Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta handled the Brewers on Sunday in a seven-inning, 10-strikeout showing, after which he downplayed concerns about his diminished velocity. “Where I’m at now in my career, I don’t worry about it, because I know that I’m smart enough to work around that,” Arrieta told reporters, including Patrick Mooney of CSN Chicago. “The velocity’s still good enough to get it by guys and to do certain things in certain situations with it.” The 31-year-old is clearly confident in his current stuff, but he does expect to regain his lost velocity. “When the 95-to-97 comes back, it’s going to be tough for teams. And it still is,” declared Arrieta, who has posted sterling numbers through two starts this year as he continues to make his case for a massive contract. Arrieta stands as arguably the majors’ top soon-to-be free agent.
More from around the sport:
- Although there has been skepticism toward Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward’s remade swing, the early returns on his offseason work have been promising, writes Jesse Rogers of ESPN.com. Heyward picked up a pair of hits, including a triple, in five at-bats Sunday, and he managed to put the ball in play with 95 mph-plus exit velocities in each trip to the plate. “I like his hands,” observed manager Joe Maddon. “I like his hands more involved right now. He’s getting started sooner, staying through the ball longer.” Heyward’s previous swing yielded a highly disappointing .230/.306/.325 line in 592 PAs last season, which came as a shock after the normally solid hitter inked an eight-year, $184MM contract in free agency.
- California-based high schooler Hunter Greene is the premier prospect in this year’s draft class based on his ability as a pitcher, but he’s also a top-10 talent as a shortstop, according to Keith Law of ESPN.com (subscription required/recommended). Law scouted Greene’s start Friday and noted that the right-hander’s fastball didn’t fall below 94 mph in any of his seven innings. The 17-year-old has No. 1 starter upside, opines Law, who believes Greene could even play some short and work as a part-time hitter in the majors. Louisville’s Brendan McKay, whom Law regards as the second-best player in this year’s class, is also a two-way talent. McKay is both a left-handed pitcher and a first baseman, and Law expects him to settle in as a hurler – one who could serve as a No. 3 type for the long haul. McKay has less upside than Greene, but the 21-year-old would be the safer pick, suggests Law. Check out the full piece for more details on both players.
- The Yankees remain unsure sure how much time cornerstone catcher Gary Sanchez will miss on account of his right biceps strain, writes George A. King III of the New York Post. While the Sanchez-less Yanks could continue with Austin Romine and Kyle Higashioka behind the plate in lieu of exploring outside options, King lists several potential targets if the club does look elsewhere for help. Hector Sanchez (Padres), Jesus Sucre (Rays), Tuffy Gosewisch (Mariners), former Yankee John Ryan Murphy (Twins), Ryan Hanigan (Rockies), Bobby Wilson (Dodgers) and Manny Pina (Brewers) are names to watch, relays King.
- In the wake of Jeanmar Gomez’s meltdown against the Nationals on Sunday, Phillies manager Pete Mackanin revealed that he’s “considering” changing closers (via Todd Zolecki of MLB.com). “I’m going to have a talk with him tomorrow,” said Mackanin, whose Phillies escaped with a 4-3 win after Gomez blew a save. “I’ll have something for you tomorrow. I need to talk with him.” Gomez has allowed multiple runs in two of three appearances this year, and he has been especially prone to poor outings since the second half of last season. Gomez did log 37 saves in 2016, but he accomplished that in spite of a 4.85 ERA and a subpar K/9 (6.16). Now, if the Phillies turn to someone else as their closer, it’ll likely be Joaquin Benoit, Hector Neris or Edubray Ramos, notes Zolecki. Keeping Neris and Ramos in setup roles would tamp down their future arbitration earnings, though it’s unclear if that will factor into the Phillies’ decision.
Ngl, I could see Nick Hundley being a very attractive target (assuming he approves a trade before June 15th). Talent-wise, I consider him to be a 2nd or 3rd tier starter and hes being used exceptionally sparringly as he is blocked by Posey. Plus the Giants wouldn’t miss him much due to the presence of Brown and Fed-X.
Probably wouldn’t cost much, maybe like Jake Cave, a guy without a spot in the Yankees plans but could shine in SF. Plus it would give Sanchez a vet leader.
