Besides already linking to my favorite Cubs video that both at once grosses me out and draws me in, the 2010 Cubs will again be something of an enigma.
**Editors Note. The format for these predictions is going to change as analytics show that these posts don’t get long-term hits. **
In their manager position sweet Lou is something of an enigma. Does he help? Does he hurt? I don’t know. He can be entertaining and as a former Yankee and a Paison of course, I love him on some level but I’m not sure he’ll be able to help this team this year.
Derek Lee was the only guy in their infield last year that really didn’t fall off statistically. On paper they are an infield that looks really tempting and would appear to be set to just rip off some serious numbers. Unfortunately, they’re kind of like a “butter girl” you know the girl that looks good from a distance, then you get up close and you have to say, “but her face!” That’s the Cub’s infield and maybe the whole team.
In the outfield, Milton Bradley is gone and his fears of wanton and unchecked racism. Soriano just isn’t the player I thought he’d turn out to be. He hit just .241 last year and he doesn’t seem to actually have a spot in the lineup. 9 Stolen bases and 55 RBI’s don’t exactly make for top tier numbers. Then there is Kosuke Fududome. 54 RBI’s and a .259 average are just miserable. Their last OF position is still in the air as they seek to replace Bradley. Signing Marlon Byrd may produce numbers and it may not unless the Cubbies intend to play all of their home games in hitter friendly Texas. Maybe they can work something out with the Rangers.
Geovany Soto at the catcher position needs to figure it out. He’ll most likely be the youngest everyday player for this geriatric laden team. Last year’s .218 will not help him keep the job in the future.
Carlos Zambrano of course leads their starting pitchers. When the big Z is good, he is really really good. When he is doing his impression of a five year old, he’s just not that good. Ted Lilly is down currently having had shoulder surgery. Carlos Silva should provide a good solid position in the number 5 spot. Will the Ryan Dempster of 2009 or of the previous years show up? Look, let’s be honest, if the Cubs don’t get better production from their offense, it will not matter how nuanced their pitching is because 2 run games will beat them.
Their bullpen also has it’s questions. Carlos Marmol will be the closer. Will the bullpen look like a group of actors auditioning for roles in a movie about batting practice pitchers or will they hold runs? It’s probably best to keep the expectations low here.
The Key to Winning in 2010 will be to get their highly overpaid and seemingly underpaid players to perform. They need to have a plus .500 record on the road.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.