Chicago Cubs: Breaking down Jake Arrieta’s ineffectiveness in 2017

Taking what comes natural

In the end, we can break down numbers and pitch usage all day long. But what it really seems to come down to, in my opinion, is not forcing the issue.

Arrieta is a workhorse – a perfectionist, even. He has a deep desire to be the best. Not even the best on the Cubs staff – but the best in all of Major League Baseball. Add in the fact that his performance this year could greatly impact what kind of long-term deal he nets this winter and it’s easy to see why he might be forcing things a bit.

We’re still not even two months into the season. He’s shown signs of his old self. What he needs most is a dominant start to get him back on-track moving forward, for both the team and his own sake.

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