Chicago Cubs Rotation: Each Year Brings a Different Ace

It is now 2009.  The Cubs entered the year with three out of the four mentioned previously still in their rotation.  Zambrano is still considered the club ace, with Dempster and mid-2008 acquisition Rich Harden, who wasn't mentioned for 2008 only because he only pitched half the season here.

With a combo of Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, and Harden, the Cubs were/are supposed to have one of the best rotations in the majors.

So far they haven't lived up.  Lilly is the only one that has pitched consistently well so far.  He has a line of; 6-4, 3.50 ERA in his 10 starts.  Zambrano comes in second with his 4.22 ERA, followed by Harden at 4.74 ERA and then Dempster at 4.99.

While they all have time to improve their seasons, they look like they could be challenged by a rookie, Randy Wells, who has looked phenomenal in his first four starts.  Despite his 0-2 record, he has a 1.80 ERA in his 25 innings.  He has had absolutely no run support.  He could easily be 4-0 to start his career, but because of the Cubs lack of offense, finds himself with two loses.

While it is not likely that he will finish the season with a 1.80 ERA, it does seem that, for the time being, Wells will be in the Cubs rotation.  I think it is plausible that he could end the season with an ERA around 3.50, which could put him right in line for "staff ace 2009."

What would be fantastic is if Zambrano could return to his '03-'06 form, Lilly and Wells continue what they are doing, with Dempster and Harden returning to their 2008 form.  Even if this was for a 50 game stretch, it could help put the Cubs above the rest of the Central Division.

 

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