2012 Chicago Cubs

[Tom McManus]

I disagree.  I expect another stellar year from him on the field in 2012.

You might be right Dan. I made that remark prior to hearing his press conference. He sounded pretty convincing that he hasn't taken steroids, or HGH, but who knows.

[pdga#7648]

lmao, Bonds sounded convincing too, but we all know he lied!

of course he will not admit to using. why would he?

[pdga#7648]

but being that Braun is in a lineup now without Fielder around, I say his numbers drop drastically. he wont reach 100 RBI's and his slugging % will be much lower.

[Dan Michler]

2012 is the first year the Cubs are admittedly in rebuilding mode since pre-Hendry (10+years).  Its actually a refreshing feeling though, rather than throwing money at aging veterans in a futile effort to patch holes and win now.  After all, we've waited 103 years, I think we can wait a few more for this thing to get done the right way.  I have little hope for Soriano, Soto, Ian Stewart, Byrd, DeJesus, and Barney to do anything worthwhile.  I think we'll see Epstein trying to make some more deals during the season...

-I'd look for Garza to have a another stellar year (3.32 ERA 197K's in 2011) and be a trade candidate for a contender at the trade deadline.  He would have significant value as he's still young and has a favorable contract.  I wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs sign him long-term.

-Dempster is in the final year of his contract and is a good candidate for a bounce back year.  He could also be traded, but probably wouldn't have that much value.

-If Marmol can find the strike zone again, I think he may also be a trade candidate.

-Epstein has already tried hopelessly to deal Soriano and Byrd.  If they show any signs of life this year, I'd expect them to be dealt if there are any takers.  Granted, we'll be paying most of Soriano's contract no matter what.

-The players I'm most interested in (Anthony Rizzo and Brett Jackson) will start the season in the minors.  Perhaps we'll see them in June though.

-Bryan LaHair is maybe 1 guy on the opening day roster that could be a surprise in 2012.  He has repeatedly tore up AAA, but this will be his first shot at full-time AB's in the big leagues.  He slugged well over .600 last year in Iowa with 38 HR and a .330 avg. He's 29 yr old, so its now or never for him, especially with Rizzo right behind him in the minors.

I predict the Brewers repeat as Central division champs.

[pdga#7648]

I predict the Brewers repeat as Central division champs.

wanna bet $5 or $10 on this? I'll take the Redbirds!

[Bruce Brakel]

My bad.  Posted on wrong thread.

[Tom McManus]

Another baseball season.  Looks like this year it is pretty wide open.  It will be interesting to see how Bryce Harper does, baseball seems to be the most difficult in predicting talent.  It will also be interesting to see how the two new big contracts do in the American League.  At a certain point the NL needs to go to the DH.  The NL teams can't afford to pay the sluggers the huge money that the AL can pay because of the DH.  Also when Houston switches to the AL the daily interleague games may force that issue.

[pdga#7648]

I'll bet you they win 65 or more Doug. $20?

bump for Brett.

[CEValkyrie]

The bet is on.

[pdga#7648]

just a friendly reminder. 

[pdga#7648]

Wow, what a great classy ballclub there in St. Louis! The Cardinals are generous enough to wait until they play their best friends the Cubs to get presented their WS rings tomorrow! Letting the Cubs be a part of something they know nothing about, being WS Champions!(well at least 104 years of not knowing!)
 

[CEValkyrie]

Dempster is off to a pretty awesome start. Hopefully he continues to throw like that. Hopefully they can trade him for some prospects before the deadline.

[CEValkyrie]

Nice walk off win last night. Bleacher seats tonight. Go Cubs!

[Dan Michler]

Nice walk off win last night. Bleacher seats tonight. Go Cubs!

We already got our win for the week.  You are really asking for a lot.

[CEValkyrie]

Theory of dueness Dan. Fun night at Wrigley!


Bad baseball by the Cubs tonight. This is the kind of things that have to be fixed in the upcoming years.
Bottom of 4. Runners on  2nd & 3rd with no outs. Stewart & Barney K.
Bottom of 5. DeJesus Double. DeJesus gets picked off on a bunt attempt.
I started to blow up the minute the bullpen got warmed up. 4 BB by the bullpen. Marmol's career in Chicago is done. Another pretty good player ruined by the Cubs organization.

[Dan Michler]

Hopefully last night secured LaHair's spot as an everyday player.  He's done nothing but hit the last 2 years in the minors and majors.  Sveum can't keep platooning him with Jeff Baker at 1B.  If he wants Baker in there against lefties, then put DeJesus on the bench and LaHair in the outfield.  With Rizzo in the minors, I think LaHair's future with the Cubs would be as an outfielder.

[CEValkyrie]

Entertainng series. The new vdeo board out in right field is a great addition.

How long will it be before Clevenger gets the nod over Soto? He's come out making contact and putting the ball in play (5 doubles).. Soto looks really bad.

The top of the lineup isn't too bad. The bottom is the worst. I'm looking forward to seeing Rizzo and Jackson after the all star break. Talk about a total overhaul on this team.

[CEValkyrie]

I'll bet you they win 65 or more Doug. $20?

bump for Brett.

So far the Cubs are on pace to win 65 or more winning 9 of the last 16. This team could realistcally be .500 if Marmol doesn't pitch.

[airspuds]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/kerry-wood-donates-glove-cap-cubs-fans-bad-154718883.html


he MISSED the dugout   completely   

[CEValkyrie]

After todays game the Cubs have 19 quality starts in 30 games.