Bruce Levine reacts to Cade Horton's injury, White Sox demoting Shane Smith
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The Mully & Haugh Show dives into major developments across the Chicago White Sox and Cubs front offices, starting with the White Sox's decision to option Shane Smith to Charlotte after a troubling three-start stretch marked by poor command despite strong stuff. Bruce Levine analyzes Smith's struggles, emphasizing the need for command refinement and questioning the effectiveness of the opener strategy. Meanwhile, the Cubs face a rotation crisis with Cade Horton's season-ending surgery looming, prompting discussions about internal options like Colin Ray, Assad, and Ben Brown, as well as potential external moves involving Lucas Giolito and Marcus Stroman. The show also explores the Cubs' offensive resurgence, highlighting strong performances from Bregman, Conforto, and Ballesteros, and debates roster decisions ahead of Suzuki's return. Jackson Wiggins' development is scrutinized, with speculation about his future role in the bullpen rather than as a starter. Overall, the episode underscores the challenges of managing young talent, injury timelines, and strategic roster management in a competitive NL Central race.
Shane Smith was optioned to Charlotte due to persistent command issues despite elite velocity and a strong curveball.
Cade Horton's surgery is imminent, with no clear timeline until the procedure is performed, likely sidelining him for the season.
Colin Ray is expected to step into the rotation, while Ben Brown may transition to a long-relief role or spot starts.
The Cubs’ offense is showing signs of life, but lineup decisions remain fluid with Suzuki’s return on the horizon.
Jackson Wiggins is unlikely to start immediately; his development may be better served in the bullpen.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Shane Smith's Struggles and White Sox Roster Move
The episode opens with a discussion of Shane Smith's poor command in his first three starts, leading to his optioning to Charlotte. The hosts analyze his 97 mph fastball and 41 curveballs, noting his lack of control despite strong results against the Orioles.
Cade Horton's Injury and Cubs Rotation Crisis
“It's hard to figure out what the timetable is when you don't even know what the surgery is until you get in there and see what it is.”
Cubs' Offense and Roster Decisions Ahead of Suzuki's Return
The show examines the Cubs’ offensive resurgence, highlighting key performances from Bregman, Conforto, and Ballesteros. With Suzuki returning Friday, roster decisions involving Dylan Carlson, Biasderos, and King & Reese are discussed.
Jackson Wiggins and the Future of Young Pitching
The development of top prospect Jackson Wiggins is analyzed. Bruce Levine suggests he’s better suited for a bullpen role given his limited innings and lack of full stretch, rather than an immediate starting role.
External Pitching Options and Long-Term Strategy
The hosts explore the viability of signing Lucas Giolito or Marcus Stroman, concluding that while they’re appealing names, they’re not practical solutions given the time needed to return to form. The focus remains on internal development and short-term stability.
“It's hard to figure out what the timetable is when you don't even know what the surgery is until you get in there and see what it is.”
“Is Lucas Giolito in his present form better than what you have in your rotation?”
“He gets it up 97. Yesterday, he threw 41 curveballs, and for the most part, the Orioles couldn't hit it at all.”
Hosts
Guest
Cubs
other
Shane Smith
person
White Sox
other
Cade Horton
person
Colin Ray
person
Assad
person
Ben Brown
person
Jackson Wiggins
person
Craig Council
person
Lucas Giolito
person
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