The Chicago Cubs have added some depth to both their starting rotation/bullpen this off-season.
One of their recent signings was Jose Vera, who could be in line to take control of the closer’s role after converting 21 of 25 saves last year between the Tigers and Astros. Now according to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have added former Pirates lefty Jonathan Sanchez.
The 31 year old pitcher is coming off a year where he posted a career high 11.85 ERA. His previous career high was 9.53 when he was with the Colorado Rockies back in 2012.
He only picked up five starts with the Bucs’ but was picked apart with seven home runs and 18 earned runs. Not that great of numbers, but he could have a bounce back year.
Cubs have had some success with signing guys who were coming off either a terrible season, or with guys who were overlooked by the rest of the league. Guys like Nate Schierholtz and Dioner Navarro put up some solid numbers with the Cubs in 2013.
Could it be Jonathan Sanchez’s turn? We’ll have to see. He did sign a minor league deal, but will report to Spring Training, so there’s a good chance that he could end up on the Opening Day roster.
Sanchez also pitched a no-hitter in 2009 when he was a member of the San Francisco Giants.