Cleveland Indians
2006 Chicago Cubs Preview
Learn More:
2005 Overview:
With the departure of slugger Sammy Sosa, the offensive output for the Chicago Cubs has been replaced by the likes of superstars Derek Lee (.335 46 107) and Aramis Ramirez (.302 31 92). Both gamers came into their own in 2005 along with the help of Jeremy Burnitz (.258 24 87), catcher Michael Barrett (.276 sixteen sixty one) and 2nd baseman Todd Walker (.305 12 forty). Lee in particular impressed in 2005, hitting 27 house runs prior to the all star break and leading the league in hitting by the end of the season. Starters Carlos Zambrano (14 6 3.26), Greg Maddux (13 15 4.24), and Mark Prior (eleven 7 3.sixty seven) joined nearer Ryan Dempster (5-3 3.13 35 saves) to offer the pitching depth in 2005 because the Cubs posted a seventy nine-eighty three report to finish the season 21 games behind the division main St. Louis Cardinals.
Off Season Strikes:
GM Jim Hendry traded for Florida Marlin’s Juan Pierre (.276 2 47), who will lead off and play middle in 2006, both of which had been troublesome spots last year. Hendry additionally strengthened the Chicago Cubs bullpen with two free-agent signings: lefty Scott Eyre (2-2 2.sixty three – obtained from the San Francisco Giants) and right hander Bobby Howry (7-4 3.forty seven – acquired from the Cleveland Indians). The Cubs spent $23 million to lock these gamers under contract for the next three years.
Pitcher Wade Miller (four-4 4.95) was also picked up from the Boston Crimson Sox. The opposite noteworthy signings have been free agent right fielder Jacque Jones (.249 23 seventy three from the Minnesota Twins), who might be regarded upon to switch the offense for the departed Jeromy Burnitz. John Mabry (.240 8 32) was also traded from the Cardinals to help in the outfield. The Cubs are hopeful he can return to his 2004 offensive kind when he tied a career high in dwelling runs with 13.
2006 Evaluation:
The restructured bullpen should help improve the pitching in 2006. Hendry also did nicely to choose up Pierre and Jones. Pierre improves the protection and leadoff place and may spell extra RBI alternatives for Lee and Ramirez. The most important non-pitching question remains at shortstop, where veteran Neifi Perez and 23-year-old Ronny Cedeno might be anticipated to help provide the answer. Lee and Ramierez might want to proceed to supply the bulk of the offense in 2006.
The beginning pitching remains a question mark. If Kerry Wooden can return and pitch more then the 66.zero innings he did last 12 months and Maddux can enhance a bit on his file the pitching might shock some followers as a powerful level in 2006. If the Chicago Cubs hope to make it to postseason play they might want to get more from the starters in order for the current off season bullpen strikes to work. Hendry hopes the $23 million is spent on Howry and Eyre will likely be cash properly invested. Fans should be affected person in 2006 – if the group is shut at the all star break count on a midseason trade or to perhaps make the difference.
Go Here Now:
Indians: What if?
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Comments are closed.