Update: As I was writing this article, more news came in regarding Chris Capuano and the Cubs. The Cubs could be closing on a deal for the southpaw. The Cubs want a deal done with him. The deal isn’t done yet, but there’s a strong possibilty a deal could be done soon.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Cubs are expressing interest in free agent pitcher Chris Capuano. The Cubs number 1 priority going into the off-season is starting pitcher and the Cubs being link to Capuano in no surprise. They will probably be linked to many pitchers as names have already surfaced. Some names the Cubs have been linked to besides Capuano are CJ Wilson, Mark Buehrle and a few Japanese pitchers most notable Yu Darvish (however, he’s hasn’t been posted yet, but the word is he will eventually). Capuano is a 33 year-old lefty, who pitched for the New York Mets during the 2011 season. In 2011, Capuano posted a 4.55 era with a 11-12 record and struck out 168 batters in 186 innings. Also, Capuano is a strike thrower and does not walk much as he only walked 53 in those 186 innings. That’s pretty good and does make bats miss. However, he does give up runs and hits, which isn’t what you want to hear.
Capuano made his MLB debut in 2003 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but later was shipped to the Milwaukee Brewers (Decemeber 3rd, 2003). So.. his stint with the D’backs rarely lasted. Capuano made his named with the Milwaukee Brewers as that’s where his career mostly lived. He was with the Brewers from 2003-2010 with contracts varying. In 2009 and 2010, Capuano signed minor league deals with the Brewers. During those years, Capuano was up and down from Triple A. After the 2010 season, Capuano left the Brewers and signed with the New York Mets on a bargain deal. It was more of a low cost-high reward kind of deal. As the Mest signed Capuano to a 1 year contract worth 1.5 million. But now he is a free agent and looking for a new team. Could his 2012 team be the Chicago Cubs? I don’t know and don’t think it will happen soon if he is a Cub in 2012.
I’m not high on Capuano, but I would rather see him in the Cubs starting rotation that Rodrigo Lopez, Russ Ortiz, Dave Bush, Doug Davis and even Jeff Samardizija (I think his spot in in the bullpen). If he would come on a deal like the one he signed with the Mets, why not. However, the Cubs should look at all other starting pitchers before they think about signing Capuano. If the Cubs sign one top or trade for a top pitcher, then signing Capuano would be fine.
Theo Epstein said going into the Winter Meetings starting pitching is out number 1 prioirty. We have heard the Cubs are shopping Matt Garza, but I doubt he will be traded. We will hear the rumors, but when the 2012 seaosn kicks off, Garza will still be on the North Side.
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