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The risk is worth the reward
My personal opinion is to go after Ross, within reason. If the Rangers want to make this a bidding war, they can have him. But Ross has a 3.64 career ERA, albeit in a pitcher-friendly ballpark. But this year’s free agent pitching group wasn’t very strong. Mike Montgomery might work in the rotation, but I have some concerns with him–and not all his fault.
If Travis Wood ends up signing elsewhere, I’d like to see Montgomery stay in the bullpen. Having a lefty that Joe Maddon has confidence in is key. With several new faces out there, developing that trust might take time. Let’s have it from the start and not have to worry about that.
Next: Montgomery solid for the Cubs in 2016
The Cubs should know in the coming week what Ross will decide to do. Even without him, the Cubs will be a strong contender to repeat. But taking the best team and possibly making it better? Well worth the risk.