(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

This is what personally annoys me more than anything about the Cubs.  Since they started their run as National League Central champs in 2007, there has been no consistency in the starting rotation.

Now, the rotation has been good overall, but not as good as it should be, IMO.

In 2007, the Cubs had three starters that could have been considered the staff ace, if you will.  Ted Lilly, Rich Hill, and supposed ace Carlos Zambrano were all really neck and neck for this title.

Ted Lilly

15-8, 3.83 ERA, 207 IP, 174 K, in 34 starts

Rich Hill

11-8, 3.92 ERA, 195 IP, 183 K, in 32 starts

Carlos Zambrano

18-13, 3.95 ERA, 216.1 IP, 177 K, in 34 starts

Most people would give the nod to Zambrano by default, but I completely disagree. 

I myself would have to go with Rich Hill.  I remember a handful of games that he lost giving up two or less runs.  If I remember correctly (I am not sure how to look it up) he had one of the worst average run support stats in the National League.

Either way, by the end of the year, I thought that he was the Cubs best and most consistant starting pitcher. 

It is really too bad that he pulled a Rick Ankiel (no he wasn't a better hitter than pitcher) and lost complete control in early 2008.  I really thought this kid was going to be a good starter for the Cubs for a long time.

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