The Chicago Cubs Rotation in 2009

Scary Staff on Paper and Hopefully not the DL

by Nathan Bowman

It's that time of year. Pitchers and catchers to spring training is near. It seems like only yesterday we set ourselves up, yet again, to the sounds of, “this is the year.” So break out those lucky hats and shirts, brush up on your “Go Cubs, Go” lyrics, refill your heart and hypertension medications, and lets get ready for another year of Cubs baseball.

After another year of big free agent signings and whirling rumors the Cubs go into Arizona with the some questions marks in the fifth spot of the pitching staff. Mr. Hendry was finally able to lose Jason Marquis for Luis Vizcaino.

Marquis never gave the Cubs what they were looking for and once again left a hole in the fifth spot in the rotation. The Cubs have provided many potential suitors that are vying to fill the role. One not up for the running is last year's fourth starter, Rich Hill who's off to Baltimore for a change of scenery and a new start.

The in house favorite seems to be Sean Marshall. A team player that has done well in long relief and spot starts. Did have a good spring in 2008 but still lost out to Marquis. Marshall started for the Cubs throughout the 2006 season then turned around with a stronger 2007 season.

His numbers aren't dazzling but he works hard to get better. He could be pushed by Chad Gaudin. He also has some time as a starter with average numbers in 2007. His only season as a starter. Some seem to think that Aaron Heilman might be in the mix, but he hasn't started a game since 2005 and was never very effective in the role.

Heilman had an off year as a reliever last year. That's where he seems to be most suited. Angel Guzman seems to get a mention but injury has plagued a promising career.

Lets not forget Jeff Samardzija, the rookie that put up great numbers as a reliever. Groomed as a starter, he hasn't put up great numbers in minor league ball. Marshall has the experience of the group. I think that he would have to have an awful spring or the Cubs obtaining a bonifide veteran for him to lose the job.

The one thru four starters look very scary on paper. The question remains, if shoulders can stay healthy or can they give another season like the one before. Big Z has become the cult favorite and wears his emotions on his sleeve.

That just might be why the die hards love him. We're cut from the same cloth. Z was 14-6, with a 3.91 ERA. He did spend some more time on the DL which limited him to 188.2 IP. His lowest since becoming a full time starter. At 27, you would hope he still has some good years left in him.

Expect Z to come out to regain the form that made us all love him. Lets not forget that he is arguably the best hitting pitcher in the MLB. The old man of the group is Ted Lilly.

At 33 he seems to get better. Remember, age is just a number. Just ask Jamie Moyer or Greg Maddux. Lilly was 3rd in MLB with 32HRs allowed but he was 17-9, with a 4.09 ERA. That was the most wins of his career and his second consecutive season with 200 plus innings.

After a tough start, he got back some rhythm. Ryan Dempster was the surprise of the year. A starter, converted to closer, converted to starter. Dempster never had a season like 2008, as a starter. He posted career highs in wins and ERA but faded down the stretch.

He worked hard to become a starter in 2008. Hopefully that work ethic and success will carry over into 2009. Anything less could be considered failure by fans.

This could put added pressure on Demp.

Last is Rich Harden. Arguably, the nastiest pitcher in baseball. Harden turned out one of his best seasons with a 10-2 record and 2.07 ERA. His 25 starts were the most since 2004. He was a wonderful addition that seemed to match the effect that C.C. made in Milwaukee. As always his durability comes into question. The Cubs seem to be fine with 20-25 starts from him.

The Cubs, as an entire staff (starters and relievers), ranked 5th as a staff and ERA. They were best in the majors in strikeouts and opponents batting average. With that said, can the starters carry that over to 2009. Cubs started only made it to the eight inning 16 times and the ninth inning only 5.

One was the memorable no-no by Z. Once again leading us to question whether they can do it again? Can Z and Harden stay healthy? Can Demps and Lilly produce another career year? Will we have to hear about Jake Peavy in this mix? Regardless, the staff looks tough.

These guys are gamers.

They go out every fifth day give everything for their team and their town. I know that I'd be happy with a Dempster, Lilly, Zambrano, Harden and Marshall rotation. I'm sure Milwaukee, St. Louis, Cincinnati and Houston would like a rotation comparable to Chicago's.

So lets cross our fingers, sacrifice a chicken or pray the God of Baseball Fortune. A strong staff is what's going to carry this team into a third consecutive post season. Lets hope our prayers can be answered.