Why can't the Cubs keep pitchers healthy?

JonnyRed · March 15, 2006

At this really depressing point, I think we really need to start questioning the overall Cubs approach to pitching prospects. Is it me or does it seem like the Cubs have faired much worse than most when it comes to their top arms? Some possible reasons include:

1) Do we draft guys who already have too much wear and tear on their arms? Seems to be the case with Woody and Brownlie. Even with the good mechanics, did Prior pitch too much to earn the label of "best college pitcher ever"

2) Do we not manage pitchers properly in our minor league system? It seems like the majority of our top prospects have arm problem before (and if) they get to Wrigley Field. Guzman, Beltran, Haggarty, Jones, etc. all have slowed by arm injuries.

3) The fan favorite choice is Dusty's overuse of Wood, Prior, and Zambrano. It certainly seems to play a factor, but isn't it logical that your best pitchers will throw the most innings?

4) What effect has Larry R. had on these pitchers as well?

At this point, we really need to reassess all of the practices because we can't continue to invest in developing what should be stud pitchers only to see them come up lame.

I think it's a combination of

Ding Dong Johnson · March 15, 2006

Slow down with the new threads. Can't you combine your thoughts on the pitching staff?

JonnyRed · March 15, 2006

Sorry, I thought they were two different topics. This one deals with why these problems seem to keep happening, while the other talks about what we do with the current staff. My bad.