Chicago Cubs: Five predictions for the second half

Kyle Hendricks Cubs’ most effective pitcher

Now, I realize you could look at this in a few different ways. Kyle Hendricks? Did the rest of the staff have a meltdown? The answer to that is no, although I’m afraid to promise too much with Jason Hammel. His track record frightens me, but I’m hoping for the best. If you’ve been paying attention, Hendricks has been one of the most consistent of the Cubs’ staff, but he’s simply not getting the run support the others have.

Joe Maddon–for whatever reason–doesn’t allow Hendricks to venture too deep into games when it’s close. So in turn, he hasn’t been able to pitch himself into as many wins as say, Arrieta or Jon Lester have. I realize they have better track records as well as better stuff. The flipside of that is that Hendricks should be as well rested in the second half as anyone.

I’m not claiming he will win a Cy Young, and being the team’s best pitcher is subjective. Is it wins? ERA? If you’re curious why I think he can be this pitcher for the Cubs, take a look at this post from just a little before the break.

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