Optimism For The Cubs In 2010

Guess it is "Wait til' Next Year" again for Cubs fans.

All hopes that the Cubs would turn it around in 2009 have been dashed and it is finally a time to think about next year. As disappointing as this season was, there are many reasons I believe the Cubs should be optimistic about the 2010 season.

1. Derrek Lee is back: Last year, Lee wasn't horrible, but he wasn't like his 2005 self when he hit 46 homers and drove in 107. In fact Derrek Lee could barely hit anything in the air as he grounded into 27 double plays. This year, Lee has returned to form and it is scary what the Cubs' record would be without him. He has 35 homers and has driven in 111. Imagine if Aramis Ramirez was healthy all season. There is a duo that could rival Holliday and Pujols. With this resurgence, I think Derrek has a couple more good years ahead him and we always know he is one of the best defensive 1B in the league.

2. Aramis Ramirez has an offseason to heal: Let's face it, when your best hitter is lost for almost half a season, it is sure to take a toll. With an offseason to heal his shoulder and get his swing back, he will be back to hitting 30 homers and 100 RBIs.

3. Milton Bradley should be gone: I really wanted to like this guy but he literally forced me to dislike him. Every time he caught a flyball and there were actually three outs, he would put his head down and not even acknowledge the fans. That is not what the Cubs are about and Jim Hendry knew this. That is why I support the suspension and hope we can get rid of him next year.

4. Our bullpen should be shaping up: Hopefully Hendry has the brain to know that he should not bring Kevin Gregg back next year. He was terrible this year as the closer and it looks like Carlos Marmol has improved since being put in the closer role. If the Cubs resign John Grabow, who was fantastic after the trade, then we will have him and Marshall for lefty relief. Also, Caridad looks good. So add him to Guzman, Heilman, and some of our other rookies and we are looking at a 7th, 8th, 9th combo that could be pretty good.

5. Starting Pitching isn't too bad: If our rotation consists of Big Z, Ted Lilly, Randy Wells, Tom Gorzellany and Ryan Dempster. Let's face it, the Cubs lost a lot of games because of their hitting, and their bullpen blowing leads. Even if we lose Rich Harden, I am willing to take Gorzellany because he is another lefty, and he has performed pretty well since joining the Cubs.

6. Geovany Soto can lose some weight and Soriano can change his swing: Soriano killed us this year, but many think it is because of his bad knee. His swing generates a lot of pressure on it and that is why an offseason to heal should help him as well. Plus, he seemed to prosper in the 6th spot until it flared up again. If he can return to his 30 home run potential in the middle of our order, that would be huge. Geo Soto also needs to work out, and get back into his rookie of the year form. Those two guys can make or break our season just as they did this year.

7. Sign Chone Figgins and/or Bobby Abreu: Everyone knows that Abreu was a steal, at least compared to Milton Bradley. Hendry should make it a priority to sign Chone Figgins at the least, to get a leadoff hitter, and pursue Abreu to fill the hole in RF. Both can steal bases and hit for average. Perfect when batting in front of Lee, Ramirez, Soto, and Soriano.

8. Our young guys show they can perform well: If we can keep Jake Fox, and Micah Hoffpaiur to come off the bench, that would help greatly. Get rid of Aaron Miles, please. If Hendry wants to go out and sign Mark DeRosa, go ahead. I am not one of those people that think DeRosa killed our season, but he was a factor. He is getting up there in age though at 35.

All of these reasons lead me to believe that the Cubs have a chance to return to form as the best team in the National League next year. The main thing is getting their stars healthy because let's face it, Alfonso Soriano isn't going anywhere with his contract. Here is hoping that next year, is the year of the Cubs.