re: SBL Week 6

For my Cub fans:

THE CUBBIE QUANDARY

Headley, who turns 29 on Thursday, would be perfect for the Cubs, who could add him to a core of young position players that already includes first baseman Anthony Rizzo, shortstop Starlin Castro and three elite prospects — shortstop Javier Baez and outfielders Albert Amora and Jorge Soler.

Pitching remains the problem for the Cubs — and it’s a big problem. The shortage in their system has forced them to sign free agents such as Edwin Jackson, who has a 6.39 ERA after seven starts, and Scott Baker, who has yet to pitch this season due to a strained elbow. And unlike say, the Cardinals, the Cubs don’t have relievers in the minors, either.

So, look for the Cubs to remain aggressive on the waiver wire, and why not? The Braves’ Eric O’Flaherty and Orioles’ Darren O’Day are examples of relievers who achieved career breakthroughs after getting claimed on waivers.

For rondo the pirates fan:

A scout who saw right-hander Gerrit Cole’s most recent start at Triple A says, “he could go now” — meaning, straight into the Pirates’ major-league rotation.


COVERING THE BASES
The season is rolling along. Here are photos to get you started.
Cole, the first overall choice in the 2011 draft, boasts a 2.45 ERA after six starts. He is throwing 94 to 98 mph while featuring a nasty slider, good curveball and occasional change, the scout says.

The Pirates, though, likely will give left-hander Francisco Liriano, righty Charlie Morton and maybe even righty Jeff Karstens opportunities before Cole.

Liriano, coming off a broken humerus in his non-pitching arm, is expected to make his first start Saturday against the Mets. Morton, coming off Tommy John surgery, endured a recent setback due to tightness in the back of his right shoulder, but before that the Pirates were seeing signs that he could regain his 2011 form. Karstens is working his way back from shoulder soreness.

Cole has struck out only 21 while walking 17 in 29 1/3 innings, but he makes frequent use of his sinker, the scout says, contributing to his low strikeout total.

In any case, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington maintains that the team will not rush Cole or its other top pitching prospect, Double A righty Jameson Taillon.

“They’ll have to work their way into our plans,” Huntington says. “We built this club to not be dependent upon one or both having to get here. We built this club so they can get here when they’re ready.”