HOUSTON — The Cubs’ decision to shop Ted Lilly to other teams rather than extend his contract speaks to one or two things — a surplus of starting pitching in the farm system or a desire to trim payroll.
“I don’t know about that,” manager Lou Piniella said before Lilly started Tuesday night against the Astros, possibly his last start in a four-year stint with the Cubs. “I don’t really get into that area. If I’m asked, I will. We have some decent young arms. Half a dozen of ’em are already here.”
Piniella did say the organization’s pitching depth lies more in relievers than potential starters.
Andrew Cashner, the 2008 first-rounder who is working as a setup man, is likely to get first crack at any opening in the 2011 rotation. Left-hander Sean Marshall, who has been the team’s best setup man this season, is another consideration.
If Lilly is traded, the Cubs most likely would reach down to the minors for his immediate replacement rather than try to convert Cashner or Marshall or give Carlos Zambrano the spot before he logs time in the bullpen.
Thomas Diamond, a former first-round pick of the Rangers, will get strong consideration. The Cubs want to evaluate the 27-year-old Diamond after a season in which he has compiled a 3.28 ERA in 20 starts for Triple-A Iowa.
Jeff Samardzija, who has pitched well since shifting into the Iowa rotation (3-0, 1.05 ERA in seven starts), may be the most likely choice. Prospects Casey Coleman and Jay Jackson are also on the radar.