I can see that, it makes sense. Send like a mid tier guy for Hundley. Win Win both sides
try a PTBNL or cash type deal. Definitely no mid tier prospect for Nick Hundley lol
^ low tierd guy or ptbnl/ cash for sure lol
The Sandoval fat jokes and his awful contract can subside some now and maybe focus on the bad heyward deal, not that would want either remaining contract.
much was made during ST regarding how both players had remade the swings.. Commitment etc.. Still, when the year is done? Expect to see both as terrible deals with just a season left on horrid contracts.
Nice thing about heyward is he seems to have a good attitude and working hard to correct his slump of last year. First few games he has hit the ball hard. Robbed of a double and homer yesterday. Cubs fortunate they have so many big bats he can struggle and don’t miss a beat
and Heywards outstanding defense gives him a much much higher floor than someone like sandoval
Good attitude doesn’t erase the terrible offense production from Heyward, and his defense is not worth that contract. It was a terrible signing, all the way around.
His defense is still worth something. That contract? No probably not. But he still has the mindset to change and has the upside of improving his offense.
Heyward is 27 years old and has played all of 1 season of that contract. It’s hard to say that it’s terrible and he will never be worth that contract at this point. We’re way too early into the season, but right now his OPS+ is the second highest of this career. If he keeps in anywhere near where it’s at right now and with his defense and he’ll be worth his salary this year.
” It was a terrible signing, all the way around.”
No, it really wasn’t, it just hasn’t worked out well so far. The sandoval signing was terrible. And if you’re daring to compare the two players and their contracts, what would happen if the teams attempted to trade the players? The Red Sox likely wouldn’t get anyone willing to take Sandoval for pennies on the dollar, while the Cubs likely would have their choice of packages for Heyward. He’s a far superior player than Sandoval, and younger.
Cubs won a trophy last year. Therefore Heywards contract just fine. Great D, smart base running, good leader in club house. New swing has him hitting .350 right now though early. Doesn’t matter. The goal of management of every team is to win the ring. Cubs did it last year.
“while the Cubs likely would have their choice of packages for Heyward.”
Pure fantasy. Not even if the cubbies paid over 50% of the remaining 160m would the Cubs get anything close to a top prospect in return, much less a decent MLB player..
He’s a “buy low” candidate right now, just like BJ Upton was after year 1 of his fatal FA deal.. Sandoval.. no different than any other terrible FA sign for any of the homers towards heyward.
the cubs are not getting their choice of package for heyward
No. Winning a world series despite Heyward does not magically make his contract just fine.
Up to this point, his contract has been bad. The end.
Please list, with specific dates, games played, and statistics, what, in your opinion, would make Heywards contract “good”.
The end.
Cubs fans will try and justify that contract at any cost. Yes they won a ring but these Bandwagoners act as if the Cubs are in the Yankees,Cardinals,Dodgers,or Red Sox class as an organization. Let them have their minute!
Since you have no clue how long any of us have been fans, your bandwagon comment is false.
Everybody else’s fans, yourself included, have tried to downplay the Cubs championship, by bringing up he Heyward contract, Maddon’s game 7 choices etc. If you’re going to make those statements, then you have to be able to come up with a solution that would resolve those problems.
I’ll ask again, what statistics would make Heyward’s contract “justifiable”?
Well Jake, I’m glad you are confident, but I assume the teams that you expect to give you 100+mil are not so understanding about you losing 4mph on your fb.
2-0 2.08 e.r.a.
Command, control, velocity. Know how to pitch. Not worried about 4 mph
those things are great but losing four miles per hour is still less than he had it’s still a problem
Not this early on. A lot of pitchers have lower velocity at the beginning of the season.
A sample size of two starts is not worth quoting. wouldn’t even look at stats until mid-May
Can’t wait to revisit then. Maybe in November when he wins two more road games in World Series. We have sample size of his 2015 Cy young season and leading league with opponents batting average against. Control issues is only thing that has hurt arrieta last year. Like other posters have said 2-4 mph is common beginning of season and weather.
Mikel Grady – you are such a homer is is embarrassing.
Did you really just try to use wins and era over a sample size of 2 games in order to justify a team giving out 6/150+?
Jake is older and he is losing velocity. Teams are gonna see the warning signs from that point long before they look to his 2-0 record or his era over a sample size of 2 games.
Lots of pitchers have low velocity in the beginning. Mark Malancon is sitting at 88-89, but come May/June, he’ll be at 91-93. Don’t take too much from the first week of the season.
