Randy Wells Named Fourth Starting Pitcher for Cubs

Little by little, Cubs' fans are seeing some solid thinking going on with Manager Mike Quade and General Manager Jim Hendry. They have been talking with one another and exchanging ideas. No one person owns the decision making process. As a result the choices for the Cubs' starting pitching rotation have come slow but sure. The latest piece of good news is that Randy Wells has made the roster as the fourth starting pitcher. One spot remains. Wells thought he had made the team but was glad to hear Mike Quade tell him.

Carrie Muskat has posted an article at the Chicago Cubs' website titled "Wells nails down spot as Cubs' fourth starter. I was glad to hear it.

Last year, Wells started off poorly. However, part of the reason was he did not get hitting support. Another reason was that he was playing under Lou Piniella - a great player and manager. However, in his last season with the Cubs he had his mind on his mom who was very ill and probably should have resigned before he did which cost the Cubs fine tuning and did hurt Wells who was struggling.

The fact Wells has been named a starter leaves last years' star pitcher, Carlos Silva, battling to get on the roster. Other players currently trying to make the rotation are Casey Coleman and Marcos Mateo. Andrew Cashner was trying to become a starting pitcher but was told he would be on the team in another capacity which is yet to be determined.

On Friday, Wells threw for 5 2/3 innings before being lifted. The Cubs won the game against the Mariners, 6-3. Wells has posted a beautiful 2.10 ERA.

I would like to see the Cubs go with Casey Coleman for the final spot on the pitching rotation. Silva early in the spring got into a fight with another player because of supposed failure to perform. That is shades of last years' Carlos Zambrano and it seems the Cubs need to steer clear of that type of thing.

Quade brings to the Chicago Cubs this year some things they haven't had in awhile. He has the respect of the players because he is honest with them and he has a good relationship with his boss that allows and encourages mutual decision-making - no one brain can run a team.

Reference:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Carrie Muskat, "Wells nails down spot as Cubs' fourth starter"