After another rotten end in the National League Central the Chicago Cubs emptied the cupboard and signed Theo Epstein and Dale Sveum. This is not a one year reconstructing project though, it's going to take time to turn Chicago around into a challenger. Let's take a quick look at the offense they will be sending out to the field this year. You can see where we think they are going to end the year in our Chicago Cubs preview.
Projected Lineup
Geovany Soto (Catcher) - After winning the National League Rookie of the Season award in 2008, Soto has regressed and had a very poor season last season. He hit .285 with 23 home runs and 86 RBI in his rookie season, but last season he hit just .228 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI. His numbers need to boost big time if he would like to help the Cubs contend in the Central.
Bryan LaHair (First Base) - For the majority of his career, LaHair has lit it up basically in the minors. Now he is going to be given the opportunity to showcase his talent in the Major Leagues this year. Last year, LaHair had a minor league-best 38 homers and the Cubs are hoping that those power stats translate to the big leagues. Power-hitting prospect Anthony Rizzo is also in the running, should LaHair struggle.
Darwin Barney (2nd Base) - Barney showed some of his talent as a rookie last year. He batted .276 with 23 doubles and 43 RBI. Barney wishes to stake his claim as the future at second base because the only other option is veteran Jeff Baker.
Starlin Castro (Shortstop) - Starlin Castro is among the most promising guys in the organization. The young star will turn just 22 in March and already he has turned in 2 stellar years of play. He backed up his superb rookie year by batting .307 with 10 homers, 36 doubles, 9 triples and 66 RBI. As he continues to age, he's got the chance to really be a great player.
Ian Stewart (3rd Base) -Long time 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez left thru free agency, so that the Cubs were forced to sign Stewart to take over at the hot corner. Stewart is coming off an awful 2011 season for the Colorado Rockies in which he hit just .156 in 48 games and then was demoted to the minors, but he has produced during the past. He hit 43 home runs and drove in 131 runs mixed in 2009 and 2010.
Alfonso Soriano (Left Field) - The Cubs were supposed to part tactics with Soriano this offseason, but as of now he's the Opening Day left fielder. Soriano still has decent power, as he belted 26 home runs and drove 88 runs last season, but he has been struggling to make contact on a regular basis. He is just averaging a measly .248 during the past 3 seasons.
Marlon Byrd (Center Field) - An unlucky accident forced him to miss a good bit of the year. He was hit in the face by a pitch, which resulted in him batting .276 with just 9 homers and 35 RBI. The previous All-Star is on a decrease, but he has 1 or 2 solid years left in the tank.
David DeJesus (Right Field) - Before last season, the right fielder has hit at or near .300 for most of his career, but DeJesus hit just .240 in 131 games with the Oakland A's in 2011. He will likely get a shot at opening the season as the leadoff hitter, but he does not exactly have the velocity groups look for at the top.
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Tags: Baseball by Jack Jones
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