Manager: Lou Piniella
'Sweet Lou' has led the Cubs to three consecutive winning seasons. The personality of a guy like Lou with his confidence, old-school style is a good fit for the Cubs after Dusty Baker completely messed up the talents that he did have. Piniella becomes fiery at times, but the Cubs needed that to help them rebound in the drastic 2007 turnaround. He is a numbers guy who knows who to trust and is very substitution savvy, playing guys at the right time. A record of 265-219 as manager has gotten Cub fans behind him. Two postseason appearance no shows can't be blamed on Piniella, as his top hitters (Alfonso Soriano, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez) decided to hit in one of the worst three game stretches all season for each. Piniella enters 2010 with a newfound depth from the minor league system and the same talent as when the 2008 Cubs were the best team in the National League (97-64).
General Manager: Jim Hendry
Hendry knows how to get a deal done. Even after an NL-worst 96-loss season in 2006, Hendry refused to fall into rebuilding mode and instead continued to add to the winning nucleus that still remained. Such players as Carlos Zambrano, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirez could have been traded away for prospects for the future, but Hendry came right back with big signings and get the Cubs a worst to first finish in 2007. He is also a player at the deadline, acquiring Ramirez and Kenny Lofton in 2003 in his most famed deadline deal. While he may not be the best GM in baseball, he does know how to assemble a winning team and is not afraid to spend the money to do so.
Hitting Coach: Rudy Jaramillo
A hitting deity in the baseball world, Jaramillo has been known to take players one-on-one and analyse each swing, doctoring an individual prescription to best achieve success for each player. Although Gerald Perry and Von Joshua were good coaches, Jaramillo is the best. That one-on-one strategy will be key in getting Geovany Soto, Mike Fontenot, Alfonso Soriano, and others get back on track while just improving and getting the most out of everyone else. Jaramillo's former teams in Texas were always among the league leaders in runs and any player from down there can tell you how good this guy is, notably Ian Kinsler, whose All-Star career was saved by his work with Rudy. The 2008 Cubs were 2nd in MLB in runs, and guess who was 1st? Watch for an offensive rebound in a big way in 2010.
Pitching Coach: Larry Rothschild
Until 2009, Cubs pitching staffs had led the league in strikeouts for eight consecutive years. Eight! That tied a National League record. It took more than Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Marmol, Rich Harden, and Carlos Zambrano to set that. Rothschild has been very good coming out to the mound and calming a pitcher down, especially his relievers. I think Rothschild and the Cubs were a were quicker than they should have been on hooking their starters in the later innings, I would hope that the wave has gone through them. Kevin Gregg let a lot of games get away from the Cubs, part of the problems that plagued them early in 2009. With a great staff of Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly, Randy Wells, and the undecided 5th starter, Rothschild will once again lead a strikeout-plenty, wins-plenty group.
Owner: Tom Ricketts (and family trust)
Although I can't really grade the Ricketts versus the rest of the owners in baseball, I can tell you what an owner can do. An owner can send a franchise in the right direction, hire the right personnel in the office, get more revenue from their venue, made additions and subtractions from the venue, just to name a few. Ricketts has done all this and more already even before the beginning of his first season. A new marketing campaign, extensive Wrigley Field renovations, lucrative Wrigley Field expansion projects, and a new hope in a historic franchise highlights the ownership so far. The planned 'Triangle Building' and surrounding plaza, which will have player and fan benefits, will turn Wrigley into a state of the art facility while still keeping the old tradition that has made it famous. I couldn't have drawn up a better time for all of this to happen, because with all of the talent already on the roster, the Cubs are ready to do big things, and right now.
The Cubs fan's home for year-round baseball yap since 2009.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Cubs Positional Breakdown: Outfield
LF: Alfonso Soriano
Entering the 4th year of his enormous contract, Soriano is still looking for a full season. Cub Nation has been very disappointed in the former 40-40 outfielder. Playing just 135, 109, and 117 games in the last three years, respectively, he has only put up 82 HR and 47 SB. He has also become a liability in left field. His infamous hop catch has become the subject of much controversy surrounding his injury risk and arm. His bat is prone to hot and cold streaks. I have liked Soriano from the day he was signed, but have frequently been frustrated with him. His bat is very potent and I think he should not be in the #6 spot in the batting order. Leadoff isn't the answer either, but I just think #6 is too low. This will be the most important season yet for Alfonso to produce before he loses all faith from the Cubs.
