During spring training of 2017, the question was put to Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks: Who’s next around here to “pull a Hendricks”?
In other words: Who would be the next guy to blow up into a star as Hendricks had in 2016, when he led the majors in ERA and finished third in NL Cy Young voting?
“That’s easy for me,” Hendricks said as the Cubs prepared to defend their first World Series title in 108 years. “It’s Mike Montgomery. I think he’s got everything he needs to be a great pitcher.”
Hendricks envisioned a move to the starting rotation happening for his left-handed fellow Californian.