Juan Cruz, who admittedly struggled at the beginning of last year as a starter and earlier this year as a reliever, showed today why he should replace Estes as the Cubs’ fifth starter.

Replacing the injured Mark Prior in the rotation, he pitched six very strong innings against an outstanding offensive Astros team in the juice box and only gave up three earned on four hits while striking out five.

Can’t Estes be a long man or a spot lefty out of the bullpen? Dusty Baker has said he’s not playing the slumping Choi more often because the Cubs are trying to win now, not develop players.

In other words, it’s not part of Dusty’s well known pattern of preferring veterans over younger players. Playing Karros right now probably is the right move, considering how hot he is.

But after today’s performance by Cruz, there’s no reason for Baker’s continued devotion to Estes and 6.00 ERA. We’ll see if he’s serious about “winning now” or if that’s just rhetoric used to stand by the trusty vets he so dearly loves.