http://www.nbcsports.com/chicago/cubs/cubs-talk-podcast-jed-hoyer-breaks-down-cubs-renovated-pitching-staffI enjoy hearing Hoyer talk about their thinking. He mentioned:
1. Wanting to add some power, Darvish and Chatwood throwing a little harder.
2. Talked about bullpen, and wanting to throw strikes. Viewed Cishek and Duensing as strikes guys. Said he thought the relievers got tired, and that was a factor on late wildness. Also said they just need to execute better. Noted that everybody, Wade Davis included, had elevated walk-rates relative to previous norms. Seemed to advocate being more aggressive in the strike zone, rather give up a hit than a walk, let other guys beat you rather than beating yourself.
The walk thing was addressed specifically to bullpen, but I thought it interesting that his first comment was that they were tired. I still think that relates to the rotation. Yes, Jed and Theo want relievers to be a little more aggressive in strike zone, but I don't think you can blame tiredness, with an 8-man pen, without factoring in the rotation. Maybe Lester and Quintana need to be a little more aggressive in the zone too, so they don't leave os many innings to the relievers?
He also emphasized fast start, the gravitational pull of .500. If you start fast, isn't sense of frustration, and if you pull away you can rest guys down stretch. Certainly trust that even with the great 2nd half, some of those September series with Milwaukee and Cardinals, Maddon was really working Edwards especially, and Davis. I agree that pulling out strong early is really good psychologically. Fans too.
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