Spring Training has not even started yet but I want to take a look ahead at the trade deadline. The Cubs have depth in the starting rotation but could make a deal for a good starting pitcher at the deadline to give them a push into and through out the playoffs. Its no secret that the Mets are the favorite to win the NL crown with the Brewers, Padres, Dodgers, Phillies, Cubs, etc fighting for the chance to knock them off there high horse. In order to do that the Cubs need to get a solid one-two punch in there rotation. Don't get me wrong Zambrano and Lilly along with Hill is a very tough 3 but I would feel more comfortable to get a big name pitcher added to the rotation.
A lot of things would have to happen for the Cubs to get a big named pitcher. The Cubs would have to be in the playoff hunt and the teams they would deal with would have to be close to dead in the water. They would have to match up well( which might not happen) and be able to find the right deal. With all that said I see 5 pitchers that the Cubs could land if all these things happen. Lets just have fun with it-
C.C. Sabathia- This should be the Cubs #1 guy if he is shopped. He would provide a power lefty behind Z, with Lilly and Hill to follow. I understand that would give the Cubs 3 leftys but who would not want C.C.???
Brad Penny- He is a free agent just like Sabathia after the season. He would be #2 on my list, although I do not see the Dodgers falling out of the playoff race. He went an outstanding 16-4 with a 3.03 era in 33 games. It would be nice to deal for him then sign him to an extension!
Scott Kazmir- He will be shopped at the end of the next season according to MLBTR.com. He would also give the Cubs 3 leftys but like Sabathia you would be adding another #1 starter to your rotation. He is another guy that I would love to have on the Cubs. He went 13-9 with a 3.48 era and 239 SO last season.
John Lackey- Although the Angels in my opinion are the team to beat in the West and he does have a team option for 9 million that the team would likely pick up, I still put him on my list. Its wishful thinking though. He went an amazing 19-9 with a 3.01 era and 179 SO in 224 innings pitched. I would love him to be in the 2 spot in the rotation.
Derek Lowe- Another guy who is a free agent after next season but unlikely to be delt for the same reason Penny won't be. But you never know. Lowe went 12-14 last year but had a good era at 3.88. He eats innings like crazy pitching near 200 innings the last 3 season. Not to mention his playoff experience.
All 5 of these pitchers would make the Cubs a tough team to beat in the 2nd half of the season and through out the playoffs. Getting one of them would help the chances of the Cubs end there 100 year WS drought.
3 comments:
Thank you. This is exactly what I wanted to know. Unfortunately for us, with the exception of Kazmir, all these guys are on contenders as of right now.
At the same time no names really pop out on non contenders not in the division. I would be interested in Harang, Arroyo, Sheets, and Oswalt, but I dont see those teams dealing them to us within the division.
Maybe Millwood or Padilla down in Texas? I guess Blanton will still be a possibility if not dealt till the deadline. Maybe the Braves deal Hudson if they fall out of the race?
Nice wish list. If Cuban buys the team maybe. If not we may be looking at Veal and Samardzija and still have 3 lefties. I'd like to see both Dempster and Marquis be traded and Hart the 5th starter. With Marshall long relief. Nick I
MLB rumors says baltimore wants Ceda and Cubs say hes untouchable. Nick I
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