How Different Could The Cubs Be in 2009?

With a possible trade for Jake Peavy on the horizon, the Cubs obviously have reflected on 2008 and are now looking forward to 2009 and asking what are the options are possible for the offseason?

Coming off the stellar ’08 regular season and a shaky at best ’08 postseason, the Cubs are looking to figure out what improvements and holes they must act upon to be in contention for the 2009 postseason and World Series. 

A starting pitcher, centerfielder, leadoff hitter and relief pitching are a few of the roster spots the Cubs ought to consider filling. 

Ryan Dempster gave the Cubs a career year in 2008 as a starter, converted from the closer’s position.  Being matched only by Ted Lilly for the team lead in wins with 17 and boasting a 2.96 ERA in 33 starts, Dempster became a free agent at the conclusion of the ’08 campaign. 

Now with the Cubs at the door step of getting Jake Peavy and if successful, the rotation wouldn’t need a Dempster in it to look ominous to opposing teams.  With Peavy at the top of the rotation and Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden, Lilly, Jason Marquis to follow, it could very well be one of the deepest and could be the most successful rotation in 2009. 

If Dempster doesn’t take the four-year, $50 million or waits too long to decide, the Cubs need to consider forgetting about him and going after another 2^nd or 3^rd (spot in rotation) caliber pitcher. 

A few examples of pitchers include Randy Wolf, Jon Garland, and Derek Lowe as 4^th or 5^th spot-starter.  Out of that list the Cubs really should consider Lowe with his winning playoff experience or Garland who is a sinker pitcher, which is needed at Wrigley Field.

Last year’s center field position was a platoon between Jim Edmonds and Reed Johnson.  Edmonds has moved on to free agency, but Johnson is still here.  Batting .303 with six home runs and 50 RBI’s in split and pitch hitting roles, Johnson did a decent job. 

The Cubs however are looking for a little more speed out of center field and hope that person could possibly leadoff or bat 2^nd

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