Cubs rumors: Chicago likely to pursue two starting pitchers

Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein told reporters, including Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald, that the team would likely pursue two starting pitchers this offseason:

Epstein said the Cubs likely would pursue two starting pitchers, either through trades or free agency, this winter.

As they prepare for 2013, the Cubs are left shorthanded in the starting pitching department thanks to summer trades of Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm and Matt Garza’s elbow injury.

Epstein indicated earlier this year that Chicago could target one or more free agent starting pitchers this winter, but during his meeting with writers yesterday the president said the club would also look to acquire a starter through trade.

While there are several high-profile free agent starters set to hit the open market, it was reported last week that the Cubs are more likely to target a more affordable arm that’s coming off an injury or a poor season. Some of the potential pitchers that would qualify include Shaun Marcum, Joe Blanton, Jeff Francis, Francisco Liriano, Brandon McCarthy and Daisuke Matsuzaka, according to Bruce Miles of ESPNChicago.com.