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Cubs Opinion- Pitchers

Posted on June 7, 2014 at 01:20 PM.

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Cubs Opinion- Pitchers

By Kevin McDonald, Tribune Sports Editor

First off, I'm not saying anything to fault the bullpen, they've been playing great. I wish I could have said that last year. But the days of the "Blow the Lead Squad" seem to be over at least for now.

But now, we get to the real crux of the Cubs' problems. The starting pitching sucks.

I mean, seriously. It may be because the offense can't get any runs going, but two of the guys have been at best inconsistent. Even Travis Wood, who's been our best starter so far, has been shaky. (Does "allowing Pirates to come back from 3 down" spring to mind?) Take Jeff Samardzija, our so-called ace. Take a look at these performances.

6.1 IP, 1 run, 4 hits, L
6.0 IP, 1 run, 2 hits, W
2.0 IP, 5 run, 7 hits, L

A 2 inning game with 5 runs in those innings? Not gonna cut it if you want to keep your number 1 spot next year. And for the record, quit throwing sliders inside. You're going to hit somebody one of these days.

Next is Edwin Jackson, our number 3 guy. He got off to a good start then managed to hurt his arm. He's only working out of the bullpen a few days until it heals.

Jake Arrieta, at the bottom of our lineup, has been ok, but he's got potential. So does Chris Rusin, who's in our bullpen (but not this week). You really can't fault them for making the same kind of mistakes that people like Samardzija or Jackson have been making because they're still young and learning. And they're both plenty cheap.

Then you've got Jason Hammel, currently our number 4. Why the Cubs decided to waste money on this man is beyond me. I know they wanted a veteran at the bottom of the lineup, but there were better choices in the offseason. Picture this: Hammel is making the same amount of money as Samardzija and Jackson, and as much as Anthony Rizzo and Darwin Barney combined. 2.5 million is TOO DAMN MUCH for a bottom of the rotation guy! He's not the same person he was with the Orioles a few years back. My advice to GM Sam Wiseman: as soon as you can, get rid of him.

Now the Cubs do need an additional pitcher, so I suggest they go out shopping sooner or later. Might come in handy.

Kevin McDonald is a beat reporter for the Tribune. Follow him on Twitter at @KevinMcDonald121.