This. Fucking. Bullpen.

[Canadouche]

Is it possible that running a program in which you keep all your starters -- even if healthy -- below 200 innings a year results in overusing your relievers to the point where they can't be relied upon by the end of the year? I don't think they're bad, I just think they're out of gas.

[D. Doluntap]

Nice pitching, John.

[WTB...A RING FFS!!]

I really hope that's the last time we see Lackey pitch for the Cubs.

[Canadouche]

I really hope that's the last time we see Lackey pitch for the Cubs.

Would've been a moot point if the offense had managed to do something.

[CBStew]

I really hope that's the last time we see Lackey pitch for the Cubs.

[WTB...A RING FFS!!]

I'm not arguing the point of Lackey's meatball, just that with the exception of G5 of the NLDS, this group offensively has been a bunch of gutless, fucking pussies.

[Quality Start Machine]

I really hope that's the last time we see Lackey pitch for the Cubs.

It would certainly be a fitting ending.

[CubFaninHydePark]

What I'm struggling with - starters and pen - is how many non-competitive pitches they throw out of the zone.  It seems like everyone we've faced rarely works 2 or 3 ball counts and is just pounding the zone.  And for our pitchers, this has been a trend all season...rarely do starters work into the 7th or 8th because their pitch count is driven up by a high volume of balls thrown.

I'm not sure if this is us now being behind philosophically, pitchers being tired, or what, but this postseason is suggesting that there's a lot to be said for just throwing strikes early in the count.

[Quality Start Machine]

What I'm struggling with - starters and pen - is how many non-competitive pitches they throw out of the zone.  It seems like everyone we've faced rarely works 2 or 3 ball counts and is just pounding the zone.  And for our pitchers, this has been a trend all season...rarely do starters work into the 7th or 8th because their pitch count is driven up by a high volume of balls thrown.

I'm not sure if this is us now being behind philosophically, pitchers being tired, or what, but this postseason is suggesting that there's a lot to be said for just throwing strikes early in the count.

This is the biggest revelation since the discovery that outscoring your opponent results in victories.

[Quality Start Machine]

bump. Jepstink did some good shopping this winter.

[Shooter]

bump. Jepstink did some good shopping this winter.

Every time I try to figure out something Epstink has done right since 2016, I end up scratching my head.

[Quality Start Machine]

bump. Jepstink did some good shopping this winter.

Every time I try to figure out something Epstink has done right since 2016, I end up scratching my head.

Instead of a guy like Cishek who only gets guys out he could have gotten someone who throws normally.

[SKO]

bump. Jepstink did some good shopping this winter.

Every time I try to figure out something Epstink has done right since 2016, I end up scratching my head.

Instead of a guy like Cishek who only gets guys out he could have gotten someone who throws normally.

Cishek is great. I love those sidearmed weirdoes.

[Saul Goodman]

There's the Eddie Butler we all know and love.

Did I say love? Sorry, I meant the opposite.

[SKO]

The HBP stunk but that was a hell of a job by Cishek to avoid the total meltdown there.