Chicago Cubs' Pitching Rotation Still in Question

When the Cubs lost to the Cincinnati Reds a couple of days ago we were left wondering how the Cubs were looking at their own situation. Manager Mike Quade has addressed that at least in part. Along with that Jeff Samardzija has matured as a reliever and right now is red hot.

Carrie Muskat has posted an article t the Chicago Cubs' website titled "Quade not judging starters solely on numbers."

What that means to me is he is "going on his gut." Quade spent 17 seasons in the minor leagues and part of his job was getting pitchers ready to go to the big leagues or getting a pitcher with an injury ready to go back to the big leagues. It is impossible to do that with any type of "monitor."

Of note currently for the Cubs is the fact that Carlos Silva is struggling mightily. Last year Silva opened with an 8-0 record before tapering off. This year Silva has an ERA of 15.88. Could that keep him out of the Cubs' starting rotation? That remains to be seen. There is another Cubs' pitcher who is struggling and believe it or not it is Carlos Zambrano who has a 4.08 ERA, certainly much better.

Zambrano may be tagged to go to a minor league pitching camp.

Matt Garza pitched in my hometown of Peoria, Ill., and in the process caused some soreness in his left hamstring. However, he is apparently over it. Yet his ERA is 9.88. Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells continue to shine with 2.00 and 1.29 ERAs, respectively.

Quade will meet with general manager Jim Hendry and determine the starting rotation as late as possible. From our reference article we find that Quade is interested in things like making adjustments during a game.

In the meantime Jeff Samardzija pitched a scoreless inning in relief on Saturday. He did make adjustments. After giving up an opening double Samardzija struck out three straight batters. Quade was happy as was Samardzija. When Samardzija first came to the Cubs it was undecided as to whether or not he would be a starter or a reliever. He is comfortable in the role of reliever.

The Cubs' pitching rotation is not set. The Cubs are still in the throes of change. Cubs' fans can only hope that Mike Quade has good instincts.

Reference:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Carrie Muskat, "Quade not judging starters solely on numbers"