Chicago Cubs: Does Targeting Tyson Ross Mean Six Man Rotation?
Does the Chicago Cubs interest in Tyson Ross mean that they want to go to a six man rotation full time?
Ever since he was non-tendered by the San Diego Padres, the Chicago Cubs have shown major interest in starting pitcher Tyson Ross. Once considered a top-tier starting pitcher, Ross’ value has dropped off of a cliff over the past year. That being said, he is still a talented pitcher who has a lot of upside going forward.
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There is a lot to like about Ross’ game, and you can never have too much pitching depth. However, the Cubs do not have a massive need for another starting pitcher. Their top four of Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta and John Lackey are set in stone. All four pitchers were heavily depended on last season and performed extremely well. Barring injury, the Cubs will be able to count on those four again in 2017.
After letting Jason Hammel go in free agency earlier this off season, Mike Montgomery was expected to take over as the team’s fifth starter. Montgomery is a talented left-handed pitcher who had success both as a starter and out of the bullpen for the Cubs last season.
Montogomery was an extremely reliable option for the Cubs out of the pen last season, but with an impressive three pitch mix (fastball, curveball and change-up), his upside as a starting pitcher is intriguing.
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With Arrieta and Lackey set to hit free agency after 2017 and Lester not getting any younger, the Cubs need to find long-term starting pitcher options. Montgomery deserves an opportunity to prove he can be one of those long-term options.
With a rock solid top four and Montgomery deserving a chance, adding Ross to the mix can only mean one thing; a six man rotation. The Cubs went with a six man rotation for most of the second half last season, and it undoubtedly helped them keep their pitchers fresh down the stretch.
Lester, Hendricks and Arrieta were all great in the postseason. Having those extra days of rest over the second half certainly had a lot to do with their success.
If the Cubs sign Ross, they will have the opportunity to bring him along slowly off of shoulder surgery. Montgomery would take the fifth spot in the rotation at the start of the season, with an opportunity to make it a full-time gig.
With so many top-tier position players who can play multiple positions, the Cubs can afford to short themselves a position player on the active roster. This would allow for a six man rotation while not shorting the bullpen in any way.
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This all depends on if the Cubs sign Ross. I do not personally think they try this with a returning Travis Wood or Rule 5 selection Caleb Smith, as Joel Sherman suggests. If the Cubs do sign Ross, and Montgomery is pitching well as a starter when Ross is ready to compete, going with a six man rotation full-time is best for all involved.