Chicago Cubs: Starting rotation is primed for a strong year

As the Chicago Cubs’ Joe Maddon figured out his rotation, it was out of respect and situation. While Jon Lester got the nod Opening Day, two other starters garnered starts last season on day one.

We’ve discussed the starting rotation a few times. Myself, I saw the Chicago Cubs giving the honor to Jon Lester. For my co-expert Jacob Misener, he saw it as Kyle Hendricks spot. In all honesty, neither of us could have been wrong. And Hendricks is one of just two pitchers in the rotation who haven’t started an Opening Day game. But his time will come, there’s no doubt about that.

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Last year, Yu Darvish was the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers. Jose Quintana did the same for the Chicago White Sox. Only Hendricks and Tyler Chatwood have yet to open a season for their teams.

Hendricks might get his chance sooner than later. And Chatwood may be a No. 5 starter, but that’s only regarding where he starts, not the stuff that he brings.

So let’s take a look at the rotation from back to front, and look at why these guys were slotted in as they were. Based on potential alone, this staff has the chance to be truly special this season.