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2011 Mlb Predictions-chicago Cubs
Projected Lineup Chicago has some potential offensively this year, but just how good they are will depend on the seasons they receive from third baseman Aramis Ramirez and outfielder Alfonso Soriano. Ramirez is one of the top overall hitters in the league when healthy, but he always seems to find a way to get hurt. Soriano hasn't lived up to the player Chicago envisioned when they signed him, but if he turns it around this unit will be drastically improved. The Cubs also have nice assets in catcher Geovany Sotto and young outfielder Tyler Colvin, who expects to take over the every day job in right field. Throw in Pena, who could thrive in Wrigley Field, and the Cubs suddenly look like a team who could be a lot better than you might expect. Don't forget about two of the Cubs top hitters in 2010 in Marlon Byrd and Starlin Castro. Byrd hit .293 and was Chicago's only All-Star, while Castro led the Cubs with a .300 average at the age of 20. Projected Rotation Chicago also has a pitching staff that is a bit under the radar heading into the year. If Carlos Zambrano throws like he did to finish the season, where he went 8-0 with a 1.41 ERA, Chicago could be looking at the 2011 Cy Young winner. Ryan Dempster has been extremely reliable for the Cubs since making the switch from closer to starter, and with the addition of Garza, Chicago should have a 1-3 that can square off against any other three in the league. Still the overall grade of this pitching staff will depend on the arms of Carlos Silva and Randy Wells. Silva opened the season great, but faded down the stretch, while Wells wasn't close to his form of 2009, and could end up giving his job to Andrew Cashner,if he doesn't turn things around this year. 2011 Projection: 2nd Place NL Central While it seems like the Cubs have more question marks than answers heading into the 2011 season, the potential is there. A lot will have to go right for this team to even have a chance at winning the NL Central. Still you can't overlook the success Quade had to finish the season, and the talent that is still on the his team. We have the Cubs jumping up to second in the division with the Cardinals loss of ace Adam Wainwright, who was one of the best pitchers in the National Leauge. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Jack Jones is a seasoned baseball handicapper who offers expert MLB predictions. His goal is to help you win through exploiting weaknesses in the daily baseball lines. |
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