Whoever thought Travis Wood would become a reliever after being an All Star starter. It all depends on if the Cubs could resign Chapman. Plus they do have Rondon there as well. You never know.
I doubt Theo tosses big time cash to a BP guy. Closer or not. Edwards is looking the closer part. Rondon becomes his set up.
Wood lost his starter role due to being ineffective. He has done well in spot starts sense then. I believe it is due to him being a cutter pitcher primarily. That pitch is known for pitchers losing a MPH or 2 after years of use. Not to mention they become co-dependent on that pitch.
It is a strong pitch used with a 2 seem. Different ball movement with the same ball speed.
Hendricks is now using it but it is part of his mix. All of his pitches are released at the same point. But he uses a 2 seem, cutter, change and curveball out of that same release point. That is why he is a top starter this year. It is not about 1 pitch. It is about the pitcher.
Edwards is getting it but with his body type and Raw stuff he could end up a elite closer.