Arrieta. Lester. Lackey. Hammel. The first four Cubs starters have been good. Yet, it’s the number five starter, Kyle Hendricks, who may be having the most surprising year. He did it again Monday night vs the Marlins with a complete game shutout.
Jake started off the year just like he ended it last year; since then he has faded a bit. Lester is having a really good year; he’s doing much better than last year, more in line with what we’re paying him. Lackey has been rock solid; still think we’ll see that value come postseason time. Hammel hasn’t started his second half fade yet; I hope it’s not tonight. That brings us to Hendricks.
He’s among the league leaders in ERA, only behind Kershaw and Madbum. His home ERA is sub 2. He just notched his 10th win of the season. Not too bad for a number five starter.
I thought the needs of the Cubs heading into this year were starters and relievers. They addressed the bullpen in a big way before the trade deadline; they added another piece with Joe Smith at the deadline. I still thought we were a starter short. I knew we had those guys in the pen who could start, like Warren, Wood, Richard, and Cahill. Half those guys are gone. Yet, the need for another starter doesn’t seem as pressing now, does it?
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At the end of the day, it’s a good problem to have. Again, we must trust in Joe to make the right decisions. A lot can happen between now and then too. Injuries and slumps could play a role in these decisions. To even question having Hendricks and Hammel in the playoff rotation is a pleasant surprise. Did we really have all the starting pitching we needed since the start?
This is just another subplot in this great season to this point. Kyle did what he had to on Monday. With a tired bullpen, he came out and pitched all nine innings, giving those guys some much needed rest. Rest is something else for Joe to monitor as we progress, both for the starters and the bullpen. Having everybody as fresh as possible come October would go a long way; it would hopefully help the Cubs go a long way.
So thanks Kyle. Thanks for last night. Thanks for forcing these questions. Being compared to Maddux is a huge compliment. Not ready to crown you by any stretch, but really impressed with you so far. Keep it up and Go Cubs!
MK
What a breakout year for Hendricks! The Cubs need him to throw a gem and go deep, and he pitches a complete game shutout! Yes, the comparisons to the hall of fame professor Maddux may be premature, but hendricks is making a name for himself on this Cubs team. Not overpowering but his command and smarts more than make up for it. Let’s hope he gets a chance to prove himself even more in the playoffs! GO CUBS GO!!!