Pete Crow-Armstrong Showing Massive Growth In The Cubs' Leadoff Spot
By sharpening his plate discipline and grinding out marathon at-bats, the Cubs' young outfielder is silencing skeptics and transforming Chicago's offense from the top.
Video Transcript
What is up Cubs fans and welcome back to Cubs Roundtable.
I'm Joey Polizzi talking about all things Cubs.
And last week, manager Craig Counsell had to make a lineup decision.
And one of the biggest things that Craig Counsell did in that lineup change decision was moving Pico Armstrong from down in the order eight or nine to the leadoff spot.
And while at first it looked a little questionable putting a hitter who strikes out a ton and doesn't really walk a lot at the leadoff spot, Pico Armstrong has actually thrived in that leadoff spot in the six games that he has appeared there so far.
And you look at what Pico Armstrong has done in these six at-bats to start games.
The one biggest thing is he is working these pitchers deep into counts early in game.
That gives players behind him a chance to see what this pitcher's got today.
Pico Armstrong has done that.
On Saturday, worked a nine-pitch at-bat.
The next game, worked a seven-pitch at-bat.
Thursday against Skene, worked a six-pitch at-bat.
On Wednesday, was probably his best at-bat that we have seen from Pico Armstrong this year.
In Wednesday's game against the Pirates with Bubba Chandler on the mound, Pico Armstrong worked a 10-pitch walk.
And the thing about this at-bat was Pico Armstrong got into a one-two hole in the count.
He needed to follow up several pitches and what he did, which included a 98 mile per hour fastball at the top of the zone, and then laid off two really good pitches at the bottom of zone, one off-speed pitch and one sinker.
Those are becoming the norm for Pico Armstrong.
Yes, his work, his plate discipline needs to be worked on.
And the good news for Pico Armstrong is that it has been.
He has been much more disciplined at the plate in this area.
His on-base percentage is up this month.
He has over a 14% walk rate over his last 15 games.
Pico Armstrong is becoming more selective at the plate and that has helped him thrive in this leadoff spot.
So if you're the Cubs, continue to hit Pico Armstrong in this leadoff spot against right-handed hitters.
He is becoming more selective at the plate and becoming a better all-around hitter.
I think Pico Armstrong has shown a lot of growth in this area.
But let me know what you guys think about Pico Armstrong and being in that leadoff spot.
Do you like it?
Do you hate it?
Let me know down below.
And as always, guys, go Cubs go.
