Chicago Cubs have no ‘ace debate’ – this is Kyle Hendricks’ rotation

Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks has been better than advertised

Since joining the big-league team, the right-hander carries a sub-3.00 earned run average. (2.94, to be exact). And we’re not talking about a handful of solid starts, either. Hendricks has appeared in 100 games on the dot – including 99 starts – in a Cubs uniform.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Overshadowed by the team’s World Series championship, Hendricks put together a historic 2016 campaign. He brought home Major League Baseball’s ERA title with a sterling 2.13 across 30 starts. He also led the league with a 196 ERA+, finishing third in National League Cy Young voting.

Last season, injuries derailed the soft-tossing hurler. He made just 24 starts – his lowest total since his 2014 rookie campaign. Still, he posted a 144 ERA+ – marking the third time in four years he’s been an above-average starter by this measure.

One of the things that really has me high on Hendricks is his ability to limit base-on-balls. Given the staff-wide control issues that plague the Cubs, the fact the allowed just over two walks per nine last year makes him incredibly appealing.

Chicago Cubs have a gritty performer in veteran Jon Lester

In Blazek’s post, his final conclusion seems to come down to personality. And, no, Kyle Hendricks is never going to be an in-your-face, screaming on the mound leader. But that fact only makes me appreciate him more.

Lester has a certain “gamer” mentality about him. Even when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he’ll find a way to gut it out and do what he can. But for now, I can’t take this away from Lester until he gives it up.

I will say. I have to agree with his assessment of Lester. He grinds through outings when he doesn’t have it. And he usually knows right away when he doesn’t. Which is important, because there are plenty of pitchers who don’t.

Jon Lester isn’t going to be what he was last year again. I truly believe that. Now, I think his best days are certainly behind him as well. But that’s not to say he can’t be a 3.50 ERA and 30-start arm in your rotation with years of postseason experience under his belt. If I need a no-surprises outing, though, I’m turning to Hendricks.

Chicago Cubs turned to Hendricks with history on the line

With 108 years of history on the line, Kyle Hendricks took the ball for the Cubs. The right-hander was the unfortunate benefactor of an unnecessarily short leash from Joe Maddon, but absolutely dazzled.

He allowed one run in 4 2/3 innings of work against Cleveland. In fact, during the entire 2016 postseason, he failed to allow more than two earned runs in a single outing. Ahead of Game 7, Hendricks made three starts (Games 2, 6 in LCS and Game 3 of the World Series). The results were outstanding.

The former eighth-round pick allowed one earned run over 17 innings of work. His 0.53 ERA left fans giddy and his .190 opponent batting average further proved his dominance over the Dodgers and Indians.

Everyone remembers how the World Series ended. But it was Hendricks who closed out the first pennant-clinching win at Wrigley Field. It was Hendricks who took the ball in Game 7 of the Fall Classic.

Next: Projecting Bryant's 2018 season after another solid campaign

It’s time for a changing of the guard. This was Jon Lester’s team. It was certainly his starting rotation. But after a down year and with Jake Arrieta likely moving on to greener pastures, Hendricks’ time is now.