FanPost

Next Year's Rotation, Based Solely On In House....Talent

I hesitate calling what we have now as talent. But I can't come up with a better word

I tweeted the other day (@DJFreddie10 if you're interested, I talk sports but am by no means a professional writer, I just like conversation) that this Cubs team would have won at least 75 games with a healthy rotation of Garza, Dempster, Maholm, Shark, and Wood (I threw him in there), and I still stand by that statement. Looking now at how Marmol seems ot have figured some things out and Camp/Russell make a decent 7/8, I don't think it's implausible. Dempster and Maholm are obviously gone and I'd look for alternatives to Wood. Do we have those in house?

I wasn't impressed with Raley when he was here, but Rusin has shown signs of being a good 4/5 if he learns to keep the ball in the park. He's got a small sample size but has good movement on his fastball and has shownt he ability to get major league hitters out at times. He's a rookie and there will be a curve, but I'd think he's worth giving a shot.

As far as the bullpen, other than the three I mentioned, I hope I'm not the first to tell you that there's not much there. Bowden has earned a spot with his play after being called up a second time. Chapman shows good stuff at times but location is an issue. Start him in Iowa. Same with Dolis and Cabrera. Sign some guys for cheap. Put Wood in the pen for Russell's sake.

Just my early look at next year and what the Cubs should pursue in the off season. Anything I'm missing? Anything I'm wrong on?

FanPosts are written by readers of Bleed Cubbie Blue, and as such do not reflect the views of SB Nation or Vox Media, nor is the content endorsed by SB Nation, Vox Media or Al Yellon, managing editor of Bleed Cubbie Blue or reviewed prior to posting.