Chicago Cubs 2010 preview
Article By cbahr.tsn on 9th March, 2010
There isn't an "under new management" sign hanging at Wrigley Field, but the Cubs finally have a new owner in place in Tom Ricketts. Ricketts has big plans for stadium improvements, with the clubhouse apparently first on the list in terms of upgrades. Players no longer will have to walk on eggshells now that the brief Milton Bradley era is history. The biggest question about the Cubs, of course, remains the same: Is this the year?
P Carlos Zambrano is one of two high-profile Cubs who shed weight in the offseason. Three questions
1. Who will hit leadoff?
For the first time since 2007, it won't be Alfonso Soriano, at least according to manager Lou Piniella. Miscast as the table-setter for several seasons -- often out of necessity because of the team's lack of alternatives -- Soriano was dropped in the order during the 2009 season and now is penciled into the sixth spot. Soriano's knee problems will limit the stolen-base ability that once made him attractive atop the order, and his power will result in better run production in the heart of the order.
One thing is clear: The team needs improvement from the 1-hole. Last season, Cubs leadoff hitters finished 27th in the majors with a .249 batting average and 21st with a .335 on-base percentage. Ryan Theriot is the front-runner for the job because, unlike Kosuke Fukudome, he will be an everyday fixture in the lineup. Theriot did a nice job -- .283 average, .354 on-base percentage -- in 194 plate appearances as the Cubs' leadoff man in 2009.
2. Will less mean more?
Each trying to bounce back from a forgettable season, ace Carlos Zambrano and catcher Geovany Soto, the 2008 NL rookie of the year, worked hard to get into better shape over the offseason. Soto dropped close to 40 pounds, after dropping 67 points from his batting average last season. Zambrano, whose nine wins in 2009 were a career low for a full season, lost about 15 pounds.
Fitt...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
P Carlos Zambrano is one of two high-profile Cubs who shed weight in the offseason. Three questions
1. Who will hit leadoff?
For the first time since 2007, it won't be Alfonso Soriano, at least according to manager Lou Piniella. Miscast as the table-setter for several seasons -- often out of necessity because of the team's lack of alternatives -- Soriano was dropped in the order during the 2009 season and now is penciled into the sixth spot. Soriano's knee problems will limit the stolen-base ability that once made him attractive atop the order, and his power will result in better run production in the heart of the order.
One thing is clear: The team needs improvement from the 1-hole. Last season, Cubs leadoff hitters finished 27th in the majors with a .249 batting average and 21st with a .335 on-base percentage. Ryan Theriot is the front-runner for the job because, unlike Kosuke Fukudome, he will be an everyday fixture in the lineup. Theriot did a nice job -- .283 average, .354 on-base percentage -- in 194 plate appearances as the Cubs' leadoff man in 2009.
2. Will less mean more?
Each trying to bounce back from a forgettable season, ace Carlos Zambrano and catcher Geovany Soto, the 2008 NL rookie of the year, worked hard to get into better shape over the offseason. Soto dropped close to 40 pounds, after dropping 67 points from his batting average last season. Zambrano, whose nine wins in 2009 were a career low for a full season, lost about 15 pounds.
Fitt...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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