Cubbie changes are on the way

You can expect some changes amongst the Chicago Cubs after their very very disappointing performance in the National League Division Series. Many expected the Cubbies to be the NL representative in this years World Series but so many things went wrong. Most want to point the finger at the pitching, but they weren’t the only ones to let the Cubs faithful down. The team completely disappeared at the plate, and the numbers don’t lie. Alfonso Soriano 1-14, Aramis Ramirez 2-11, Jim Edmonds 2-10 and Geovany Soto 2-11. Those are four of the Cubs biggest hitters and they were all a complete let down. So what are the changes in store? According to manager Lou Pinella, the team will be focusing on the lineup first.

‘We’re going to try to add some different wrinkles, offensively especially,” Piniella told the Chicago Sun-Times. ”We are going to add left-handed hitting to this mix. From an offensive standpoint, that is definitely the No. 1 priority. And if we can get a little more athletic in the process, we’re going to do that, too.”

Left-hand hitting. That’s the most important thing in my eyes that the Cubs need. The team has four left handed batters and none of them are a threat, I repeat NONE of them are a threat. Mike Fontenot, Felix Pie, Daryle Ward and Jim Edmonds. Looking at those four, there isn’t a single bat that scares any right handed pitcher, not even Jim Edmonds. Think I’m kidding? He hasn’t been a threat since 2004. With the lack of capable lefty bats teams never have to worry about matchups late in a game. Look at the Los Angeles Dodgers, they actually are pretty weak in the bullpen when it comes to lefty pitching but they didn’t have to worry about that one bit. So what kind of bats are out there for the Cubs? What productive lefty could they bring in, and at the same time help them with their other need which is more athleticism?

That’s right athleticism. That’s something the Chicago Cubs lack as well. Yes, they have Alfonso Soriano and Ryan Theriot, but what else? The Cubs are pretty much an older, station to station, long ball hitting team. They do have some guys in the lineup who can bunt, but they’re built more like a traditional American League lineup. So pretty much the Cubs need to bring in more players who can do three things. 1.) steal a base. 2.) play small ball 3.) improve team defense. Yes, athleticism can do that for the Cubs. The team was so, so in that department last year. They finished in the bottom third of baseball in fielding percentage and that wasn’t even indicative of how bad they really were. The Cubs ranked next to last in total chances (and by a lot), which would indicate the players don’t have the range to get to a lot of the balls in play.

So who are the players being considered?

First, Brian Roberts. The Cubs explored trade options with the Baltimore Orioles last year but couldn’t work anything out. I’m quite sure they’ll be revisiting those trade talks, as Roberts would be the perfect addition to this taem offensively and defensively. He’s a switch-hitter (something the Cubs also don’t have), so that helps you with getting a lefty in the lineup and he’s one of the best fielding second baseman in baseball. He’s also a major base stealing threat, 40 in 2008. A move like this would also let the Cubbies finally move Alfonso Soriano out of the leadoff spot, a place he definitely doesn’t belong anymore. On a side note, the Chicago Sun-Times asked Pinella about moving Soriano out of the leadoff spot, but he wouldn’t respond.

Another option being considered is Raul Ibanez of the Seattle Mariners. Ibanez is a free agent, and will command a payday but at least it would be a short term contract considering his age. Ibanez is 37 years old, which wouldn’t help the Cubs get more athletic but he is a BIG left handed bat that could help split up Ramirez and Derrek Lee.

Those other two were both players the Sun-Times brought up and rightfully so. But there are a few other players that I think could really benefit the Cubbies. Jerry Hairson Jr, he’s fast, he’s athletic unfortunately he’s right handed. He’d come cheap but his first run in Chicago wasn’t to successful would they be able to keep Hairston from resigning with the Reds is another question. Another free agent includes Orlando Hudson of the Arizona Diamondbacks, He’s over 30 but very athletic and also a switch hitter. Other then these two, I think the Cubs will have to scour the trade wires.

So you see the Cubs have a lot on their hands this off-season. It’s good to see that they aren’t resting on their productive regular season. Too many teams see that kind of success and feel they just hit a bad stretch in the 5 game series, Pinella knows that’s not true and he sounds ready to change things. This is just the position players side, they’ve also got moves to make on the mound. Should be a busy off-season in Chicago.

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Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, MLB, Seattle Mariners