rd? That’s frickin’ crazy.”

The Hall of Fame Game is a true gift and curse. Sure, it’s a great feeling to have the Bears back on television, especially after a potentially franchise-altering offseason. But it also means an increased wait from players reporting to camp and Week 1.

What better way to pass the extra time than to get upset about a list voted on by NFL players. Yep, the NFL released its annual NFL Top 100 list for the upcoming season. Just two Bears made the list: Montez Sweat and Keenan Allen.

Jaylon Johnson took exception to being left off the list, calling the omission “bullshit” on Sunday. Johnson finished the 2023 season rated as the No. 1 cornerback according to Pro Football Focus, paving the way to a four-year extension in the offseason worth $76 million.
The 25-year-old shrugged off the snub, confidently proclaiming, “It is what it is. End of the day, I know the truth. It’s okay. I’ve got some more for ’em.” Johnson then called it “disrespectful”.
Twenty wide receivers made the cut. DJ Moore was not one of the 20, despite posting career highs in receiving yards (1,364) and touchdowns (8) last season. Moore’s 1,364 receiving yards in 2023 ranked higher than 15/20 receivers on the NFL Top 100 for 2024.

🏈 Inside Training Camp | Mark Carman’s latest from training camp, including a banged-up offensive line and the Caleb Williams-DJ Moore connection.

Roundup: White Sox flirting with history

The record to beat is 23 games. The White Sox conclude their road trip with a three-game stand in Oakland before coming home to host the Cubs on Friday and Saturday. At 20 consecutive losses, the White Sox can only tie the record for the longest losing streak held by the 1961 Phillies before the Crosstown Classic.
At 27-87, the White Sox currently have a 38-win pace. The 2003 Tigers hold the record for least wins in a 162-game regular season with 43.

📖 READ | CHGO White Sox’s Vinnie Duber on Pedro Grifol’s inevitable destiny as Chris Getz’s silence speaks volumes after the trade deadline.