10&5 Official Team Preview: This Is (Not) The Year - The Chicago Cubs

It has been a long time coming and it finally happened for the Northsiders!

No, not winning it all, obviously. But this off-season the Cubs finally managed to do two things that seemed impossible: they shipped the clubhouse party-pooper Milton Bradley out of town and, more importantly, Sam Zell and Tribune Co. officially sold the organization.

Admittedly, getting Carlos Silva in exchange for Bradley can hardly be called a boon for the Cubs. But two unquestionable benefits make the albatross (either Silva himself or his contract, your choice) the Cubs took on worthwhile. Somehow they conned Seattle Mariners' GM Jack Zduriencik into throwing a chunk of money their way. Assuming Silva is as bad as advertised, and there is no reason to expect otherwise, the Cubs saved $6 million by dealing Bradley, even if they cut Silva. Removing the clubhouse pariah is the second positive from the deal. All off-season Cubs players were noticeably quiet in their support for his side of the story. While not being so classless as to celebrate his departure, the players' relief is almost tangible. Don't under-estimate the importance of team chemistry when the team plays 81 games in probably the smallest clubhouse in either league.

* Biggest Strength

With an opening day payroll expected to be around $135 million, it seems peculiar that no area of strength immediately comes to mind. Over the past few years, the starting rotation could easily qualify. Two years ago, the offense was extremely potent. But this year? The rotation may still win that title but it is obviously weaker than last year considering Ted Lilly is starting the season on the DL and the crapshoot that is the 5th starter competition. Rich Harden's departure was a big blow but a financial necessity. Derek Lee (average OPS of .930 for the Cubs, excluding the 2006 injury-plagued season) and Aramis Ramirez (OPS of at least .898 every year since first full year with Cubs in 2004) will continue to anchor the offense.

* Biggest Weakness

With an opening day payroll expected to be around $135 million, it seems peculiar that so many areas of weakness immediately come to mind. The bullpen is projected to be loaded with rookies and inexperienced pitchers. 2B is a black hole. Geovany Soto and Alfonso Soriano need to prove they can still hit.

* Players To Watch Out For

The name on everybody's list is SS Starlin Castro. The 19 year old, rated as the Cubs' top prospect, is being hailed by the brass as the player of the future. The problem with that is the Cubs have previously ordained Felix Pie, Corey Patterson, and Mark Prior as the next great player. As of March 11, Castro was batting .571 in spring training and is a wiz in the field. But the Cubs are determined to go slowly with him. They refuse to even experiment with Ryan Theriot at 2B. The double-play combo of Castro-Theriot could be a huge offensive and defensive upgrade and both positions if Castro is able to make the adjustment to the major leagues. I expect to see Castro on the big league club before September, but when and for how long is a mystery.

* Best Case Scenario

Everybody stays healthy, unlike last year. Lou Piniella was able to play his opening day lineup only 2-3 times all season. After losing 40 lbs this off-season Soto rediscovers his rookie success. Soriano learns that he can't hit the low and away slider. The Jeff Baker/Mike Fontenot platoon at 2B is not an automatic out. Carlos Marmol does not lose the strike zone for weeks on end. One of the young relievers manifests his inner Andrew Bailey. If all this happens, a wild card birth for October baseball is not out of the question.

* Worst Case Scenario

Since joining the 40-40 club in 2006, Soriano's OPS has steadily dropped from .911 to .726. That slide continues. But the Cubs being the Cubs refuse to bench him. Soto proves to be a one hit wonder. Carlos Zambrano shows that his nine win season from a year ago was no fluke but that his no-no against the Astros in 2008 was. Because the expectations for this year are not as high as in years past, a .500 record would not be the end of the world. The real danger lies in the off-season. Lee's contract is expiring and the Cubs have expressed no interest in an extension. With no replacement available, the right side of the infield could be extremely unproductive. Making matters worse, Ramirez has an opt-out clause at the end of the year which he may be tempted to exercise.