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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 31, 2011 9:30:16 GMT -6
The 2011 version of the Chicago Cubs will take to the field tomorrow for the first time this season. I offer a breakdown of the team and my expectations for the season.
We’ll start behind the plate. I hope Geovany Soto rebounds after a poor 2010 and becomes more of the player he was in 2009 when he hit .285 with 23 HRs. He’ll be backed up by Koyie Hill who , honestly, is not a good option to rely on.
In the infield the Cubs have a nice mix of youth and veteran experience. Newly acquired Carlos Pena comes in to take over 1st base for Derrick Lee. Pena has put up some good power number but he must improve upon his poor batting average last season. Defensively he should be as good as or better than D-Lee.
At 2nd there will most likely be a rotation until things sort out. Blake DeWitt was the favorite to win the starting job but had a tough spring. Rookie Darwin Barney was the talk of the camp and is a part of the Cubs’ youth movement. Veteran Jeff Baker will also get some time at second, especially against lefties, who he hit .350 against last season.
Starling Castro had a breakout rookie season at shortstop last year hitting .300 for the season. He’s shown increased power this spring and is projected to become one of the best SS in the game. He’ll need to improve on his defense from last season when he committed 27 errors in 125 games.
Aramis Ramirez returns for his 9th season at 3rd (has it really been that long?). He got off to a slow start last season and his offensive woes took a terrible toll on the team’s offensive numbers. He rebounded to have a decent remainder of the season and came into camp this spring in great shape and with a great attitude. Rumor is this may be his last season with the club. He’ll have to produce consistently this season for the Cubs to have a chance.
Barney is the only backup for Castro at shortstop. Dewitt will back up third base and second as will Baker. Tyler Colvin and Baker will back up Pena at first.
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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 31, 2011 9:30:57 GMT -6
In the outfield the Cubs will start Alfonso Soriano in LF, returning All-Star Marlon Byrd in CF, and Kosuke Fukudome in RF. Tyler Colvin will also figure into the mix. The young Colvin showed good power last season and needs to get more AB’s. He’ll most likely rotate in with Fukudome,who looks to be the lead-off man due to his high OBP, and Soriano, who I hope can return to form and contribute 30 HR and 85 RBI.
The keys to the OF this season would be for Byrd to put in a repeat performance from last season, Soriano to regain his power, and Colvin to emerge as a good young left handed bat making Fukudome expendable and available for trade.
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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 31, 2011 9:32:08 GMT -6
The rotation will consist of Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Carlos Zambano, Randy Wells, and Andrew Cashner.
Dempster is the ace of the staff and needs to put up ace-like numbers this season.
Garza comes over via trade from Florida. He’s had a tough spring and hopefully turns into that #2 starter the Cubs need. He had some decent season playing the tough AL East and his numbers should be better in the less offensive NL Central.
Zambrano just needs to become that ace he used to be. After last season’s meltdowns, anger management issue, and everything else I’m just happy to see he’s still around. Maybe he learned something from everything he went through last year.
Wells is a good, young pitcher that I hope gets better this season.
Cashner is the new guy moving into the 5 spot after being in the bullpen last season. He’s been developing in the organization the last couple years and good things are expected from him.
The bullpen has Carlos Marmol returning to his role as closer. He could be on of the top closers in the game and is nasty when he has control of his fastball and devastating slider. The rest of the bullpen sees the return of Kerry Wood who put together a good season with the Yankees last year, Sean Marshall, who moved to the pen after some time as a starter last year, John Grabow who is the LOOGY (left handed one out guy), Jeff Samardzija, and Marco Mateo, who won the final bullpen spot this spring.
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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 31, 2011 9:32:44 GMT -6
Mike Quade was the interim manager after the departure of Lou Piniella and got the full time gig in the off season. Many Cubs fans wanted Ryne Sandberg but I think Quade is the perfect guy at this particular time. After taking over last season, the Cubs posted the second best record in the NL. He’s just the kind of no-nonsense manager this team needs.
Finally, there will be a change in radio booth. As everyone know Ron Santo passed away in December. The Cubs legend leaves behind a legion of fans that will sorely miss him. It just won’t be the same tuning into the broadcast this year and every year after this. Keith Moreland fills in for Ronnie. I like to think that Keith is just keeping the seat warm for Ron like he did the last few years when Ron’s health wouldn’t allow him to travel. Moreland does a good job and I’m sure he’ll be great alongside Pat Hughes.
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Post by Yote 53 on Mar 31, 2011 9:38:54 GMT -6
Nobody expects anything from the Cubs this season. As a Cubs fan, on this Opening Day, hope springs eternal. On paper this team does not look good enough to compete with the Reds and the Cardinals for the division.
All I have to say is the Reds are the Reds and their manager is Dusty Baker. I wouldn't be suprised to see them collapse.
The Cardinals may just be distracted by the Albert Pujols free agent drama all season. The loss of Adam Wainright to their pitching stafff doesn't help either.
The Brewers got better with the addition of Zach Greinke but I don't think they have enough even with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun.
I don't need to mention the Astros or the Pirates. They are both horrible.
