Chicago Cubs: Analyzing the team and the ‘little things’

Chicago Cubs: Hendricks sticking to the plan

The Chicago Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks is adhering to the plan. In three starts, he’s allowed just one run on four hits. He’s allowed a WHIP of 0.444. Needless to say, almost perfect. And he’s allowed an Opponent Quality of 8.5 (Triple-A or higher.) For Ross, it’s not business as usual as he needs to get away from that sort of thinking.

Tyler Chatwood has been stellar this season. In 9 2/3, he’s allowed six hits and two runs. Also, he’s limited opponents to a K/9 of 10.2. Very impressive, indeed. He’s getting back his curveball, which is absolutely nasty. All he’s got to do is control the fastball, and all is well.

What I really want to focus on here is Alec Mills. In 10 2/3 innings, he’s allowed just four hits and one run for an 0.656 WHIP. He’s not that guy who strikes guys out (K/9 of 6.8.) He gets guys out by forcing ground balls and flyouts. That’s the player you want in the starting rotation.

The other is Rex Coleman Brothers. Brothers has a K/9 of 15.4. Pretty impressive, although he averages an Opponent Quality of 6.9 (Double-A.) Still, he’s a pitcher to keep an eye on when we get back to baseball.