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Chicago Cubs’ and the three players that need to stay hot
The Chicago Cubs and the three players that need to stay on fire to keep winning.
So who’s hot, who’s not? It seems funny to be asking 14 games into the Chicago Cubs season. But we are nearly a quarter way through–no thanks to the St. Louis Cardinals. Five games? But I digress. No need to cry over spilled milk. It is what it is.
So who’s blazing on this Cubs team? Three players are ahead of the bunch–for now. One pitcher, two position players. Who are these individuals? They’re the ones who have been ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest.
While some teams–looking at you, Cards–have had the COVID-19 virus for weeks. The Cubs, other than Tommy Hottovy, has had no positive player tests. Now, 60 games and no positive tests would be fantastic for the Cubs–but it won’t happen. Still, a quarter way through the season and no positive tests?
Let’s look at the players who made the list.
The Cubs’ Jon Lester
It’s kind of funny Jon Lester would be on the list. I mean, he was one the ‘high-risk’ players they talked about. Still, Lester holds a 1.06 ERA with an ERA+ of 419, tops on the team. He has a wOBA of .167 in the first half and a WHIP of 0.647. But I got to admit; he’s not a strikeout pitcher. He averages 4.8 SO/9–same as Alec Mills.
He has a BAbip is .120 with a LOB% of 94.8. Pretty good for a 36-year-old ‘veteran.’ He mixes his pitches well, throwing the cutter 24.5% of the time. After an 0-2 count? A .286 average. Other counts, he has a .200 average or lower. So, in essence? Don’t have an 0-2 count.
Lester needs to have a good year. With 13 or 14 starts–give or take–he needs to be clutch. And it may be good to get his vesting option in 2021.
The Cubs’ Ian Happ
The Cubs’ Ian Happ is on fire. First, David Ross commits to Happ as an everyday center fielder. Secondly, he’s killing it out in center. He has a slash line of .325/.438/.625 with an OPS of 1.063, with a wOBA of .449, the highest in his career.
And his walk rate? Highest since A-ball, averaging 16.7% (17.7% in A-.) So, he’s walking a lot, hitting for average, OPS and wOBA? What can’t he do? Steal a bag? He’s got one. Look, in 58 games? He had two. What do you want from him??
And his last seven days? He had a slash of .500/.600/.625 with an OPS 1.225 in three games. Again, for shame, Cardinals. But he’s not wasting being sent to Triple-A. He’s used that to light the fire. I say he’s doing that and more.
The Cubs’ Willson Contreras
What can I say about Willson Contreras that not already been said? He’s crushing the ball through his first 13 games. His hard-hit rate is 71.4%. In comparison, Nolan Arenado’s hard-hit rate was 42.5% for 2019. His BB% is 2.0, while his strikeout rate is 36.0%. Still, Contreras is laying the lumber to the pitches he’s seen.
Defensively, he’s got a cannon. He doesn’t know where it will go. His caught stealing percentage is 25–the lowest of his career. But he catches Lester, which is ‘bad’ for him. Still, 25% is average. Picking one out of four? I’ll take it.
He has a slash of .311/.360/.556 with an OPS of.916–plus an OPS+ of 149. He doesn’t walk as much and he strikes A LOT. But still, he’s hitting for average, and that’s all you can ask.
Cubs honorable mention: Jason Kipnis
So there you have it. The three players that need to stay hot if the Cubs are going to make noise. The Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals (2-3) and the Milwaukee Brewers are 4.5 games behind. The Pittsburgh Pirates are nine games behind the Cubs. And I have to admit; Ross seems like the perfect fit for this ballclub.
Next. The reasons the Cubs should be contenders. dark
Also, I need to give an honorable mention to Jason Kipnis. He’s only played seven games, but his slash line of .368/.455/.895 with an OPS of 1.349? He’s putting in work. And he’s signed for $100K plus bonuses? Done.