The Cubs have the talent on this roster to win the division. If a couple players have a breakout year and the team gets off to a good start they will contend for the division. As long as they contend into late August I think they have a shot.
My prediction: CUBS WIN!!
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Post by coyotecrazie5 on Mar 31, 2011 15:40:27 GMT -6
Cubs will have a tough time in the central, but it is possible.
Im gonna pick the brew crew in the central
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Post by #1CoyoteFan (Admin) on Apr 1, 2011 0:22:58 GMT -6
I am going with the Brew Crew too, plus Dave Duncan is an absolute gem with a pitching staff, but I do think this is a tough task even for him.
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usdlaw
Senior Member
Posts: 930
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Post by usdlaw on Apr 1, 2011 7:47:52 GMT -6
"A ONE, A TWO, A THREE ... LET'S GET SOME RUNS."
I'm a Braves fans, but it's hard to root against the Cubs. Nothing better than Wrigley bleachers.
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Post by Yote 53 on Apr 1, 2011 8:02:20 GMT -6
I here you there. Walked into Wrigley and it took my breath away. Something magical about that place.
So here's what I'm planning for the season. Every Monday I'm going to recap the past week for the Cubs, give a little breakdown of the games, how the teams trending, just a nice recap. Going to call it the Monday Morning Rewind. Maybe some of you Twinkies could do that for the Twins thread. It helps those of us who don't catch all the games keep up on the team and how the season is progressing.
We'll see how long it lasts. Hopefully the Cubs season isn't over by Memorial Day like it was last year. If it is my reports are going to be a grind.
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Post by yoteforever on Apr 1, 2011 9:18:19 GMT -6
Nobody expects anything from the Cubs this season. As a Cubs fan, on this Opening Day, hope springs eternal. On paper this team does not look good enough to compete with the Reds and the Cardinals for the division. All I have to say is the Reds are the Reds and their manager is Dusty Baker. I wouldn't be suprised to see them collapse. The Cardinals may just be distracted by the Albert Pujols free agent drama all season. The loss of Adam Wainright to their pitching stafff doesn't help either. The Brewers got better with the addition of Zach Greinke but I don't think they have enough even with Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun. I don't need to mention the Astros or the Pirates. They are both horrible. The Cubs have the talent on this roster to win the division. If a couple players have a breakout year and the team gets off to a good start they will contend for the division. As long as they contend into late August I think they have a shot. My prediction: CUBS WIN!! Hey 53.............Great update but I have to admit I am not a baseball guy. I am one of those that would rather watch paint dry on a wall. That being said, because you are a die hard Yote fan, I'll cheer for the Cubbies. But do I have to remind you that you boldly predivted OSU wins March Madness? haha |
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Post by Yote 53 on Apr 4, 2011 8:01:34 GMT -6
Yeah, I kinda blew that prediction, but who else had Butler and VCU in the Final Four. Crazy tournament this year.
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Post by Yote 53 on Apr 4, 2011 8:01:55 GMT -6
Monday Morning Rewind for 04/04/11
Last week record: 1-2
Season record: 1-2, 3rd place in NL Central
The season started with a 3 game home stand with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates couldn’t beat anyone last season but they did have plenty of success against the Cubs. That success appears to be continuing this season though it is more due to sloppy play by the Cubs than the Pirates being any good.
The Buckos won game 1 6-3 with all of their runs coming off Ryan Dempster who gave up a grand slam in the 5th inning and a 2-run homer in the 7th. Why he was out there for the 7th is anyone’s guess as he was clearly gassed and shouldn’t have even left the dugout.
In game 2 on Saturday, the Cubbies fell behind early being down 3-0 after 7 innings. In the bottom of the 8th they exploded for 5 runs with Blake DeWitt hitting a two run double to put the Cubs in the lead for good. Carlos Marmol came into the 9th inning and was unhittable in earning the save. The Cubs bullpen showed in this game what most people thought coming into the year, they were going to be good. Between Kerry Wood, Sean Marshall and Marmol, the Cubs have the type of bullpen that can shorten the game. Final score, Cubs 5 Pirates 3.
In game 3 the Cubs showed us why they are the Cubs. They took a 4-3 lead into the 9th which included an awesome defensive play in the 8th by Tyler Colvin who gunned down one of the Pirates at home plate for a catch ‘em out-throw ‘em out double play to end the 8th and preserve the lead. Carlos Marmol came out in the 9th, gas can and Zippo lighter in hand, and proceeded to torch the infield, giving up 2 earned runs on 2 hits and 1 walk. Final score, Cubs 4 Pirates 5.
Highlights: Time to make up for this with 159 games left in the season, or that could be a bad thing. Starling Castro started off hot going 8 for 13 in the series batting .615, he’s going to be a player to watch.
Lowlights: You can’t lose a home series to the Pirates. That said, the club was in a position to win and, really, how often is one of the best closers in the game going to come in and blow it? Should have won this series.
This week: Home series with Arizona starting today, weekend series at Milwaukee starting Friday.
I was more in depth this first Rewind since it was Opening Weekend and there were only three games to cover. In the future I am just going to give a series breakdown and not a game-by-game synopsis.
