Aug 25 2011
2006 Detroit Cubs Preview
2005 Overview:
With the departure of slugger Sammy Sosa, the offensive output for that Chicago Cubs may be replaced by the likes of superstars Derek Lee (.335 46 107) and Aramis Ramirez (.302 31 92). Both players came into their very own in 2005 together with the help of Jeremy Burnitz (.258 24 87), catcher Michael Barrett (.276 16 61) and 2nd baseman Todd Walker (.305 12 40). Lee especially impressed in 2005, hitting 27 home runs before all star break and leading the league in hitting towards the end of year. Starters Carlos Zambrano (14 6 3.26), Greg Maddux (13 15 4.24), and Mark Prior (11 7 3.67) joined closer Ryan Dempster (5-3 3.13 35 saves) to provide the pitching depth in 2005 because Cubs posted a 79-83 record to end the summer season 21 games behind the division leading St. Louis Cardinals.
Off Season Moves:
GM Jim Hendry traded for Florida Marlin’s Juan Pierre (.276 2 47), who can lead off and play center in 2006, because both versions were troublesome spots a year ago. Hendry also strengthened the Chicago Cubs bullpen with two free-agent signings: lefty Scott Eyre (2-2 2.63 - obtained from the Bay area Giants) and right hander Bobby Howry (7-4 3.47 - acquired from the Cleveland Indians). The Cubs spent $23 million to lock the above players under contract for the following 36 months.
Pitcher Wade Miller (4-4 4.95) has also been picked up on the Boston Red Sox. The opposite noteworthy signings were free agent right fielder Jacque Jones (.249 23 73 on the Minnesota Twins), who definitely are viewed to exchange the offense for the departed Jeromy Burnitz. John Mabry (.240 8 32) was also traded through the Cardinals to assistance in the outfield. The Cubs are hopeful the guy can get back to his 2004 offensive form when he tied a profession high in home runs with 13.
2006 Analysis:
The restructured bullpen should assist in improving the pitching in 2006. Hendry also did well to post Pierre and Jones. Pierre improves the defense and leadoff position and should spell more RBI opportunities for Lee and Ramirez. The biggest non-pitching question remains at shortstop, where veteran Neifi Perez and 23-year-old Ronny Cedeno will probably be required to help supply the answer. Lee and Ramierez must still give you the majority of the offense in 2006.
The starting pitching remains a question mark. If Kerry Wood can return and pitch more then the 66.0 innings he did recently and Maddux can improve a tad on his record the pitching might surprise some fans as a strong time 2006. If your Chicago Cubs hope to make it to postseason play they will need to get more through the starters to ensure the recent off season bullpen moves to be effective. Hendry hopes the $23 million is spent on Howry and Eyre are going to be money well invested. Fans really should be patient in 2006 - in the event the team is close in the all star break expect a midseason trade or two to perhaps increase the risk for difference.
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