Where Do We Go From Here?

It has now been a couple days since the rise and fall of the best team in the National League, the Chicago Cubs.  I initially was going to come write my review of the collapse the day after doomsday, but decided it would be very angry as it reignites my thoughts from the horrifying weekend.  On that note, lets talk about the Cubs future, rather then the total destruction of the Northside Nobody's.

What exactly do the Cubs need to take it to the next level?  This team had it going for them all year.  97 wins, leading the league in come from behind victories and in the top five of almost every category in baseball.  How do you throw away something that shattered after it supplied so many positive outcomes?  Where do we begin?

Lead-off hitter.  Jim Hendry and the Cubs need to address this situation.  Sure the Cubs scored more runs and won more games with Soriano at lead-off, but what if there is a Rafeal Furcal or Brian Roberts leading off the game, pushing Soriano to second or even fifth?  There would be more base runners ahead of power hitters using their speed to put them in position to win the game when it counts.  Soriano's speed cannot be counted on anymore, and he strikes out far to often in clutch situations to bat first in a Cubs uniform.  It would be "heart" replacing "moneybags", thus when the team reaches the playoffs there will be more fight at the lead-off spot and more flash bulbs going off when Soriano comes up to bat with men on base. 

Infield.  Lets go around the horn.  To say the least, Geovanny Soto is our guy behind the plate.  He is a potential Rookie of the Year, and handles the pitching staff with great confidence.  Soto contributes well to a high scoring offense, hitting doubles in the gap at a rapid rate, and leaves souvenirs for the bleacher bums when needed most.  At first base, it has become common talk to throw Lee under the bus as the Cubs try to focus on change.  Ok, so he tied Ron Santo for the mot doubles in team history.  But he also led the team in base hits, and is arguably the best defensive first baseman in MLB, nevermind the playoff error.  Hes on the Cubs in the playoffs - that is bound to happen.  Lee will turn it around with more power next year, and will be hitting balls to the ivy walls at a consistent pace in the 2009 season.  My solution:  Bat DLee second and work on improving his base stealing effectiveness for next year.  At second base we have Mark DeRosa who might be the most important guy in the infield to keep on the team.  This man can play.  When someone is hurt or needs a break, DeRosa will vacate his natural second base position and hold down the fort wherever need be.  He hits consistently and provides great team leadership..he must stay.  Fontenot as his backup seems ok from the bench, considering this year was probably his career year.  At shortstop we have "The-scrappy-Riot" who surprisingly led the team in OBP, BA and SB.  Theriot doesn't have the best range at shortstop, and he throws like a 10 year old girl with her eyes closed, but he does consistently keep the game going.  Perhaps he is the reason why DLee hits in so many double plays, as he is always manning first base when Lee comes up to bat.  If we had Theriot in 03' the Cubs would have scored double the amount of runs they had scored this year as Lee posted much higher power numbers five years ago.  Solution:  I hate to say it, but put Theriot on the bench or trade him because the Cubs need a lead-off hitter, and that most likely will come from a middle infield position.  Theriot can lead off, but not with the effectiveness of a Furcal or Roberts.  So, this may be a position of need.  At third base we have Aramis Ramirez.  He was terrible in the playoffs, and has been consistently terrible in the playoffs in the last six games.  That being said, Ramirez is our most clutch hitter and provides the most power and RBI's on the team.  He is a contact hitter, where as most power performers like to strike out at a rapid rate.  This one is obvious, keep him.

Outfield.  Soriano is stuck there in left with his 135 million dollars, unless some rich organization wants to take the same risk the Cubs took and pick up his massive contract.  Fukudome is also a staple next year considering his contact signing coming to the Cubs as a rookie from Japan.  Fukudome fell off month to month, each stat tumbling off the cliff while taking a beating all the way to the bottom.  He will be fine.  Fukudome's work ethic is unmatched and his personal confidence should be back next year.  These Japanese players don't give up.  Don't be surprised to hear how hard he worked in the off season once spring training begins.  Where do we put this sure glove?  For now I would say keep him in RF unless a lefty power bat is acquired from that position.  In center field the Cubs should not take their chances with Edmonds considering his age and ability to be inconsistent.  Edmonds was great for the Cubs in the second half of 2008, but the Cubs need to look forward.  I guess that means the Cubs need to rely on Felix Pie.  The Cubs have a very positive outlook on Pie calling him as a September call-up, showing they have high hopes for "Pumpkin Pie."  Hopefully he isn't another "He has potential Patterson."  Reed Johnson should be re-signed and kept on the team, because he is one guy that will not put his head down.  Johnson works hard and plays hard which is a great combination for a player in a blue collar city such as Chicago, and has become a fan favorite since his hat bending catch early on in the year.

Pitching.  We have an unbelievable pitching staff, but do you really trust that Dempster can repeat what he did this year?  Keep him on the team for leadership and clubhouse entertainment, but he is not a one or a two starter.  Count Dempster in to be our four guy, rather then our one guy going into the playoffs.  He is getting older, but his arm seems to be made of rubber this year.  Picking up his option is going to be one of the harder tasks for Hendry in the off season.  I would say the same for Lilly, but he has been solid since he put on the cursed Cubs jersey.  Keep him, for God's sake, keep Lilly, and if the Cubs make the playoffs next year, let this guy pitch a game, he deserves it.  It goes without question that Zambrano remains our franchise pitcher with that uber large contract he signed this season, but Carlos has yet to win a playoff game.. that needs to change.  Rich Harden, what a signing.  Harden is a free agent and is at high risk to become another Mark Prior.  I don't know what to think about this.  Sign him, but don't waste too much money doing so.  If that doesn't work, go after C.C. or another ace to tandem with Zambrano throughout the season.  Good-bye Marquis!  You were a good five starter and it was nice to see you finish the season well, but you need to go.  As far as our bullpen is concerned I will keep this simple.  Marmol had a great year, unlikely to match his 08' season but is a solid staple in the bullpen.  Howry please leave this city, we don't want you here, and same goes with you Cotts.  Take the bus to Iowa, and if you need directions I will gladly look it up for you.  Marshall should be a strong consideration as a four starter, but I personally like him coming in long relief.  That being said, he will be signed.  As for the rest of the bullpen, they did well, but Hendry might juggle it around a little bit to better prepare this team for the playoffs.

Hendry has got his work cut out, as does Lou.  Piniella has still got that heart, but he needs to stick to his old school way of coaching.  Never mind these million dollar babies, play the game and coach it the way you know how to coach it.  You know... the one that got you a ring?  

The Cubs 2008 season was much like a Steak N' Shake frisco melt at three in the morning.  It was GREAT while it lasted, but it always has a painful ending.  Wait till' next year Cubs fans!  There is always next year.. so I like to believe.