Jake Arrieta’s Most Important Start of the Season
I hate putting so much weight on one start in the middle of a baseball season, with some 70 odd games left on the schedule and we haven’the even entered August yet. I hate it but the Chicago Cubs Jake Arrieta’s Most important start this season very well could be his next.
I’m not into the whole “the sky is falling” crowd, and this isn’t in support of that sort of mentality. This is an honest look at a start that could very well set the tone for the remainder of his and the Cubs season.
Step back in time one whole year ago…
While Jake’s first start after the all star break was a loss (1-0 in which the then Philadelphia Phillies’ Cole Hamels no-hit the Cubs) that was the start of one of the most dominate runs in MLB history. It would be ridiculous to say Jake could duplicate that run, but if he produces a strong quality start against the New York Mets it could be used as momentum or more importantly a confidence booster for Jake.
It is a bit funny to say Jake needs a confidence booster, since he gives the sense of being one of the more confident players in the league.
Whatever helps keep your hope alive, just know, it doesn't matter. @Cubs https://t.co/bJDN1wP0tS
— Jake Arrieta (@JArrieta34) October 4, 2015
But with how grinding a baseball season can be, a shot of confidence could very well be what is needed for Jake and the Cubs.
Yes, part of the importance of Jake’s start can weigh heavily upon the Cubs themselves. While they’ve gotten very strong starts out of three of the four pitchers since the break, the team gains a lot more momentum from a strong Arrieta start than any other pitcher.
Jake is the Cubs ace after all, and an ace is suppose to stop the bleeding or extend those two or three game winning streaks into much longer streaks of great play. Teams feed off their ace and their great players. If Jake can go out and lock down the Mets, the effects could be carried well into September and hopefully deep into October as well.
There are number one pitchers and then there are true aces. Everyone has a number one, but hardly anyone has an ace.
Likewise, another poor outing by Jake could keep the team in its horrid tailspin that has plagued them over the past month and a half, but could further damage Arrieta’s mentality. With the last 11 days off, Jake should have had enough time to work out any kinks – both mentally and physically. A loss could be devastating in terms of getting Arrieta back to the pitcher that more resembles the man who made the first 10 starts of the season, and not the last 12.
This isn’t a do or die, or sky is falling scenario, but everyone will be much more confident if we see 2015 CY Young Jake Arrieta, and not this weird form of Arrieta that is a shell of himself. I guess we’ll find out which is which around 6:05 tonight.
