2007 Cubs

[JordoCubs102105]

Hello all, instead of listening to the Professors ramble all day I ponder what the cubs will do next and I was wondering what everyone things of this lineup, I've been reading all kinds of stuff that people have posted on who we should get, but this is what I think:

1. Soriano - RF Rotation: Zambrano
2. Lugo - SS ???(Schmidt/Westbrook/Lilly?)
3. Lee - 1B Hill
4. ARAM - 3B Meche
5. Barrett - C Prior/Miller/Rookie
6. Murton - LF
7. Pie - CF
8. Theriot
9. Pitcher

Bench: Pagan Pen: Cotts
Blanco Eyre
DeRosa Howry
Bynum Dempster
Wuertz
Novoa
Wood

Batting order may need a little switching around. And the Bench and Pen may be a little incomplete, and some of the guys in the pen could be used as trade bait to get a starter.

As you notice, there is an abscence of J. Jones and Cesar and a pen guy or two aren't listed, but I wouldn't mind seeing them leave to get a pitcher in a trade. I hear alot of Murton getting traded, but I think that would be a big mistake. He is cheap and will develop, while Jones is more expensive and well...is Jones. Something that makes my lineup a little different is throwing Pie into the starting lineup. I think with the lineup we have, it wouldn't be so bad to throw him in there and let him learn on the job, who knows...he could develop quickly and having Lee, Aram, Soriano, Barrett playing along side of him he may elevate his game to a new level. I wouldn't oppose signing Roberts to take over CF either though, and the only way I think we should part with Pie is if we get someone of a very high Caliber for many years in return. I also hope Theriot is the starter at 2nd, once again I think this kid is going to be pretty good, and if not then we have DeRosa not far away who can swap roles with him. JUST DON'T TRADE MURTON!!! Well I was just floating this out there for you guys to tear apart or let me know what you think! :)

[Zamby38]

I do agree with you about Murton. How can you trade the guy? He had at least 15 excellent diving catches and has a decent bat. Along with the speed, he can still be a potent weapon. Keep Matt Murton

[dundeecub]

I think we have a reasonably clear picture of much of the lineup, certainly the batting order, but pitching is still unclear. At the moment we're hearing a lot about Meche and Schmidt so I'll use them but I'm not sure we'll get both. Thus my lineup:

Soriano - RF (I'd rather CF, but everyone seems to think he'll be in a corner spot)
DeRosa - 2B
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Jones - CF (We got by with Pierre's noodle here last year...)
Barrett - C
Murton - LF
Theriot - SS (More likely Izturis in here, but I'd be happy to see him go)
P

Bench
Hank - C
Izturis/Theriot/Cedeno (Cedeno if Izturis goes) - SS/2B/3B
Power bat, can we get Nevin back? - 1B/PH
Pagan - OF
Bynum/Moore (I do like Scotty Moore for the long term, he has some pop, but may benefit from playing regularly so more likely Bynum) - 2B/OF

Theriot is much more useful as a bench player, but with him and DeRosa able to cover the infield we can get away with just a SS/2B on the bench

(I know this is the same as above, but I like it!)

1.Z
2.Schmidt
3.Meche
4.Hill
5.Prior (hopefully, eventually, *weeps*)
6. (We'll need one, we're the Cubs!) Miller/Marshall

I want to see Marshall either in the 5 slot at the start of the season (unless Prior defies us all and is fit for Opening day), but not in the bullpen at all. If he isnt starting send him to Iowa. Which is why Miller should be the swingman - he can do both reasonably well (seemingly).

CL-Demp/Howry
8th-Howry/Demp
7th-Eyre
6th-Wood (hopefully not needed too often, if not then 'clutch specialist')
Long-Miller
LH-Cotts (Unless in rotation...)
LH-Ohman

Gone: Novoa - no place for him, hasn't done well moving up and down from Iowa. Wuertz - which is what he should be: the "bullpen help". Mabry - just not enough upside for his poor pinch hitting. Rusch - presumably retiring? Izturis - if we can get something good: do it.

Pheuf! that was a long post, and will be completely redundant in a day or two. Sigh.

dc