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Chicago Cubs: Why Sonny Gray is the only acceptable answer

By Justin Curran

Jun 10, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2017; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 5, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 5, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

How about we bring the heat?

Fear not because Gray’s velocity hasn’t dropped off; it has actually picked up.  According to Fangraphs, Gray’s four-seam fastball is currently 93.4 mph, which is up 0.5 mph from last year.

His two-seam fastball is 93.3 mph, +0.7 mph from last year.  His slider is down a little bit, but a little decrease on a secondary or tertiary pitch should be no big deal.

The 28-year-old starter has been known for the nastiness of his pitches throughout his career.  Being only 5’10” and 190 pounds doesn’t equate to packing the punch of a fastball that can touch the mid-to-upper 90s.

Seeing that the velocity and his stuff is still there is a great sign.  Imagine if Chris Bosio could take him under his wing. It could pose a threat to hitters everywhere.

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