Bleed Cubby Blue

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Chicago Cubs open 2011 set to rebuild

(Chicago, IL) - For a franchise long known for its natural inability to come through in the world series or even making it to the fall classic, admitting to be in a rebuilding year is never a good sign. Especially since almost every season there is a level of optimism that the Cubs might finally break through and end their years of futility. Under interim manager Mike Quade the Cubs would roar back following Lou Pinellas' retirement. They would manage to finish just under .500 to cap off a season of futility and regret.

The offseason wasn't very fruitful for the Cubs. The notable signing being Carlos Pena, the first baseman coming over from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays where he gathered numerous accolades. Namely being selected as an All Star in 2009, leading the American League in home runs, with 2007 being another big year for Pena winning the Comeback Player of the Year and a Silver Slugger award. Yet hopes aren't very high for the first basemen who has the big task of filling the void left from veteran Derek Lee getting traded to the Braves during last season as the team silently started its rebuilding phase.

Starlin Castro is going to be a big player for the Cubs moving forward, with many projecting him to be an all star. His hitting is near the MLB elite, expected to lead the Cubs in batting average, another name to watch is Marlon Byrd. Selected to the All Star game in 2010, Byrd is currently jostling with Reed Johnson for the starting spot and at the age of 33 he will soon be leaving his peak age of performance.

The main goals for the Cubs this season are simple, bring in youth, develop their talent and churn out a project for the future. The Cubs will hope to find a way to vacate Alfonso Soriano and his massive contract that still will be netting him 57.6 M over the next four years. A huge amount for a 35 year old that is well out of his prime. A playoff contender may be willed to move for the fielder if they lack the depth or ability in the outfield to need such a mammoth contract.

Many believe that Aramis Ramirez will also be leaving the Cubs after this season, with him being in a contract year, the Cubs may be best fit to trade the veteran and at the worst hope to resign him in the offseason. Ramirez much like Lee had been with the Cubs for a long time and become an icon of the squad. Yet as the squad looks to move forward it may be best for the two to part ways. Ramirez wants a title before he calls it quits and with only a few ore seasons left in the tank, he may need to stop calling Wrigley, home.

The project players for the Cubs, Darwin Barney who only appeared in 30 games last season, batting for a .241 average he is expected to be the starter at second base for the upcoming season. Jeff Samardzija in a contract year will be looking to solidify himself in the rotation. Currently sitting at the bottom of a weak rotation he will need to spend most of the season getting things together and progressing to play at the potential the Cubs hoped he would play at.

This season will be wild, most likely for worse before good. The Cubs have a lot of work to do and it all starts with spring training. Baseball season is around the corner and the Cubs need to find out what youth are worth developing and what talent will be best suited for career minor league players.

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Re: Bleed Cubby Blue

Cubs finish spring training at .500

30 games later and the Cubs are a little more certain of where players fit into their system. Youngster Tony Campana, the right fielder impressed management with a .379 batting performance and 6 RBI's through the preseason month. He would get four extra base hits, with two doubles and two triples an outstanding total. Tyler Colvin also helped his case with a .368 batting performance with a home run and a pair of doubles to show for it.

As expected Strlin Castro and Aramis Ramirez were the traditional starters that made a big impact through the opening month, Carlos Pena did surprise some with 5 home runs and bringing in 19 RBI's. The only downside was his .261 batting average, his power is clear elite and not lacking in anyway but Pena will not be batting for average any time soon. Youngster Darwin Barney is in a slump right now heading into the season with a .215 batting average, he would turn 7 of his 26 hits into extra bases (5 Doubles and 2 Triples) with 2 home runs. His totals were not terrable for a player looking to solidify his role in a franchise seeking it's identity it's never a good case.

The squad will condense back down to their regular season team sizes with little changes done. The players projected to join the Major League roster did their part and for the most part will retain that position. The pitching squad has some reason to be concerned with top starter, Matt Garza having the worst ERA (4.10) and a 2-2 record amongst starting pitchers. Garza also yielded the most home runs of Cubs pitchers with 4.

A look to the Youth
Cubs players in Top 100 Prospects

1) Mike Podell (SS) - #1
2) Rafael Dolis (LR) - #77

It's inevitable for Cubs fans to be too happy that having the top prospect in a position with a young incumbent starter. His versatility will need to come into play with Aramis Ramierez on his way out it would be a good way to get some early experience. Rafael Dolis is seeking a spot on the MLB roster but will be stuck between leagues this season. Dolis isn't mature enough to be an every day reliever in the Big Leagues. His talents are good but he is still raw and will need to be worked out by Cubs management to be prepared for the step to the next level.

Cubs Deal Soriano

Chicago Cubs receive Alex Burnett (LR) - 5 Years / 6.31 M
Minnesota Twins receive Alfonso Soriano (LF) - 4 Years / 57.6 M

As odd as it is for the Twins to part with a youthful pitcher, Burnett being rookie eligible in his first season, this move will pay some early dividends for the Twins. This will allow them to groom Ben Revere into a starter while also making Jason Kubel whom has been on fire through the Spring Training, expendable. This move frees up the opportunity for the squad to develop their youth and trade for new talent.

Most likely the Twins will only be a one or two year destination for Soriano, but it will be a chance to revitalize his career. Wether they opt for a buy out or trade him, he will need to make a big statement after falling out of favor in Wrigleyville. With the move, Reed Johnson will shift over to Left Field to be an every day starter and Marlon Byrd will become the starter at Center Field.

Cubs sign Felix Pie

Felix found himself back at Wrigley Ville after a poor tilt with the Baltimore Orioles. Pie wasn't very good with his last visit with the Cubs, used mostly in a utility role which he will be once again. With the Cubs outfield rotation being somewhat shallow especially after managing to vacate the behemoth of a contract that Alfonso Soriano carried it was needed to sign a player to bring in some depth. With Pie being young he can still find his way through the minor leagues or even develop into a starter.

Pie is a career .255 hitter, only having 90 RBI's through four years. Pie was far from a power hitter in Chicago, hitting only 3 home runs through his two seasons in Chicago, less than any one season with Baltimore. Pie will be making 2.46 Million over two years with the Cubs re-evaluating his performance after a second two year stint. Pie still has a lot of years left and can make an impact somewhere, he will need to do good with the Cubs to ensure a job is available when his contract expires.