CSF77
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Falls on the starter. That is why I said the next 2 weeks dictates things. In reality it comes down to if they have to start replacing starters or not.
Falls on the starter. That is why I said the next 2 weeks dictates things. In reality it comes down to if they have to start replacing starters or not.
DanTown
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One, that's laughable that you're using a recent stretch to say they're the worst but when the started 25-6 and had a record run differential you said "it doesn't matter yet". What is it, their most recent 30 games matters (when they're bad apparently) or it doesn't (when they are good).
Two, saying they have to win the NL (which they trail by two games) implies they'll have to play better.
There, I'm not projecting them to win the series (or any series) but stating that the road they'd have to take as the #2 team in the NL is drastically harder than being the #1 seed, especially considering tie makeup of the WC teams.
The Cubs aren't as good as they started but they're also not as bad recently either; they're in the middle of those two ala their record says. And for me, the important thing isn't that they're 8 up in the division but two back in the race for the 1 seed in the NL.
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The way they are playing now they are possibly the worst team in baseball. 2 months ago makes no difference. Right now there is severe doubt they could take a series from the REDs....oh wait they just lost that series. Talking about playoff strategies is a joke or maybe you are in the "cubs are better than the 27 Yankees" camp with Cubsmann
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beckdawg
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I think Hendricks is best described as a trap for hitters. You go out there and you see a guy throwing 88 and you're like pfft I can crush this guy and you get over confident. However, what Hendricks does well is throw ground balls. His primary pitch is obviously his sinker and he generates 58.9% ground balls on that. You could be Tony Gwynn or Ted Williams out there but if you're getting nearly 60% ground balls you're going to have trouble doing damage. And that's where the trap comes in. He's generally happy to let you sit there and hit ground ball after ground ball. And if you play that game you're also limiting his pitches which is another win.
Now on the other hand if you play the patience approach and don't take the bait he usually throwing that sinker for strikes. 56.7% of the time it's in the zone. Part of his problem last year was it was largely the only thing he threw in the zone but this year he's also throwing his cutter more and that gives two looks with a sink and a cut both at basically the same speed. He also throws that the majority of the time for strikes at 54.9%. So, if you're not jumping on him early then he usually gets ahead of you in the count. And if he gets ahead of you in the count good luck. His change up is devastating. He has a 30.1% k rate on it*and people hit .116/.154/.178 against it. That's literally among the best pitches out pitches in the game.
So largely the strength of Hendricks is that despite not having over powering stuff he is making you play his game and he knows full well how to execute his game.
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So, if they win one of the next two. They just won a series against one of the best teams in the al? What's that make them then? Don't be so muddy when you post.
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chibears55
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Which is why, if you can, you bolster the back end of pen and try to have shut down guys for 7-9..
Most of those top 2 matchups will be low scoring 1-2 run games, so if you have lead, tied, or even just down a run late you want to be able to have guys who can shut teams down those last 2-3 innings
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Mr. Cub
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TC in Mississippi
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That's what I'm talking about Rizzo! Well done.
CSF77
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I believe they have Rondon, Strop and Wood as the main 7-9 now. Edwards has situated himself into a 4th man here. When Nathen gets up you are looking at a 5th you can lean on. That leaves Richard, Warren and Grimm to fight for 2 spots. When Cahill gets back it gets tighter.
They are not bad right now at all. If Nathen is effective he becomes the back up closer by default.
Mr. Cub
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Riz! Makes up for the throw.
throw.
CSF77
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Think these guys just were gassed. Add to it Cahill was pitching injured and they leaned on him heavy last year in middle relief. Grimm was the main 7th inning guy and now Wood is forever into that role when he was moving around more last year.
I'm thinking they should extend the pen some and start to limit some innings from the starters in the 2nd half. That way they are fresher going into Oct vs gassed like last year.
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It's already their plan. They are really gonna ride Lester and lackey for innings
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Heyward afraid of the wall
chibears55
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Had the same thought...
I had to look at replay again cause at first look . I was thinking did he just pull up short and let ball drop..
I remember him doing this last week, stopping and letting ball drop a foot in front of him..
Wondering since that dive into wall if he becoming a bit gun shy to go all out or if Maddon told him not to take chances
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You do what your natural inclination is. he wants no part of the wall or warning track
chibears55
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I think Maddon prefers having wood being his 1-7 guy, meaning using him as a bridge to eat innings to get to the late guys.
Nathan 41 YO and hasn't pitched in 2 years, which he was lit up in 2014...
I'm not holding my breath or counting on much from Nathan
He would basically be a Grimm replacement and hopefully be a bit better then.
They need to get that 3rd guy (a lefty ) for the back end to go with Strop and Rondon
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TC in Mississippi
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J.D. talking about wOBA on the broadcast. That's awesome.
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Leaving Tolleson in making him take his first MLB AB was strange. I hope it works to the Cubs advantage because he is very hittable.
chibears55
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Szczur making me a believer in him
Coming up with big pinch hits
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Coming up with big pinch hits
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Diehardfan
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Warren.....hope he does well but
I just don't like this guy.
I just don't like this guy.