Chicago Cubs: Is it too early to worry about the 2020 bullpen?

Chicago Cubs: Norwood got a cup of coffee with the Cubs last season

James Norwood pitched in 11 innings in 11 games for the Cubs last season. He struck out 10 and walked five while pitching to a 4.09 ERA, However, his FIP was significantly better at 2.71. This year Norwood will be part of the Cubs’ Triple-A pitching depth.

As a former seventh-round pick, Norwood has defied some of the odds. He’ll have opportunities to pitch for the Cubs in 2019 and if he takes advantage of them, there are some empty spots on the roster in 2020 waiting for him.

Rowan Wick was part of a large group of upper-level pitching depth the Padres had assembled just before this year’s Rule 5 draft. Instead of risking losing some of that depth for nothing the Padres traded Wick to the Cubs for Jason Vosler.

Wick split last year between Double and Triple-A and the big leagues. In the minor leagues, he had a 2.67 ERA in 54 innings. In the Major Leagues, though, he had a terrible 6.48 ERA in 8 1/3 innings.

As someone who only recently converted to being a pitcher Wick is still figuring things out. The jury is still out on this guy.