Chicago Cubs: Bold Predictions for the starting rotation

Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League players from the Chicago Cubs on left Dexter Fowler , Ben Zobrist , Jake Arrieta , Addison Russell , Kris Bryant , Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; National League players from the Chicago Cubs on left Dexter Fowler , Ben Zobrist , Jake Arrieta , Addison Russell , Kris Bryant , Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo before the 2016 MLB All Star Game at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Scoreless Streak

Call me crazy, but the Cubs starting rotation will challenge personal and team scoreless inning streaks. Arrieta already proved it possible by going 52.2 innings at Wrigley Field without allowing a run. The all-time record for an individual scoreless inning streak in one season is 59 innings by Orel Hershiser in 1988.

However, I do not see this being an individual achievement in 2017. Someone will come close or set a personal record, but may not get to 59 innings. But, as a team, it could happen.

It will take the right pitchers against the right teams and that right moment of the season.  But, with five quality pitchers, going at least 6 innings without allowing a run in each start is possible. Doing that two starts in a row? Why not? If they do that, it will equal 60 consecutive innings in which starters do not allow a run.

Schedule