In the framework of the Cubs picking up second tier free agent pitchers then flipping them for prospects at the trade deadline like with Paul Maholm, the name that pops to the top of the list is John Lannan of the Nationals.
Lannan will be non-tendered this offseason, because he spent most of his time in AAA.
Lannan earned $5MM in 2012.
Lannan, 28, has 6 major league seasons under his belt. His career record is 42-52, 4.01 ERA, 783.2 IP, 1.424 WHIP, 1.39 K/BB ratio. Last season, he made six starts with a record of 4-1, 4.13 ERA, 32.2 IP, 1.439 WHIP, 1.21 K/BB ratio. When you sign him, you know what you are getting - - - a #4/5 starter with experience.
The only downside to this plan is that the Nationals prize starting pitching; a left handed experienced starter is a hard asset to find in the open market. Plus, if the Nationals do not re-sign Edwin Jackson, Lannan could be the top candidate to replace him in the 2013 rotation. One would expect Lannan to re-sign with the Nationals, a contender, then sign with the Cubs, a pretender.
