How do you avoid the heartburn and heartache associated with the Cubs’ bullpen right now? Don’t use them.
The problem with that plan is your shortstop has to not boot the final out (leading to a meaningless home run). But, hey, who even noticed, right? It’s not like you were *nervous* when Carlos Marmol came into a one-run game, right?
Jeff Samardzija did what the Cubs’ front office, coaching staff, and anonymous scouts said he could do if he kept pitching like he was in Spring Training. That is to say, he dominated. His control was impeccable, his stuff was good, and his fastball was in the mid-90s. In other words, he looked like a quality starter. If the transformation is legit, the Cubs could suddenly have a very good rotation. Of course, I’m getting *very* ahead of myself. This kind of transformation (decent, inconsistent reliever (former starter) becoming dominant starting pitcher) is rare, but it does happen.
I’m mighty tired of this guy, though…