CF: Marlon Byrd
Byrd, nearly acquired before the 2009 season, is a fantastic replacement in the clubhouse for Milton Bradley. A more reliable power bat, Byrd can also surprise everybody with slick defense by a big guy in center. He will even steal a few bases. I really like this signing because it is a perfect fit for the Cubs. His deal was not outrageously expensive while the center field prospects can still be given plenty of time. From what I've seen, Byrd's swing appears more slump-proof than that of Soriano's or Kosuke Fukudome's. He can be a guy to keep the offense moving when everyone else is stuck, kind of like how Jeff Baker does.
RF: Kosuke Fukudome
A former MVP from Japan, Fukudome has yet to live up to his contract. He had an 'effective' year by most fans' standards, but I have not seen enough. In Japan, he used to be a 25 HR, 100 RBI, .300 AVG player but has yet to come close to any of those stats in America. Fukudome has targeted a .300 AVG for his goal this year, but what about the power? Fantasy-wise, Kosuke offers little to no value. On the Cubs, he has offered great defense and a strong arm, but no power and some hitting slumps.
UTIL: Xavier Nady
Nady, a 25 HR hitter in 2008 with the Pirates and Yankees, was the perfect choice for a fourth outfielder. He is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it is good that we aren't relying on him to be an everyday outfielder. If he does in fact stay injured, we have a surplus of minor league outfielders ready to make the leap. Nady is still a notorious BP hitter who lauches fly balls out. His fly ball hitting style will be welcomed at Wrigley Field.
UTIL/AAA: Tyler Colvin
Colvin definitely got on the Cubs radar when he got a late call up in September. He also put on some pounds to increase his power output, possibly the only flaw in his game. He can steal some bases and impress in the field. I haven't seen much of this guy, but his reports sound good. I say bring him up! He is in competition with Sam Fuld for the fifth outfielder spot. I give the spot to Colvin. Find out why in Fuld's description. Colvin should be a ready and able fifth outfielder for the Cubs who all of a sudden have more outfield depth than they've had in at least a decade. Look for him as a spot starter and late inning replacement.
UTIL/AAA: Sam Fuld
Fuld saw more time with the Cubs than Colvin did in 2009, all the more reason for Colvin to get more time. However, Fuld will make it a tough decision for Lou Piniella and the Cubs brass. Easily the best defensive outfielder for at least the last half decade on the Cubs, Fuld also surprised some with an average that hung around .300 for his limited at-bats. He played in 65 games for 97 at-bats with great plate discipline but only two RBI, both of which were collected in the same game. He will need to improve on that number. I think with the outfield bench logjam of Nady, Colvin, and Fuld, I think that unless Fuld can move to another position or become a Mark DeRosa-type utility player, he doesn't fit into the 2010 Cubs puzzle, but I do hope to see him around in the future.
Entering the 4th year of his enormous contract, Soriano is still looking for a full season. Cub Nation has been very disappointed in the former 40-40 outfielder. Playing just 135, 109, and 117 games in the last three years, respectively, he has only put up 82 HR and 47 SB. He has also become a liability in left field. His infamous hop catch has become the subject of much controversy surrounding his injury risk and arm. His bat is prone to hot and cold streaks. I have liked Soriano from the day he was signed, but have frequently been frustrated with him. His bat is very potent and I think he should not be in the #6 spot in the batting order. Leadoff isn't the answer either, but I just think #6 is too low. This will be the most important season yet for Alfonso to produce before he loses all faith from the Cubs.
