Chicago Cubs get C-, and that’s only because they hired David Ross

Well, that says a lot about the Chicago Cubs. It’s been so lackluster that the David Ross signing is the biggest yet. It makes you wonder, what are they thinking?

The Chicago Cubs get a C-, at least to Jim Bowden. (Subscription required) Look, I know that Bowden is not very trustworthy. But I think he hits the head of the nail on this one. David Ross saved the offseason grade, and they’re not done. I hope. Still, that’s a poor grade to get, especially hiring Ross.

They added small-time free-agents, right-handed pitcher Jeremy Jeffress, Dan Winkler and Ryan Tepera, and then OF Steven Souza, Jr. That’s it. Aside from hiring Ross to replace Joe Maddon, who was quite successful in his five years,) that’s all they added.

Souza only played 72 games in 2018. And then he missed the 2019 season because of an ACL, LCL and partial PCL tear. So his prognosis is not good. He’s healthy, but how long will he keep that going?

Jeffress was also hurt, complaining of hip pain. He got past that, and the Cubs hope he can be healthy as he looks to get past the hip pain. Tepera, too was injured, battling an elbow injury. The only one who wasn’t ‘currently’ injured was Winkler, but in 2016 he had a scare. He elbow ‘snapped,’ causing him to be helped off the field. It was a scary incident for all involved, harking back to Dave Dravecky.

The Rule 5 Draft pick was Trevor Megill from the San Diego Padres. Overall in five seasons (NCAA and minors), he’s averaged a 3.48 ERA with SO9 of 11.1. He’s had some issues in the past, but the Cubs hope he can get it going and be part of this staff.

The Cubs hope to capitalize on Yu Darvish and Craig Kimbrel, as well as the enigmatic Jason Heyward. Jon Lester is on the tail end of his career, but if he at least pitches five innings of three-run ball? He’s got a chance.  These are the Cubs that have something invested in them. Three out of four isn’t bad. Am I right?

Hopefully, the Cubs aren’t done making moves. Even if it’s small in nature, bring it on.