With the Cubs Convention — that annual harbinger of spring (training) — coming this weekend, is there reason for optimism?
Well, the Cubs will have to make up eight victories if they hope to catch the Cardinals and they will have to do it with basically the same team as last year, save the replacement of one former Texas Ranger for another, a Marlon (Byrd) for a Milton (Bradley).
And they will have to do it without top winner Ted Lilly for at least the first month as he rehabs from shoulder surgery.
Obviously, the same roster as last summer will just have to play better or Matt Holliday, Albert Pujols and Co. will have to be injected with a new dispassion by the presence of hitting coach Mark McGwire.
At least the financial fiascoes of last offseason — Bradley, Aaron Miles, Kevin Gregg and Aaron Heilman — have been replaced. The question is whether it’s for the better.
So, for those who were absorbed in agony as the Bears went into early hibernation, here’s a recap of the comings and goings over the winter, and a look ahead:
SAY HELLO TO . . .
Marlon Byrd
Texas free agent
At half the price, he should be able to pass Bradley’s stats
Carlos Silva
Seattle trade
His contract isn’t all that’s fat; maybe new start will help
Jeff Gray
Oakland trade The new Heilman, an important role on a Piniella team
SAY GOODBYE TO …
Milton Bradley, Seattle trade: His 40 RBIs were more damaging to team than personality
Kevin Gregg, unsigned free agent: Two-time failed closer was overpriced for middle man
Rich Harden, Texas free agent: Victories could be hard to replace
Aaron Heilman, Arizona trade: Never was comfortable, overpriced for his role
Reed Johnson, unsigned free agent: His salary/ injury became too high
Aaron Miles, Oakland trade: One of worst ever signings, waste of $2.2 million
Jake Fox, Oakland trade: Out of place in NL, could flourish as a power DH’
Neal Cotts, Pittsburgh free agent: Fell out of favor, not to mention good health
Bobby Scales, unsigned free agent: Feel-good story of season has to prove it again
STILL TO COME …
Left-handed bat: One extra outfielder with some pop on RH-slanted team
Bullpen help: Veteran arm, preferably cheap and left-handed. Good luck.
POSSIBLE LINEUP
1, SS, Ryan Theriot
2, RF, Kosuke Fukudome
3, 1B, Derrek Lee
4, 3B, Aramis Ramirez
5, CF, Marlon Byrd
6, LF, Alfonso Soriano
7, C, Geovany Soto
8, 2B, Jeff Baker/Mike Fontenot
POSSIBLE ROTATION
1, RH, Carlos Zambrano
2, RH, Ryan Dempster
3, RH, Randy Wells
4, RH, Jeff Samardzija
5, RH/LH, Carlos Silva/Tom Gorzelanny
POSSIBLE KEYS
RH setup man Angel Guzman
LH setup man John Grabow
Closer Carlos Marmol RH
2009 NATIONAL LEAGUE RANKINGS
HITTING
Runs: 10th (707)
Home runs: 5th (161)
Batting avg.: 12th (.255)
PITCHING
WHIP: 4th (1.32)
Home runs: 8th (160)
ERA: 5th (3.84)
KEY DATES
Feb. 17
Pitchers/catchers report
April 5
Opener at ATL
April 12
Home opener, MIL
– – –
CUBS CONVENTION
FRIDAY-SUNDAY
HILTON CHICAGO
FRIDAY
Highlight: Autograph hunt, 6 p.m.
SATURDAY
Highlights: Meet the owners, 9 a.m.; meet the baseball management, 10 a.m.
SUNDAY
Highlight: Photo experience, 9 a.m.
