The Rundown: Morel's Historic Heater, Hoyer Accepts Bullpen Blame, Hendricks Working at Wrigley, Mervis Goes Deep

"I’ve been doin’ things worthwhile, you’ve been bookin’ time. Try, try, try, to let it ride." – Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Let it Ride

Shame on you, Jed Hoyer.

Christopher Morel spent six weeks at Iowa and he's still on a pace to hit 31 big league homers. His combined statistics are flat-out filthy. Morel is batting .341 with 48 runs scored, 20 home runs, 46 RBI, and five stolen bases between Iowa and Chicago. That is insanity, and though regression should follow, he has had 186 plate appearances across two levels. The sophomore slugger had another home run in last night's 7-2 win over the Mets, his ninth in 12 games.

Morel isn't eligible for arbitration until 2026 and Hoyer should just lock him up now, but the executive's track record makes that unlikely.

Cubs News & Notes

Odds & Sods

Nine taters in 12 games is a ridiculous 121-homer full-season pace. Morel's 7th-inning blast extended his streak to five straight games and he's the fourth player in major-league history with at least nine home runs in his first 12 games of a season. Mike Schmidt hit 11 long flies in 12 games back in 1976. Sammy Sosa was the last Cub to hit home runs in five straight games.

Christopher Morel ties a franchise record with 5-straight games with a home run! pic.twitter.com/4ViXy03Isq

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 24, 2023

Central Intelligence

Climbing the Ladder

"I stopped an old man along the way, hoping to find some long-forgotten words or ancient melodies. He turned to me as if to say,'"Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you.'" – Toto, Africa

Though their run differential took a big hit on the latest road trip, Chicago's playoff odds are a little better than they should be given the team's current record. It would be nice if the Cubs could beat up on the Mets and Reds before the Rays come to town to close out the month. A daunting 10-game West Coast road trip follows.

Chicago's batting average continues to drop while its strikeout rate continues its alarming uptick.

How About That!

The Jays snapped a five-game losing streak by plating 20 runs against the Rays. It should be noted that 10 runs were scored with position players pitching for Tampa Bay.

Things have grown pretty desperate for White Sox fans while team management continues to grasp at straws.

We have yet to see a no-hitter in the era of the pitch clock.

Hunter Dozier has been designated for assignment by the Royals. The No. 8 overall pick from 2013 was in the third year of his four-year, $25 million contract.

Dodgers rookie Bobby Miller made his MLB debut yesterday evening and struck out five Braves batters.

Keith Law of The Athletic dropped his mock draft this morning ($), and he has Dylan Crews going to the Pirates at No. 1 overall. Law predicts the Cubs will select shortstop Matt Shaw of Maryland.

Tuesday's Three Stars

Extra Innings

Someone on Twitter asked me if I’ve given up on Mervis and the answer is a resounding no. I’m just not a fan of exposing rookies to too much too soon. I was wrong about Nico Hoerner, though, so jump in the left lane and pass me by.

Wrigley Field taters from Matt Mervis have arrived 💪

Second MLB homer for the @Cubs' No. 5 prospect: pic.twitter.com/Y1upgcWXAb

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 24, 2023

Wednesday Morning Six-Pack

They Said It

Wednesday Walk-Up Song

This song is not about a woman, but a band member who was secretly moonlighting with another group.