In 2016, teams employed a defensive shift more than ever before. Across the majors, teams shifted 28,072 times. The Cubs, whose defense maintained a historically good BABIP, shifted the least with just 603 batters faced with some sort of defensive shift in place. The Cubs appear to be one step ahead against the rest of […]
Tag: Brett Anderson
Brett Anderson And Cautious Optimism
Before I delve into my main purpose here, isn’t optimism an interesting thing? Before November 2nd, 2016, optimism was a seemingly foolhardy concept for anything having to do with the North Side. But since then, we’re living in a new world where I can toss the word in the headline, even with the “cautious” qualifier, […]
A Brilliant Tandem: Why Anderson and Montgomery Make a Perfect Fifth Starter
The wonders of Cubs Manager Joe Maddon never cease, and before the first pitch has been thrown in the 2017 season, Cubs fans are seeing his strong baseball acumen at work again. In February, after a somewhat under-the-radar and late offseason move the Cubs made in signing left-hander Brett Anderson to a one-year deal, it […]
CACTUS CATCHUP: CUBS REV THEIR ENGINES BEFORE FIRST SPRING GAME
As the sun beats down in Mesa, Arizona, the baby bears are about to embark on their journey to repeat as World Champions when spring games officially kick off tomorrow. Yes, real, live action baseball, is almost back. Oh, what a lovely day. Waiting for the first “play ball!” has seemed to take forever, but […]
Transaction Analysis: Brett Anderson
The Cubs turned to Anderson after their pursuit of Tyson Ross came up empty. Anderson is a savvy addition for Chicago because he will fit the team’s needs neatly. His job won’t be to carry the back of the rotation, but rather to extend it when needed. The glaring question is his health, but Anderson […]
Cubs Add Good Tweets, Pitching Upside with Anderson
The Cubs’ offseason outlook was that of staid, minor change, and the club mostly accomplished their modest goals by the time the holiday season rolled around. A little Jon Jay to thicken up center field, a tiny bit of Brian Deunsing for lefty reliever flavor, and a dash of back-end bullpen help for spiciness (Oops! […]
Internal and External Options for Cubs’ Sixth-Man
As the Chicago Cubs look to repeat as World Series champs, they are currently seeking a little extra help in the starting rotation. With Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey and Mike Montgomery as the expected starting five, the need isn’t urgent, but adding quality depth now could be the difference between another […]