Kevin Hart

[CubColtPacer]

In addition to his comments about Soto, Lou had this to say about Hart:

 

"He comes at you with a good variety of pitches, and he's all business out on the mound," Piniella said of the young right-hander, who began the season at Double-A Tennessee. "He's not backing off. Not only is he helping us win baseball games, but he's cementing a spot on next year's pitching staff."

 

This could be an interesting situation for the offseason if Hart earns a spot on the team. The first question would be if Hart would be a starter or a relief pitcher. Here are the Cubs pitchers currently locked up for next year:

 

Starter: Z, Lilly, Hill, Marquis

Relief: Dempster, Marmol, Wuertz, Howry, Eyre,

 

Possible starting options: Marshall, Gallagher, Hart

Possible Relief options: Wood (if he's re-signed), Ohman, Hart

 

Now the question is, does Hart mean the end of Marshall or Wood on the Cubs? Or does Hart simply become the 12th pitcher next year and Ohman is traded? Or does somebody else entirely get traded?

 

It does mean that the Cubs don't need to go into the market for pitching whatsoever this year. They have an extra pitcher to trade even if you send Gallagher to AAA.

[Banedon]

I think Wood has done well enough to get re-signed. Honestly I really like our bullpen right now, though I'm not thrilled with Dempster in the closer role. I think Hart is gonna have a shot at that 5th starter spot. I don't think Piniella is a big fan of Marshall at this point, rightly or wrongly.

[Sammy Sofa]

If Hart makes Marshall trade-able, I'm all for it.

[NCCubFan]

It's looking like we committed highway robbery against the Orioles. I don't think anybody made a big deal of the Bynum for Hart trade at the time, but it's looking like a steal now. That may wind up being one of Hendry's best trades.

[C.C.]

It's looking like we committed highway robbery against the Orioles. I don't think anybody made a big deal of the Bynum for Hart trade at the time, but it's looking like a steal now. That may wind up being one of Hendry's best trades.

 

Ram and Lee trades weren't bad either.

[NCCubFan]

It's looking like we committed highway robbery against the Orioles. I don't think anybody made a big deal of the Bynum for Hart trade at the time, but it's looking like a steal now. That may wind up being one of Hendry's best trades.

 

Ram and Lee trades weren't bad either.

Agreed, which is why I said the Hart trade might go down as ONE of his best rather than THE best.

[Illini Iceman]

If Hart makes Marshall trade-able, I'm all for it.

 

I think the Cubs will definitely be looking to use Marshall as trade bait this offseason to obtain players to upgrade the offense. Three lefties in the rotation is a bit much and he would seem to be the most likely to go. Prior, Hart, Gallagher, etc could then compete for the 5th spot.

[rawaction]

I've absolutely loved what I have seen from Hart this year. I see no reason he shouldn't be in the running for the 5th starter's role next year along with Marshall, Gallagher, and perhaps Prior.

 

With all the capable arms close to the majors and close in ability, the Cubs should be able to get a 5th starter and 11th/12th bullpen pitcher out of the group. There should also be no excuse NOT to package a couple of them for an upgrade in RF or SS.

[Vanilla Ice]

I doubt we will see Marshall traded if Hart becomes the fifth starter. Lou has talked all year about wanting a long relief option and Hart/Marshall would give him that option.

 

Also, do not get to excited about Hart right now. I think that teams will start to learn how to hit him, and his ERA and WHIP will go up significantly next season.

[RynoRules]

I hope that Hart's success allows us to deal off Dempster. Hopefully Hendry has learned his lesson where relievers are concerned. Someone will take Ryan in exchange for a couple of propsects.

[CUBZ99]

I doubt we will see Marshall traded if Hart becomes the fifth starter. Lou has talked all year about wanting a long relief option and Hart/Marshall would give him that option.

 

Also, do not get to excited about Hart right now. I think that teams will start to learn how to hit him, and his ERA and WHIP will go up significantly next season.

 

Normally I would agree that teams may catch on to a new pitcher. However, Hart has some legitimately nasty stuff. It is not so easy to figure out how to hit a cut fast ball coming 92-93 MPH with that much movement. Even if the other team puts the ball in play, they don't seem to be able to hit it that hard.

[Vanilla Ice]

I doubt we will see Marshall traded if Hart becomes the fifth starter. Lou has talked all year about wanting a long relief option and Hart/Marshall would give him that option.

 

Also, do not get to excited about Hart right now. I think that teams will start to learn how to hit him, and his ERA and WHIP will go up significantly next season.

 

Normally I would agree that teams may catch on to a new pitcher. However, Hart has some legitimately nasty stuff. It is not so easy to figure out how to hit a cut fast ball coming 92-93 MPH with that much movement. Even if the other team puts the ball in play, they don't seem to be able to hit it that hard.

 

I agree and think he will eventually be better than Marshall and Marquis. I just want to caution against expecting too much from him next year. In a couple of years he may be very good, but next year maybe a little rough.

[VanceJergins]

It's looking like we committed highway robbery against the Orioles. I don't think anybody made a big deal of the Bynum for Hart trade at the time, but it's looking like a steal now. That may wind up being one of Hendry's best trades.

 

Ram and Lee trades weren't bad either.

Agreed, which is why I said the Hart trade might go down as ONE of his best rather than THE best.

 

However, I would be VERY happy if this did end up being his best trade. I doubt Hart has that much potential though.