A New Era for the Cubs

The 2007 season brings new hopes along with new faces for the Chicago Cubs. The following is their possible starting lineup and starting pitching, and why I feel there is a new hope with this team.

Batting first and playing center-field will be Alfonso Soriano. He was signed as a free agent this off season. He played for the Washington Nationals last season where he batted .277, hit 46 homers and stole 41 bases. He is only one of three Major League players to hit 40 plus homers and Steal 40 plus bases in a single season. He had 22 outfield assists last season. This will be the first time in his major league career that he has ever played center field.

Batting second and playing second base will be Mark DeRosa. Mark played last season for the Texas Rangers. He was signed to a free agent contract this off season. He batted .296 and had 13 home runs. He was the top utility man for the Rangers. He played 28 games at second base with a fielding percentage of .993.

Third in the lineup and playing first base will be Derek Lee. Derek missed most of last season with a broken wrist. He is considered a 5 tool player. The Cubs are hoping he can rebound to his 2005 form when he hit .335 with 46 homers and drove in 107 RBI's.

Aramis Ramirez will bat fourth and play third base. Aramis hit .291 last season with 38 homers and 119 RBI's. He was the one bright spot for the Cubs last season. The down side on Aramis is he's a slow starter. If he can ever start a season the way he finishes then he would have an awesome season.

Batting fifth and playing right field will be Jacque Jones. Jacque had a good first year with the Cubs hitting .285 and tying a career best 27 home runs while driving in 85 RBI's. He is a good fielder with a problem at times with throwing the ball.

Next will be the catcher Michael Barrett batting sixth. Michael last season hit .307 with 16 homers and 53 RBI's. He spent time on the disabled list last season and missed another 10 games due to suspension. He has been steady behind the plate and calls a good game.

Batting seventh and playing left field will be one of 2 players, either Matt Murton or Cliff Floyd. Cliff missed part of last season with bone spurs in his ankle. The Cubs signed him to an incentive performance contract. Hoping he can return to his 2005 form when he hit 34 home runs and 98 RBI's. They are hoping he can give a much needed pop from the left side of the plate. The Cubs believe they have a future all-star in the making with Matt Murton. He has a good eye at the plate and shows excellent power to the opposite field. They believe in time he can be another 5 tool player.

Batting eighth is Cesar Izturis. Cesar came to the Cubs when they traded Greg Maddux to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cesar is a slick fielder with good range and a good arm. He has a good eye at the plate.

The starting pitching will feature a few new faces this year. Carlos Zambrano will be the opening day starter. He is considered the ace of the staff. He has an above average fastball. He has been the workhorse of the staff the last 2 seasons. He has pitched over 200 innings the last four years. Last year he had a career best 210 strikeouts. Number two starter will be Ted Lilly. Lilly played last season for the Toronto Blue Jays. He went 15-13 with a E.R.A. of 4.31 and 160 strikeouts. He is a dependable starter, something the Cubs dearly need. The number three starter will be Jason Marquis. The Cubs signed Jason this off season with the hopes that he's returned to his 2005 form with the Cardinals. Jason had problems with his mechanics the second half of last season causing him to finish the year with a 14-16 record and a E.R.A. of 6.02. Larry Rothschild believes that he can correct the problem with Jason and return him to his winning form. The fourth starter will be Rich Hill. He never reached his potential until his second call up last season. He had excellent stats in the minors. The Cubs believe he is a possible ace. They have high hopes on him that they have penciled him into the fourth spot in the rotation. The fifth spot of the rotation is up for grabs. There are three viable candidates for this spot, who would be Mark Prior, Wade Miller and Sean Marshall. Mark Prior has the inside track as long as he is ready. From what the team doctors have said he has progressed nicely this off season and should be ready for spring training on time. Mark has spent most of the last 2 seasons on the DL. If he can return to his 2003 form, he will be an outstanding 5^th starter. If he falters then Wade Miller and Sean Marshall will be waiting in the wings. Wade Miller isn't expected to be ready for the season opener. Wade is a crafty pitcher with good control and a level head on his shoulders. When he is in form, he can give you six plus innings every outing. He never quits. Sean Marshall showed signs of brilliance last year. He made the jump from Double A to the Major Leagues. He was the Cubs fifth starter last year. At times he showed his inexperience when he got into trouble. In time he can turn into a left handed Tom Glavine. He has an excellent curve ball. The upside on him is unlimited.

The Cubs have a good bullpen. They moved Kerry Woods into to the bull pen because of the arm troubles he has had over the last few years. Him along with Scott Eyre, Bobby Howry, Neal Cotts, and Will Ohman give the Cubs a sound set up crew. Ryan Dempster is the closer for this staff. Ryan had a dismal season last year . He is hoping to rebound this year. He had 10 blown saves and finished the season with a 1-9 record and a E.R.A. of 4.80. If the Cubs are to have any success, they need a better season from him.

The biggest upside to the Cubs this off season is the signing of Lou Pinella. He brings a passion to the game like no other. A fiery manager who brings in a new hope of winning. He has a proven track record of winning where ever he has coached. He is considered a players manager who will challenge his players when needed. He will not accept a lack luster performance from anyone.

With a new season there is always a new hope. Hopefully this season won't turn into disappointment for the faithful. Hopefully the faithful's dreams will come true. Could this be the year?