Cubs Interested In De La Rosa

One of the Chicago Cubs needs heading into the winter, is for at least one starting pitcher. Going into the 2011 season, the Chicago Cubs have Ryan Dempster, and Carlos Zambrano at the top of the rotation followed by Randy Wells with the last two spots uncertain. It figures that one of those two spots will go to Jeff Samardzija, or moreso Casey Coleman as the fifth starter. Leaving an opening for the fourth starter’s spot. From the sounds of it, Carlos Silva will not be in the rotation next year, he may not even be on the team. Tom Gorzelanny’s spot with the team also might be in jeopardy, as he could be non-tendered, or traded.

With all that said, that only adds to the belief that the Chicago Cubs will be in the market for a starting pitcher this off-season. They may already have their target in their sights, as The Denver Post is reporting that the Cubs are one of six teams to show interest in free agent to be Jorge De La Rosa.

De La Rosa, who will be 30 when the season starts next year, has put up a record of 8-7 in 20 starts this year with an ERA of 4.22, and 113 strikeouts compared to 55 walks.

The scouting report on De La Rosa is that he throws mid 90’s, with a good use of offspeed pitche such as a slider, curveball, and changeup. Added with the fact he is a legnthy left handed pitcher, De La Rosa could be in line for a three year contract at about $7MM to$8MM a year. Which would be right in line with what the Cubs anticipate spending on a starting pitcher this winter.

Early indication are that he would prefer to stay in Colorado, but if he hits the market, the Cubs and the other 5 teams interested could force him to look at other options besides the Rockies.