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Chicago Cubs: Thankfully, improved contributions from youth
With the exception of Butler, the Cubs got very little from their Minor League pitching depth last season. This year, when a guy gets the call, he steps up in a big way.
When a team’s young pitching depth successfully pitches meaningful innings, it has a dramatic effect on not only the whole roster, but on the team’s win-loss record. Imagine how much worse off the Cubs would be this season if Farrell, Rosario, Hancock, Mazzoni, Bass and Zastryzny hadn’t pitched as well as they have.
Next: Looking for positives from Cincinnati series
With Yu Darvish, Carl Edwards, Eddie Butler and Brandon Morrow injured, depth plays a bigger role than ever. The team remains heavily dependent on young pitching depth.
True in Saturday’s game, the Cubs started Farrell. He he allowed three runs and failed to make it out of the third inning. But did you notice that both Bass and Zastryzny added another pair of scoreless innings?
Probably not.