That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Chicago Cubs

By Mike Azzalina

Apr 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (9) tags out Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) at home during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal (9) tags out Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp (34) at home during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Apr 22, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta throws against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pitcher: Jake Arrieta

Again, I have to admit this one was sort of a no-brainer when looking at who the Phils will face this week. The pitching lineup for the Cubs is Brett Anderson, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, and John Lackey. While the Phillies have actually had some decent luck against all four, they are still faced with some tricky matchups.

Above all else, Arrieta stands out much more brightly. Since becoming a Cub, Arrieta has been one of the best pitchers in the league. There is no argument that 2015 was his true coming out party. Arrieta was as dominant as any pitcher in recent memory. He posted 1.77 ERA and 0.86 WHIP with a 22-6 record, but those numbers would not be outdone by the two no-hitters he threw.

The Cy Young Award put expectations at an all-time high for the now 31-year-old. He has not let it go to his head. His 18 win 2016, 1.08 WHIP and 3.10 ERA were nothing to sneeze at, although they did pale in comparison to the previous year.

He currently leads Chicago in wins (3) and strikeouts (38). So far, in 2017, he is 3-1 with 4.66 ERA, and while it is way too early for statements like this, the Cubs are hoping this is not a steady career decrease. The Phils hope to make those thoughts creep into their heads on Wednesday night.

He has a career 3-2 record when facing the Phils in five games started with a 3.98 ERA. The Phils have managed five homers off him, which is high in comparison to his other numbers. However, the only two current Phils with homers off him are Aaron Altherr and Daniel Nava. Maikel Franco is 2-2 in his career off the righty.

Arrieta boasts a six-pitch arsenal. A look at his early velocity shows a slight decline, but that could simply be based on the time of year and still stretching out. His approach is predicated on the sinker. The Phils will want to try and make that come up. He likes to use his slider and curveball off of that pitch. And from time to time, the righty has difficulty with his command.

Next: An Early Look at Phillies All-Star Game Candidates

Arrieta’s production will land somewhere between his 2015 and 2016 seasons. The Phillies hope to make it worse than both this Wednesday night.

Home/Phillies News