CF: Marlon Byrd
Byrd, nearly acquired before the 2009 season, is a fantastic replacement in the clubhouse for Milton Bradley. A more reliable power bat, Byrd can also surprise everybody with slick defense by a big guy in center. He will even steal a few bases. I really like this signing because it is a perfect fit for the Cubs. His deal was not outrageously expensive while the center field prospects can still be given plenty of time. From what I've seen, Byrd's swing appears more slump-proof than that of Soriano's or Kosuke Fukudome's. He can be a guy to keep the offense moving when everyone else is stuck, kind of like how Jeff Baker does.
RF: Kosuke Fukudome
A former MVP from Japan, Fukudome has yet to live up to his contract. He had an 'effective' year by most fans' standards, but I have not seen enough. In Japan, he used to be a 25 HR, 100 RBI, .300 AVG player but has yet to come close to any of those stats in America. Fukudome has targeted a .300 AVG for his goal this year, but what about the power? Fantasy-wise, Kosuke offers little to no value. On the Cubs, he has offered great defense and a strong arm, but no power and some hitting slumps.
UTIL: Xavier Nady
Nady, a 25 HR hitter in 2008 with the Pirates and Yankees, was the perfect choice for a fourth outfielder. He is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, so it is good that we aren't relying on him to be an everyday outfielder. If he does in fact stay injured, we have a surplus of minor league outfielders ready to make the leap. Nady is still a notorious BP hitter who lauches fly balls out. His fly ball hitting style will be welcomed at Wrigley Field.
UTIL/AAA: Tyler Colvin
Colvin definitely got on the Cubs radar when he got a late call up in September. He also put on some pounds to increase his power output, possibly the only flaw in his game. He can steal some bases and impress in the field. I haven't seen much of this guy, but his reports sound good. I say bring him up! He is in competition with Sam Fuld for the fifth outfielder spot. I give the spot to Colvin. Find out why in Fuld's description. Colvin should be a ready and able fifth outfielder for the Cubs who all of a sudden have more outfield depth than they've had in at least a decade. Look for him as a spot starter and late inning replacement.
UTIL/AAA: Sam Fuld
Fuld saw more time with the Cubs than Colvin did in 2009, all the more reason for Colvin to get more time. However, Fuld will make it a tough decision for Lou Piniella and the Cubs brass. Easily the best defensive outfielder for at least the last half decade on the Cubs, Fuld also surprised some with an average that hung around .300 for his limited at-bats. He played in 65 games for 97 at-bats with great plate discipline but only two RBI, both of which were collected in the same game. He will need to improve on that number. I think with the outfield bench logjam of Nady, Colvin, and Fuld, I think that unless Fuld can move to another position or become a Mark DeRosa-type utility player, he doesn't fit into the 2010 Cubs puzzle, but I do hope to see him around in the future.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Cubs Positional Breakdown: Infield
C: Geovany Soto
It was what all reigning Rookies of the Year worry about that got Soto, the sophomore slump. He was on the long list of MLB players thrown off their spring schedule with the WBC and also the fact he had tested positive for marijuana at a drug test. Combined with the fact he gained some more weight showing up at Spring Training (which the Cubs weren't too pleased about), it was set up to be a bad year for Soto. He got off to a terrible start, got hot for a few brief stretches, but remained cold for most of the year. Soto is a big rebound candidate for 20 HR and 80 RBI after he lost an impressive 40 lbs. over the winter while still not reducing any of that power. Look for a big bounce back in 2010.
1B: Derrek Lee
Lee, an undoubted cloubhouse leader of the Cubs, is a free agent after 2010. I think resigning him should be our first priority next offseason because of what he offers to the team, on and off the field. Lee has 20+ home runs in five of his six seasons in Chicago, after losing most of the 2006 season to the wrist injury that contributed to the Cubs losing the most games in the National League. He also has 80+ RBI in those same five of six seasons. His defense is Gold Glove worthy and he is clearly the defensive leader on the infield. He is a critical part of the Cubs' offense that needs to rebound from 2009.
