Guzman called up

[RyCubsFan]

I'm looking forward to seeing what Guzman can do at the Major League level.

 

Me too!

[RyCubsFan]

After Wood and Prior come back healthy this year....my 07:

 

Prior

Zambrano

Wood

Guzman

Marshall

 

If Guz or Marshall don't appear able to cut it, then Maddux could be resigned.

 

Why is everybody saying Wood/Prior? Don't count on them plain and simple. Let Wood go. Bye bye woody!! And count Prior as a bonus BACKUP 5th starter. .

 

Zambrano

solid #2 FA

Maddux

Marshall/Miller/Guzman

Marshall/Miller/Guzman/Ryu/Rusch/Williams/Prior/FA#5.

 

I want a pitching staff that all start the season strong and ready to pitch. And pitch all year. No more freakin depending on Wood and Prior. .

 

Because we have a different opinion...

 

We all heard you the first time...

 

Ok just wanted to post it where it wasn't so cluttered in the mass reply thread. Explain to me why you (if you) would want to rely on Wood and Prior again. And why you think they will finally start pitching full years out of spring training? To say oh well we have different opinions is the easy way out, but explain why, after all the heartache. You'd want to go into 2007 with them near the top of your line-up.

 

BTW I actually changed it a bit. So I didn't post the exact same thing twice. I went from getting a #3 starter to a #2. Because we need to GET solid top of the order guys instead of relying on Prior or Wood to be there.

 

What BlueHeart said! yeah!

 

I believe that Wood and Prior will both be back before June is up...pitching...and pitching well. I have no reason to believe otherwise. If they are healthy the rest of the year, I think we'll able to count on them in 07. That's just my opinion.

 

Of course, I'd make sure I have a 6th starter just in case. Isn't that what Rusch is for? Marmol, Ryu, and Hill could be in the mix as well should either of them go down. Heck, Gallagher probably won't be far off either at the rate he's going.

 

I still like: Z, Prior, Wood, Guz, and Marshall

 

It's all home grown. They're all talented. They can all throw the ball hard.

[soccer10k]

I don't like to rely on Wood at all and refuse to do so. I would rely more on Prior but would still be skeptical. Some of Prior's injuries have been freak accidents like getting hit with the ball and running into Giles. Wood's injuries aren't freak accidents.

 

That being said, I hope they both come back healthy and pitch well when they come back. I'm just tired of looking forward to Wood coming back only to have him get hurt again.

[RynoRules]

The fact that almost all of our prized pitching rooks are making an appearance during the first month makes me think something else is brewing, but who knows.

[Danny82]

The fact that almost all of our prized pitching rooks are making an appearance during the first month makes me think something else is brewing, but who knows.

 

It means (to me) that the Cubs are trying everything they can to find quality starts out of pitchers while waiting for Prior and Wood to return.

 

I wouldn't read too much into it.

[Blueheart05]

The fact that almost all of our prized pitching rooks are making an appearance during the first month makes me think something else is brewing, but who knows.

 

They are appearing out of necessity.

[YearofDaCubs]

The fact that almost all of our prized pitching rooks are making an appearance during the first month makes me think something else is brewing, but who knows.

 

They are appearing out of necessity.

Agreed. I think Hendry and Baker are looking for the kids to step up and take over until the cavalry (Prior,Wood,Miller) arrives. Williams isn't the same prospect as he was when he was pitching for the Giants. His velocity is way down and he has no control.

[CubDad4Ever]

I agree with soccer 10k , I basically could care less who throws and if they are home grown. I want somebody to earn a paycheck. Thank God for Greg Maddux. I hope some of our younger players can absorb anything he gives off. Coach L

[gflore34]

Could it be Hendry' starting to realize that counting on anything from Wood or Prior is pointless and looking to Guzman to see if he's ready to pitch at MLB level? If so, I applaud it.

For the remainder of this season and the seasons beyond, I believe the best strategy is to build a staff under the assumption that Prior and Wood are gone. Who knows, a miracle might occur in next few seasons and Prior or Wood (provided he's still a Cub) could break camp ready to go...

[goonys evil twin]

Could it be Hendry' starting to realize that counting on anything from Wood or Prior is pointless and looking to Guzman to see if he's ready to pitch at MLB level? If so, I applaud it.

 

That doesn't make a lot of sense though, since Guzman has been just as unreliable, if not more.

 

It's out of necessity, and nothing more.

[gflore34]

Could it be Hendry' starting to realize that counting on anything from Wood or Prior is pointless and looking to Guzman to see if he's ready to pitch at MLB level? If so, I applaud it.

 

That doesn't make a lot of sense though, since Guzman has been just as unreliable, if not more.

 

It's out of necessity, and nothing more.

 

You're correct however, at some point, I'm hoping Hendry and Baker quit counting on anything from Prior or Wood.

[goonys evil twin]

Could it be Hendry' starting to realize that counting on anything from Wood or Prior is pointless and looking to Guzman to see if he's ready to pitch at MLB level? If so, I applaud it.

 

That doesn't make a lot of sense though, since Guzman has been just as unreliable, if not more.

 

It's out of necessity, and nothing more.

