A Moment of Peavy Pause

I am a huge fan of the idea of the Chicago Cubs trading for 2007 National League Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. And, with reports now circulating that a deal will be made within the next week, we may soon find out if he's headed for Chicago or not.

But as I sat back and thought of the fantasy baseball quality starting rotation the Cubs could potentially feature next season with this addition, I had a moment of pause.

In 2008, Carlos Zambrano had some shoulder issues and missed a number of outings. He made 30 starts because of time on the disabled list.

In 2008, mid-season acquisition Rich Harden had arm and should issues before coming to Chicago. He made just 25 starts because of time on the disabled list.

In 2008, Peavy had elbow issues and spent the end of May on the disabled list. He made only 27 starts last year.

The fragility of the elbows and shoulder of the three premier starting pitchers the Cubs would feature next year could become a significant issue. Having three top-tier starting pitchers is only an enormous advantage if they are actually pitching regularly. If they alternate time off the field, 2009 could become 2004 and 2006 all over again.

But the potential for the injury bug is only the first part of this problematic proposition facing General Manager Jim Hendry. In 2008, when Rich Hill failed and Zambrano was hurt, Sean Marshall, Sean Gallagher, and Kevin Hart were available to fill their places in the rotation. Gallagher is in Oakland, and if Hendry mortgages the future for the sake of the present, who would be left to spot start if one of these three went down for a couple weeks?

From the rumors that are being reported on the television and internet, it would appear that the competition for Peavy has come down to the Cubs and Braves. While the Braves could trade a major league ready stud shortstop in Yunel Escobar, it appears they are thin in minor league pitchers that they would let go of, or San Diego would want in return. So the advantage the Cubs have in this sweepstakes is the depth of their system's pitching prospects that could be made available.

And so this week we will likely find out the answer to the Cubs' conundrum. How much of the future is the present worth? And how much will Hendry strip the cupboard while still protecting himself against possible injuries? All of these questions will be answered soon.

Then we can start worrying about a fifth starter... and a starting everyday right fielder... and a bullpen... and a left handed bat for the order...