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Heading in to the 2012 campaign, Chicago Cub fans should be excited about the talent they have at the minor league level. They have a couple of top prospects who are already making a major impact in spring training, and Cub fans should not forget these names once the regular season hits. On Opening Day, the Chicago Cubs have Marlon Byrd penciled in as their starting center fielder, and Bryan LaHair is your starting first baseman. Both of these players deserve to be starters heading into the season; however, if they should struggle out of the gate, the Cubs have two ...
Despite the Cubs' woes, they still have shades of talent roaming through major and minor league camp. The new Cubs brass wanted to get a look at a lot of players, but they are figuring out quickly what the game plan is and what the best course of action is for everyone. Whether it be a first-round draft pick, or an emerging late-round pick from a few years back, there is never enough room for everyone. And sometimes the best move is shipping the player to the minors so he can see more time. It is a proven formula that ...
The Chicago Cubs have spent their offseason getting younger and preparing for a brighter future. However, in the meantime, they need Alfonso Soriano to play well both to have a good season this year and to be able to unload him in July or next offseason. Back in 2007, the Cubs signed Soriano to a monstrous eight-year, $135 million deal. He was expected to become their All-Star center fielder for years to come. The center fielder part of that signing was always unrealistic—Soriano is a terrible defender and was moved to left field quickly. However, he did display the power ...
The Cubs aren't expected to make the postseason this year, but that doesn't mean that they are simply going through the motions. Every team wants to win, and the Cubs are no exception. While the Theo Epstein plan will take time to materialize, the 2012 Cubs will be playing 162 baseball games like everybody else. Why not try to win more than they lose? That's easier said than done, of course. One look at their one through eight positional starters tells us that power and run scoring could be hard to come by this season. But it's the pitching that likely will ...
Yes, everything. That’s new additions, prospects and 2013 free agency. In a best case scenario, the Chicago Cubs could compete for a World Series. Of course, the “best case scenario” never happens. Just ask Cubs fans, we’ve been missing out on the best case scenario since 1908. But, in the spirit of eternal Cubs optimism, let’s break down what that best case scenario would look like for this season and beyond. First, the end of 2012 free agency. The Cubs manage to sign prospect outfielder Jorge Soler, which is actually expected. He proves his talent, rises far faster than most ...
The Chicago Cubs signed 20-year old Cuban left-hander Gerardo Concepcion on Sunday, ending weeks of speculation as to the details of the contract. The deal guarantees $6 million to Concepcion, including a $3 million signing bonus. The remaining $3 million will be spread out over the five years of the deal, as reported by ESPN.Concepcion becomes only the seventh left-handed pitcher on the Cubs' current 40-man roster. Despite this fact, there is absolutely no rush to bring Concepcion to the majors for quite awhile.Perhaps most importantly, Concepcion must adjust to the grueling MLB season. Concepcion's previous league, the Cuban National ...
The Cubs came into spring training with a mindset of playing the long game.The new Cubs brass gave votes of confidence to players who would have been in question by fans and the media otherwise, as well as assured young players that there hard work is not going overlooked.That being said, the team is looking to compete in 2012 and are capable of doing so in the NL Central. The Cubs certainly face an uphill battle, but the group have been given a clean slate and certainly have something to prove after a disappointing 2011.That being said, let's explore the ...
The Cubs have had a busy offseason. They have brought in several players with a future fantasy baseball impact: Anthony Rizzo, Ian Stewart, Gerardo Concepcion and Travis Wood.What can baseball fans expect from these new Cubs players in the future?Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo looks like a future fantasy star. He projects as a relatively powerful, left-handed hitter who will play well in Wrigley Field. He won't be a 40-plus-homer slugger like Prince Fielder or a .300-plus hitter like Adrian Gonzalez. But a future line of .275 or higher, 25-30 home runs, 90 to 100 RBI, and a few stolen ...
When Theo Epstein was hired at the end of October it was hard for the terms "division titles," "National League pennant" and "World Series" to pop into Chicago Cubs fans' heads. If these are your expectations for the Chicago Cubs from now on, you'll have to pump the brakes faster than Chicago rush hour traffic. Those all may come in the future, at least once, and sustained success may be a reality more than a rumor. But with one of the best baseball minds taking control of baseball operations, the Cubs, and Epstein, have come under some unrealistic expectations. With ...
The Chicago Cubs have had a great winter. So, it's good to know that the Cubs can have an even better 2013 offseason if they build on this year's success and sign Zack Greinke.Why Greinke? Fellow top free agent starters Cole Hamels and Matt Cain would be great additions as well, but neither of them are likely to come to Chicago. Cain appears likely to eventually re-sign with the San Francisco Giants, perhaps even later this offseason. The Giants love Cain, need him, and have the money to sign him long-term, so that one is likely to get done.Hamels appears ...
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