Knowing the Cubs desire to sign and flip starting pitchers during the long rebuilding process, there have been numerous names floating around as potential targets, such as Dan Haren or Shaun Marcum.
I think better value could be made with more under the radar selections. My quick list of major league starters at reasonable salaries who fit the Cubs 2013 profile are:
1. John Lannan, 28, LHP.
He was the odd man out in the Nationals rotation last season. He spend an unhappy year mostly in AAA. He went 4-1, 4.13 ERA 1.439 WHIP. He would be a motivated player in 2013. He has no injury issues. He made $5 million last season. So if the Nationals don't tender him a contract, he could be signed at the $5 million range.
2. Carlos Villanueva, 29, RHP
He played through some highs and lows with Toronto. Playing for the Blue Jays keeps him under the national radar. He went 7-7, 4.16 ERA, 1.269 WHIP. He made $2.28 million last season, and he would expect a raise to around $4 million. The question with him is command and control.
3. Kevin Correia, 32, RHP
He was in the doghouse late in the season and wanted out of Pittsburgh. The Cubs have historically done well in signing ex-Pirates for the short term. He went 12-11, 4.21 ERA, 1.298 WHIP. He made $3 million last season so he would expect near $5 million for 2013.
4. Jair Jurrjens, 26, RHP.
One of the Braves young guns who had nagging injuries the last few seasons. He was on the trade block before last season as the Braves have a bountiful of young arms ready for major league duty. He went 3-4, 6.89 ERA, 1.862 WHIP. Those numbers could scare off some teams. If the Braves do not offer him a contract, Jurrjens could be the high risk-reward type signee that the Cubs front office would pounce with glee. Jurrjens made $5.5 million last season. Even with injuries, one could expect a small raise in a discounted multi-year deal. But he is still young.