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Post by Yote 53 on Apr 11, 2011 8:44:09 GMT -6
Monday Morning Rewind for 4/11/11
Last Week Record: 3-3
Season Record: 4-5, 4th Place in NL Central
The Cubs took 2 of 3 from Arizona to start the week and looked pretty good in doing so. That performance was followed by a dreadful one against the Brewers in Milwaukee. Chicago took the first game winning 7-4 on Friday with Carlos Zambrano getting the win. On Saturday, the Northsiders took the day off in a dreadful 6-0 loss to the Brew Crew. Leading 5-4 in the bottom of the 8th Sunday, it looked like the Cubs were in good position to take their second straight series until Kerry Wood gave up a pinch hit 2 run HR blast to Casey McGehee turning a win into a 6-5 loss. One pitch turned a good week into a sour one.
Alfonso Soriano is off to nice start in the home run department showing some power having 3 HRs and 5 RBI on the young season. The injury bug has hit the rotation with both Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner heading to the DL. Casey Coleman was called up from Triple-A Iowa and started Sunday’s game. James Russell will slide from the bullpen into the 5th spot temporarily and start Tuesday’s game against the Astros.
This Week: Road series at Houston to start the week and a weekend road series in Colorado.
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Post by Yote 53 on Apr 18, 2011 8:53:59 GMT -6
Monday Morning Rewind for 4/18/11
Last Week Record: 3-3
Season Record: 7-8, 3rd Place in NL Central (2.0 GB)
The Cubs started off the week taking 2 of 3 from Houston, a series which included an 11-2 loss in a spot start that can only be labeled the James Russell experiment. What a mess that was and who would ever guess the guy wouldn’t make it past the second inning? Umm, me. Between this and continually leaving his starters in when they are clearly gassed or getting rocked (Dempster in game 1 vs Houston, Zambrano in game 3 vs Houston, and Marcus Mateo yesterday vs Colorado) you have to question some of Manager Mike Quade’s decisions.
The Cubs ended the week losing 2 out of 3 to the Colorado Rockies. Colorado has started the year out hot and is one of the top teams in the NL. Even though they lost the series the Cubs played them pretty tough. After losing the series opener 5-0 they rebounded Saturday for an 8-3 victory behind the pitching of young Casey Coleman who only allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings and the red hot hitting of Starlin Castro. In the rubber match Sunday the game was tight until the 8th. Dempster went 5 giving up 5 runs and Samardzija (the Shark) came in for 2 (surprising) scoreless innings before Marcos Mateo came in and blew the lead. The game was tied 5-5 in the bottom of the 8th. After surrendering hits to the first two batters, Mateo struck out the next two and had the count 2-2 with 2 out and 2 runners on, deuces across the board. Dexter Fowler doubled the next pitch to center field scoring the two runners. Mateo followed that up by giving up two more base hits and a walk before Jeff Stevens finally came in to close out the inning. Final damage was a 4 run eighth and a 9-5 loss. You look at the score and wouldn’t really think the game came down to one pitch, but it did.
Good News: Starlin Castro is awesome. He’s tearing it up at the plate hitting .418 on the season. Also, even though the Cubs haven’t been able to sustain a serious win streak they continue to hover around .500 and are only 2 games out of the division lead.
Bad News: The starting pitching continues to suffer with Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner on the DL and the inability of the rest of the staff to pitch deep into the game putting a lot of pressure on the bullpen.
This Week: Home series with San Diego and the LA Dodgers visiting the Friendly Confines.
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Post by Yote 53 on Apr 25, 2011 7:51:49 GMT -6
Monday Morning Rewind for 4/25/11
Last Week Record: 3-3
Season Record: 10-11, 4th Place in NL Central (1.5 GB)
After a series opening win on Monday against the Padres game 2 was rained out forcing a doubleheader on Wednesday. In the first game, Reed Johnson was the hero belting a walk off HR in the 11th to win the game. In the second half of the twin bill Johnson continued to have a good day going 3-4 with an RBI and Alfonso Soriano hit another HR but the Cubs were not able to get the sweep falling 5-4.
The Dodgers then came into town for a weekend series and rocked youngster Casey Coleman for 6 earned runs on their way to a 12-2 victory. The Cubs rebounded to win game 2 10-8, rallying for 5 runs in the 8th inning RBI by Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, and Jeff Baker. Castro and Barney led the way with 3 RBI each on the day. In the series finale Carlos Zambrano got off to a rough start allowing 5 runs in the first inning and the Dodgers never looked back on their way to a 7-3 win.
Good News: Youngsters like Castro and Barney continue to produce and Alfonso Soriano is off to a good start. The NL Central is crowded with most of the division hovering around .500 and nobody threatening to break away.
Bad News: The bad news is actually good news in that Cubs starters can’t get any worse and the pitching staff will only get healthier with time. While the experience is good I don’t think Casey Coleman is ready and James Russell should not be in the rotation but both have been forced into service due to injury.
This Week: No days off this week with a home series against Colorado starting Monday and a 4 game road series with Arizona starting on Thursday.
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