Pete Crow-Armstrong's meteoric rise in the MLB continues with a historic 20-20 season, marking him as the third Cubs player to achieve this feat in consecutive years. His recent performance against the Orioles, including a pair of home runs and a stellar .464/.583/.929 slash line, showcases his exceptional skills and potential. This article delves into the significance of his achievement, the strategic brilliance behind his home runs, and the broader implications for the Cubs and the MLB.
A Historic 20-20 Season
Crow-Armstrong's ability to reach 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in consecutive years is a remarkable feat. Last year, he achieved this in just 73 games, tying him for fourth on baseball's all-time list for the fastest to 20-20 in a single season. This year, he surpassed his own record, reaching the milestone in his 92nd game. His success is even more impressive considering he's done it before the All-Star break, a feat only Alfonso Soriano, Jose Canseco, and Bobby Bonds have accomplished in multiple seasons.
His achievement is a testament to his talent and hard work, and it's no wonder Cubs manager Craig Counsell is excited. "It’s still a very young career," Counsell said. "But he’s doing things that the greats in the game have done. They are small-timeframe accomplishments, but still great. And then, just the improvement that we’ve seen is so exciting for Cubs fans."
Mastering the Splitter
One of Crow-Armstrong's most impressive aspects is his ability to hit low pitches, particularly the splitter. Entering the game, Kremer had limited batters to a 2-for-27 showing with only two singles with his splitter. However, Crow-Armstrong managed to hit two home runs off his splitter, showcasing his exceptional skills and adaptability. This is especially notable given his career statistics, where he had hit .188 with a .208 slugging percentage off split-finger fastballs.
His success against Kremer's splitter highlights his ability to recognize and exploit pitch patterns. "That was a tough pitch for me to kind of time up," Crow-Armstrong said. "He had gotten me on it three times before that, and twice in that at-bat. It’s just being willing to let the fastball really travel and give myself the best chance to put a barrel on that split."
A Hot Streak and Improved Plate Discipline
Crow-Armstrong's recent hot streak has been a sight to behold. After an 0-for-10 showing in a three-game road series against the Brewers, he has turned in a .464/.583/.929 slash line with four homers, one double, seven RBIs, nine runs, three steals, and as many walks as strikeouts in 36 plate appearances. His improved plate discipline is a significant factor in his success, as evidenced by his ability to draw walks and control the strike zone.
Cubs starter Colin Rea praised Crow-Armstrong's approach, saying, "It feels like he’s on everything. To see his approach and to see how he’s matured in the box, it’s fun to watch."
Broader Implications and Future Potential
Crow-Armstrong's success has broader implications for the Cubs and the MLB. His ability to reach 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in consecutive years is a rare and impressive feat, and it raises questions about his long-term potential. With his exceptional skills and work ethic, he is poised to become a cornerstone of the Cubs' lineup and a force to be reckoned with in the MLB.
In conclusion, Pete Crow-Armstrong's 20-20 season is a testament to his talent and hard work. His ability to hit low pitches, improved plate discipline, and overall performance make him a player to watch. As he continues to excel, he will undoubtedly leave his mark on the MLB and inspire future generations of baseball players.
