Chicago Cubs: Pitching is as much about the system as the arms in it

The Chicago Cubs used the pitchers they developed–or revitalized–to build the roster they have today. While everyone clamors for “another No. 1” starter, the Cubs are showing it’s the system as much as it is the pitchers in it.

The Chicago Cubs spent several years developing and revitalizing several different pitchers, then trading them for prospects. Pitchers like Jeff Samardzija, Paul Maholm and Scott Feldman to name a few. Since the “plan” took shape, the Cubs haven’t spent much on pitchers aside from Jon Lester. And there were quite a few Cubs’ fans that thought we paid too much. So far, that’s worked out for the Cubs. But it was more than getting the best free agency had to offer.

If you haven’t realized it yet, The Cubs love players that they have an “attachment” to. With Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer’s time in Boston and San Diego, as well as Joe Maddon‘s time in Tampa Bay–they love some of their former players. Look no further than Lester, John Lackey and Anthony Rizzo. When the Cubs signed Lester, he was indeed the best on the market. But he also had a track record that couldn’t be disputed.

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The Cubs have also taken a pitcher in Jake Arrieta that had talent, but the results weren’t there. Pedro Strop was another one. Talented, but wasn’t seeing his full potential reached. Now, Arrieta has a Cy Young, Strop has been one of the best relievers the Cubs have had (you don’t have to agree, but the numbers are there) and it can be attributed the what Chris Bosio, Mike Borzello and the rest of the coaching staff have done.

Prospects aren’t an unlimited currency

While many are screaming for another pitcher–which won’t come cheap–many of the top arms in baseball have headed to the DL. The Cleveland Indians have a talented staff, but the majority of them have seen the DL more than once. David Price and Steven Wright of the Boston Red Sox are down. Pretty much the entire rotation of the New York Mets. You know, the rotation that had them set for the future after they beat the Cubs in the NLCS? This is just to name a few.

Meanwhile, over the past two seasons, the Cubs have had at least four starters make 30 or more starts. Is it just bad luck for other teams to have so many starters injured? Bob Nightengale recently did a piece at USA Today talking about the Mets “flawed” system. So if their system is flawed, what is the Cubs?

Any system can fail

No system is perfect, and the health of the pitchers in the system can vary. Many pitchers have been throwing at a competitive level since their teens. Often you can’t see the damage that’s been done by that. The wear is already there, and when it finally breaks there’s no real warning. But you can’t deny the Cubs and their ability to stay healthy.

Trading away from their talented pool of positional players seems like the “smart” thing to do. The Cubs need pitching depth. I say that, even though they haven’t needed it the last few years. But one injury could change the season. They’ve gambled on Brett Anderson, and so far that hasn’t given great results. They could move Mike Montgomery to the rotation, but that takes away a talented lefty from the bullpen.

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The players that could potentially be available at the deadline will be excessive. Many of the teams that are still in contention aren’t likely to be by July. There will be arms available, but will any of them be worth it? Do the Cubs look to may a splash with another Aroldis Chapman type deal? Or will it be a quiet deal as they made for Montgomery? Or should they trust in the system to develop pitchers that they have on the farm? Only time will tell.