If the Cubs’ anonymous team of “geeks” advised Joe Maddon against starting Kyle Schwarber Monday night, I’d really like to see their numbers. And if it was one of the manager’s infamous gut feelings that urged him to opt for Mark Zagunis in left, I’d advise him to up his Metamucil consumption and maybe try a probiotic regimen.
On the surface, the move looked like a simple platoon against a lefty starter for the Braves. But Sean Newcomb doesn’t pitch to traditional splits, walking lefties at a higher rate while also giving up higher slugging to them than he does righties.