Kyle Hendricks usually takes a couple of months after a season before catching a baseball. However, there was nothing typical last year, so the Cubs rotation leader modified his low-season program.
With less mileage on his arm during the shortened 2020 season, Hendricks only rested a couple of weeks before resuming the launch every few days. No one really knows the toll the unknown campaign could have on the pitchers ’arms this season, but Hendricks feels well positioned to return to normalcy in the 162 games.
“I think I’m willing to reload completely,” Hendricks said via Zoom Wednesday. “I know what it’s like to spend a full season, so I can rely on that experience.”
Hendricks might be thinking about a normal workload for the season, but manager David Ross said he and pitching coach Tommy Hottovy will proceed with caution.
“We have to be careful about that,” Ross said. “I think Kyle is a guy who stays in good shape; he’s very enduring and we rely on the input he can give us. But we’ll be smart. these guys. And then the data will provide us with some information as we go through the season. “
The back of the Hendricks baseball card shows an ERA of 2.88 in 81 1/3 innings last season, marking the third most of the majors entries. This does not include any entry registered by the right-hander at Spring Training, during the downtime or at summer camp.
Still, Hottovy estimated this low season that Hendricks ‘total entries were “closer to 120” by 2020. Looking at Hendricks’ career, he recorded 139 2/3 entries on the 17th and had no problems. by jumping to 199 frames on the 18th. In 2016 and the 18th, the right-hander surpassed 200 innings if you include the postseason.
Right now, Hendricks plans to be the No. 1 Cubs starter, with Jake Arrieta and Zach Davies behind. Weapons like Trevor Williams, Alec Mills, Adbert Alzolay and Kohl Stewart will also be playing at work. There are question marks with each pitcher, so Hendricks wants to be a source of stability.
“I just want to be there,” Hendricks said, “be that constant force for these guys, catch the ball every fifth day and know what they can get out of me.”
And while Ross plans to be cautious with Hendricks ’workload, the manager also knows what to expect.
“Last year he threw a full game on the opening day,” Ross said. “So I have a lot of confidence in Kyle.”
Hughes, Mowins and Myers join the Tent team
Marquee Sports Network announced Wednesday that Pat Hughes, Beth Mowins and Chris Myers will be collaborating on coverage of the Cubs games during the 2021. The trio will help fill in when Jon “Boog” Sciambi leaves the television booth.
When Mowins calls up her first game, she will become the first Cubs game-by-game announcer in team history. Since 1994 she has been working as an ESPN broadcaster, calling mainly male and female college sports.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to work with a franchise as beloved and historic as the Chicago Cubs,” Mowins said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to be part of the Marquee Sports Network team and I’m looking forward to working alongside some of the best in the business this season.”
Hughes, who is the Cubs ’long-running radio voice on 670 The Score, is entering his 26th season convening ball club games. Myers has been a broadcaster for over 30 years with FOX Sports and hosts the show “Chris and Tell” at Marquee.
It should be noted
• Ross noted Wednesday that the intercostal injury unloader Rowan Wick is currently dealing with is related to the left oblique backhand that ended his season in September. There is no schedule for Wick’s return when the field opens.
“He felt better and then he started throwing. He’s still a little uncomfortable,” Ross said. “There are literally zero reasons to rush into anything right now and we want this guy to be healthy.”
• Marquee Sports Network plans to air all 14 Cubs home spring training games at Sloan Park in Arizona. Chicago begins its Cactus League roster on March 1 against the Padres on the road and opens at home on March 2 against Kansas City.
Quotable
“As a fan, you fall in love with the players. But there are also opportunities in the absence of great players to continue. There is the opportunity for the next family name, the next boy, the next boy who will put his stamp on The Puppies, the organization and the victory. I don’t know who this guy is. We have ideas of who those great players might be, but they have to come out and prove it, and I think it’s exciting. ” – Ross