Jeff Samardzija’s dominant outing Sunday was definitely unexpected. Samardzija ended his first start of the season with an impressive line (one earned run on four hits without a walk and eight strikeouts in 8.2 innings). Really if everything bounces the right way, any pitcher can end an outing with giving up only four hits but [...]
Converting Jeff Samardzija to the Rotation
March 20, 2012 By 24 Comments
From all indications, Jeff Samardzija is a near lock to begin the season in the Cubs’ starting rotation. Dale Sveum clearly thinks highly of him, and other candidates haven’t proven themselves this spring quite to the extent that Samardzija has. With only two weeks remaining in the Cactus League, Samardzija has dominated. He has struck [...]
FIP’ping Off the Cubs’ Starters
March 1, 2012 By 20 Comments
When was the last time that the Cubs haven’t had a below average season in the field? You guessed it, it was 2008. It has been three long seasons since the Cubs were simply average in the field. That year, a spry 32-year old Alfonso Soriano led the team in UZR (which takes in several [...]
Who Could Be the Odd Man Out of the Cubs Rotation?
January 31, 2012 By 33 Comments
Along with the loud exit of starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs have quietly amassed a stable of valuable pitchers. No, the Cubs haven’t gone out and gotten the most talented and most capable of starting pitchers. However, relative to the contracts that the team is paying their starting pitchers, their value exceeds their marketability.
The New-Look Cubs Look to Rely on Defense More Than Ever
January 17, 2012 By 81 Comments
During this off-season, the Cubs have seen a complete overhaul of the team’s starting rotation. Carlos Zambrano’s days in a Cub uniform are over, and it seems as if Matt Garza’s days are waning as well. The new front-office has made several notable, although low-key additions to the rotation.
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