I agree. I just don;t see Hammel in the next tier after Max, Jon, and James is all I was pointing out.
Maybe not around the league, but he is to the Cubs, don't ya think?
He had a hiccup in 2013, but 2012 and 2014 were very solid numbers and if he hovers in the 3.5-3.75 ERA for the Cubs, I would say that he is 2nd tier.
But, 2nd tier to some may be different. If I look at Homer Bailey stats, they are pretty similar.
Who knows, maybe he has found a little of his stride, and hopefully, a comfort zone now that he is back with the Cubs.
I hope this is an oddity seeing that it is a fluke to re-sign with the team that previously dealt you at the deadline. Lets at least hope it holds true for Lester not going back to Boston.