Cubs pitcher Jason Hammel has new secret weapon: Chips
David Ross looked down a couple stalls from his locker Wednesday morning and announced, "free chips to everyone thanks to Hammel."
That's starting pitcher and potential potato chip pitch man Jason Hammel, who was leaning on six cardboard boxes full of potato chips delivered to his locker - all compliments of Pennsylvania-based Utz. Those boxes stacked on top of each other nearly reached eye level with the 6-foot-6 Hammel.
"We are set for the year," joked Hammel, telling the media to, "help yourselves."
"I should have enough sodium to last a lifetime now. This is just fun. I really don't know what to say other than that because I wasn't expecting that."
Utz sent Hammel the chips as a thank you of sorts. Cramps have been a chronic problem for Hammel, and his doctor told him the potassium, salt and carbs in potato chips can help.
So on Saturday in his first start of the second half, Hammel took that advice and munched on some chips between innings of a 3-1 victory over the Texas Rangers.
Utz took notice of his comments afterward about the new diet.
"I have never done that before, it was more a joke, but it is much appreciated," Hammel said. "The misconception is all I do is eat chips. Any excuse to eat chips obviously I'm going to go with it. It worked for the first time around. We'll see. I have enough obviously to make it through the next 13, 14 starts."
Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he's got no problems with the between-inning snack.
"If it's working for him I'm all about that," Maddon said. "What male does not look for an excuse to eat more potato chips?"
All joking aside, Hammel is hoping to right his past second half blues. His career 5.11 ERA in the second half is quite a contrast to his 3.99 first half. That includes a 2.86 ERA before the All-Star break last year and 5.10 after.
He really bottomed out in the playoffs, lasting just 3 innings against the Cardinals in the divisional round and 1 1/3 innings allowing 5 runs in the NLCS vs. the Mets.
Hammel got off to a good start in this year's second half against Texas, allowing just 3 hits and 1 run in 6 innings.
"I made a commitment this off-season to change the diet," Hammel said. "Obviously I'm not eating chips for every meal.
"I just want to continue to focus on the thought process. It's very important to go pitch-by-pitch and game-by-game and not getting too far ahead of myself. In the past it was trying to make up for a bad game and thinking ahead and what do I have to do to fix this."
Hammel takes an 8-5 record with a 3.34 ERA into his next start Friday at Milwaukee. He also will continue following his doctor's orders - which he couldn't believe at first.
"I looked at him like he had 10 eyes, like 'you are kidding me?' Hammel said. "He said that literally is what your body needs to avoid cramps. Obviously keeping the shape I committed to this off-season is first and foremost.
"It makes sense. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, carbs, you're burning off energy there. And then the salt, obviously. Obviously not any kind of meal or breakfast of champions but it's something. There's quirky things for everybody."