2B: Jeff Baker
A midseason pickup from Colorado last year, Baker hit for a very high average while playing solid defense. He will need to keep his game elevated to keep his job because there are a few other candidates, but the competition will be motivation for sure. I really like this guy, especially after he was able to consistently get on base no matter if the rest of the Cubs were being shut down offensively. The game that always comes to mind for me is when the Cubs were in San Francisco in September, Baker hit a two-run go-ahead homer against closer Brian Wilson. This delayed the Cardinals' NL Central championship party for another day. Even with the Cubs out of the playoff race, such as effort is quite a standout.
3B: Aramis Ramirez
Another important cog to a potential offensive rebound, Ramirez missed more than two months becoming the biggest injury in a season full of them for the Cubs. His production was greatly missed, and his underappreciated defense now was a problem as well. The Cubs were stuck with putting the 5'9" Mike Fontenot at the hot corner so he didn't come close to 6'1" Aramis' big play ability. Ramirez is a near lock for 25 HR and 100 RBI, but his upside still could reach 30 and 115. I like Ramirez's range on D, I see he loves stabbing liners bound down the left-field line. His arm isn't quite as excellent because his strength sometimes takes away accuracy but Lee does a good job of masking that by digging out errant throws most of the time.
SS: Ryan Theriot
One of few underrated Cubs, Theriot is an opposite-field single smacker. 139 singles highlight a season in which Theriot was relied upon for offense more than expected. A surprising power surge got him greedy and he began to lose much of his plate discipline, one of the skills that had made him a successful contact hitter. His strikeouts rose by 35, his walks fell by 22, and his OBP lost 44 points. A move to the leadoff spot should encourage himself and Cubs personnel to help him find that skill again. Theriot is a guy who hustles hard every time he gets on the field, an attribute always good when found in speedy shortstops. I still think he defense is underrated and although he won't make all the highlight reel plays, he is quick to dive up the middle and his throws under pressure of a quick batter are usually very accurate and the speed of a bullet.
UTIL: Mike Fontenot
Possible second baseman, I wouldn't have him at second if I were the Cubs. After going on big hot streaks during 2007 and 2008, 2009 exposed a lot of weaknesses in his swing and defense. His height is a minus defensively. His power, which appeared to be an impressive 15 HR over a full season type after hitting 8 in limited action in 2008, has gone flat after hitting just 8 last year with many more at-bats. I don't like Fontenot much because of his streakiness. There are at-bats when you can watch him and just know there isn't a chance he is getting on base. He could be used for trade bait at the deadline.
UTIL: Andres Blanco
A product from the minor league system, Blanco took the Cubs by storm on the field. Bob Brenly even called him "the best defensive infielder the Cubs have seen this decade," referring to the 2000s. I saw plays where Theriot, his double play partner, didn't try hard to make a quick toss because he knew they wouldn't get a double play but Blanco would turn it so quick and whip it to Lee they would get two anyway. Blanco's offense is a bit below average but he showed the ability at times, I just think he was overwhelmed by major league pitching for the first time. A backup at SS and 2B mostly, watch for Andres to be a late-inning replacement.
Backup 1B: Micah Hoffpauir
A favorite in Spring Training 2009, Hoffpauir was projected to have a nice rookie season off the bench. His hot bat in that spring led to a quick start in the big leagues, but he struggled down the stretch to a .239 AVG. In 234 at-bats (roughly half a season), Hoffpauir hit 10 HR and 35 RBI. He filled in for Derrek Lee most of the time. In early 2009, it looked like Micah could hit anything. However, it seemed like big league pitchers figured him out and easily handled him with good breaking pitches. His swing, messy and unkempt to begin with, got messed up by the constant change of speed and he was never able to completely adjust. His popularity has fallen a bit in favor of other prospects like Starlin Castro, but he could still get some good playing time.
Backup C: Koyie Hill
His mediocre .237 AVG and 24 RBI in half a season wouldn't show it, but Hill made great strides at the plate in 2009. He made some big adjustments to seeing big league pitching on a regular basis and continued to hit at an acceptable rate for a catcher the entire year. He was able to adapt his swing to accommodate many pitches. He also enrolled his status as one of the top defensive catchers in the National League, throwing out 40% of potential basestealers. He became a big key on the field while Soto was on the DL for about a month. Hill fills Henry Blanco's former role as a defensive minded backup catcher. Koyie's contributions on both sides of the ball make him a useful part of the 2010 Cubs.
