The Chicago Cubs made only minor changes this off-season, but should be a very different team than they were in 2004. Despite what was considered by most a disappointing season, they managed to win more games than in 2003, having their first back to back winning seasons since 1971 and 1972.
Last season, the team lived by the home run, and unfortunately died by the home run. In 2005 they could be very different with the loss of perennial All-Star and former MVP Sammy Sosa, as well as veteran Moises Alou.
However, they’re not devoid of power with players like, Corey Patterson, Aramis Ramirez and Derrick Lee still in the lineup.
Pitching continues to be the backbone of the 2005 Cubs with a starting rotation that could be the best in the National League if not all of baseball. The bullpen is still a question mark since it was so inconsistent last season and little has been done to change its personnel.
The following is a position by position breakdown of the 2005 Cubs.
STARTING PITCHING:
Kerry Wood is now reaching the age where most power pitchers start to “get it.” Late 20’s are when most power pitchers quit being throwers and start being pitchers. Wood has slowly started to become that kind of pitcher, but he needs to maintain his mechanics and also stay healthy.
Mark Prior and Carlos Zambrano, could be number ones on just about any staff in baseball. Zambrano needs to make sure he stays mentally fit and in control while Prior just needs to show that his injury last season was a fluke.
Greg Maddux might be the best fourth starter in the NL and will try to extend his streak of consecutive seasons with at least 15 wins.
The fifth spot in the Cubs rotation is the biggest question mark. Glendon Rusch is the favorite to take over for Matt Clement, who left via free agency for Boston. Rusch needs to prove that last season wasn't a fluke and that the Cubs didn't just catch lightning in a bottle in 2004. He does give the Cubs a left-handed arm in the rotation, which is something they lacked from last season.
Other options for the spot are, Angel Guzman and Sergio Mitre. Both are young and hungry and ready to make an impact at the Major League level.
THE BULLPEN:
The Cubs most glaring question mark by far in spring training is that of the bullpen. They still do not have a solid closer. Instead they have a multitude of options but no certainties.
Joe Borowski may be the favorite in the spring, now that he is healthy again. The right-hander is the only pitcher in the Cubs bullpen that actually has a proven track record as a closer. If he fails in his comeback attempt look for converted starting pitcher Ryan Dempster to get a shot at the closer role, as he is a favorite of manager, Dusty Baker.
LaTroy Hawkins could also be called upon to close, but he showed us last season that he is a set up man, and should remain as such.
CATCHER:
Michael Barrett will once gain be behind the plate as the team’s number one backstop. Barrett, while having a very good year at the plate last season, has also made huge strides with his defense, something that is very important with the clubs starting pitchers.
Henry Blanco will back up Barrett. Blanco while not being near the offensive threat Barrett - a very good defensive catcher - and should help the starting catcher improve his defense even more.
FIRST BASE:
Derrek Lee returns at first base, so defense should not be an issue there. Lee, also did very well last season on offense despite getting off to a horrible start in both April and May. The Cubs are thin at reserves for first base so look for Todd Hollandsworth to be the main backup for Lee.
SECOND BASE:
Todd Walker becomes the everyday starter at this season after being a backup to Mark Grudzielanek in 2004.Walker brings a bigger bat with him and also a much needed left-handed bat. He could be backed up by a plethora of utility players in Neifi Perez, Jerry Hairston Jr, and Jose Macias.
THIRD BASE:
Aramis Ramirez has been a Godsend for the club since his arrival in mid 2003. Look for him to continue to improve his defense and also bat fourth in the order. Ramirez is also looking to have a long-term deal done with the Cubs before the season starts. They recently just resigned him to a 1-year deal to avoid arbitration.
Backing him will likely be, Macias and possibly Perez. Depth at the position should be a concern for Cub’s fans at this point, especially since Ramirez missed so much time last season because of a groin injury.
SHORTSTOP:
The team signed Nomar Garciaparra to a one-year deal. This provides two things. It allows the Cubs to evaluate Garciaparra’s health and also gives him incentive to prove his worth in a free agent year. If Nomar plays well both will benefit. He will have a lot to prove in 2005 especially after the Red Sox won the World Series without him.
OUTFIELD:
Here lies the second biggest question mark for Cubs 2005. The only certainty they have right now is Corey Patterson in centerfield. Patterson is Gold Glove caliber defensively, but is still erratic at the plate. If he can mature as a hitter, and limit his strikeouts, he could become the lead off man that almost all of Cub-dom wants him to be.
The two corner outfield spots are almost a mystery going into spring training. Almost the only things that are certain at this point are whom the players are that have a chance to start. Given the play of Todd Hollandsworth last season before injury he should be a top candidate to start in either left or right field.
Jeromy Burnitz (considered by most the early favorite), Jerry Hairston, or youngster Jason Dubois could fill whichever spot Hollandsworth does not start at.
Hairston could have an advantage because he is a viable lead off candidate and is also better defensively.
Dubois is young but swings a powerful bat and has put up good numbers in AAA, but has yet to prove himself at a major league level.
Burnitz brings left-handed power to the lineup but also has a history of striking out in large numbers.
Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry could still possibly make a deal too sure up the outfield.
CONCLUSION:
The 2005 Chicago Cubs should still be a favorite too win the National League Central. The Cubs won 89 games last season with Prior and Wood combining to win just 14 games due to injury. One would about have to think that if the Cubs starting staff stays healthy, they can take the proverbial next step in 2005.
