Chicago Cubs News: Concern over Wade Davis?
Wade Davis has struggled in Spring Training with the Chicago Cubs but there is no need for concern.
2017 Spring Training has not been a bright spot for new Chicago Cubs closer Wade Davis.
Davis, who was acquired by the Cubs in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, has 19.64 ERA in 5 appearances with the Cubs this Spring. Davis’ struggles have led to concern over his ability to close out games for the Cubs during the regular-season.
Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon, however, has no such concerns. Maddon told reporters on Sunday that Davis is looking good this Spring despite his high-ERA.
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"“Honestly, I’ve known him long enough that it’s not” a concern, Maddon said. “You’re not going to believe this, but he’s actually throwing better than he normally does in spring training. The biggest problem he’s having right now is command.“Velocity looks good. The break on the breaking ball looks good. He’s just not throwing the ball where he wants it. And this guy is normally the kind of pitcher that can dot it up really well.“But everything else looks really good to me, (because) I had him back with the Rays and in spring training you always saw him throwing like 86, 87, 88 (mph). I’m seeing easy 94-95. I’m seeing sharp break on some breaking stuff. It’s just bad counts and bad command right now.”"
Davis should earn the benefit of the doubt. When healthy, Davis has proven to be an elite closer in Major League Baseball. As a relief pitcher, Davis has a career-ERA of 1.51 and a 0.94 WHIP. Spring Training should not deter the Cubs or their fan-base from thinking that Davis is the shutdown closer that they pegged him to be when they acquired him from the Royals.
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The concern over Davis is just an example of fans having too much time on their hands. Though, that will soon change as the Chicago Cubs kick off the regular-season against the St. Louis Cardinals next Sunday night.