Why Theo Epstein Will Revitalize the Chicago Cubs' Pitching Staff

The Chicago Cubs are embarking on a youth rebuilding project.  The most important determiner of its success will be whether Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer can revitalize the team’s pitching staff.

The Cubs’ pitchers were abysmal in 2011, either injured or under-performing in almost every case.  Even Matt Garza, whose statistics were respectable, did not look determined or fiery in 2011.

So, how can Epstein revitalize the team’s pitching staff moving forward?

No. 1: Sign Matt Garza to a Long-Term Deal to Stay With the Cubs

Matt Garza is an excellent pitcher in his prime—the Cubs would be wise to retain him for years to come.

Should the Cubs have traded Hak Ju Lee, Chris Archer, Sam Fuld and Brandon Guyer for Garza? That is hard to say, losing Archer and Lee was particularly painful. But now the Cubs have him, and he can be a strong No. 2 in the team’s future rotation.

Chicago should sign Garza and then go after one of the top pitching free agents next offseason. That combination would give the Cubs a strong front of the rotation.

No. 2: Sign a Top Flight 2013 Free Agent Pitcher

Matt Cain, Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels. Those three pitchers, all free agents next offseason, have Cubs fans salivating.

Chicago will be the top destination with huge free agency resources in 2012, since the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels and Rangers are up to the hilt in spending.  If the Cubs can come away with one, or even two, of those players, the team will instantly become a contender.

No. 3: Help Chris Volstad and Travis Wood Thrive in Their New Surrounding

The Cubs brought in two young, talented, and undervalued pitchers this off-season.  At 25, Volstad is still extremely talented and could thrive in a new uniform.  He is 6’8” and still has top-level heat on his fastball. If he can get an excellent secondary pitch, he will be a good member of the rotation.

For his part, Wood looked like a No. 3 starter in his 2010 rookie season.  He regressed in 2011 but still has the talent to be an integral, left-handed, member of Chicago’s rotation.

No. 4: Develop Trey McNutt and Gerardo Concepcion

McNutt and Concepcion are the Cubs’ two most interesting pitching prospects.  McNutt, a former late-round pick with excellent stuff, has struggled in Triple-A but could get back on track in 2012.  If so, he is in line for a 2013 rotation spot.

Concepcion was signed this offseason by the Cubs, adding to their stable of young talent.  He has front-line starter upside if he can add a pitch or two to his repertoire and could become an integral part of the Cubs’ rotation.