Fangraphs: This Cubs Lineup Might Be The Most Disciplined Lineup Ever

[TC in Mississippi]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/this-cubs-lineup-might-be-the-most-disciplined-lineup-ever/

This is a fascinating piece and shows one of the reasons these Cubs are so tough.

To think of it in simple terms: any pitch that’s a ball, this Cubs lineup is liable to take, and any pitch that’s in the zone, this Cubs lineup is liable to hit out of the park. Now how is someone supposed to pitch against that?

 

[Omeletpants]

1927 Yankees. That's all I will say about that

 

[NCChiFan]

Article clearly states, modern era post 1961. Good read.

 

[Bear Pride]

What? I was saying this shiznet last year? I think they are something like 3.9 pitches an ab bat, to 3.5. Yes, they were better last year.

 

[SilenceS]

What? I was saying this shiznet last year? I think they are something like 3.9 pitches an ab bat, to 3.5. Yes, they were better last year.

The Cubs offense was better last year? No

 

[Bear Pride]

I was referring to their pitches taken per at bat, but I wouldn't be surprised to see this change. Of course the offense is better, but I'm surprised that a metric head like you would disagree.

 

[Diehardfan]

The Cubs offense was better last year? No

For sure. The Cubs had a long stretch last year when their pitching carried them because they weren't scoring much. The last third or so part of the season things picked up but there was a long dry spell in there before that.

 

[brett05]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/this-cubs-lineup-might-be-the-most-disciplined-lineup-ever/

This is a fascinating piece and shows one of the reasons these Cubs are so tough.

Currently tied for 11th in home runs. How is that liable?

Still a solid lineup.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

Currently tied for 11th in home runs. How is that liable?

Still a solid lineup.

Part of it is the threat of the HR, but you're right, they'll have to actually hit them to maintain that edge. Do you have any doubt that they will? Bottom line is that it's a tough lineup to pitch to.

 

[brett05]

Part of it is the threat of the HR, but you're right, they'll have to actually hit them to maintain that edge. Do you have any doubt that they will? Bottom line is that it's a tough lineup to pitch to.

Honestly? No clue. I'm just enjoying good baseball. Do I wish it was some other team doing it besides the Cubs? Of course. But good baseball is good baseball.

 

[Starion]

Interesting read, although as is the case this time of year, it's based on projections.

To further prognosticate what ifs and hope-sos; how are they ranked in total ave ERA & slugging?

 

[SilenceS]

Currently tied for 11th in home runs. How is that liable?

Still a solid lineup.

The Cubs will be a top 3 home run hitting team before it is done. Schwarber hurts that, but you are looking at a bunch. Projections are that Baez hits 20 something in 350-400 at bats. What is great about the Cubs right now is they were not a cold hitting team last year and they only get better when it warms up. You could legitimately see 15 plus homeruns from 1- 8 in the lineup and throw in a bench player. They may not all get there but they will be in the vicinity.

 

[beckdawg]

HR's are vastly overrated IMO. What I care more about is extra base hits. Obviously HRs are a part of that but this team has the following in terms of doubles hitters last year

#17 Anthony Rizzo(38)
#22 Ben Zobrist(36 and was hurt some)
#39 Jason Heyward(33)
#59 Kris Bryant(31)
#71 Dexter Fowler(29)
#72 Addison Russell(29)

Triples are more rare and kinda flukey but having 6 of the top 75 doubles hitters sets them up for easy runs. The odds of scoring with a guy on 2nd with 0 out is like 63%. With 1 out it's 41%. With 2 outs it's 22%. The odds with just a guy on first are 43.5%, 27.6%, and 12.8%. So you're talking close to double in most cases out wise. That's one of the reasons I was less concerned about Heyward's low HR numbers. He's one of the better hitters in terms of XBH.