NEWSLETTER
Is there a more model Major Leaguer or better example-setter than Kyle Hendricks? I really don’t think so.
Two days ago, the Cubs bounced the veteran right-hander from their starting rotation. It was a true demotion, as his general ineffectiveness hit a tipping point (and then some).
Yesterday, we heard from Cubs manager Craig Counsell and President Jed Hoyer on the decision, before diving into some of the reasons Hendricks deserves a longer leash on the active roster. And today, the man speaks for himself. As you might expect, he is handling this demotion with unparalleled poise, taking responsibility while demonstrating gratitude that he still gets a chance to go out and pitch for the Chicago Cubs. He is truly the best.
Kyle Hendricks Speaks
Here’s Kyle Hendricks on his demotion out of the Chicago Cubs starting rotation, a job he’s held since his Major League debut in 2014.
For those that couldn’t listen:
Pretty simple honestly, I mean, we all know what’s been going on. I think just trying to give the team the best chance to win at the end of the day. And that’s all I’m trying to be about. So I’m honestly excited for the opportunity and the challenge in a way. It’s been great to be down there with the guys for already one game. But (it’s) just a big opportunity obviously to just try to turn things around. (I’m) still trying to work on things and get some game action. And I’m just trying to contribute and help the team win in anyway I can.
…You expect something to happen. You know it was just going terrible obviously. So, you can’t put up those kind of results; we’re in a win-now kind of mode. And that’s exactly where I want to be. You know? I want to be part of a team that’s winning. I just want to be doing my part to contribute to that winning. So I wasn’t doing that. So now, hopefully, a little reshape of focus, some perspective, you know, see something new out there and hopefully I can, like I said, work on the things I need to work on, turn it around, and help the team get some wins.
(Asked if his goal was to return to the rotation): My goal, honestly, is to just make good pitches. Make good pitches and get some outs. See the results that come from it, but I have to focus on my process and just the pitches I’m making when I’m out there. And I just want to contribute in anyway. So obviously I just love being out there with the ball. I love baseball, I love pitching. So that’s where I’m trying to come from right now.
I mean come on, that’s a leader right there. A true “do as I do” guy, totally living up to his reputation. Maybe he feels differently on the inside, I’m sure it’s disappointing, but he seems genuinely excited to find second life in the bullpen and help a good Cubs team win some games.
“I’m just so lucky and grateful,” he said via Tony Andracki at Marquee. “All the time I’ve gotten here in Chicago to play in front of the best fans in the world, play at Wrigley Field. Honestly, I’m just taking it one day at at a time. Whenever that day comes, we’ll approach that and look at it head on, but I don’t really tend to plan those kinds of things.
And, hey, he’s following in the path of a few other beloved Cubs starters who fell out of the rotation and into the bullpen for one reason or another. Carlos Zambrano was bumped into relief back in 2012, after posting a 4.54 ERA through his first 20 starts. He went on to post a 4.15 ERA (with even stronger peripherals – 3.09 FIP) over 17.1 IP down the stretch.
And then there’s Kerry Wood, who became a reliever in in 2007, posting a 3.33 ERA over 24.1 IP for the Cubs before turning into a 34-save closer in 2008 (3.26 ERA).
Kyle Hendricks doesn’t have the same profile/stuff as Zambrano or Wood, so the journey will probably be different. The routine, alone, will be completely novel to him. But if there’s any player you can trust to put in the effort to make it work, it’s Kyle Hendricks.
And, hey, maybe he’ll get his first shot today. The Cubs have a bullpen game on tap against the Braves. Ben Brown is getting the start, but if the Cubs need a couple innings, maybe they turn it over to Kyle Hendricks. Atlanta’s lineup isn’t the softest landing spot, but I’m sure he’s up for the challenge. Let’s see how it goes.
