Chicago Cubs: Why the Cubs shouldn’t re-sign John Lackey

If there is one thing John Lackey has it’s playoff experience.  It was one of the main reasons why the Cubs decided to bring him in at the end of 2015.

But if you dive into his numbers, the man isn’t exactly Madison Bumgarner in the playoffs.  The three-time World Series champ has pitched decently in the World Series, pitching to a 3.45 ERA in seven total games (five of which he started).

The rest of the playoffs up until last year was much of the same.  But en route to the Cubs’ World Series Championship, Lackey had a 6.75 ERA vs. the Giants, a 4.50 ERA against the Dodgers, and a 3.60 ERA vs. the Indians.

Oh and the John Lackey that gives you quality innings, yeah not the case in last year’s playoffs.  In 3 starts, he pitched a total of 13 innings.

Need I remind you of Game 5 of the 2015 NLDS?  When the Cardinals had their backs against the wall and had their ace on the mound, their ace, John Lackey, pitched a masterful three innings and gave up four earned runs.

Lackey may be perceived as a great playoff pitcher, but perception isn’t always reality.