Mid way through spring training, the Cubs still have some questions regarding their pitching situation. Both in the rotation and the pen. Most of the rotataion and bullpen is answered but there sre still questions. Who will be the 4th and 4th starter? Who will take the final spots in the bullpen? Those are really only the questions that have to be answered.
We already know the that Dempster is the number 1 starter, Zambrano the number 2 starter and Garza will be the number 3 starter. Also we know Marmol will be the closer, Marshall will be the lefty set-up man, Wood will be the righty set-up man and Grabow will be the lefty specialist. But that's all we know for sure.
Looking at the spots already secured:
Rotation:
Dempster: He has looked great this spring he was going to make the rotation no doubt. Also, he got the opening day nod over Zambrano.
Zambrano: He's probably been the Cubs best pitcher this spring and was going to make the rotation even what he did this spring.
Garza: He has not looked good this spring but the Cubs went out and traded for him to help streghtened this rotation.
Bullpen:
Marmol: When he throws strikes, he's one of the best closers in baseball and he's a strikeout king.
Marshall: He was one of the best set-up man last year and deserves to stay as a set-up man.
Wood: He was lights out for the Yanks last year and was a bargain signing. He fits well as the righty set-up man.
Grabow: I'm not a fan of him but his contract almost certains a spot in the pen and he will be in the pen no doubt.
Looking at the final 2 spots in the rotation:
Wells: He has looked fantastic on the mound and with his play, almost secures a spot in the rotation. Prediction: 4th or 5th starter.
Cashner: He has looked alright this spring but the Cubs want to give him every chance to make the rotation. Like Wells, he's in the lead to secure one of those two last spots. Prediction: 4th or 5th starter.
Silva: He has looked so bad and I don't even know if he'll make the team., The one thing that he'll make the team on is his contract. Even with him making that much, I would release him in benefit of make the club better. Prediction: Release of traded.
Russell: He's only started one game and that almost tells, he won't make the rotation. Prediction: Will start for Triple A.
Coleman: He has not looked so great this year and I doubt he makes the rotation and bullpen. Prediction: Will start for Triple A.
Looper: He has looked pretty good but I just don't see it. Prediction: Will go back to family
Wellnymer: Like Lopper, he has not look bad but I also don't see it. Prediction: Release.
So....I see Wells and Cashner finishing out the rotation. To go along with Dempster, Zambrano and Garza. Manager Mike Quade is expected to name the starting 5, tomorrow (Wednesday).
Examing the final spot in the bullpen:
Silva, Coleman, Russell, Looper, Wellnymer, and Coleman: I talked about them above and my predictions above will stay the same.
Samardiza: He has looked bad this spring but I don't think the Cubs want to lose him and he will make the pen. Preciction: Bullpen.
Maine: He has looked really good this year besides one game. I really like him and I also expect him to make the bullpen: Prediction: Bullpen.
Mateo: In a bit of a surprise, Mateo has looked good this spring and I think has a shot to make the bullpen: Prediction: Bullpen.
For the most part, these are the players I want to make the pen. But I know that won't happen because a player makes too much and/or is a veteran.
How I would like the bullpen to be:
Closer: Marmol
Set-up: Marshall
Set-up: Wood
Lefty specialist: Grabow
Lefty: Maine
Righty: Samardzia (don't like but I think he has a spot in pen)
Righty Mateo
How I think the bullpen will be:
Closer: Marmol
Set-up: Marshall
Set-up: Wood
Lefty specialist: Grabow
Righty: Samardzija
Righty: Silva
Lefty Maine
There is no word on when the bullpen will be figured out. But I imagine it will be announced closer to the end of spring training.
That is what I think and how I think the Cubs' pitching situation should go.
bamainatlantaYou wake him up, you keep him up