Full Rebuild: The 2011 Chicago Cubs
A good number of predictions have the Cubs going out into free agency and trying to buy their way into a title, as they did after the abysmal 2006. There are a lot of similarities: managerial vacancy, terrible record, and obvious holes to be filled.
However, one obvious thing is different from now and then: prospects. Lots and lots of prospects. The Cubs can reasonably fill all the holes they have now with up-and-coming players, rather than spending themselves into a budget nightmare (see: Soriano, Alfonso).
1) Corner Infield
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First thing first, Aramis Ramirez isn't going anywhere. With the awful way he started this season, no team will give him a contract that will mach or surpass the player option he has to stay a Cub. That being said, there's no possible way the Cubs allow him to continue to play third base. Inconsistent at best, Ramirez's best fielding days are apparently behind him - sad for someone only 32 years old. He can still hit, as he proved since coming back from the DL. However, logic states that it's time to move Rammy across the diamond to first base.
At third base, it'll probably be Marquez Smith. In his minor league career, Smith has a line of .285/.360/.486, and seems to have really turned a corner since joining AAA Iowa this season, hitting .327/.399/.605. Having only taken him four seasons to come from Clemson to AAA, Smith might turn out to be a much better player than most people predict.
2) Middle Infield
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Starlin Castro is, without any doubt, the player to be the Face of the Franchise for the North Siders. At 20 years of age, Castro is hitting a ridiculous .327. While his defense leaves a lot to be desired, people must remember that he's only in his fourth year of professional baseball. His arm is already MLB quality. Starlin Castro will be in the Cubs starting lineup for years to come.
At second base, it's presumable that Blake DeWitt will return as the starting second baseman. DeWitt isn't arbitration eligible until 2012, and has hit .269 on the year (.268 in Chicago, .270 in LA, no real difference). At 24 years old, the Cubs are hoping there's still a good amount of upside in DeWitt.
3) Outfield
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Right now, the Cubs have four outfielders vying for three OF starting jobs. Since it seems that the Tyler Colvin at first base idea has been killed, it comes down to Marlon Byrd, Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Colvin fighting it out for starting jobs in 2011. My guess is that Fukudome is sent packing, along with a large chunk of the salary due to him, to clear a job for Colvin. Yes, Colvin's plate patience leaves a lot to be desired, however, he's young and has potential. Don't be surprised if he hits 30 homers next season.
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4) Catchers
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Geo Soto and Koyie Hill will continue to work behind the plate for the Cubs, with Welington Castillo waiting patiently in Iowa.
5) Starting Rotation
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Zambrano, Dempster and Wells will all return. Besides them, nothing is really certain in the Cubs rotation. Andrew Cashner probably should be moved to the rotation if they have plans of having him become a career starter. Casey Coleman's had decent back to back starts, and Thomas Diamond has crumbled miserably. Nobody at AAA Iowa has had great success in the rotation. However, all of AA Tennessee has had a wonderful rotation, so, look for the Cubs to give some of the less experienced kids a shot. Also look for Sean Marshall to get a long look for the rotation. Carlos Silva is an option if he's physically able and cleared to play again.
6) Bullpen
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Only one thing is certain about the 2011 Cubs bullpen: Carlos Marmol will be the closer. Anyone who's had pitching success at Iowa has been up to the big club by now. This could go any number of ways.
Overall Pros
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It's obvious that this Cubs team isn't ready to contend yet, and they don't have the backups in place even if the starters were to be there. By doing a mini-rebuild (2-3 years of poor play), the Cubs can continue to stockpile an already deep farm system with higher round draft picks, and see which youngsters can really do the job, all while saving in salary, and waiting for their bad contracts to expire (Soriano, Zambrano); at which point, they can pursue potential big-name free agents to fill the voids (Adrian Gonzalez, Grady Sizemore).
Overall Cons
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The simple thought of not breaking the curse anytime soon. That's about it for the cons of a rebuild.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
