With the Cubs placing their crosshairs on a 2012 run like Sarah Palin, it’s worth considering the chances that they could aim a little bit higher. The Cubs have now added a solid No. 2 starter in Matt Garza, a slugging first baseman—albeit with an OPS (.732) lower than Starlin Castro’s—in Carlos Pena and a suitable bridge to Carlos Marmol in Kerry Wood. These additions fill GM Jim Hendry’s top three offseason priorities—adding a frontline starter, a lefty power bat who can play first base and a power reliever—despite lacking payroll flexibility. Well done, Mr. Hendry… Unless you consider that ...
If it wasn’t already clear, the 2010-11 off-season has broadcast to the world the Chicago Cubs’ full-blown dormancy in the National League Central. I’m not saying the Cubs won’t be heard from in 2011, but they’ll likely make fewer national television appearances than Barack Obama. Don’t call them the Pirates yet, but also don’t call them the Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, or probably the Astros. That’s right, the Cubs are officially stuck in .500-ville. Picture the New York Knicks, except outdoors, and also without LeBron James. The Cardinals have been busy adding Lance Berkman, Ryan Theriot and Jake Westbrook. Meanwhile, the ...
