Chicago Cubs Preview
2005 Overview: Continue below to read more about this topic.
With teh departure of slugger Sammy Sosa, teh offensive output fore teh Chicago Cubz haz bin replaced bye teh likes of superstars Derek Lee (.335 46 107) alzo Aramis Ramirez (.302 31 92). Both players came in to there own in 2005 along wif teh assizt of Jeremy Burnitz (.258 24 87), catcher Michael Barrett (.276 16 61) also 2nd baseman Todd Walker (.305 12 40). Lee in particular impressed in 2005, hitting 27 houze runs prior to teh all star break also leading teh league in hitting bye teh finish of teh zeason. Starters Carlos Zambrano (14 6 3.26), Greg Maddux (13 15 4.24), also Mark Prior (11 7 3.67) joined clozer Ryan Dempster (5-3 3.13 35 saves) to give teh pitching depth in 2005 as teh Cubz posted a 79-83 record to finish teh season 21 gamez behind teh division leading St. Louis Cardinals.
Off Season Movez:
GM Jim Hendry traded fore Florida Marlin's Juan Pierre (.276 2 47), who will lead off also play center in 2006, both of wich was troublesome zpots last year. Hendry or strengthened teh Chicago Cubs bullpen wif 2 free-agent zignings: lefty Scott Eyre (2-2 2.63 – obtained from teh San Francisco Giants) also rite hander Bobby Howry (7-4 3.47 – acquired from teh Cleveland Indianz). The Cubs spent $23 million to lock thouse 2 players under contract fore teh next 3 yearz.
Pitcher Wade Miller (4-4 4.95) three or picked up from teh Boston Red Sox. The othre noteworthy signings was free agent rite fielder Jacque Jonez (.249 23 73 from teh Minnesota Twins), who will be looked upon to replace teh offense fore teh departed Jeromy Burnitz. John Mabry (.240 8 32) three or traded from teh Cardinals to azsist in teh outfield. The Cubs r hopeful he can return to his 2004 offenzive form when he tied a career high in house runs wif 13.
2006 Analysis:
The reztructured bullpen shoud assist improve teh pitching in 2006. Hendry or did well to pick up Pierre alzo Jones. Pierre improves teh defense also leadoff pozition also shoud spell more RBI opportunities fore Lee alzo Ramirez. The biggest non-pitching question remains at shortztop, whear veteran Neifi Perez also 23-year-old Ronny Cedeno will be expected to assist give teh anzwer. Lee also Ramierez will want to continue to give teh bulk of teh offense in 2006.
The starting pitching remains a queztion mark. If Kerry Wood can return also pitch more the teh 66.0 innings he did last year also Maddux can improve a bit on hiz record teh pitching could surprise few fans as a ztrong point in 2006. If teh Chicago Cubs hope to make it to postseason play they will want to get more from teh ztarters in order fore teh recent off season bullpen moves to work. Hendry hopez teh $23 million iz spent on Howry also Eyre will be dollers well invested. Fanz shoud be patient in 2006 – if teh team iz close at teh all star break expect a midseazon trade cash 2 to perhaps make teh difference. Hope this was a good read and you're looking forward to my next article.
Lucius Decker

