Chicago Cubs 2012 Preview

Coming off a 2011 which we saw the "curse" continue for the Cubs, they went out and had a solid off season, bringing in a GM and new President of Baseball Operations, Jim Hendry and Theo Epstein.  Everyone knows what Epstein did in Boston, ending that curse and bringing in two World Series titles in his tenure there, and Cub fans are hoping he will do the same for them.  On the field the Cubs lost some players, notably Aramis Ramirez, and added a few, though most the additions were to the pitching staff.  This is a young team in the field but they do have veteran arms, and with Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder being out of the division the time to make the move towards winning the NL Central seems to be now.  With Mike Quade out as a manager, a very good move in my mind, they brought in Dale Sveum, who had some success in his only opportunity to manage for the Brewers.  This is a new look Cubs team, one that seems that they will not deal with mediocre play and make the moves to bring a winner back to the North Side of Chicago.  Here is our break down of how they will look in 2012.
Starting Rotation-  Avoiding arbitration with Matt Garza pretty much pencils him in as the staff ace, the guy throws the ball hard and has plenty of experience to lead the club.  After Garza the rotation roles can switched out but that all depends on how guys perform in Spring Training.  Ryan Dempster would be a solid option as the #2, and with the solid years he has put up in Chicago he deserves it.  Chris Volstad, Paul Maholm and Travis Wood, all acquired this off season will compete for the final three rotation spots along with Randy Wells and veteran Rodrigo Lopez.  The two of the five that do not crack the rotation are most likely headed to the bullpen as long relief options.
Bullpen-  The closer job looks to go to the shaky Carlos Marmol, but with Kerry Wood and Manuel Corpas both having closing experience, any sign of struggles from Marmol could launch one of these two into the closer role.  Jeff Samardzija will be one of the set up men, he throws hard but needs to avoid leaving it up in the zone. Marcos Mateo is another option in the pen for them, only 27 and he doesn't give up too much on the mound, he will be a good mid reliever for them.  Some managers don't believe in having a lefty "specialist" so we will see how Dale Sveum handles that.
Infield-  Going into Opening Day the only guy who looks to have his spot locked up is Starlin Castro at short, the kid can hit and his defense keeps getting better every year.  Darwin Barney got a lot of the starts last year at 2b, and he was solid on defense and had his moments at the plate.  If he can avoid the Sophomore slump the job is his, if not look for Jeff Baker to get some looks.  Baker will be used as the utility guy, with plenty of experience under his belt.  Third base looks to be a toss up between Blake DeWitt and Ian Stewart, both guys are young and came into the league with a lot of expectations and hopefully 2012 will be the season we get to see them.  First base looks to be going to Bryan Lahair, but don't be surprised if young Anthony Rizzo gives him a good push for the starting job.  Rizzo has plenty of upside and if he can find his home in Chicago after being traded twice already in his young career, the first base job could be his, but my money is on LaHair being penciled in come Opening Day.
Outfield-  Left field the Cubs will go with Alfonso Soriano, who is known more for his offensive production then his play in the field.  Center field is Marlon Byrd's home for 2012, unless the Cubs go out and land Yoennis Cespedes, then we may see Byrd move to right field.  With no Cespedes in Chicago the right field job looks to go to David DeJesus, coming off a down 2011 in Oakland, DeJesus is looking to rebound with a strong year.  Reed Johnson and Tony Campana will be the utility guys.
Catcher-  The catching job goes to Geovany Soto, he is the one with the most experience and knows how to handle a staff.  Jason Jaramillo should be that guy that will be used whenever Soto needs an off day.
Lineup
1. Darwin Barney- Will hit for a solid average.
2. David DeJesus- Can he rebound from a down 2011?
3. Starlin Castro- Will drive guys in, as long as their on base.
4. Alfonso Soriano- Plenty of pop left in his bat, look out Waveland Ave!
5. Geovany Soto- Solid hitter, with some power.
6. Bryan LaHair- Let's see what he can do with a full season.
7. Marlon Byrd- Good hitter with some power, could slide into the 2 hole.
8. Ian Stewart/Blake DeWitt- Both will hit for a good average.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!

2012 looks to be a solid year for the Cubs, they should easily improve on the 71 wins they had last year.  With the NL Central being so wide open, they could possibly contend, with a new GM they could be buyers at the trade deadline as opposed to being sellers like they have been the last few years.  I'm penciling them in at finishing a few games above .500, if they are in contention come the break maybe we will see a block buster deal to win the Central.