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Chicago Cubs: Hamels still has plenty left in the gas tank
Probably the biggest story of the 2018 second half was Cole Hamels’ performance as a Cub after coming over from Texas. The veteran lefty has had such a good career – it was weird seeing him struggle the first half so much.
Then again, 33 isn’t exactly being on the front nine of a big league career, either. That being said, the conditions and team around him in Texas were not the most ideal and coming to the Cubs was probably the best thing for him.
Now is the time to prove he can still have an effective season from start to finish. He can still put up some good strikeout numbers and have very solid command. Expectations of him in 2019 will certainly be high. Will he put up a sub-2.50 ERA in an entire season? Very likely not, but good numbers like these would be a welcome sight as well.
Prediction: 190 IP / 3.50 ERA / 1.15 WHIP / 3.80 FIP / 60 BB / 200 K