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Chicago Cubs Announce Order of their 2017 Starting Rotation

By Dan Schmelzer

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the first inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs have released their starting rotation for the 2017 season with a few interesting twists.

The Chicago Cubs undoubtedly have one of the best starting rotations in Major League Baseball. Their mix of pitchers almost rivals their incredible stock of position player talent. In fact, their staff is so deep that reigning MLB ERA champion Kyle Hendricks is their fifth starter. But really, the order doesn’t even matter.

Hendricks had an incredible 2016 season, leading the majors with a 2.13 ERA. Hendricks also pitched lights out in two of the most important games in franchise history. He sent the Cubs to the World Series, picking up the win in 7.1 shutout innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 6 of the NLCS. He was also incredible in the Cubs’ historic Game 7 World Series victory.

Make no mistake about it, Hendricks is an elite-level major league pitcher, but he comes in fifth in the Cubs’ pecking order. The Cubs announced on Thursday that Jon Lester will start on Opening Day against the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by Jake Arrieta, John Lackey, Brett Anderson and finally Hendricks.

However, let’s not make this into a big deal. The Cubs are only pitching Hendricks fifth so lefties Anderson and Lester do not go on back-to-back days, according to the Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. For all intents and purposes, Anderson is the fifth starter on this team.

"“Everybody is always concerned about pecking order in terms of what you perceive to be the best and least best,” manager Joe Maddon said. “It’s more or less balancing it out. I don’t know how important that is, either.”"

The Cubs will open the season with Lester on the mound against the Cardinals on April 2nd. Arrieta and Lackey will follow him in St. Louis on April 4th and 5th respectively. Anderson’s Cubs debut will take place on April 7th against the Milwaukee Brewers, followed by Hendricks taking the mound at Milwaukee on the 8th. This rotation puts Arrieta on track to be the team’s starting pitcher in their home opener against the Dodgers on April 10th.

Next: Five Cubs Players Who are Primed for Breakout Seasons

Like Maddon says, these rotation orders do not really mean anything. Do not think that this means the Cubs look at Hendricks as their worst starter. They absolutely do not. Whether he pitches first, last or anywhere in between, Kyle Hendricks is going to be rock-solid for the Chicago Cubs. When it comes down to it, that is all that matters.

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