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What Marcus Stroman Really Brings to the Cubs

 


Give me all the hype. Because I'm seriously excited to see Stroman pitching for the CHICAGO CUBS this season. (Even though the lockout is happening, and the season will likely be delayed, etc, etc.) Anyway, I've already discussed his stats and what kind of pitcher and person he is, and all that good analytics stuff, but in order to be FULLY ready to see Stroman pitching this season you must watch this video.



Yes, the very first clip of this video is Stroman having a nasty strikeout versus the 2021 NL MVP...Bryce Harper. 

Pitchers are pitchers. They all have the same job: throw the ball to the catcher and try not to allow any runs. But the variety in pitchers is simply overwhelming...and I think Stroman is in his very own category.

Why? Because I can't really think of any active MLB pitcher that has quite the same physique, style, and athleticism. He became the Cubs' shortest current player at 5'8, but that doesn't stop him from being an extremely explosive pitcher. When I see the hand coming out of the glove to deliver the pitch, I see pure energy ready to face the batter. 

The movement of his body and pitches is pretty interesting. I see his whole body winding up and building up energy in preparation for the delivery of each pitch, which causes his pitches to be explosive, even though they aren't high-velo. His pitch grips are unique and the fact that he experiments and plays with them shows that you never know when he's going to have a new secret weapon.

His athleticism is also amazing, and I think he'd be a solid shortstop backup if the Cubs ever needed one :) That fitness will help keep him from being as injury-prone, and also is a big plus for infield defense.

Pitching Ninja did an interview with Stroman a while ago where he showed some of his grips and general stuff, so you can watch that too.





So, yeah. All that to say that you are now ready to watch Stroman pitch for the Cubs this season. Whenever that is.

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