It was what all reigning Rookies of the Year worry about that got Soto, the sophomore slump. He was on the long list of MLB players thrown off their spring schedule with the WBC and also the fact he had tested positive for marijuana at a drug test. Combined with the fact he gained some more weight showing up at Spring Training (which the Cubs weren't too pleased about), it was set up to be a bad year for Soto. He got off to a terrible start, got hot for a few brief stretches, but remained cold for most of the year. Soto is a big rebound candidate for 20 HR and 80 RBI after he lost an impressive 40 lbs. over the winter while still not reducing any of that power. Look for a big bounce back in 2010.
1B: Derrek Lee
Lee, an undoubted cloubhouse leader of the Cubs, is a free agent after 2010. I think resigning him should be our first priority next offseason because of what he offers to the team, on and off the field. Lee has 20+ home runs in five of his six seasons in Chicago, after losing most of the 2006 season to the wrist injury that contributed to the Cubs losing the most games in the National League. He also has 80+ RBI in those same five of six seasons. His defense is Gold Glove worthy and he is clearly the defensive leader on the infield. He is a critical part of the Cubs' offense that needs to rebound from 2009.
2B: Jeff Baker
A midseason pickup from Colorado last year, Baker hit for a very high average while playing solid defense. He will need to keep his game elevated to keep his job because there are a few other candidates, but the competition will be motivation for sure. I really like this guy, especially after he was able to consistently get on base no matter if the rest of the Cubs were being shut down offensively. The game that always comes to mind for me is when the Cubs were in San Francisco in September, Baker hit a two-run go-ahead homer against closer Brian Wilson. This delayed the Cardinals' NL Central championship party for another day. Even with the Cubs out of the playoff race, such as effort is quite a standout.
3B: Aramis Ramirez
Another important cog to a potential offensive rebound, Ramirez missed more than two months becoming the biggest injury in a season full of them for the Cubs. His production was greatly missed, and his underappreciated defense now was a problem as well. The Cubs were stuck with putting the 5'9" Mike Fontenot at the hot corner so he didn't come close to 6'1" Aramis' big play ability. Ramirez is a near lock for 25 HR and 100 RBI, but his upside still could reach 30 and 115. I like Ramirez's range on D, I see he loves stabbing liners bound down the left-field line. His arm isn't quite as excellent because his strength sometimes takes away accuracy but Lee does a good job of masking that by digging out errant throws most of the time.
SS: Ryan Theriot
One of few underrated Cubs, Theriot is an opposite-field single smacker. 139 singles highlight a season in which Theriot was relied upon for offense more than expected. A surprising power surge got him greedy and he began to lose much of his plate discipline, one of the skills that had made him a successful contact hitter. His strikeouts rose by 35, his walks fell by 22, and his OBP lost 44 points. A move to the leadoff spot should encourage himself and Cubs personnel to help him find that skill again. Theriot is a guy who hustles hard every time he gets on the field, an attribute always good when found in speedy shortstops. I still think he defense is underrated and although he won't make all the highlight reel plays, he is quick to dive up the middle and his throws under pressure of a quick batter are usually very accurate and the speed of a bullet.
UTIL: Mike Fontenot
Possible second baseman, I wouldn't have him at second if I were the Cubs. After going on big hot streaks during 2007 and 2008, 2009 exposed a lot of weaknesses in his swing and defense. His height is a minus defensively. His power, which appeared to be an impressive 15 HR over a full season type after hitting 8 in limited action in 2008, has gone flat after hitting just 8 last year with many more at-bats. I don't like Fontenot much because of his streakiness. There are at-bats when you can watch him and just know there isn't a chance he is getting on base. He could be used for trade bait at the deadline.
