Rotation: Ace, Embrace or Replace

This will be a bi-weekly evaluation of how I’m feeling about the cubs rotation:

Ace – would start this pitcher in Game 7 of the World Series
Shota Imanaga – Has had a fantastic start to the season, against some very good lineups. He had a few stinkers last season, but so far this year, he is rolling.

Near Ace – would feel comfortable starting this pitcher in a playoff series
Justin Steele – after a couple bad starts, he looked excellent against the Rangers. Without amazing stuff, he must locate his pitches to have success.

Embrace – would feel comfortable starting this pitcher in a big, regular season game
Matthew Boyd -Two starts and no runs allowed is about the best possible beginning to a Cubs career that we could imagine. If he can keep this up, he could move up a level very easily.

Jameson Taillon – I’m pretty sure Taillon will spend the season at this level. He eats up innings and gets out. There will be runs allowed, but he can usually keep things close enough to give the Cubs a chance. Many were upset that he was kept around at the trade deadline last year, but the fact that none of the CUbs young pitchers everyone has touted is higher on this list is a testament to his value. But if the Cubs are headed to the playoffs, I wouldn’t ind seeing them acquire a true top 3 or 4 starter who could pitch in a playoff series.

Near Replace – would only feel comfortable starting this pitcher in against a lesser opponent
Ben Brown – has not been nearly as effective as his starts before injury next year. A better start against the Padres would have not given the bullpen a chance to blow things late. He has great stuff, but as with most “great stuff” pitchers with high ERAs, he has not been able to find command. He will be candidate for AAA when Javier Assad is ready, and might force an earlier minor league stint if he has a couple more shaky starts.

Replace – would only feel comfortable starting this pitcher in spring training
No one yet, but Brown is getting closer

Injured or Minors:
Javier Assad
Jordan Wicks
Cade Horton