Jesse Rogers of ESPN-Chicago reports that Theo Epstein, Chicago Cubs GM, spoke optimistically about two of his projected starting pitchers for 2013, Matt Garza and Scott Baker.

"Both guys should be ready to start the year," Epstein said Wednesday.


Baker, 31, was acquired via free agency on November 13.  The righty starter has spent his entire career with the Twins until now.  From 2008-2010 he racked up a won-loss of 38-22.  Elbow problems, however, limited his 2011 season to 134 innings, and caused him to miss all of 2012.  Baker underwent the procedure knows as Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament last April.

Epstein said of Baker, "If he stays on schedule that's laid out for him now -- he's up to about 75 pitches by the end of March."

On Garza, the ex-Boston Red Sox GM stated, "Garza we expect to be full go in spring training and ready to start the year."

Garza is still being counted on as the number one or two starter in the Cubs 2013 rotation.  The 6'4" 29-year-old saw his 2012 campaign end in August after a triceps injury and a stress reaction in his right (throwing) elbow.  A topic of many winter trade rumors, the native Californian joined the Cubs via a January 2011 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays that saw the Cubs send five players to Tampa, none of whom has had much impact in the major leagues since.








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