MLB Free Agents 2012: Pitching Makes Chicago Cubs Contenders, Not Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols is the greatest right-handed hitter I've ever seen, but he doesn't make the Chicago Cubs contenders. That goal won't be accomplished without first acquiring and developing the type of pitching required to compete on a daily basis.

The Cubs had only one starter with an ERA below 4.00 and a staff that threw one shutout and only four complete games. That is a rotation that is void of a true ace. The top of the rotation must be stronger to make the Cubs serious.

With Matt Garza as the ace, this is not a championship-caliber squad. As great as Pujols is, and has been over his Hall of Fame career, he only comes to bat four times a game. It is true, there is no one that affects a lineup quite Pujols does, but pitching is the foundation to winning. The lack thereof explains why the Cubs have been on shaky ground.

The unfortunate thing about this free-agent class is that it is void of top-notch arms. For the Cubs to acquire the type of pitcher they need to build a solid rotation, it may have to be done via trade.

With the Cubs holding on to the few young prospects they have, that will be difficult to pull off.

One decent starting option is Texas Rangers free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson. He was an All-Star and compiled a 16-7 record with three complete games and one shutout this past season. These totals nearly trump or equal the entire Cubs pitching staff.

Over the past two seasons, Wilson is 31-15 with an ERA of 3.15. That is the type of pitcher that, at 31 years old, is worth a four- or five-year deal.

Comparing the careers of Wilson to Pujols is no contest in favor of Phat Albert, but Wilson is the better major move for the Cubs.