The Chicago Cubs will win the 2009 World Series. That is my prediction of the Cubbies for this upcoming season. Although it pains me to say that, being that I am the biggest White Sox fan you could ever meet, I believe it to be more than possible. It is actually probable.
The Cubs have the combination of an outstanding offense, above average defense, and dominating pitching in the rotation and bullpen. They have let Cubbie Blue Nation down before, but this, like every year, is a new year, a clean slate to prove everyone they finally have what it takes to go all the way.
In order for me to make this prediction lets take a look at their lineup from top to bottom. This will allow me to rate each player and explain in more detail why I think this is the year of the Cubs.
Left Field: Alfonso Soriano (33) Alfonso Soriano is the most talented member of the Cubs offense. He may be coming off of a down year by his standards, but he still hit 29 Home Runs, and had 75 RBIs in only 109 regular season games.
Soriano may be a complete defensive disaster, but not bad enough to cost his team any games. He is the most complete offensive player in baseball. He may strike out a lot, but he will get on base and steal bases. He is clutch performer who can park a ball anytime.
Center Field: Kosuke Fukudome (31)/Reed Johnson (32) This will be an interesting battle. Kosuke Fukudome is the biggest question mark in baseball right now. Is he the thunder hitting power and speed guy he was advertised as before last season, or is he the .257 hitting, 10 home run guy of last year who was benched in favor of other options at different points in the season?
Reed Johnson played very well last year as a platoon guy. He hit over .300 with 50 RBIs, and had the most spectacular catch of the past few years. Fukudome will probably get the nod with the major investment the Cubs put into him, but Reed Johnson will still get playing time. If Kosuke falters, Johnson will be ready to take over.
Right Field: Milton Bradley (30) Milton Bradley comes over as a free agent after having a career year in Texas where he hit .321 with 22 home runs and 77 RBIs. If he continues to stay healthy, calm, and productive like last year, he is a dangerous man to face, especially because he is a switch hitter. He may be the guy the Cubs were looking for as a left-handed bat.
He needs to overcome the thought that his great last year is a fluke, and just be productive. We'll have to see what happens once he hits the huge market north siders and the media that follows them. He will either be a bleacher fan favorite, or another Jacque Jones. He also has one of the coolest names in baseball along with Coco Crisp and teammate Kosuke Fukudome.
Third Base: Aramis Ramirez (30)
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