From an outsiders perspective, losing a pitcher who has arguably been your top starter for the past three years can be a bad thing. And while in most cases I would agree, I think the loss of Ted Lilly won’t be as bad as some may think.

One could argue that Lilly has been the most consistent Cubs pitcher since he came over from the Blue Jays three years ago. His 44 wins in that time frame, along with over 500 strikeouts and 3.67 ERA, has led the team since his arrival. His recovery from surgery won’t be as rough for the Cubs as many think, because both Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzelaany have both looked solid this spring. Now spring may not be the best measuring stick on how an athlete will perform, it can show glimpses of what is to become.

With a relatively easy schedule for the first month of the season, the Cubs should be able to handle the absence of a pitcher they envision to be their No.2 in the rotation. If they can weather the storm without him, the Cubs may be in for a nice start to a season which can be based on hope.