First impressions can be lasting impressions. Scott Feldman's performance last night in Atlanta was bad. Chris Volstad bad.
On Friday his control was a mess, hence the walks, wild pitches and hit batter. Plus, the Braves stole three bases on him. He threw 102 pitches in less than five innings of work. In his Cubs debut, Feldman gave up four runs on five hits and four walks. He threw two wild pitches and hit another batter. He left the game with a 7.71 ERA and 1,929 WHIP.
Recall, Volstad's 2012 Cub season:
3-12, 6.31 ERA, 21 starts, 111.1 IP, 137 H, 81 R, 78 ER, 43 BB, 63 K, 1.617 WHIP
Recall, Feldman's spring training:
0-3, 11.25 ERA, 6 starts, 20 IP, 38 H, 25 R, 25 ER, 6 BB, 17 K, 2.200 WHIP.
Pitching coach Chris Bosio has not corrected the problem that the Rangers found in Feldman when Texas last season demoted Feldman to bullpen duty. But since Garza and Baker are on extended rehabs, Feldman is projected to start through May. There is at least 9 more starts for Feldman before Garza may return.
Yikes.
There has to be a report card soon on Epstein and Hoyer's ability to find and/or develop pitchers. In most organizational scouting reports of minor league talent, Cub pitching is not mentioned as a strength even though the Cubs drafted 17 arms in the last draft. Iowa is stocked with AAA arms. Chris Rusin is the default number six starter until Baker and Garza get off the DL. The Cubs traded Maholm for Vizcaino who is again on the 60 day DL with no time line to return to the majors (he may be out until next season). The overall record of Cubs finding quality starting pitching continues to be poor.
