If there was a single ray of hope that shined last year for the Cubs, it was pitcher Randy Wells. In a year full of disappointments and distractions, the Cubs had one player who looked to be growing in talent and not wasting it.
Wells’ numbers were very good for a rookie season: 12-10 with a 3.05 ERA and a 5.65 K/9 rate.
With those numbers alone there is hope that Wells can become a #2 starter in the future. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
There were multiple times were Wells would have a great outing and go 6 or 7 innings and only gave up one run, but the Cubs’ offense would fail to put any runs on the board, leaving Wells with a no-decision in a game that should have been a W.
In Wells’ first two starts he pitched 11 scoreless innings. Both were no-decisions. His next four starts he went 0-2 but pitched at least 6.2 innings and never gave up more than three runs.
Wells’ record didn’t show how well he pitched during those games.
There were plenty of chances for him to get many more wins than 12, but the offense was just unable to produce for him, something that can be frustrating for both the pitcher and the fans.
With spring training here, and the status of Cubs pitchers still hanging in the balance, Wells has a chance to prove himself worthy of a top starting position.
Carlos Zambrano hasn’t played like a #1 starter, and Ted Lily is coming off of a shoulder injury.
With Zambrano underachieving and Lily’s status hanging in the balance Wells has a great opportunity to wow the coaches this spring training.
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* – Randy Wells photo credit: Cubs Nation
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