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Chicago Cubs: While Lester is the Alpha, the Professor may be their best
Again, the term “weird” is going to be used here for Kyle Hendricks. His first half was a mighty struggle. He gave up 17 long-balls and pitched to a 3.92 ERA and 1.2 WHIP. Ultimately, that does not even seem that terrible outside the home runs. In the second half, he returned to form, pitching to a 2.84 ERA and 1.08 WHIP.
This guy is just so good when he is on a roll, and he pitched some of the best games by any Cub in the second half. Dotting the corners with pinpoint command and getting soft contact has been his M.O. for some time, and if all goes right he should keep it up.
Pretty much predicting a standard Hendricks season right here with nothing really bold. Right now it makes sense to see him as the guy to pitch the most innings with the lowest ERA the way he has rolled. Even if he gets off to another slow start, he always seems to bring it around.
Prediction: 200 IP / 3.30 ERA / 1.12 WHIP / 3.60 FIP / 40 BB / 155 K