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Mar 02

Can the Cubs Contend?

Categories:

MLB

by Zach Hoffmann

Q9gvs07u72gc9xr3395u6jh68Key offseason additions:

Edwin Jackson, Carlos Villanueva, Kyuji Fujikawa, Scott Feldman, Scott Baker

 

Key offseason departures:

Bryan LaHair

 

 

The Chicago Cubs have not won a World Series since 1908. So needless to say its been pretty rough for Cubs fans. Before the 2012 season the Cubs made what could be the best move in the history of their team, they signed Theo Epstein to a five-year deal. I realize that Epstein doesn’t get out there and play the games but he is one of, if not the best front office personnel in any sport. He has started a rebuilding process that was desperately needed in Chicago.

This offseason the Cubs have focused on building their pitching. They signed Edwin Jackson to go along with Matt Garza and Jeff Samardzija. They would probably like Scott Feldman and Scott Baker to round out the starting rotation when they are healthy. They also signed Carlos Villanueva who should act as a solid swing man for them. It will be interesting to see who wins the closer role after signing Kyuji Fujikawa. They will more then likely start the season with Carlos Marmol as their closer so he can restore value and they will be able to trade him.

The Cubs have some great young talent lead by Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo. After being called up Rizzo hit well in the 87 games he played. He should have a huge year in his first full season in the big leagues. They do have a weakness at the catcher position but there are some decent catchers who will be free agents next offseason.

The Cubs may not win the World Series this year but they will have a better season then last year. They are close to being contenders and with Theo running the show they will break their World Series losing streak in the next few years.

 

Predicted Finish: 5th NL Central

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About the author

Zach Hoffmann

Zachary was born and raised in Fort Myers, FL. He is a senior Chemistry major at Florida Gulf Coast University. Not having a favorite baseball team, some may call him a bandwagon fan, and to that he will say, "Quiz me. I promise I know more than you". He has a vast knowledge of all sports, but baseball is his passion. Follow him on twitter @zhoffmann1

2 comments

  1. Guy Hase

    March 4, 2013 at 1:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment

    Reply

    Solid article written. Could have highlighted some of our young studs and the hole in center field in Brett Jackson stinks it up but solid article.

    Go Cubbies!

    1. Zach Hoffmann

      March 5, 2013 at 1:53 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment

      Reply

      I have high hopes for the Cubs but that will depend on their young talent. I really hope Jackson and Vitters aren’t just career minor leaguers. Its sad to see players who are supposed to be so good fail so bad. With Theo I really think the Cubs could win the World Series in the next 4 or 5 years.