Chicago Cubs News: Rotation vital; Arrieta’s decline predicted?

In our statistical analysis of the Chicago Cubs and the NL Central, the pitching will play an important role. And did one of us predict the slide of Jake Arrieta?

The Chicago Cubs spent much of the offseason piling up their pitching, and it’s been a solid effort by the Cubs. They’ve added Tyler Chatwood and Yu Darvish to the rotation. Then they got Brandon Morrow, Steve Cishek and Brian Duensing to name a few to add to the bullpen. The result was one of the better–if not best–pitching staffs the Cubs have assembled. While the Cubs will have to go out and do the work, this could be one of the better pitching rotations they’ve ever had.

When our Jake Misener predicted that Jake Arrieta‘s decline would continue, he was mostly laughed at by Cubs’ fans. Now, it’s not something he wanted to be right about. But in the end, this is where we are. A decline in control and accuracy–as well as velocity–were enough to lead the Cubs to the Darvish signing. Maybe the trends of the numbers really did show what was coming.

The Cubs’ Victor Caratini is at a crossroads. While he’s done just about everything he can at the minor league level, he might not have a spot yet in Chicago. When the Cubs’ signed Chris Gimenez, some wondered was it just bait for Darvish? Now that he’s signed, it might be more than that. The Cubs’ have carried three catchers before, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility. But if he doesn’t make it, could he be shipped out of Chicago sooner than later?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Pitching could be Cubs biggest strength’ – Cubbies Crib

‘One year ago, I predicted the Arrieta decline’ – Cubbies Crib

‘What’s in store for Caratini this year?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Sources: Padres, Hosmer agree to 8-year deal’ – MLB.com

‘Twins acquire Odorizzi from Rays‘ – MLB.com

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