Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation is primed for a strong year

No. 5 starter – Tyler Chatwood

The former Colorado Rockies pitcher has been described as “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by our own Logan Whaley. That is dead on as Chatwood was a much different pitcher at Coors than he was anywhere else. Away from home, Chatwood posted a 5-7 record–not all that promising. But a 3.49 ERA with a 1.228 WHIP showed that when taken out of the rare air of the Rockies, Chatwood could pitch.

At Coors, let’s be honest here. He was rocked. He allowed a .302 average with a BAbip of .355. His SO/9 was better than it was on the road, but that didn’t seem to help him any. He also gave up 10 home runs (same as on the road) and three fewer walks. It shows how unforgiving Coors Field can be to a pitcher.

With an exceptional spin rate on his curveball, Chatwood could be the wave of the new pitchers in baseball. As hitters have become accustomed to the heat, he’s a different breed. And with the additions the Cubs made to the bullpen, it might be six strong innings for him and get him out of there. There’s no shame in that game, especially when the Cubs are winning games.