Wrigley Roundtable

Today, we would like to begin a weekly segment in which we debate a selected matter of interest. The topics could range from the Cubs to baseball or other sports, to movies and music.

Today's topic: Zack Greinke to the Cubs?

There are some rumblings about a possible deal that would bring Royals pitcher Zack Greinke to the Cubs. Greinke was the 5th overall pick in the 2002 draft, coming right out of high school. He was a highly touted prospect, often drawing comparisons to Greg Maddux and Bret Saberhagen. After a great minor league campaign in 2003, where he went 15-4 with a 1.93 ERA, Zack made the Royals' starting rotation in 2004 and posted an 8-11 record with a 3.97 ERA. However things took a downward turn after that. He followed up a solid rookie season with disappointing 2005, finishing 5-17 with a 5.80 ERA. In 2006, Greinke left camp for personal reasons. He would later be placed on the 60-day DL for psychological issues, which was later determined to be social anxiety disorder. He walked away from the game and sought treatment. He came back this season looking more like his old self again and earned a spot in the Kansas City rotation. However after a handful of shaky outings, Zack was relegated to the bullpen, but is finding new life as a solid setup man and possible closer. His ability to throw heat in the upper 90's in short outings has increased his value as a reliever.

So would acquiring Greinke be a good move for the Cubs? Would he be a valuable piece to the bullpen? Who would the Cubs have to give up in order to get him? I've heard Patterson and Cedeno's names thrown around. Would Greinke be able to handle pitching in Wrigley where the pressure would undoubtedly be higher than what he's faced in KC?

Our panel of bartenders will weigh in, and we invite any of our readers to offer their two cents as well. So grab a beer and a handful of stale popcorn and tell us what you think.