February 27th - A Historic Day of sorts

Today the Cubs marked another date on there ever growing history. Today was the first official game at the beautiful new Cubs Park in Mesa, AZ. Though what can be interpreted as a small event, this day was a celebration of the work to ring this state-of-the-art facility to Mesa.

The game was your standard Spring Training game. When I look at a box score for a Spring Training game (ST), I always look at a few specific things. First, I look to see the performance of potential opening day roster players and the work of the starting pitcher.

Today we saw the return of Jeff Samardzija to the mound. After a rocky start, he turned in a pretty solid spring debut. Additionally, it was nice to see Starlin Castro hitting the ball well.

I want to take a moment to address a fun trend I noticed on twitter. Baseball is a beautiful game that is driven by an amazing concept: failure. This is a sport in which it is celebrated when a player fails to reach base around 70% of the time. This being said, its time for the talk. Just because certain players didn't have a great day 1, does NOT mean they are going to have a bad spring.

The Cubs have the Halos tomorrow with our first look at Chris Rusin on the mound. I am interested to see how he looks early in the spring. I think he has a great shot at the rotation after putting together a solid base of work at the tail end of 2013. Additionally, Mr. Baez is seeing his first start of the spring. I would like to see him against MLB pitching, and no better example than Jared Weaver.

-CC

Questions are my questions

Spring training is finally here. While I look out the window and see a considerable amount of snow, it is comforting to know that in Arizona baseball activities have resumed. 

That being said, it is hard to really dig up excitement on a team that is coming off a few 90+ Loss seasons with minimal change to the roster. In reality, it is likely that this Cub team will win around 70-75 games. So what are the keys to being better than that? That is a great question. I would like to point out the following:

1.) Protection in the Lineup - It is fair to say that Anthony Rizzo did not have the flashiest season Batting average wise (nor did most the team). That being said, there are plenty of positives one can look too. The man had 63 extra base hits last year, which is near tops in the national league. Last year was his first full year in the Majors. It is natural to assume that fatigue set in and some adjustments needed to be made after he became the sole offensive threat in the Cubs lineup. Anthony needs protection in this lineup. I look to a few candidates to fill these spots. Junior Lake was a nice surprise last year. This year he needs to build on last years successes and help this Cubs offense that is starved for production. As I have tweeted quite regularly, I look to Mike Olt to be a steal at 3B. This guy was UNTOUCHABLE when we traded Garza. My hope is the vision problems and injuries are behind him and he can really get back to form.

2.) Bullpen - Twenty-six. TWENTY-SIX!!! Per ESPN.com, the Cubs had 26 blown saves last year, 4th worst in baseball. If this offseason hasn't been enough proof, Theo and Co. have addressed this issue. The Cub are loading up on arms; the key piece being Jose Veras at closer. On paper, this bullpen is already night and day better than last year's bullpen. There are even arms in the minors to help if there is an injury. If the Cubs convert just 7 more saves next year, this is a different team. 

3.) Starting Pitching - I cannot say enough good things about Travis Wood last year. Travis had a career year on which he was rewarded (rightfully so) with a trip to the All-Star game. I wish I could say great things about the rest of the staff. This is a very intriguing group. Jake Arrietta had electric stuff, but has yet to put it all together. Chris Bosio has worked wonders with some, so I look to Arrieta taking the next step now that he has left the atmosphere of Baltimore. Edwin Jackson became the face for angry Cub fans to point blame on Theo. I do agree it was a bit odd to be aggressive in a pitcher like Edwin, but I also do not believe he is as bad as he was last year. 

This list could go on for the questions for this years team. The answers are only a short few weeks away. My question for you is: What are your answers?

Until next time. 

CC

Excitement is building...

Yesterday was a National holiday for all of us baseball fans: Pitchers and Catchers reported. I have always felt that this time of year was the true beginning of spring. My mind begins to fill with the many hopes and dreams for the season, while trying hard to balance dreams with reality. 

After a LONNNNNNGGGGGG winter in Chicago, I am ready to fix my mind on anything that is not snow. With my mind focused on baseball season, what am I thinking about?

1.) Starlin Castro - Last year was not ideal for one of the cornerstones. Statistically, there was a significant drop in what we had come to expect from our All-Star shortstop. My take always from the end of the year last year was his defense was improving (compared to a horrendous start) and he was beginning to look more comfortable at the plate. This season for me is make or break for Castro. I would like to believe that he will be motivated with the new Regime and will perform significantly better than last year...I hope.

2.) The Four - When I look at this year's lineup, my biggest concern is the 4th spot in the lineup. I have full confidence in Rizzo in the 3, but who will protect him in the 4th spot. I see this part of the lineup going a few ways. I am looking for Mike Olt to be a surprise pick-up. As many Cub fans know, Mike Olt was the bell of the Ranger's ball when the Cubs came knocking with Dempster. After a season of some vision issues, the Rangers were humming a different tube when the Cubs had Garza to offer. Olt has plus power and could be the bat we need in the lineup to solidify the lineup. That is, if he wins the starting job. The other person I see in this spot would be Baez. If the kid has a torrid spring, I think there is a fair argument that he should get a shot at the big club.

As the pitchers stretch their arms out, I'm stretching my heart out for the pain expected of watching this team struggle for 70 wins. Their are exciting things coming, they just are not here yet. That being said, I look forward for the return of my North side heroes.

Line em Up!

Spring training is almost upon us. Pitchers and catchers will be reporting in a few days, whole squads together by the 18th. On the hangover of the largest sports spectacle of the year, it is time for us to look to what matters: Baseball Season.

That being said, I wanted to weigh my two cents worth on my projected Cubs lineup. This is how I would stack them up:

1. Castro SS

2. Barney 2B

3. Rizzo 1B

4. Lake LF

5. Schierholz RF

6. Olt 3B

7. Sweeney/Ruggiano CF

8. Castillo C

Now my hope by posting this is to spur a healthy debate on my take. Castro has been working this offseason on strength and getting into better shape. He has the best BA. in the lead off spot. Additionally, Rebteria has already mentioned he would like to put Starlin there.

The rest of the lineup is not much of a surprise except for Olt. I have high hopes for a rebound performance from this kid. As mentioned in many articles, he has sorted out his Wiley troubles and says he feels good. Olt was an "untouchable" when we dealt Dempster, so I hope to see some of this "untouchable" talent this spring.

Here are the questions I am looking to answer in the coming weeks with spring training:

1. Is Olt the answer at 3B?

2. Will Lake solidify this lineup with power to protect Rizzo I'm the 3?

Let me know your thoughts...