Chicago Cubs: Theo Epstein whiffed last winter – and it might not matter

Chicago Cubs: We just lit $20 million on fire

But really.

For what we got out of Yu Darvish this season, we could’ve thrown $2 million at Lackey and let him serve up dingers for a couple months. At least we’d get some red-blooded Texan quotes to take the edge off.

Instead, we’re staring five more years straight in the eyes, praying the Japanese right-hander comes back healthy and ready next spring. And, if we’re being honest, we have no cause for optimism based on what we saw this year.

Suffice to say, I don’t see him utilizing his opt-out clause at season’s end. This is a long-term love affair and it certainly didn’t start out on the right foot. When the dust settles, the Darvish signing could sit right alongside the contracts Epstein doled out to Carl Crawford (seven years, $142 million) and John Lackey (five years, $82.5 million) in Boston.

Let’s hope it doesn’t play out that way.

Jon Lester and Cole Hamels aren’t getting any younger. Jose Quintana and Kyle Hendricks both took steps in the wrong direction this season. Mike Montgomery its currently sidelined with inflammation in his throwing arm.

If this is the Darvish we get for five more years, the Cubs could be in real trouble.