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2016 World Series: 3 Ways Josh Tomlin Can Shutdown The Chicago Cubs

By Evan Hablitzel

Jul 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (43) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (43) throws a pitch during the first inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Tomlin
Oct 15, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (43) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning of game two of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Finesse

Josh Tomlin has the lowest Power/Finesse Ratio (PFR) of all qualified MLB starters (.79). The PFR is calculated by adding a pitcher’s strikeouts and walks and then dividing by total innings pitched.

When Tomlin is on, he does not miss his spots. He makes a living pitching inside and staying away from the middle of the plate. I’ve said this before about the crafty veteran, he’s a poor man’s Greg Maddux– and that’s a compliment.

Tomlin getting ahead of the count allows him to truly work his craft. According to FanGraphs.com, 35.2 percent of opponents’ swings are at pitches outside the zone. Also, 67.7 percent of the time he delivers a first-pitch strike.

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Tomlin’s “finesse” is what makes him effective. He will give an opposing hitter a pitch to swing at and trust his defense behind him. By working the inside corners on both lefties and righties, he manages to stay away from the middle of the plate.

It will be interesting to see how Tomlin pitches Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo practically stands on the plate while hitting- but that won’t stop Tomlin from attempting to execute his game plan. The Cubs hit .279 against “Finesse” pitchers this season with 100 home runs and 364 RBIs- compared to a .229 batting average and 39 home runs and 160 RBIs against power pitchers.

The thing is… not every “Finesse” pitcher is as good as Tomlin.

Tomlin may be the most underrated player nationally in the Indians clubhouse. If his dreadful August was eliminated from the record books, Tomlin would be fourth in the American League in ERA.

Next: 5 Longest Droughts In World Series History

He’s been that good this year. So don’t be surprised when he shuts down the Cubs in Game 3.

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