What the new Cubs owner should do...

Cuba has confirmed that prized LHP Ardolis Chapman has defected. He managed to defect while the Cuban team was playing in a tournament in the Netherlands. Chapman is said to have a a fastball that touches 100 mph and is rated as one of the top left-handed pitchers in the world. If I were new Cubs owner, Tom Ricketts, I would make a strong effort to sign this guy. Chapman is only 21 years old (allegedly) and is the best pitching prospect to leave Cuba since Jose Contreras. The Cubs could really use a young, talented left-handed starting pitching prospect with this kind of potential. The Cubs are not really as deep at starting pitching beyond this season, I do not expect Rich Harden to remain a Cub beyond this season. Who knows how good Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, or Kevin Hart will do over a full season? Who knows how good Randy Wells will be beyond this season, or even in the second half? Carlos Zambrano's early retirement in a few years? With all of these question marks, the Cubs should make it a priority to sign Chapman, it is going to cost a lot of money, but it would be worth the risk.