 

You're correct however, at some point, I'm hoping Hendry and Baker quit counting on anything from Prior or Wood.

 

Define counting on.

 

The fact is, the Cubs are very likely to get a significant amount of inning from both of these guys this year. 33 starts and 230 innings? No, obviously not. But they could still provide a lot to this team, and it would be foolish to deny yourself that help because you've grown sick of the injuries.

 

Now, I think it was asinine to construct the team the way they have this year, completely ignoring the repeated offensive shortcomings and expecting defensive upgrades to carry the load. You should never count on your pitching to be so great that it carries and subpar lineup to the promised land. But that's not just a "Wood and Prior are unreliable" sentiment, that's a "don't put all your hopes on the most unpredictable and oft-injured component of any team".

[Rooftop Bum]

I kind of think if Wood can not come back from this lastest setback that he will be gone during the offseason. They will probably have to keep Prior around since he's locked up until 2008. He's at worst a good pitcher. I am not sure he'll get back to that 2nd half of 03 form but anything close to that is welcome IMO. I would definately count on him being here in 07 unless of course something horrible happens when he comes back (God I hope not). But Wood has to be on thin ice if he can't come back healthy this season.

 

Anyway, I think it's good that Guzman at least gets one start and it's against the Marlins. Which right now are a glorified AAA team plus Cabrera. If he does badly against them they probably ship him back to AAA or wherever he has been. If not they will keep him around. I think Hill is going to get a shot as a SP soon as well. I do agree that Hendry and the Cubs might be trying to figure out whom to trade and who to keep as a starting pitcher next year all at the same time.

[bc2k]

Don't re-sign Maddux and don't pick up Wood's 2007 option.

 

Keep Prior and Z and work from there.

[CubinNY]

Everyone can call me crazy if they want to, but I'd wait and see if Wood can be healthy and productive before writing him off.

 

I know the arm troubles have caused everyone frustration, but when he is healthy he is among the best pitchers in the game. I'd hate to see him finally get everything worked out and go on to success with another team.

[goonys evil twin]

Everyone can call me crazy if they want to, but I'd wait and see if Wood can be healthy and productive before writing him off.

 

I know the arm troubles have caused everyone frustration, but when he is healthy he is among the best pitchers in the game. I'd hate to see him finally get everything worked out and go on to success with another team.

 

If somebody offers him AJ Burnett money this offseason than the Cubs should let him go. But if he can come back and have a good remainder of the season, I believe they need to try and bring him back, at least on a 1 year deal.

[badgercub]

Everyone can call me crazy if they want to, but I'd wait and see if Wood can be healthy and productive before writing him off.

 

I know the arm troubles have caused everyone frustration, but when he is healthy he is among the best pitchers in the game. I'd hate to see him finally get everything worked out and go on to success with another team.

 

If somebody offers him AJ Burnett money this offseason than the Cubs should let him go. But if he can come back and have a good remainder of the season, I believe they need to try and bring him back, at least on a 1 year deal.

 

Isn't there a mutual option for next year? I would imagine that if Woody comes back healthy, gets 25 starts and can win 15+ games they will keep him around, especially with his reported new mechanics

[Andy]

I think Wood's gone unless he proves he can stay healthy once he is back and goes "Pedro in 1999" or similar on opposing hitters from May on.

[soccer10k]

I'm not sure if somebody has mentioned this, but is Guzman actually going to be starting on Wednesday?

[Danny82]

It's not clear at this point.

 

My guess is it depends on whether or not Z can give the bullpen a much-needed rest tonight.

[KaiserCesar]

In other news, my avatar now has 4 Chicago Cubs on it.

 

I like Guzman and Marshall getting some starts at the MLB level this year. They are competent fill-ins for injury and allow Hendry to not go into the offseason blind regarding the 07 rotation.

[Backtobanks]

In other news, my avatar now has 4 Chicago Cubs on it.

 

I like Guzman and Marshall getting some starts at the MLB level this year. They are competent fill-ins for injury and allow Hendry to not go into the offseason blind regarding the 07 rotation.

 

Very good point. Hopefully, Williams will straighten out his act and Hill will get a chance to show what he can do. It not only gives Hendry a look at the future, but it also gives other GMs a chance to measure their ability in a trade situation. Success from Guzman, Marshall, and/or Hill could be the centerpiece for a deal involving someone like Abreu or Tejada. The Cubs will just have to win with that "youngster" named Maddux.

[Blueheart05]

FYI, after the game on WCIU, Len and Bob pointed out that Guzman was having his side session at Wrigley (they actually showed him throwing). so it's pretty much a done deal that he's starting on Wednesday.

[NCCubFan]

Since the bullpen got some rest the last couple of days and Guzman wasn't needed in long relief, I'd expect him to start Wednesday. I think that was probably the question, whether he was needed in long relief before then. Fortunately Maddux and Zambrano were able to go deep in the games.

[soccer10k]

Since the bullpen got some rest the last couple of days and Guzman wasn't needed in long relief, I'd expect him to start Wednesday. I think that was probably the question, whether he was needed in long relief before then. Fortunately Maddux and Zambrano were able to go deep in the games.

 

Excellent. Let's see what he can do.