Well, maybe not quite that, but the Cubs have been playing better of late. After a truly awful effort Friday night in Washington behind Jeff Samardzija, the Cubs took advantage of some Nationals mistakes on Saturday, and then took the rubber match Sunday and the Rockies opener behind excellent pitching efforts from Feldman and Wood.
I have to say that Wood has been a revelation this season. He is arguably the most consistent starter in the NL. And I have to eat some crow in the matter of Feldman, who has turned his season around of late.
Actually starting pitching has become the Cubs strength of late. Their five starters match up very well in terms of performance against anyone in their division, even the Cardinals. So far, anyway. Samardzija seems to have taken a step back from his early April dominance and I don't know what to think about Jackson, who just has not delivered at all. Even his win on Saturday was shaky.
So, at any rate, it gives you something to watch, at least until Epstein and Hoyer break it all up in July. They will have an interesting problem when Garza comes off the DL. Who goes to the bullpen? Logically it has to be Jackson, but then he has the big contract.
Of course, everyone is hell-bent on trading away Garza, who, by the time he settles in will have virtually no trade value whatsoever. I've never been able to comprehend the notion that Garza is worth a lot in trade or that he should be traded. If they wanted to dump him, the 2010-12 off-season was the time to do it. Personally, I would like to see him extended. He is certainly better than Jackson and probably could be signed for a similar price if he is healthy.
On another front, the Cubs signed Anthony Rizzo to long-term deal. This, unlike the Castro signing, was a smart move. Rizzo looks like the professional hitter they have been seeking for a while. He started out poorly this spring, especially against left-handers, but now he seems to be hitting everyone and taking a good approach.
I expect the Cubs will lock up Wood and Samardzija if they continue to pitch well. They will likely select one of the stud pitchers, Gray or Appel, with their first round choice in the amateur draft, so that means they will definitely trade one or two of their current starters. If they keep Garza, it probably means Villanueva and/or Feldman.
The Cubs have nothing coming as far as pitching goes in the high minors, so they might want to think twice about this, especially as the returns are not likely to be that great. Also, Villanueva and Feldman have been successful swing men, so that given the current state of the bullpen even with Fujikawa coming off the DL and Gregg pitching well.
The best trade chips they have now are DeJesus and Hairston in terms of bringing a decent return, maybe a top ten prospect or two. None of their current players are likely to bring major talent their way.
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