Comments on: Will the Cubs’ real closer please step forward?

By: theguz7

theguz7 — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 16:30:33 +0000

Maybe…Joe also likes to switch guys’ roles, too (Schwarber leading off, Bryant batting 2, P batting 8, etc.).

Not sure why you are suggesting Edwards for the 6th or 7th, esp if Joe sticks to his “roles”. CJ earned the 8th last year by being the Cubs’ most dominant RP, even better than Davis. I believe he’ll have the 8th again—and first shot if Morrow falters. In any event, he should.

You looked at BAA with Wilson; I prefer OPS Against. BAA is the same as trying to judge a hitter in his BA alone. WHIP is better, but again is like judging a hitter solely on his OBP. But OPS gives a much more complete picture, and Edwards’ OPS Against us about the greatest in the game for the past 2 years. Together with his dominant K rate, his electric stuff is very apparent.

Edwards put up among the greatest numbers in the history of the minor leagues. That is not hyperbole, and now he’s doing it in the bigs. Only weakness is the occasional bout with control, and I do fear the departure of Boz on that score, but we shall see.

By: Russell Dorsey

Russell Dorsey — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:01:33 +0000

I’m not questioning Carl’s talent or stuff. Like you, I believe he probably has the best stuff in the bullpen. However, if there’s one thing we know about Joe Maddon, when guys are in roles, he doesn’t like to move them out of those roles. He may be the closer eventually, but for now, 6th/7th inning is likely where he’ll be. As for Wilson, if you look beyond his ERA (BAA and FIP, he’s been fine)

By: Theguz7

Theguz7 — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:49:34 +0000

How could the most dominant arm on the team not be considered in this piece?

Edwards struggled in the post season—but not as badly as Montgomery or Wilson—the latter could not even be used. And speaking of Wilson, he had a great 2/3 iof a season for Detroit, but was not great in ‘16. In fact, over his career, he’s been inconsistent.

I believe Edwards finished top-5 last year in OPS against (among those with 40+ IP), and the guys above him are none other than the greatest RP’s in the game. The year before? He was #1.

Yes, teams can draw a walk against him—but they’d better draw 4 or 5, because they are not touching him with the bats.

Why did Joe have Edwards pitch to Harper in G2 of the NLDS? First, because he had the filthiest stuff in the staff; second, cuz he was the best on the staff, almost in the league, vs.lefties; and third, cuz he made Harper look silly just the night before.

1st guy up if Morrow fails is the guy with about the best stuff in the league; Cubs are very set.