what the team needs

by elgato on Jul 15, 2007 7:48 PM CDT

With a deep group of position players and a bullpen that's the DFA of Scott Eyre away from being very, very good, I think it's becoming clear that the Cubs' biggest shortcoming is the rotation. Z's back and Lilly is solid, but I think Hendry needs to find another starter -- ideally, a gutsy No. 2, but most likely a durable No. 3. There's really no question in my mind that one of Marquis/Marshall/Hill will falter -- and it's looking like a game or two might be the difference in the central come fall.

I've assembled a short list in my head of veteran arms who might be good fits. I haven't done a ton or research -- don't know about no-trades -- but I think Matt Morris and Bronson Arroyo could be had. Maybe Javier Vazquez?

If those are dumb ideas, let me know. And if you have a better suggestion, throw them out.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation, Bleed Cubbie Blue, or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief. FanPost opinions are, however, valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Hill and Marshall...

aren't used to lots of innings. It's possible that their recent struggles were due to fatigue. Let's see if the time off with the All-star break helps cure their ills. I'm hopeful that they can get back on their games, becuase those trade possibilities are probably going to cost more in prospects than we want to give up.

by SouthernCub on Jul 15, 2007 7:50 PM CDT 0 recs

Marshall

didn't start the season with the big club until what, May? He can't be tired already.

This is Harry Carray, goodbye from Wrigley Field and So Long Everybody.

by mrcubsfan on Jul 16, 2007 2:06 PM CDT up 0 recs

But he pitched innings earlier than the MLB...

just because he wasn't in the big leagues doesn't mean he hasn't thrown innings. He's thrown 82.1 innings so far this year (30.2 in the minors, 51.2 in the majors). That's nearly as many as he'd thrown in any full season other than last year, and we're only at the halfway point.

by SouthernCub on Jul 16, 2007 2:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hmmm, Morris

The Giants have three good, young starters already in Lowry, Cain, and Lincecum, and they're committed to Zito. I think Morris is available, and the Cubs wouldn't necessarily have to deal Marshall or Hill to get him.

Maybe Brian Sabean would be open to a couple near-ready prospects like Eric Patterson and Scott Moore for Morris. Hendry could throw Izturis and Eyre into the deal to even out the dollars for this year, but would be adding salary for 2008. Ray Durham, Pedro Feliz, Omar Vizquel, and Rich Aurilia are all on their last legs.

The Giants could really use a right-handed power hitter at first base, but they also need some young blood to get on base ahead of Barry. You wouldn't think a 1B-man would be that hard to come by. This is when you wish a guy like Brian Dopirak wasn't hitting .200 in AA-ball.

The call of the Cub fan, c. 1893: "one long, ravaged, derisive yell...a cyclonic whoop!"

by zambranofan on Jul 15, 2007 7:58 PM CDT 0 recs

Sorry

I can't have Morris after he said in 2003 that he didn't want the Cubs to win and wanted the Astros instead. Will always be a hated Card along with Steve Kline and Fernando Vina.

by MerigoldBowling on Jul 15, 2007 8:28 PM CDT up 0 recs