MLB: ***Official 2017 Chicago Cubs Season Thread***
- Thread starter Bret44
- Start date
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
We can agree here. Worst stat in baseball. It should be quality start/non quality start. Figure out another metric for bullpen pitchers.
The Wild Card is now very much in play for the Division Loser in the NL Central. Both Arizona & Colorado are fading right now.
Listened to the last several innings while doing some yard work (damn acorns). That was quite a rollercoaster in the 10th!
I am not saying it happens every time, but whenever you post during a cubs game I have a good feeling we will win.
Well, it's official. Joe Maddon broke him.
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/...ves-aroldis-chapman-closer-role?sf107743852=1
http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/...ves-aroldis-chapman-closer-role?sf107743852=1
Aroldis throws a very straight fastball and hitters just aren't as blown away by 100+ MPH like they were even 2 or 3 years ago. Almost every team has several guys that throw 97+ and a few have guys that throw 100+.
This all adds up to hitters being better prepared for him and his very straight and very hittable fastball. He gave up more than his fair share of hard contact last season.
I feel like adding an effective changeup or curveball to his arsenal would work, but evidently his entire life his coaches have said "Nope, that fast ball is good enough."
And no, I don't think his slider counts as a second pitch. The only reason it was "effective" at any point in his career is because everyones waiting on a 100 mph heater
