As a Cubs fan, it's that time of year when we swallow our pride, stick our tail between our legs and say those famous words that have been said for so many years now..."next year is our year". As the first half of the season has come to an end, the Cubs are staring at an 11 game hole between them and first place. As I am a realist, it's easy to see that there is no way that they could play virtually .750 ball the second half of the season just to have a shot at getting back into it. Since I can now put closure to a season that should have been, let's take a look at next season that will be.
Over the past decade the Cubs have had the "win now" attitude during free agency periods. They have laid out millions of dollars to players in their prime, banking the future of the franchise on these players in hopes of winning the ultimate award. Since 2003, this only came close three times. 2003 was the year for the team. We all know about the Bartman incident. That horse has been beaten for long enough, and I could go on for quite some time about that not being the reason the Cubs lost the series, but I'll save that for a later day. 2008 was the other year they really had a shot at winning, only to get swept out of the playoffs by the Dodgers.
The Cubs have some hope going into this next free agency period. Some big contracts will be coming off the books, freeing up cash for them to spend on other free agents. Let's hope that they spend wisely this year and not throw huge contracts at players who have already peaked. The management of the team will definitely be questioned from the front office to the dugout. Another blog topic for a later date as well.
Looking at the players under contract for next year and those projected to be available in free agency, here's the squad I would like to see the Cubs field next year:
Starting Infield:
Catcher: Geovany Soto: Soto is arbitration eligible for the second time this offseason. He should be tendered a decent contract for an extended time. He still has plenty of value to the team and should be behind the dish for the next five years.
1st Base: Prince Fielder: I know everyone is saying Albert Pujols, but look at the numbers. Pujols is starting his decline. He wants a 10 year contract, which at his age is way too many years. Prince is only 28 and only beginning to peak. He could be the cornerstone for the Cubs offense for many years at first and should come at a slightly lower price tag than Albert.
2nd Base: Darwin Barney: This kid has mad skills and will be a staple at 2nd for many years with the Cubs.
Shortstop: Starlin Castro: Another young stud who will be a staple at short for many years. Him and Barney make a great middle infield tandem.
3rd Base: Aramis Ramirez: I know we have seen decline in A-Ram, but if the Cubs could add Fielder, they add protection for Aramis. He will see better pitching than he has, which will hopefully lead to better numbers.
LF: Alfonso Soriano: Bad contract the team is stuck with. He's paid too much money to sit the bench.
CF: Marlon Byrd: Byrd is a good player who could help to groom Tony Campana to replace him in this spot in the next year or so. If there was a way to get Soriano off the club, Byrd would be in LF and Campana in CF.
RF: Tyler Colvin: Colvin has show flashes of brilliance in his time in the bigs. Give him this year in Iowa with a possible late season call up to get some more big league swings.
Batting Order:
Byrd
Barney
Castro
Ramirez
Fielder
Soto
Soriano
Colvin
(Pitcher Spot)
Bench:
Jeff Baker: Good utility player who can fill in at many positions
Tony Campana: Young speedster who is the CF of the future
Lou Montanez: Quality bench player with a strong arm in the outfield
Reed Johnson: Great team player who can fill in anywhere in the outfield
Blake DeWitt: Good infield fill in with a decent bat
Correction here...instead of DeWitt, Koyie Hill would be here. Need that backup catcher. My little brain fart.
Starting Rotation:
Ryan Dempster: Demp controls his fate with his player option. He's been a solid pitcher for the Cubs, and I could see him pitching one more year in the bigs and finishing his career with the Cubs.
Matt Garza: Young arm the Cubs have to resign giving what they gave up to get him from the Rays. If he can stay healthy he could be a good number 2 next year.
Carlos Zambrano: No one will take on his contract and with only a year left he will finish his career in Chicago.
Randy Wells: A solid number 4/5 in the rotation
Andrew Cashner: When healthy a solid 4/5 in the rotation.
Closer:
Carlos Marmol: Wicked stuff, good quality closer. He's their closer for many years
Bench:
Sean Marshall: Nasty lefty specialist. He could be used as a starter as well if needed.
Kerry Wood: He's got a year or two left in his arm. He will finish his career where it all began.
Jeff Samardzija: With some work his numbers will get better.
James Russell: Decent lefty for the pen. Better option than Grabow would be.
Marcos Mateo: Good righty that can be a long man in the pen.
Chris Carpenter: Young and has potential.
This lineup would put the Cubs in playoff contention not only next year but for years to come. A lot of young talent with a few veterans to help lead the way.