UTIL: Andres Blanco
A product from the minor league system, Blanco took the Cubs by storm on the field. Bob Brenly even called him "the best defensive infielder the Cubs have seen this decade," referring to the 2000s. I saw plays where Theriot, his double play partner, didn't try hard to make a quick toss because he knew they wouldn't get a double play but Blanco would turn it so quick and whip it to Lee they would get two anyway. Blanco's offense is a bit below average but he showed the ability at times, I just think he was overwhelmed by major league pitching for the first time. A backup at SS and 2B mostly, watch for Andres to be a late-inning replacement.
Backup 1B: Micah Hoffpauir
A favorite in Spring Training 2009, Hoffpauir was projected to have a nice rookie season off the bench. His hot bat in that spring led to a quick start in the big leagues, but he struggled down the stretch to a .239 AVG. In 234 at-bats (roughly half a season), Hoffpauir hit 10 HR and 35 RBI. He filled in for Derrek Lee most of the time. In early 2009, it looked like Micah could hit anything. However, it seemed like big league pitchers figured him out and easily handled him with good breaking pitches. His swing, messy and unkempt to begin with, got messed up by the constant change of speed and he was never able to completely adjust. His popularity has fallen a bit in favor of other prospects like Starlin Castro, but he could still get some good playing time.
Backup C: Koyie Hill
His mediocre .237 AVG and 24 RBI in half a season wouldn't show it, but Hill made great strides at the plate in 2009. He made some big adjustments to seeing big league pitching on a regular basis and continued to hit at an acceptable rate for a catcher the entire year. He was able to adapt his swing to accommodate many pitches. He also enrolled his status as one of the top defensive catchers in the National League, throwing out 40% of potential basestealers. He became a big key on the field while Soto was on the DL for about a month. Hill fills Henry Blanco's former role as a defensive minded backup catcher. Koyie's contributions on both sides of the ball make him a useful part of the 2010 Cubs.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Cubs Positional Breakdown: Bullpen
This bullpen was very shaky out of the gate in 2009 when most of the effective relievers on the 2008 squad were replaced, for reasons unknown. However, the cumulative ERA went down as the season went on, and this tight group looks to become the best bullpen in the division. With a year of experience under their belts, they start the 2010 season ready to go.
Closer: Carlos Marmol, RHP
Marmol is really a one-of-a-kind pitcher. He is the definition of unhittable, allowing only a ridiculous 43 hits in 74 innings (or 5.23 H/9, the second-best rating among full season pitchers behind Jonathan Broxton). However, his problem is definitely the walks and sometimes lack of control. His slider is one of the best in baseball, but you see too many nights were it is consistently breaking too much into the dirt on every pitch. This will draw the strikeouts (93 in those 74 innings), but more and more hitters are figuring out to just not swing until they have two strikes on them. Marmol's walks rose from 41 to 65, causing a few red flags coming into this season for his first full season as closer, although he was perfect in opportunities after taking over for Kevin Gregg last year.
Setup 1: Esmailin Caridad, RHP
A little known reliever out of the Cubs system, Caridad wasn't billed up to be much. His velocity was good but not excellent, his breaking stuff was good but a little inconsistent, but overall he just seemed like a solid guy who could get outs. Caridad is already being given a shot at the setup spot after just one season with only 19.1 IP career in the major leagues. He did hold a handsome 1.40 ERA and struck out 17 in that time, so I can see why the Cubs made this move. I like this guy, but like all Cub fans, have not seen enough to really give a report yet. We'll see how he does in his second big trial.
Setup 2: John Grabow, LHP
A crucial left-handed part to the pen is filled by Grabow, who's durable, ground ball style of pitching kept opponents at bay for the last two years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which have easily been his best years. In limited action during the second half of 2009, he showed no signs of stopping. Grabow pitched in 75 games total and doesn't have much of an injury history, so he should be a lock for success out of the Wrigley left-field line.
Middle Relief: Sean Marshall, LHP*
Although he fit the bill better in 2008, Marshall continued to be a consistent, durable presence in 2009. His ERA rose a bit to 4.32, but cut down on home runs and actually threw one of just three complete games by a Cubs pitcher last year. Besides that, though, he was inconsistent and not dependable in rotation, which is why after nine starts he was moved back to the bullpen in favor of young Randy Wells. Although he aims for a spot in the rotation for 2010, I believe he was much better suited in the bullpen.
