Hmm, how do I even begin? The Chicago Cubs tortured their fan base once again in 2008, finishing a stellar regular season with an NL Central title only to rip their hearts out and stomp on them in the NLDS against Manny and the Dodgers. The Cubbies looked more like a scared group of amateurs against the Dodgers with a lack of offense and terrible defense that led to an end of what should have been a more productive postseason. The Cubs finished the 2008 regular season with 97 wins and look poised to make some noise in the playoffs. Led by Derrek Lee, Mark DeRosa, Aramis Ramirez and Geovany Soto offensively, the northsiders featured one of the most prolific offenses in the MLB. They also received surprising contributions from Ryan Dempster who managed to lead the team in wins, ERA and strikeouts. However, after reaching the postseason, the Cubs buckled under the immense pressure from a fan base that expected nothing less than a trip to the World Series, ending their 2008 season during round one against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chicago Cubs 2009 Preview:
The Cubs head into 2009 with a bad taste in their mouth following an epic collapse in the 2008 playoff. Chicago should have another chance to disappoint fans come October, as they are heavy favorites to again win the NL Central and reach the playoffs yet again. With what should again be one of the top offenses in baseball this year, pending it’s ability to stay healthy, the Cubs can ride their depth in the outfield and power bats at the corners of the infield to a playoff appearance in 2009. With a rotation that features Carlos Zambrano (threw a no-hitter against Houston last year at Miller Park on September 14th), Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster and Rich Harden, the Cubbies have one of the better starting rotations in the division. The question is, who will be that 5th starter? As of now, it looks as though Sean Marshall is the leading contender for that role, but that can always change. The bull-pen, assuming Marshall wins the 5th spot in the rotation, will include Kevin Gregg, Jeff Samardzija, Gaudin, Cotts and Vizcaino. Kerry Wood leaving for Cleveland leave the closing duties to Carlos Marmol most likely, who finished with a 2.68 ERA in 2008. With such a well-rounded ball club, the Cubs should be expected to again win well above 90 games and finish first in the NL Central.
Chicago Cubs Surprise Player of 2009:
Jeff Samardzija is probably best known at this point in his career for his contributions to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football program during his time in college, but look for Samardzija to really establish himself as a dominant pitcher for this Cubs team in 2009. Samardzija finished last season with a 2.28 ERA in his short time as a part of the major league roster. In 26 games, the tall right-hander finished with a 1-0 record, 1 save, and 25 strikeouts in only 27 2/3 innings pitched. If Jeff can control his free passes (15 BB in less than 28 IP in 2008), he should be a force in whatever role he finds himself in for Chicago in 2009. His versatility allows the Cubs to bring him out of the pen, or place him in that 5th starters role if Marshall struggles early. Look for him to be used a lot like Justin Masterson was used for Boston in 2008, with much of the same success.
Chicago Cubs Projected 2009 Record:
1st place in the NL Central with a record of 94-68 (#1 seed in NL Playoffs).
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