Chicago Cubs: Looking at the numbers behind critical Game 2 decisions

Chicago Cubs: An inexcusable move by Maddon?

Now, it’s rare you see a righty-on-lefty or lefty-on-righty matchup in today’s game – especially in the late innings. But Maddon isn’t a typical manager, either. He blends old school and new school with great fluidity in an organization that focuses heavily on analytics.

This year, the Cubs left-hander was essentially equally effective against both left and right-handed hitters. Lefties carried a .631 OPS while righties came in one point higher at .632. But, of the 10 long-balls surrendered by Montgomery this season, seven came off the bats of right-handed hitters.

Zimmerman, meanwhile, lit up lefties in 2017 to the tune of a 1.038 OPS. Twenty six of his 36 home runs came against southpaws and he slugged over 100 points better against them, as well. Knowing what we know now, it seems like Maddon based his decision more on how his players performed, rather than how the opponents did.

Why wasn’t Davis brought in to face Zimmerman?

The Harper homer – I can come to terms with that. Edwards simply missed with the pitch and the Nationals’ outfielder delivered in a big spot. It happens and I accept that. But letting Montgomery face one of Washington’s best hitters who owns such significant splits irks me. A lot.

Wade Davis blew one save this year. Sure, he only pitched more than one inning three times this year (and the last time did not go well as he blew the save and the game against Milwaukee in late September) – but this is October. There is no other time to save him for. With a scheduled off-day on Sunday, the Zimmerman at-bat should have gone to the Cubs’ closer. Period.

Next: 2017 Astros are this year's version of '16 Cubs

At the end of the day, hindsight is 20-20. The series is now a best-of-three with home field shifted to Chicago. It’s not a bad spot to be in. I’m a big Joe Maddon guy, but, for once, I have to say. This loss is on him.