Mike McGraw

Chicago

Cubs/Bulls/columnist for Daily Herald in Suburban Chicago ... Econ major, Pitt dad ... How many people were at both Disco Demolition & Fog Bowl?

Articles

Cubs finish home stretch with win; get promising news on Tucker

5 days ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

The Cubs' Michael Busch celebrates with manager Craig Counsell, right, after hitting a two-run home run during Sunday’s 7-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds in Chicago. AP With Sunday's 7-3 victory over Cincinnati, the Cubs moved to 15 games over .500 and completed a successful stretch when the schedule finally brought teams with losing records. They don't need any bad news to stall the momentum.
As a good bad-ball hitter, Crow-Armstrong not focused on drawing walks

5 days ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

The Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong, left, slaps hands with Kyle Tucker during a game last week against the Colorado Rockies. AP Pete-Crow Armstrong does just about everything fast, so maybe it makes sense he doesn't draw many walks. The Cubs center fielder drew 2 walks in a game Saturday for the first time in his MLB career, giving him 11 on the season. The only player among the top 50 in OPS who has walked less this season is the Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez.
A clean start: Outsourced first inning proves to be perfect plan for Cubs pitcher Brown

6 days ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

Cubs starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz worked only the first inning before yielding to Ben Brown in a 2-0 win Saturday at Wrigley Field. AP Cubs pitcher Ben Brown's first-inning ERA this season was 9.90, while in the second and third innings, the ERA dropped all the way to 0.90. Fixing his issues on the mound couldn't possibly be as simple as eliminating the first inning from his workload. Turns out, it was.
New Cubs closer Palencia gives assist to Alzolay

6 days ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

Chicago Cubs pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) reacts to striking out Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley (27) to win a baseball game Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) AP The Cubs bullpen has been a roulette wheel in recent years, with different closers and setup men every season. Over the past 10 years, eight pitchers have led the team in saves.
Cubs comeback attempt starts too late in loss to Reds

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

Cubs starter Colin Rea pitches against the Cincinnati Reds Friday at Wrigley Field. AP This would have been a good time for more of that late-game lightning by the Cubs' offense. They trailed Cincinnati 6-0 and rain clouds were looming over the left-field bleachers at Wrigley Field. The Cubs collected four extra-base hits in the final two innings, but it wasn't enough to overcome the steep deficit and they lost 6-2 on Friday. The Cubs had been 9-0 in the first game of a home series this season.
Cubs seeking remedy for young pitcher Ben Brown’s slow starts

1 week ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown, left, talks with catcher Miguel Amaya, right, during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Miami Marlins Monday, May 19, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP The Cincinnati Reds love scoring first-inning runs against the Cubs. They've piled up 11 in four games between the teams this season. Meanwhile, Ben Brown has struggled early in his last two starts.
Worth crowing about: Crow-Armstrong brings a swagger Cubs sorely lacked

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

The Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong reacts after hitting a three-run home run earlier this month against the Milwaukee Brewers. AP If the Cubs had asked a conglomerate of artificial intelligence to create a player able to lift them out of the post-championship doldrums, there's no chance it would have produced a better fit than Pete Crow-Armstrong. More than just his offensive stats, defensive talent or baserunning, Crow-Armstrong brings an attitude the Cubs have sorely needed.
Crow-Armstrong gets party started, Cubs complete sweep of White Sox

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

The Cubs' Pete Crow-Armstrong scores on a sacrifice fly by Seiya Suzuki during Sunday’s 6-2 win over the White Sox. AP Ian Happ probably isn't all that attached to the idea of batting leadoff. There's a chance he lost the job forever this weekend. Pete Crow-Armstrong continued to do everything for the Cubs while filling in at the top of the batting order.
Shaw likely to rejoin Cubs in Miami

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

Matt Shaw is expected to rejoin the Cubs on Monday for their series in Miami. AP Third baseman Matt Shaw is expected to rejoin the Cubs on Monday in Miami, though manager Craig Counsell stopped short of making it official after Sunday's win over the White Sox. “It's under consideration, for sure,” Counsell said. Shaw was scratched from the Iowa Cubs lineup on Sunday, which was the first clue. The unfortunate consequence of calling up Shaw is a roster spot has to be cleared.
White Sox’s best solution for bullpen may be in Double-A

2 weeks ago | dailyherald.com | Mike McGraw

The White Sox's Mike Tauchman kneels after being tagged out during a game last month against the Cleveland Guardians. AP The White Sox never had a lead in the late innings against the Cubs this weekend, which meant no chance for any improvement. The Sox's conversion percentage is lowest in the majors by a wide margin, with just 3 saves, compared to 7 blown saves. Maybe the answer can be found deep within the organization.