Comments on: Warren Whiffs on Fastball, Sizzles on Secondaries

By: Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 19:14:40 +0000

Rob, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if they planned to weave him into the rotation gradually.

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 03:16:48 +0000

The fine writers here have already outlined how the Cubs’ horde of quality middle relievers may result in shorter starts this year. I’m curious if Warren may also be used as a spot starter to give Hammel and Hendricks, and maybe even Arrieta, a full extra day of rest here and there.

Given Hammel’s first half-second half splits, I also wonder if the Cubs envision using Warren in a flexible role in the first half with plans on weaving him into the rotation in the second half.

By: Ryan Davis

Ryan Davis — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 23:44:11 +0000

Glad you liked it, and thanks for the comment. The Cubs definitely viewed more/better rotation depth as a priority in the offseason, and I think Warren accomplishes both. He’s a bright guy and a good personality, too. So I think he’ll work well with Bosio and maybe start to reach the potential of those filthy secondary pitches.

By: theguz

theguz — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 20:56:14 +0000

CORRECTION: Warren’s life OPS is .685 (.648 in ’15). As such, Hendricks (.657) has him beat, but Warren beats Lester (.690), Lackey and Hammel.

By: theguz

theguz — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 20:49:45 +0000

Great work, Vic; even anyone looking cursorily at old-school metrics (like a 3.66 ERA as a SP that was better than either Hammel’s or Hendricks’, and was right there with Lester’s after league adjustment; or a 2.29 ERA in the pen that was better than the marks put up by Strop, Motte, Richard, or Ramirez) could see Warren is a gem, and this was a steal. He also, in his life, has surrendered a lower OPS than any Cub starter except Arrieta (.651-.648), all while pitching in the offensive AL East.

By: victor19nyc

victor19nyc — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 18:46:59 +0000

The Cubs actually need a bit of pitching upside. You can argue that Lester, Hammel, Hendricks and Lackey are going to stay about the same while likely some mild regression from Arrieta (let’s be fair here. He was amazing last year. Amazing is difficult to maintain regardless of who you are.) Overall that a very small net negative. Granted, the starting five that’s penciled in is still very good, but they need a solid option available if needed due to injury or ineffectiveness. Enter Warren. Nice article, thanks.