Cubs in '09

I want to try and perhaps predict my hopes for what is going to be the cubs 2009 season from position to position, and perhaps guess / predict the moves the cubs are going to do in the offseason.

First Base: I thought I'd start off with perhaps was originally going to be my most outlandish pick, but I guess after reading a lot of useless blogs it doesn't seem nearly as outrageous as I originally thought. I would get rid of derek lee. I know, I know, he's been perhaps one of our most prolific players, and perhaps even the face of the franchise (cue 2005 almost .400 Lee) however I always like to play to the "You'd rather trade them a year before you need to than a year after you should have" Billy Beane. But where? Look to the dodgers, who may be unwilling to eat a $150 million 4 year deal that supposedly is brewing. That and the lack of a first basemen seems to open up for Lee... But more likely are the lowly Giants who's owner (Peter Magowan) is willing to spend money on old people. (See Barry Bonds). So I would expect an emerging Hoffpauir to take over here, at about a $13 million per year savings, not to mention get some good left handed bullpen from the giants.

Second Base: Using the money saved on Lee, I would sign DeRosa, and not just because his wife is really really attractive. He can play literally anywhere, and he hits near .300, hard to pass up. I would sign Fontenot too, and play both almost every day, because we need a good left handed bat in the wings. This will be described later...

SS: Theriot. How can you get rid of a guy who hits .300+, and is a top 5 fielder? You can't.

Third: Ramirez. Love hate at best, but he's really good.

Center: Pie / Johnson. I like Johnson a lot, and I think this is the most logical thing for the team, because Edmonds is almost ready to cash in his social security. Johnson can hit the left handed pitching, and can play until Pie is indeed ready for the spotlight.

Left: Soriano. Sadly, I think its a reach to try and get rid of him... Perhaps he will improve, and I would listen for offers, but I think that we don't have much of a choice than to eat this monstrosity of a contract. But seriously, and I don't care what you say Lou, you CANT let him lead off.

Right: This is another area which people are predicting, but think that it would be dumb: Get rid of Fukudome. Seriously. He needs to save face, take a buy out and head home. Guy can't hit low and outside stuff, nuff said. I would play DeRosa here all day long, because it allows Fontenot to play.

Catcher: We have the MVP, come on. Soto.

So for the fielders (Pitchers whenever I take another break:)

Theriot
Fontenot
Rameriez
Hoffpauir
Soriano
Soto
DeRosa
Pie/Johnson