2010 Chicago Cubs Preview
Things looked promising last year for the Cubs. But injuries, lack of offense and a definite lack of team chemistry seemed to doom the Cubs of 2009. But this is a new year. 2010 brings in a renewed hope that this could be the year of the Cubs.
For the Cubs to be successful this year, their veterans have to stay healthy and have big years. Those players would be starting pitcher Carlos Zombrono, outfielder Alfonso Soriano, 3rd baseman Aramis Ramirez and 1st baseman Derrek Lee. These guys are the core group of players who need to lead this team.
New additions to the Cubs this year should also help. Marlon Byrd in center field will definitely help the offense. And splitting time with Kosuke Fukudome will be Xavier Nady. That is a nice combination in right field.
With all of the injuries the Cubs suffered last season, they still won 83 games. Now imagine a season where they don’t have the injuries to so many key players. If this happens, the Cubs realistically could win close to 100 games.
Look for the Cubs to score a lot of runs this season. They have a new hitting coach in Rudy Jaramillo. Jaramillo’s hitters won numerous awards when he worked for the Texas Rangers. He had Silver Slugger winners and homerun and RBI champions and one batting champion. The Cubs total runs last year were way down from the previous season. So look for Jaramillo to help bring those numbers up again.