Yeah, if it comes back, that’s less worrisome. If it doesn’t (which would have to occur for it to be an issue when he is signing a new deal) it is much less fine. Especially when he is older and looking for that kind of money.
If any of you really think a guy like him who throws 91-92 vs. 95-96 is going to be as appealing to teams in free agency, you simply do not understand baseball. Starting at 91 just gives so much less room to regress as he continues to age and play out the deal he is seeking.
I suggest you stop being delusional cubs fans and understand that a pitcher dropping that kind of velo is a pretty big red flag to teams.
I like Neris in the eighth inning role but I think he deserves a shot at closing. He has the out pitch
Jeanmar gomez will be a great low key pickup for a contender at the trade deadline this season I think. Since he’s miscast as a closer, his success (and trade value stock) should be fairly low but a contending team with an established back end of the bullpen could pick him up cheap and use him in the 7th and add great value to deepen their pen.
SINce when has heyward “always been a solid hitter”? He’s known for husband defense and had some great check Ian one year in St. Louis. He’s always been a potential five tool guy. But his defense is the not him the contract
It’d be super if you would at least try to speak English.
That being said, he has always been a solid hitter. Solid doesn’t mean elite, solid means solid, typically meaning above average. Has he realized the offensive hype he had in his rookie season? No, not really, but he’s still been solid for the most part apart from last season.
Agreed. Too many people make assumptions based on a small sample size. The guy is 27 and signed for another 7 years including this one. People can say what they want, but obviously he helped the Cubs, they won the trophy.
When has Heyward been a soilid hitter? He has multiple years of of .260-.270BA, 150-160 hits, 10-20 HR, 20 SB, decent OBP. That is a pretty solid top of the order bat. While I find it very hard to justify his bloated contract with the numbers he has put up so far in his career, to say he was never a solid hitter is a pretty big stretch.
@chesteraarthur I hope the cubs re-sign arrieta. He’s been great the last 2 years. He hasn’t lost 4mph on his fb. Maybe 2 not 4. If they don’t get him they’ll post for that Japanese dude that recently said he was planning on signing with a ml team next year. Although I wouldn’t mind yu darvish. He’s been hurt a lot in 4 years.
Actually, it’s closer to 4 than 2. Remember, MLB switched the way it tracks pitches this season, from the optical scan system to the radar-based one. The difference is the optical scan measured the pitch velocity at about 50 ft from the plate, while the radar-based measures out of the pitcher’s hand. So velocities are going to read higher this season by about 1 MPH+ over last season because a single pitch’s highest velocity reading is going to be right out of the pitchers hand.
The Cubs’ spending on International Free Agents is still restricted due to penalties from a couple years ago. It’s doubtful that they’ll sign Otani.
Seriously NOT a single one of those catchers the writer mentions the Yankees could explore “if”… is worth anything. Certainly not worth trading for other than the always popular PTBNL. If the Yankees are just looking for a warm body at some point they could always call up Eddy Rodriguez he certainly isn’t much worse than any of those other options IMO.
6 games in and who are the Phillies getting rid of? Let’s wait 30-40 games
Gomez has got shelled in 2 of his 3 appearances after finishing his season with a 12 something ERA in the final month last year..
This about the comment of trading Gomez? If so, you’re comment makes little sense. I do believe the Phillies will be better than most expect this year, but they’re not winning the world series, so why wouldn’t they expect to be sellers at the deadline? If the Phillies are playing .500 ball at/near the trade deadline (or better), should they hang on to short-term players/rentals like Gomez, Nesek, Beniot, Saunders, Kendrick, etc., or sell high (hopefully) on them in an attempt to build a better, long-term team? Or would you rather keep all those players, win 75-80 games, miss the playoffs, and then watch those players all walk away for nothing? If they end up getting one decent bench player they’d be ahead of the game.
Dealing with a ‘dead arm’ is more of an early March issue and, given Arrieta’s cross-body mechanics, that 4mph drop is worthy of concern (not panic, not worry … concern).
I didn’t like the Heyward deal from the start, just not a fan of his profile. Teasing power potential, subpar average, and you’re silly if you’re going to pay a premium for outfield defense. I’m sure you can find a minor league speed guy who can be a glove only player for the minimum. Especially in the corner outfield.