Middle Relief: Carlos Silva, RHP*
Not much should be expected from the big righty this season, but he could be somewhat effective in the right role. Silva was a huge disappointment to the Mariners after they gave him an overpaid $48 million contract to be a starter. Silva's best season has been just 14-8 with the Twins, so it was a bad idea to expect him to be an ace. Sure enough, here we are in Year 3 of the deal and Silva has been terrible. We'll see what he can give us in 2010.
Middle Relief: Jeff Gray, RHP
Acquired from Oakland for Aaron Miles and Jake Fox, I really like this guy. He can turn up the heat on the fastball or fool hitters with great breaking pitches. He walked only four in 26.2 innings last year which will make the Cubs an even more control-focused team, which they already are. He is relatively young at 29, yet has a lot of baseball under his belt which is a big key to the bullpen, where we have a few upcoming rookies and some veterans. Gray will be a nice bridge in between.
Others: Jeff Samardzija*, Justin Berg, Mike Parisi, and Mitch Atkins are the main other candidates. Samardzija, in case you haven't heard a million times, is a former WR at Notre Dame, but chose baseball instead. Jeff hasn't brought all of his game from the minors to the majors yet, but this could be the year. Given a crack at starting two games in 2009, he didn't perform as Cubs coaches would have liked. I think he deserves a shot over Marshall, Silva, and possibly Gorzelanny for the 5th spot in the rotation, but the depth there is good enough for nice protection. Berg was brought up for 12 innings in 2009, and although he pitched well, that wasn't a big enough sample to see how he will perform over an extended period of time. He needs some more seasoning to train his skills. Parisi was a Rule 5 pick from the Cardinals, which means he must stay on the major league roster for the whole season or else he must be sacrificed back to St. Louis. I don't know much about this guy, but he will probably be used in the low risk roles that David Patton was used in last year. Atkins is new to me as well, but pitched to an impressive 17-7 in 28 starts between AA and AAA.
The Pen looks to be in good shape for 2010, although a big hinge here is Guzman's health. He has been in the organization for over 10 years now, but because of injuries he didn't make an impact over a full season until last year. Marmol is an interesting choice as closer but needs to watch out for the walks. Also, there are a few variables like Gorzelanny, Berg, Atkins, Samardzija, and Silva. How they pitch could decide the Cubs' fate at the end of ballgames.
*in consideration to start also.
Closer: Carlos Marmol, RHP
Marmol is really a one-of-a-kind pitcher. He is the definition of unhittable, allowing only a ridiculous 43 hits in 74 innings (or 5.23 H/9, the second-best rating among full season pitchers behind Jonathan Broxton). However, his problem is definitely the walks and sometimes lack of control. His slider is one of the best in baseball, but you see too many nights were it is consistently breaking too much into the dirt on every pitch. This will draw the strikeouts (93 in those 74 innings), but more and more hitters are figuring out to just not swing until they have two strikes on them. Marmol's walks rose from 41 to 65, causing a few red flags coming into this season for his first full season as closer, although he was perfect in opportunities after taking over for Kevin Gregg last year.
Setup 1: Esmailin Caridad, RHP
A little known reliever out of the Cubs system, Caridad wasn't billed up to be much. His velocity was good but not excellent, his breaking stuff was good but a little inconsistent, but overall he just seemed like a solid guy who could get outs. Caridad is already being given a shot at the setup spot after just one season with only 19.1 IP career in the major leagues. He did hold a handsome 1.40 ERA and struck out 17 in that time, so I can see why the Cubs made this move. I like this guy, but like all Cub fans, have not seen enough to really give a report yet. We'll see how he does in his second big trial.
Setup 2: John Grabow, LHP
A crucial left-handed part to the pen is filled by Grabow, who's durable, ground ball style of pitching kept opponents at bay for the last two years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which have easily been his best years. In limited action during the second half of 2009, he showed no signs of stopping. Grabow pitched in 75 games total and doesn't have much of an injury history, so he should be a lock for success out of the Wrigley left-field line.
