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Chicago Cubs face plenty of competition for Jake Arrieta

By Justin Curran

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates in the clubhouse with teammates after defeating the Washington Nationals 9-8 in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 13: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs celebrates in the clubhouse with teammates after defeating the Washington Nationals 9-8 in game five of the National League Division Series at Nationals Park on October 13, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JULY 12: Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning on July 12, 2015 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Players on the Chicago Cubs are wearing the number 14 to honor Ernie Banks. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 12: Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning on July 12, 2015 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Players on the Chicago Cubs are wearing the number 14 to honor Ernie Banks. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

The Dodgers

Arrieta is a beast in Dodger Stadium – it’s also where he threw one of his two no-hitters.  The Dodgers had some luck in the pitching department last season. Sure, guys like Alex Wood and Rich Hill had great seasons, but do you bet your 2018 season on their continued success? That doesn’t sound like the safest investment.

Everyone knows the Dodgers aren’t afraid to spend a little cheddar given they have the largest payroll in baseball.  What’s another $150 million down the drain?

The Brewers

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I bet you thought they would be an under-the-radar team.  Well, you’re wrong!  Just kidding, nobody knows anything until the player signs on the dotted line.

Anyway, the Brewers were looking like they were ahead of schedule 2017.  And with their core group only getting better, they look like they’re poised to make a big jump this season.

They’ve certainly seen a lot of Arrieta and that’s a factor that shouldn’t be taken for granted.  Also, keep in mind that the Brewers were reportedly going after Quintana last year, so you know pitching is at their forefront.

The Giants

The Giants were putrid in 2017.  They went 64-98 and finished last in the National League West. That means they finished below the Padres – which is tough to do.

In their defense, it was an odd year.  And now that we’re headed to an even year, they’re looking to make a World Series run.  Besides Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner, their team is a collective ‘meh.’

I like Johnny Cueto, who opted to stay with them this offseason, but they could definitely use a guy like Arrieta in their rotation.  If they do sign the right-hander, they’re my World Series favorites for 2018.  Just kidding, but don’t put it past them.

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