Matt Garza came into camp healthy. So he said. So the media reported on his off-season rehab.
Garza threw to live batters for the first time since July, 2012. From most observers, he looked good. But then he was taken off the mound by the trainer. It appears he pulled a lat muscle in his side. It does not seem serious by initial reports.
But it is a set-back. We were under the impression that Garza would be back at full ready this spring. Even if the elbow issue had resolved, it did not mean that Garza's overall strength and mechanics were in good order.
No matter the hopeful prose from the Cubs PR department of a .500 season, a much improved off season acquisition spending spree, or fan anticipation, the Cubs roster is a house of cards. The bolstering of the pitching staff is suspect: Baker was signed post-Tommy John surgery; Garza was coming back from elbow issue; Feldman was demoted by the Rangers, Carlos Villanuena by the Blue Jays; and Edwin Jackson has been inconsistent even with championship caliber teams.
There are no AAA understudies in the wings to fill in holes in the rotation, third base, second base, catcher or bullpen duty this year. The Cubs have mortgaged the future on Class A prospects who will be slow to develop under the new systematic plan of one year advances per level. The best prospects will be at Class AA Kane County this summer. That means hope is still three years away.
If Garza is unable to make the opening day roster, the rotation starts to crumble. Samardzija becomes the opening day starter by default, followed by Jackson, Feldman, T. Wood and Villanueva.
Another weak position continues to be third base. If Ian Stewart cannot bat more than .200 and keep healthy, then Luis Valbuena's .210 stick is the only current third sad sack option.
The outfield would collapse if Soriano gets hurt. He is the one consistent power hitter run generator in the lineup. If Sori goes on the DL, Scott Hairston is his full time replacement. Which means the right field platoon of journeymen would make Nick Schierholtz a full time player for the first time in his career.
But the Cubs cobbled this roster together for a reason. This is another short term place holder team until the Epstein-Hoyer picks come of age in three years.
