Why Aaron Heilman Won't Succeed as a Starter

Playing for the team he grew up rooting for excites Aaron Heilman, but the idea of him starting for the Cubs shouldn't excite Cubs fans.

Don't get me wrong, I like this trade. Ronny Cedeno was out of options, Garret Olson wasn't going to make the club, and despite an awful 2008 season, Aaron Heilman is a solid relief pitcher.  

What I don't understand is why in the world the Cubs would consider the former Notre Dame standout as a possible starter. The numbers don't lie. As a starter, the Indiana native has made just 25 starts with a record of 5-13 and a 5.93 ERA. The 30-year old right-hander has made 280 career relief appearances with a career ERA of 3.57. He has not started a game since May of 2005. 

There's no question the Cubs have one of the best rotations in the national league, but it must be noted that it's very unlikely that Rich Harden will make more then 20 starts this season. In all likelihood, Sean Marshall will serve as Harden's insurance policy when and if Harden is sidelined. 

It would behoove the Cubs to go out and add another starter and use Heilman out of the pen in a seventh-inning role.  Heilman will strengthen the Cubs pen, but will weaken their rotation. 

Assistant Cubs general manager Randy Bush spoke to the media and said Heilman will battle with Chad Gaudin, Sean Marshall, and Jeff Samardzija for the last starting spot. If I felt Harden could make 35 starts, I would go along with the Cubs thought process. Unfortunately, I don't see that happening.

With spring training just over two weeks away, it would be to the Cubs best interest to add another starter. There are plenty available arms available on the free agent market.  Randy Wolf, Brandon Looper, and Ben Sheets are just a few. Let Gaudin, Marshall, Samardzija, and Heilman battle it out to be Harden's insurance policy. 

Very rarely will you find quality pitchers available for such a low price on the open market.  The Cubs need to take advantage of it.