Cubbies Crib
FanSided

Chicago Cubs: Predicting the starting rotation for the playoffs

Corey Francis|
Apr 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of the exterior of Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of the exterior of Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 7
Sep 12, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) pitches to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Jedd Gyorko (3) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (28) pitches to St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Jedd Gyorko (3) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Hendricks

Ok, Cubs fans. Calm down. We have to be reasonable here. I know your arguments, but have also watched games and read the stats. Kyle Hendricks has improved greatly over the last year, where he was 8-7 with a 3.95 ERA. Now, Hendricks should be the starter for game two. Here is why:

  • He is arguably the best pitcher on the staff this year. For the season, he leads all of Major League Baseball in ERA, Base-out Runs Saved, and Base-out Wins Saved. In other words, players may get on base, but they do not score.
  • In 14 games Wrigley, he is 9-1 with a 1.21 ERA, allowing only 15 runs
  • Away from home, he is 6-6, 2.90 ERA, and has allowed 32 runs. This is also in 14 games.

Therefore, pitching Hendricks at home could be important to the overall series. The odds are in the Cubs favor for him to win at Wrigley.

Next: Really? Game Three?

Home/Chicago Cubs News

Schedule