Cubs (Hendricks) vs Diamondbacks (Henry): 4/16/24, 8:40pm, Marquee

[Jason Ross]

2 minutes ago, Irrelevant Dude said:

Why though? The velocity is still there the same as before, so why can't he get the command back?

It depends on *why* the command is gone. If this is a mechanical flaw then it's something that can be regained. But age and regression also hits control and command much the same way a batters hand speed dies off and if this is Hendricks at a point where it's more than mechanical it really may not come back. 

For the Cubs they're in a tough spot with Hendricks. Nothing he does profiles well out of the pen, but they're getting a point where he's likely not one of the five best starting options...at least not now. The league just cracked down on the Mets with phantom injuries. So I'm not sure how the Cubs get Hendricks to work on the command (if it's of the mechanical ilk). 

[Transmogrified Tiger]

2 minutes ago, Irrelevant Dude said:

Why though? The velocity is still there the same as before, so why can't he get the command back?

One of the things I worried about when his option was picked up was that his shoulder injury in 2022 may have been a blessing in disguise for 2023.  He had months of extra rest and a shorter season in 2023 that let him stay sharp on a starter's schedule better than in 2022.  In that vein I'm a little curious if they go to a 6 man rotation when Taillon returns and if that makes any difference for him.

[UMFan83]

Meanwhile 1 run in 4 innings off a guy that had an ERA near 6 coming into the game. 

[Irrelevant Dude]

2 minutes ago, 1908_Cubs said:

For the Cubs they're in a tough spot with Hendricks. Nothing he does profiles well out of the pen,

He is certainly not an ideal bullpen arm, BUT he has been much more successful the first time through the batting order.  Maybe he wouldn't be entirely useless as a 2-3 inning long relief guy?  Probably just wishful thinking, but if the best Hendricks is always the guy we see in the 1st and 2nd inning, maybe the Cubs can capture that more often in a relief role (as a last resort).

[Irrelevant Dude]

The Cubs might be paying Barnhart, but the joke is still on the Diamondbacks.

[Jason Ross]

4 minutes ago, Irrelevant Dude said:

He is certainly not an ideal bullpen arm, BUT he has been much more successful the first time through the batting order.  Maybe he wouldn't be entirely useless as a 2-3 inning long relief guy?  Probably just wishful thinking, but if the best Hendricks is always the guy we see in the 1st and 2nd inning, maybe the Cubs can capture that more often in a relief role (as a last resort).

Maybe. His K/BB numbers are significantly better 1st time through. But he's still giving up a .418 wOBA against first time through. So he's getting hit still.

I really don't know what you do. Maybe mop up duty, but I can't imagine his stuff ever being useful in even a 7th inning role as of right now. I feel for the guy. Always loved Hendricks. But as of right now this is a shell of the guy. Hope it's mechanical. Fear the clock is inching towards midnight.

[WhyCantWeWin]

12 minutes ago, 1908_Cubs said:

It depends on *why* the command is gone. If this is a mechanical flaw then it's something that can be regained. But age and regression also hits control and command much the same way a batters hand speed dies off and if this is Hendricks at a point where it's more than mechanical it really may not come back. 

For the Cubs they're in a tough spot with Hendricks. Nothing he does profiles well out of the pen, but they're getting a point where he's likely not one of the five best starting options...at least not now. The league just cracked down on the Mets with phantom injuries. So I'm not sure how the Cubs get Hendricks to work on the command (if it's of the mechanical ilk). 

Can't they demote him if he agrees to it?

[JHBulls]

Just remember… Sure as God made Green apples, Kyle Hendricks contract will expire. 

[Irrelevant Dude]

2 hits for Happ from the right side.  That's nice to see.

[Irrelevant Dude]

Oh man, that was REAL close to an inside the parker.

[WhyCantWeWin]

They are still in this, might need to sit Hendricks tho

[UMFan83]

11 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

Meanwhile 1 run in 4 innings off a guy that had an ERA near 6 coming into the game. 

About that….

[Derwood]

That was quick

[JHBulls]

Really damn good hitting. 

[PeanutPunch33]

LFG

[Andy]

Laser show this inning

[JHBulls]

Hell yeah, in a flash they are right back in this one. 

[chibears55]

Happ, Amaya, Canario..  lets go top off order

Edited April 17, 2024 by chibears55

[We Got The Whole 9]

The thing with Kyle is he used to live in the bottom of the zone but he keeps thinking he needs to keep them honest and tries to go up and in and he gets torched. 

[Transmogrified Tiger]

This is why the quick innings weren't a big concern, it was always gonna be results more than pitch count that was gonna be the end of Henry's outing.  6 balls of 100+ EV in 4+ IP

[Irrelevant Dude]

That left field corner is getting worn out.

[chibears55]

Wearing out that left field corner

[UMFan83]

Wow that was quick. Offense is picking up Kyle

[Rex Buckingham]

whole new ballgame

[We Got The Whole 9]

Holy horsefeathers Nico pulled an XBH