Infielders
1B Anthony Rizzo: Could be key to offense if he produces more with runners in scoring position.
2B Darwin Barney: Doesn’t seem long for the ride with platoon system; Javier Baez looming.
SS Starlin Castro: Determined to regain production of two years ago, he has responded well to new teachers
3B Mike Olt: Could be Cubs’ third baseman for several years if he regains 2012 form.
UTIL Emilio Bonifacio: Could be Cubs’ best acquisition of offseason with speed and versatility.
UTIL Luis Valbuena: Underrated player has plenty of pop; second base original position.
Outfielders
OF Junior Lake: Hard to believe this is only his second season in outfield with his skills.
OF Justin Ruggiano: Batted .303 in day games, .181 in night games last season with Marlins.
OF Ryan Sweeney: Needs injury-free season; might hit for more power in 2014.
OF Nate Schierholtz: Looking to duplicate breakout season that could lead to trade and/or financial stability.
OF Ryan Kalish: Like Bonifacio, adds speed and versatility to a relatively pedestrian team.
Catchers
C Welington Castillo: Must stay healthy to take next step in promising career.
C John Baker: Lends an abundance of knowledge and wisdom with six years of NL experience.
Rotation
RH Jeff Samardzija: Destined for a large payday somewhere else, especially after 2016 when he becomes a free agent.
RH Edwin Jackson: Cubs were 10-21 in his 31 starts; 59 walks and 14 wild pitches were recipe for disaster.
RH Jason Hammel: Happy to be healthy; Cubs seek more than his career high 1772/3 innings in 2010.
RH Travis Wood: Could have been 15-game winner with better run support; would be wise to sign him to long-term deal.
RH Carlos Villanueva: Experience showed this spring with effective blend of off-speed pitches and sneaky fastball; will attract teams.
Bullpen
RH Jose Veras: Rocky spring didn’t concern Rick Renteria; converted 21 of 25 chances in 2013.
RH Pedro Strop: Has a chance to become one of the NL’s better setup men.
LH James Russell: Has developed slower and sharper curve to keep right-handed batters off-balance.
LH Wesley Wright: Left-handed hitters have a career .231 batting average against him.
RH Justin Grimm: Wasn’t scored upon in eight of 10 September appearances but could be more effective as a starter.
RH Hector Rondon: Should be more comfortable after not allowing a run in last nine outings in September.
RH Brian Schlitter: Maine South High School graduate posted 2.08 ERA with help of 95 mph fastball.