Middle Relief: Sean Marshall, LHP*
Although he fit the bill better in 2008, Marshall continued to be a consistent, durable presence in 2009. His ERA rose a bit to 4.32, but cut down on home runs and actually threw one of just three complete games by a Cubs pitcher last year. Besides that, though, he was inconsistent and not dependable in rotation, which is why after nine starts he was moved back to the bullpen in favor of young Randy Wells. Although he aims for a spot in the rotation for 2010, I believe he was much better suited in the bullpen.
Middle Relief: Carlos Silva, RHP*
Not much should be expected from the big righty this season, but he could be somewhat effective in the right role. Silva was a huge disappointment to the Mariners after they gave him an overpaid $48 million contract to be a starter. Silva's best season has been just 14-8 with the Twins, so it was a bad idea to expect him to be an ace. Sure enough, here we are in Year 3 of the deal and Silva has been terrible. We'll see what he can give us in 2010.
Middle Relief (Injury Permitting): Angel Guzman, RHP
Guzman was a pleasant surprise in a bullpen with many question marks the first half of 2009. Keeping his ERA well below 3 most of the season and finishing at 2.95, he was the sturdy factor that anchored the Cubs and kept them in many games until things got figured out. He performed exceedingly well during his eventual transition from middle relief to setup, although his work went much unappreciated thanks to 8 blown saves by a certain Gregg. With Marmol coming in in the 9th now, however, Guzman should be setup to be the best setup man of the division in 2010, unless his injury bug catches back up to him. He could be out for the season.
Middle Relief: Justin Berg, RHP
Yet another product of the Cubs system, this guy appears to have won a shot at the pen. Like Caridad, Berg was impressive in his 12 inning debut year. Berg has the poise of a man beyond his age. Adjustments will need to be made for both guys as hitters catch up, but the new, surprisingly young Cubs bullpen has all kind of characters in it. Berg will certainly do better than the old Aaron Heilman of 2009, who I must say good riddance to. I don't have much on Berg either except for his minor league success, so watch this guy as well. Watch for him in the 5th, 6th, or 7th innings of ballgames.
Middle Relief: Jeff Gray, RHP
Acquired from Oakland for Aaron Miles and Jake Fox, I really like this guy. He can turn up the heat on the fastball or fool hitters with great breaking pitches. He walked only four in 26.2 innings last year which will make the Cubs an even more control-focused team, which they already are. He is relatively young at 29, yet has a lot of baseball under his belt which is a big key to the bullpen, where we have a few upcoming rookies and some veterans. Gray will be a nice bridge in between.
Others: Jeff Samardzija*, Justin Berg, Mike Parisi, and Mitch Atkins are the main other candidates. Samardzija, in case you haven't heard a million times, is a former WR at Notre Dame, but chose baseball instead. Jeff hasn't brought all of his game from the minors to the majors yet, but this could be the year. Given a crack at starting two games in 2009, he didn't perform as Cubs coaches would have liked. I think he deserves a shot over Marshall, Silva, and possibly Gorzelanny for the 5th spot in the rotation, but the depth there is good enough for nice protection. Berg was brought up for 12 innings in 2009, and although he pitched well, that wasn't a big enough sample to see how he will perform over an extended period of time. He needs some more seasoning to train his skills. Parisi was a Rule 5 pick from the Cardinals, which means he must stay on the major league roster for the whole season or else he must be sacrificed back to St. Louis. I don't know much about this guy, but he will probably be used in the low risk roles that David Patton was used in last year. Atkins is new to me as well, but pitched to an impressive 17-7 in 28 starts between AA and AAA.
The Pen looks to be in good shape for 2010, although a big hinge here is Guzman's health. He has been in the organization for over 10 years now, but because of injuries he didn't make an impact over a full season until last year. Marmol is an interesting choice as closer but needs to watch out for the walks. Also, there are a few variables like Gorzelanny, Berg, Atkins, Samardzija, and Silva. How they pitch could decide the Cubs' fate at the end of ballgames.
*in consideration to start also.
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