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

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Kyle Hendricks #28 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the first inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 30, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 30: Kyle Hendricks #28 of the Chicago Cubs pitches in the first inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on April 30, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs is taken out of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during Game Two of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 15: Jon Lester #34 of the Chicago Cubs is taken out of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during Game Two of the National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

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.

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