Johnny Sleeper
Member
I had Hendricks as the #4 going into the season. I wanted them to add another pitcher to replace Hammel. I have no probably calling Hendricks the #3. He has surpassed the expectations I had for him when the Cubs acquired him. Something I find interesting about Hendricks is that his FIP in 2014 was 3.32 in 2015 it was 3.34 and this year it is 3.32. He doesn't give up a lot of HRs and he maintains a good K/BB ratio.
We go agree that most people still drastically underrate Hendricks. Even if he has a few rough starts and his ERA catches up to his FIP he'd still be in the top 30 in ERA. Hendricks has established himself as a good starter. A career ERA of 3.08. It'll take him repeating a sub 3.00 ERA performance next season before he starts getting the proper recognition. He's similar to James Shields in his baseball journey. Both of them lack elite stuff and neither has elite control. Both were overlooked as prospects, but they found ways to get it done with what they had and exceed all expectations. Shields eventually got recognized as a top pitcher as will Hendricks.
We go agree that most people still drastically underrate Hendricks. Even if he has a few rough starts and his ERA catches up to his FIP he'd still be in the top 30 in ERA. Hendricks has established himself as a good starter. A career ERA of 3.08. It'll take him repeating a sub 3.00 ERA performance next season before he starts getting the proper recognition. He's similar to James Shields in his baseball journey. Both of them lack elite stuff and neither has elite control. Both were overlooked as prospects, but they found ways to get it done with what they had and exceed all expectations. Shields eventually got recognized as a top pitcher as will Hendricks.