Mike Montgomery’s Shot to Lock Down a Rotation Job and Other Bullets

Feb 14, 2017

Historically, The Wife and I haven’t done much – if anything – for Valentine’s Day. I haven’t done anything significant this year, like usual, but I am also slightly terrified (as I am every year) that I was supposed to do something significant. Yes, I have become that husband.

(Love you, dear!)

It’s been clear since he worked into the rotation last year as the sixth starter that the Chicago Cubs are hoping lefty Mike Montgomery emerges in 2017 as a long-term starter for a team that is going to need them in 2018 and beyond. Then, when the Cubs let Jason Hammel go, they explicitly stated that part of the reason was to give other starting pitchers an opportunity to emerge in 2017, with an eye toward helping in the future. Montgomery wasn’t named by name, but we knew that he was in that group, especially given his potential upside. Fast-forward to last month, when the Cubs signed lefty starter Brett Anderson, and some started to ask whether that meant Montgomery was headed back to the bullpen. Given Anderson’s injury history, though, and the ever-present need for more than five starting pitchers, the better response to the Anderson signing was that it had virtually no impact on Montgomery’s projected role with the Cubs in 2017. If he can start successfully, he’s going to start. It might not be every turn through the rotation, but he’s going to get a significant number of starts no matter what happens with Anderson (or Eddie Butler or Alec Mills or the rest of the rotation).

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I offer that all as a precursor to Montgomery’s thoughts upon arriving at Spring Training, which you can read here at Cubs.com, and here at the Chicago Tribune. He is not bothered by competition, and prepared this offseason like a starting pitcher. But he’s ready to start and relieve, knowing that needs change throughout the year. From where I sit, I hope Montgomery is given substantial stretches of the season to simply stay in the rotation on a semi-regular schedule so that the Cubs can really, truly see what they might have in him for the future. If Anderson and the front four starters are all healthy, then the Cubs can operate with the kind of modified six-man rotation they employed late last year, which would preserve all of the arms in the rotation for the stretch run (and, a great deal of research suggests, could also improve each pitcher’s individual effectiveness).

Patrick Mooney writes about the things under the microscope this spring, and, coming off a World Series win, obviously, there’s not a whole lot of scandalous stuff. That said, there are things that will be pored over, including Jake Arrieta’s contract year, and what happens in center field.

Mark Gonzales writes about whether it’s time for a famous, long-retired former Cub to come back into the fold. No, not Sammy Sosa – it’s Mark Grace. The first baseman, who now lives in Arizona, has mostly been involved with the Diamondbacks in various roles since his retirement, but is now something of a free agent, after departing as the team’s assistant hitting coach. He could still do some TV work for the Diamondbacks, but joining the Cubs in some kind of capacity – formal or informal – still seems possible. So much more here from Gonzales.

A reminder: today is the last day to submit your entry for the Cubs’ ring bearer contest.

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This is really cool:

I love graphic design @Cubs and also @CubsJoeMadd #SpringTraining pic.twitter.com/XGCu5wVSlJ

— Ben Radigan (@benradigan) February 13, 2017

New cap varieties for the spring, if you didn’t like the earlier ones that came out:

Some new Cubs spring caps at @Fanatics are out for your pre-season prep: https://t.co/GGEWCy2qhw pic.twitter.com/ruUuzwcQCb

— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) February 14, 2017

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Hug someone:

Happy Valentine's Day!

May you find the Rizzo to your Bryant. pic.twitter.com/iP5GPKFGYb

— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) February 14, 2017

Today is officially pitchers and catchers report day for the Cubs, but most were already getting after it yesterday.

And with baseball season officially upon us, I’m going to suggest that you follow our sister site Baseball is Fun on Twitter:

A Guide on "Where You Can Touch Your Friends (geographically) …" #EnhancedGIF” pic.twitter.com/cwgmAqiCz2

— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) February 14, 2017

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Last minute chocolate purchases? Or just want to buy a bunch of chocolate at a discount? There’s a 20% off Hershey’s coupon deal at Amazon today.

Yesterday was a busy one, so if you missed anything else:

Travis Wood signed a two-year deal with the Royals.

A huge rundown of MLBits from around the league, including bounce back players, signings, and more.

David Rollings – the insanely well-travelled reliever – finally cleared waivers and will stick with the Cubs.

A pace of play change everyone can support: MLB wants time limits on instant replay.

The Cubs are going to use a ton of starting pitchers this Spring Training.

The Pirates are still open to trading Andrew McCutchen.

Much on Kyle Schwarber, including how highly he’s already regarded among left fielders.

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

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Mike Montgomery’s Shot to Lock Down a Rotation Job and Other Bullets

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