After a mark of 71-91 and a second consecutive 5th-place showing in the NL Central in 2011, the Chicago Cubs brought on Theo Epstein as the franchise's new president. As the general manager of the Boston Red Sox, Epstein brought a World Series to the city after an 86-year drought. The Cubs hope that he will bring that very same make of success to Chicago. Epstein let go of manager Mike Quade and is going with Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum. Although it's very unlikely the team will go to the World Series in its first year under Epstein, it appears to be headed in the right direction. Here are the projected starting rotation and bullpen situation for the Cubs in 2012. If you would like to know precisely what we think about their lineup look at our Chicago Cubs predictions article.
Projected Rotation
Ryan Dempster (RHP) - Coming off his worst season as a starter with the Cubs, Dempster was just 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. Before last season, he went 43-27 from 2008 to 2010 with no season resulting in an ERA above 3.85. Dempster should bounce back in 2012, but at that point of his career, he is no longer an ace.
Matt Garza (RHP) - Rumors have been bobbing around the Cubs are thinking of trading Garza for prospects, but up to this point they are not prepared to let go. He went just 10-10 in his first season with the Cubs, but did post a respectable 3.32 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 197 strikeouts. He is one of the more undervalued pitchers in the game today, so whether or not he stays with Chicago will be of no significance to his game.
Randy Wells (RHP) - If he wants to remain in the staff, Wells must prove that he has what is required to be a decent starter. He ended strong, going 4-0 in August, but finished with just 7-6 with a 4.99 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. If he doesn't improve in next year, he might not be a major league pitcher for much longer.
Paul Maholm (LHP) - Maholm's 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP imply that he threw miles better than his 5-14 record would suggest. That does not equate to him having a breakout season in 2012 yet. He should put up steady stats for more than a year, because his statistics have flip-flopped from good to bad lately.
Chris Volstad (RHP)/ Travis Wood (LHP) - The Cubs dealt for Volstad and Wood in separate deals to brace their staff. Both are vying for the final spot in the rotation. Neither guy put up great stats last season, but both are young enough to boost and figure things out.
Projected Closer
Carlos Marmol (RHP) - Marmol has saved a decent 72 games for the Cubs during the past two years, but he'll be as up and down as they come. He has got the talent to be the best closer in the majors, but he must show that he will bring it every time he takes the mound. If his inconsistencies show up this year too , he won't keep his job for long.
Projected Rotation
Ryan Dempster (RHP) - Coming off his worst season as a starter with the Cubs, Dempster was just 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA and 1.45 WHIP. Before last season, he went 43-27 from 2008 to 2010 with no season resulting in an ERA above 3.85. Dempster should bounce back in 2012, but at that point of his career, he is no longer an ace.
Matt Garza (RHP) - Rumors have been bobbing around the Cubs are thinking of trading Garza for prospects, but up to this point they are not prepared to let go. He went just 10-10 in his first season with the Cubs, but did post a respectable 3.32 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with 197 strikeouts. He is one of the more undervalued pitchers in the game today, so whether or not he stays with Chicago will be of no significance to his game.
Randy Wells (RHP) - If he wants to remain in the staff, Wells must prove that he has what is required to be a decent starter. He ended strong, going 4-0 in August, but finished with just 7-6 with a 4.99 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. If he doesn't improve in next year, he might not be a major league pitcher for much longer.
Paul Maholm (LHP) - Maholm's 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP imply that he threw miles better than his 5-14 record would suggest. That does not equate to him having a breakout season in 2012 yet. He should put up steady stats for more than a year, because his statistics have flip-flopped from good to bad lately.
Chris Volstad (RHP)/ Travis Wood (LHP) - The Cubs dealt for Volstad and Wood in separate deals to brace their staff. Both are vying for the final spot in the rotation. Neither guy put up great stats last season, but both are young enough to boost and figure things out.
Projected Closer
Carlos Marmol (RHP) - Marmol has saved a decent 72 games for the Cubs during the past two years, but he'll be as up and down as they come. He has got the talent to be the best closer in the majors, but he must show that he will bring it every time he takes the mound. If his inconsistencies show up this year too , he won't keep his job for long.
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