Pitchers

In the last post, we talked about how Cubs Manager Lou Pinella has stated he would like to take thirteen fielders and twelve pitchers to Cincinnati for opening day. I discussed the many potential options that may happen in the next month that could help the roster fall into place.

Now, what about the pitching staff? Surprisingly enough, this is a simpler puzzle, provided everyone is healthy. That isn’t something we can always assume. Last year, we couldn’t even consider having everyone healthy.

If all the moons align, I expect the starting rotation to consist of Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Jason Marquis, Mark Prior and Rich Hill, but not necessarily in that order. Barring injury or a complete breakdown, these will be the five pitchers who will carry the Cubs to the World Series, maybe.

Zambrano said recently that if he can win 18-20 games and the other four can win 10-13 games each, there is no reason the Cubs can’t get to the World Series. I have to agree. The tough part is getting him the 18-20 wins and the other four to be healthy long enough to register 10 – 13 wins.

The bullpen should be a harder field to sort out, but it really is not that tough. Ryan Dempster will start the season as the closer. He may also end the season as the closer. He has the stuff and the mindset. Now if we can keep him interested.

Scott Eyre and Bobby Howry will be the primary setup men. Kerry Wood will get his chances. That leaves specialist Wil Ohman, long man Neal Cotts and a number of choices for the final spot.

The final spot could fall to whoever does not stink this spring. Likely candidates include Wade Miller, Michael Wuertz and Roberto Novoa. Longshot candidates include Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, Ryan O’Malley or any of the other non-roster invitees.

Truthfully, the only non-rosters who have any chance to make the club are back-up middle infielders Tomas Perez and Bobby Hill. People will talk about the non-roster pitching candidates, but outside of Ryan O’Malley, I do not think any have a real chance.

The only other longshot for the roster would be if the Cubs traded someone and gained an experienced arm. It would take Jacque Jones and/or Michael Wuertz and or a prospect to land anyone this March, which is not out-of-the-question.

What is out-of-the-question is believing that Roberto Novoa or Wade Miller will bring the Cubs anything worthwhile in return. They may land an iffy Class A prospect, but that’s about all we can expect.

So Thursday is the big day. Let the games begin!!