My original intent for this column was to lend context to Jake Arrieta’s recent stretch of dominant performances.
If you’ve watched MLB Network or ESPN the past couple days, you’ve probably seen the number that jumps off the television screen. In his past 26 regular-season starts, dating back to his June 21 shutout of the Twins last summer, the Cubs’ ace right-hander has a 0.85 ERA.
Zero Point Eight Five.
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It’s really stunning. True tell-your-grandkids brilliance. Bob Gibson stuff.
My first thought was that Arrieta has arrived at “Peak Bonds” territory, or that he’s at least established a well-equipped base camp and started his climb.