2009 Chicago Cubs

[Happy29]

With 2009 only 2weeks away I figure it's time for a new thread. Last year was the first time in 100 years that the Cubs won 2 consecutive division titles. So far there haven't been any major changes to the roster, other than the loss of Wood and Marmol going to the closer role. It looks as if the Central Division has gotten a bit weaker, and with Milton Bradley on the radar for RF and still a chance to trade for Peavy or sign FA Randy Johnson it looks as if a third straight division title and shot at a world series is possible.

[duke776]

The biggets acquasition yet...Joey Gathright(apparently it looks like the cubs signed him today).

[Happy29]

He'll give us a lot of speed and that make Pie available for trade. So this makes me wonder if a Peavy deal could still be in the works.

[SW Iowa Guy]

CHICAGO (AP) - Joey Gathright and the Chicago Cubs have agreed
to a one-year contract just three days after the outfielder became
a free agent when Kansas City failed to offer a deal for 2009.
Gathright, primarily a center fielder, has played five seasons
in the majors with Tampa Bay and Kansas City, batting .263 in 399
games.
The Cubs have been looking to improve their left-handed hitting.
Gathright also gives them speed. He stole 21 bases in 25 chances
last season for the Royals and had 15 bunt hits while batting .254.
He was originally selected by Tampa Bay in the 32nd round of the
2001 amateur draft and broke into the majors in 2004 at the age of
23. He was traded to the Royals in June 2006.

[dalnet22]

Gathright still has promise. A 5th outfielder in the form of him is fine, assuming his head is on straight.

[fugazi]

Quote: Originally Posted by bjowers29

With 2009 only 2weeks away I figure it's time for a new thread. Last year was the first time in 100 years that the Cubs won 2 consecutive division titles. So far there haven't been any major changes to the roster, other than the loss of Wood and Marmol going to the closer role. It looks as if the Central Division has gotten a bit weaker, and with Milton Bradley on the radar for RF and still a chance to trade for Peavy or sign FA Randy Johnson it looks as if a third straight division title and shot at a world series is possible.

That is if they don't ship DeRosa...

They will have to earn my fanship back if they send him away.
While the offense had its lapses, we should remember that the cubs scored the most runs in the MLB. That feat was accomplished thru consistency throughout the lineup. No DeRosa would put a bit of a hole in that.

Howry is gone, but I wish Wood was still around. He could be effective as a set-up guy; i don't think you can have too many guys to turn to late in the game. Marmol's arm is eventually going to fall off.

when it comes down to it, either Lee or Ramirez is going to have to step it up for the entire campaign.

[Jistic]

http://hirejimessian.com/2008/12/07/...tings-preview/


Graphic language....

[e0820]

I wonder if the whole Tribune going bankrupt has anything to do with the Cubs not getting anybody. They say that the Cubs are seperate but it doesnt look that way. Unless they are going with the thought process, "if it aint broke, dont fix it" Unfortunatley we wont know if thats true until the playoffs 2009!