Geoff Burke - USA Today Sports
Geoff Burke - USA Today Sports

Arrieta breaks down Yu Darvish with Cubs


by - Senior Editor -

One of the most difficult things in sports is being compared to a legendary coach or superstar player right after they retire or leave town. The comparisons can be daunting and the expectations can be unfair.

Yu Darvish has stepped into that role with the Cubs on a six-year, $126 million deal during this offseason to replace standout Jake Arrieta that helped lead the Cubs to break the 108-year World Series drought.

Darvish has struggled to a tune of a 4.96 ERA in eight starts and has already been on the disabled list two times this season.

Arrieta spoke to the media before Tuesday's game and said that Darvish is a quality pitcher.

"He is a tremendous pitcher," Arrieta said. "I know he has had some struggles here and tough times. He has been put in a difficult situation. I think he probably has his head down just working on things to get himself healthy so he can be out there for these guys. When he is healthy, he is pretty damn good. I now that everyone in that clubhouse wants to see that also. They know what he is capable of. Do I have any advice for him? He probably has a good plan. I hope he does perform well. If he is able to do that, the city is going to love him."

This season, Arrieta has been fairly dominant with the Phillies with a 5-3 record, 2.66 ERA, and 1.17 WHIP.

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